Category: News

When I walked into the Brooks Center in Gorham to get myself some much-needed coffee, I didn’t expect to have a beard-sighting, but this guy was hard to miss. His bright-white, full beard caught my eye and my caffeine kick was no longer the priority. What I noticed about Richardson specifically was that his hairy attire was missing a moustache.

USM President Selma Botman signed an agreement last spring, committing the University to create a climate action plan and to choose the date by which the school would be carbon neutral.

But it’s been slow going. Facilities Management hired Bob Bertram as its new director shortly after the agreement was signed, and the process was shelved while he adjusted to the position.

The University of Maine System may have to cut more than $15 million from its budget over the next two years.

A live televised debate on same-sex marriage drew 500 people to the Hannaford Lecture Hall Wednesday evening.

The University recently granted permission to the police department to fill three vacant patrol officer positions despite a school-wide hiring freeze that has been in effect since 2007.

According to Craig Hutchinson, vice president of Student and University Life, a committee granted the request to fill the positions because of concerns of safety on campus.

Maine has always done a good job at highlighting abundant natural resources. It’s not hard to sell people on the buttery merits of a freshly steamed lobster — and just try to keep those leaf-peepers from pouring across the border to get a glimpse of our fall colors — but Portland’s most abundant resource lacks the same postcard appeal.

More students are taking advantage of Federal Work Study money than they have in previous years, according to the financial aid office.

“What we’re seeing is that students this year are working more hours, earning more money than the same population same time last year,” said Keith Dubois, director of the financial aid office.

On Nov. 3, Maine voters will be asked to vote on proposed changes to the state’s marijuana laws.

If Question 5 passes, it would be legal for nonprofit dispensaries to grow and sell marijuana to patients with prescriptions. The dispensaries would be regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

How long have you been teaching overall? at USM?

Since 1995 at USM. For sixteen years before that I was on the faculty in economics at William & Mary. I got tired of Virginia, and my wife and I (Susan Feiner, also a USM professor) were happy to take advantage of the offer to come back to New England at USM.

For the average college student in Portland, working in a restaurant is either a rite of passage into the working world, or a viable career choice, especially given the plethora of restaurants, diners and bars in what Bon Appetit recently dubbed America’s Foodiest Town.

“I believe in freeing your inner spirit, following your passion and going in the direction of your dreams,” said USM dance professor Maria Tzianabos. This month, Tzianabos did just that by opening a new studio in South Portland called the Terpiscore Dance Center.

Among the controversial referendum questions Maine voters will consider on Nov. 3 is Question 4: “An Act to Provide Tax Relief.” The bill, also known as TABOR II, or the Tax Payer’s Bill of Rights, is a tax-cap that would limit state and local spending.

Supporters of TABOR say it puts the power of appropriation back into the hands of taxpayers.

After Microsoft’s blunder with the clunky release of Windows Vista in 2007, the software giant is ready to win back one of its most important demographics, college students. On September 17, Microsoft launched a special promotional deal for students, selling Windows 7, Microsoft’s brand new operating system (OS), in two editions: Home Premium ($99 retail price) and Professional ($199 retail price) for the discounted price of $30 at http://www.

PORTLAND — A student was summoned for leaving the scene of an accident on Sept. 17 at around 6:30 p.m. after striking another student’s blue 2006 two-door Chevrolet with her Hyundai in the parking garage on the Portland campus. Police wouldn’t release the name of the student, but identified her as a 21-year-old female.

A report outlining sweeping changes to the structure of the University of Maine System sets unrealistic expectations of enrollment for USM, says the president of USM and the chair of the Faculty Senate.

The University of Maine System and the Future of Maine, the final report in a series under UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude’s New Challenges, New Directions Initiative, is the culmination of three reports penned this year by three task forces composed of faculty, staff, administration and members of the general public.

There are a lot of rumors and half-truths circulating about health care reform.

The media is awash with talking heads eager to impart their opinions on President Obama’s plan, often taking a hysterical tone to try to turn heads in what is quickly turning into a shouting match rooted in the opposing ideologies of America’s two-party system.

A warehouse and office complex at 235 Presumpscot Street may finally bring the film industry to Maine. The Maine Studios, a locally-owned movie studio, is hoping to bring in big budget movie projects and attract local, regional and national talent.

Ashley Willems-Phaneuf

Junior, Communications

Running for: Student Senate Commuter Seat

Previous Activities: Americorps (Vermont Youth Development Corps), Principals Council, Student Council Executive Board, High School Field Hockey, High School Track, High School Class Public Relations Officer

What do you plan to accomplish during your term in the USM Student Government Association?

For the student body, I would like to make a difference in the university and effectively and proactively research issues and try to remedy them.

Over the summer USM switched it’s e-mail service over to Google. Many students noticed the switch and are using the power of Google to manage their USM mail. However, the change also added new features that many students may not be familiar with. Every student can now manage their calendars, contacts, and documents in addition to their USM mail.

The administration is looking to students to help change the way USM is run.

On June 11, the school released the final draft of the Strategic Plan – a manifesto outlining eight goals to sustain the school through a period of economic uncertainty.

The plan, which was penned by faculty, students, administrators and members of the general public, went through three drafts before it was released June 11.

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The fenced-off play area on the Portland campus that used to be filled with children laughing and playing is now empty and quiet. All that remains is a covered sandbox, an old play house, and blank spot where the swingset used to be.

Last February, to balance last year’s state curtailment of $2.

The head of the University of Maine System on Monday will reveal a plan for the restructuring of the seven campus university to offset an estimated $42.8 million deficit over the next four years.

Chancellor Richard Pattenaude will present his plan to the UMS Board of Trustees Monday morning.

Campaign promises, lofty goals, finding the time to talk with your constituency, these are things that can easily slip away from a Student Body President once the crush of classes, meetings, and social functions start to kick in with the start of the semester.