Published: April 13, 2026
This semester, a new student organization on campus has already made a big impact. Students for Change is one of the University of Southern Maine’s newest clubs, advertised as being “For students, by students.” You may have seen their flyers around campus that read, “Does USM Make You Angry?”
In an interview with founding member Jasper Bennett, I got to learn more about the organization, its creation, goals, and purpose.
According to Bennett, a junior at USM, the idea for Students for Change originated with a student survey designed to gauge campus sentiment. The survey received approximately 70 responses, revealing what Bennett described as a consistent theme: dissatisfaction with university administration. Of those who responded, 56% expressed concerns that the administration felt dismissive or difficult to approach.
Bennett noted that some respondents referenced specific incidents that shaped their perspectives, including the passing of a community member in Portland Commons and the deportation of a USM student. In survey responses, some students characterized the university’s handling of these situations as inadequate, with a lack of communication cited as a common concern.
However, university spokesperson Marissa Bodnar responded by saying, “Regarding the university’s response to recent incidents involving students, information was shared with the campus community through email or in-person forums, while respecting the privacy and wishes of those involved and their families. The university has a responsibility to balance transparency with privacy considerations in these situations.”
Students for Change was created in response to these survey findings and student concerns. The club began with an initial focus on engaging directly with students and faculty. The organization has begun hosting tabling events across campus, encouraging open conversations and collecting additional feedback from the student body.
According to Bennett, President Jacqueline Edmondson stopped by one of the group’s tabling events in McGoldrick. Bennett expressed frustration, claiming that “Edmondson has heard from students directly, and heard how the active administration [is] demeaning. Their lack of caring is noticed by students. She doesn’t care. She doesn’t choose to fix that.”
In response to these allegations, university spokesperson Marissa Bodnar said, “President Edmonson regularly engages with students across USM’s campuses through events, committees, and informal conversations. Since last summer, she has participated in more than 75 meetings and events involving students — in addition to athletics competitions, music and theater performances, gallery openings, and countless impromptu discussions throughout the course of her day.”
Despite this discourse, Bennett says that founding Students for Change has been a positive experience so far. She notes how impassioned students are, and how they are eager to get involved and make change.
Bennett said the group’s approach centers on honesty and accountability. “My goal is to be as honest with administration as possible. I do not care if it seems rude. I don’t care if it seems disheartening.” She added that the group aims to be a “thorn” in the side of the administration.
Bennett continued to say, “I’m sure there are people in this administration that care… but, whoever they were in the past—whoever they could have been—that’s not who they are.”
Bodnar also stated, “As of April 7, Students for Change has not contacted the President’s Office to schedule a meeting or share specific concerns or proposals. The administration remains interested in engaging with students and welcomes the opportunity for constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue.” She went on to say: “The administration is committed to listening, engaging, and working in partnership with students to support a respectful and inclusive campus environment.”
Students for Change has identified several other key issues they aim to address. “Administration is our biggest.” They also identified “Hate speech, lack of safe spaces for queer, BIPOC, and low-income students, and the lack of concern for students with disabilities” as being issues they are passionate about and aim to address.
The organization has already seen growing engagement. At a tabling event, they had seventeen students engage with and show interest in the group. Bennett added that she sees new people at every event.
“People are tired; they’re ready for change.”
The group has plans to collaborate with campus organizations such as the Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), Gender Studies Student Organization at USM (GSSO), and Student Engagement and Belonging (SEAB), to host other fun events that will aid in creating a more unified campus community.
In addition to campus events, Students for Change is partnering with the Maine Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and Diaspora Pa’lante Collective Maine (DPC), and working with other outside groups to put on events. On April 2, Students for Change held a screening of Eyes of the Rainbow in collaboration with the aforementioned groups. Eyes of the Rainbow is a 1997 documentary honoring the life of Assata Shakur. This event was held in Lower Brooks and also offered free food and important resources.
Students interested in getting involved or learning more can find the organization on Instagram at @studentsforchangesouthernme or contact them via email at [email protected]
Above all, the group wants students to feel supported and heard. “We want students to know we are here for them. We are actively engaging with our community.”
“We’re here for you.”
