The University of Maine Counseling Center and Touchstone Resources has been reaccredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. (IACS), a Virginia-based organization of United States, Canadian and Australian counseling agencies.

The IACS evaluated the UMaine center against high standards of counseling practice and found it to offer competent and reliable professional services. Reaccreditation by IACS also requires evidence of continuing professional development and a demonstration of excellence in counseling performance.

Directed by Douglas Johnson, the Counseling Center is a department in the Division of Student Affairs and provides services and programs that promote the personal development and psychological well-being of UMaine students. The center also assists in developing and maintaining a university atmosphere conducive to growth and maximizing student educational achievement. Touchstone Resources promotes student engagement, connections and a sense of belonging to the UMaine community.

The University of Maine will hold the second annual 12-hour BearFest Dance Marathon starting at 5 p.m., Feb. 23 at the UMaine New Balance Field House to benefit the Bangor-area Children’s Miracle Network and the pediatric wing at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Last year, the event — coordinated by the UMaine Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, and Campus Activities & Student Engagement — raised $32,000. As of Feb. 7, more than 500 preregistered participants planning to dance until 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 have pledged more than $19,000 toward the 2013 goal of $35,000. For information or to request disability accommodations, call 207.973.5051. Pledges and registration information is on the Children’s Miracle Network website.

LGBT rights advocate Hudson Taylor, a wrestling coach at Columbia University and former NCAA All-American wrestler at the University of Maryland, will discuss building allies among athletes and making college campuses safer, in a free public talk at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 18 in 100 D.P. Corbett Business Building. Taylor is a heterosexual ally of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and an advocate for inclusion. His presentation is titled “Allyship: Becoming a Champion for Inclusion on Your Campus.” LGBT Services at UMaine is sponsoring Taylor’s appearance. For information or to request disability accommodations, call 207.581.1439.