Printed: August 25, 2025
To our new, transfer, first-year, and returning Huskies,
Welcome (or welcome back!) to USM. We’re so glad you’re here!
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or returning to a familiar space, we hope this
academic year brings you connection, joy, discovery, and growth. The Student Engagement & Belonging staff spent the summer planning a variety of engaging and inclusive opportunities for you to get involved on campus. We are honored to be part of your experience at USM, and we’re excited to build community with you in the months ahead.
In Student Engagement and Belonging, we aim to empower students to cultivate their passions through meaningful connections that strengthen personal and social development to reach their highest potential. We do this through campus-wide events and traditions, supporting student organizations, offering leadership workshops, and so much more. Whether you are looking for space to process, celebrate, organize, or simply be, we’ve got you.
Research shows that students who become more engaged within their campus and communities tend to perform better academically. Participating in engagement opportunities, like those from our office, encourages personal growth, self-advocacy, building connections, and a sense of belonging in clubs, organizations, and communities. With “student-focused, every day” as our motto, we tailor our programming to be inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible in a safe and welcoming environment for all students. In addition to our many events, our office also includes student lounges in
the Student Centers on the Gorham and Portland campuses, in addition to a Prayer and Meditation Room, Parenting Room, and Gathering Center of Indigenous Students on the Portland Campus.
We love what we do, and nothing makes us happier than seeing students at events, interacting
with one another, and bringing life to campus. Look for us on Instagram: @usmstudentengagement or Campus Groups to learn more about our upcoming traditions like our resource fair, Husky Fest on September 10th, and Homecoming & Family Weekend on October 3rd – 5th.
If you have ideas or don’t see something being offered that you are interested in, please let us
know! Our offices are located on the Portland Campus, McGoldrick Suite 316, and the Gorham Campus, Brooks Student Center, Suite 119. Our doors (and emails) are always open to
feedback. If you’re not sure how to get involved or where to start, get in touch with our office, and we can set up a meeting!
We wish you a meaningful start to the semester, and we look forward to getting to know you!
In community,
The Student Engagement & Belonging Team
