Twenty-six academic programs have been put on a list threatening their suspension in the latest effort to improve USM's efficiency and reduce its spending. The list, released last Friday by Mark Lapping, the university provost, includes many of the sciences, as well as economics, the women's and gender studies program, several master's programs and a couple from the Lewiston/Auburn College. It was released in the form of a letter and also presented to both the faculty and student senates. Both the letter detailing the list and a "Moving Forward" newsletter issued by Interim President Joe Wood state that these programs are being evaluated - not cut - and that the possible suspensions will affect neither tenured faculty nor students already enrolled in the programs. Programs on the list are essentially on probation - they are being cited for showing "low retention and graduation trends over time," inadequate funding, or issues with "internal communications and civility," among other things.
You've seen the ads, heard the buzz, and may have noticed that major construction is not just taking place on our side of 295. Across the highway, there is new student housing coming to Portland -- and USM is not involved. Bayside Village, currently under construction on Marginal Way, touts itself as "Portland's premier student housing community.
"You're not going to use my name, are you?" she said from the driver's seat, her long ponytail whipping around as she turned to face me. "You can't use my name." As we pulled into a space in the university parking garage, her voice wavered and her hands fidgeted on the wheel.
A grey-haired man standing on the floor of the Portland Expo waved a large yellow sign that read 'MEN FOR HILLARY.' A little girl in the bleachers held up one that read 'Pave the Way, Hillary!' Behind former President Bill Clinton, Hillary's own motto hung: 'Solutions for America.
Sitting behind Chelsea Clinton in the Woodbury Campus Center on Saturday as she spoke to the public were several stylish students in business attire holding HILLARY signs, the backdrop for the news cameras aimed at them all. Poised and well-spoken, Chelsea talked about her mother as America's best candidate.
Portland Hall has long acted as an urban refuge for USM students. Students there have sat behind desks for years watching Portland city-life cruise by their window, but after a long run, the Congress St. residence will be closing. A letter sent to Portland Hall residents on February 7 informed them that Portland Hall would permanently close its doors after the 2008 summer term.
The Faculty Senate approved a new core curriculum in early January that will dramatically change the USM educational experience for future students. The new curriculum will come into full effect in the 2009, and will only affect that year's incoming class and all future classes.
Take a stroll through Portland's historic Deering Oaks Park, or let your mind travel back in time to excavate each piece of the Mayan culture. Discover that mathematics, unfortunately for those of us who are less inclined to ratios and derivatives, are part of our everyday lives.
