Hello all,
I hope this message finds you enjoying the beginning of the semester. Much has already changed at USM this academic year, and that my friend, is just the beginning. Due to the current financial climate of our state and our university, the administration is forced to make difficult decisions regarding what aspects of USM to preserve and what not to. Like any institution, there are aspects of this university that are central to our mission and to the success of our students, faculty, staff and region. With this in mind, our administration is in the midst of a process to define our strengths, identify our priorities and close a $3 million budget gap. Of course, they cannot do this adequately without the perspective of the most important and central stakeholders – the students.
Last Friday, we held a university-wide convocation in which over 500 people from the USM community came together to collectively define the strengths of USM. On Feb. 11-12, we will be having a second convocation focused on innovation. This is a very important step in the restructuring process. In order to be successful, we must have student representation. I urge you to come to this event, as your perspective is imperative. Please attend one of two sessions on Thursday, Feb. 11 – either from 12:30 -4:30 p.m. or from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The second half of the convocation will be on Friday, Feb. 12 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. You can find more information at http://usm.maine.edu/pres/convocations/.
Once the feedback from the convocations is compiled, the administration will produce a public report that will outline a new structure of USM, to be released to the community for feedback. The student government will be holding a series of forum events for the purpose of getting your feedback on the report.
It is rare to have the opportunity to take part of restructuring an institution. Please do not pass up the opportunity to represent your interests and the interests of your fellow students. I hope to see you all this Thursday and Friday for what will be defining moments in the history of our institution. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Maggie Guzman
USM Student Body President