Student Organizations
These student organizations exist to represent commuter and non-traditional students including veteran students . Officers of these groups work closely with CNTSP to meet the needs of their membership.
Commuter and Non Traditional Students (CANS)
CANS is a Representative Board of Student Government, Inc. This board represents three groups of students in policy and government here on campus; commuters, nontraditional students and veterans.
CANS board includes a rep from each of the related student groups; the Nontraditional Students Association,( NSA), The UMaine Veterans Association (UMVA) and traditional commuter students. CANS supports Commuter Week , provides a free commuter pancake breakfast generally every third week of the month and helps support First Friday Bagels in the Commuter Lounge.
CANS Executive board 2018-19
President : Chris Toothaker Vice president: Ian Johnson
Secretary; Cameron Bowie Treasurer: Ryan Pelletier
Commuter Rep; Drew Thibodeau Non traditional Student Rep: Becca Pelletier
Veteran Student Rep:
Please contact Chris Toothhaker at Chris.Toothaker@maine.edu if you are interested in joining CANS
CANS currently meets in the Commuter Lounge / Wade Center every Wednesday at 3PM
Contact the president at Chris.toothaker@maine.edu for more information
Nontraditional Students Association (NSA)
Students interested in joining NSA should contact Barbara Smith at BSmith@maine.edu who advises NSA
The Non-Traditional Students Association (NSA) was founded in the Fall of 2006 by several UMaine non traditional students to provide services and programs specifically for this population of UMaine students. NSA is a recognized Student Government group. NSA’s mission is:
- To assist non-traditional students in adapting to university life.
- To identify specific issues relating to non-traditional students.
- To act as an advocate for non-traditional students.
- To develop programs, services, and information that improves the university experience for non-traditional students.
- To develop understanding between non-traditional students, university staff and faculty, and traditional students.
- To promote networking, mentoring and friendship among non-traditional students.
Who are Non-traditional Students?
- Students who are assuming responsibilities in addition to studies, such as parent, spouse or partner, family caretaker, or employee
- Students who are back in school after several years of employment, homemaking, or other activity
- Students who are veterans of the armed services
NSA Programs
Family Movie & Pizza
Since fall 2008, NSA have been able to provide at least two Saturday or Sunday Pizza and Movie events of each semester. Te movie are always family friendly and the atmosphere is definitely set for children of all ages
Family Tickets to Athletic Events
Generally during the fall semester , Athletics provided a large amount of free tickets to CNTSP & NSA to distribute to Non traditional Students and their family members . While students are admitted for free with their Maine Card , this program allows non traditional students to attend with their partner, and/or children at no cost. Look for notices in the Commuter Lounge or on our Facebook page.
Non Traditional Student Graduation Breakfast
In collaboration with CNTSP , NSA co – host this annual graduation breakfast for Nontraditional students . Each student in attendance receive a graduation medallion from the Vice President for Student Life
Non-Traditional Students Week
NSA provides input for planning this week of events for Non traditional Students and generally funds ( through Student Government ) the lunch for the live ‘n’ learn series of lectures organized during this week. Generally this week occurs the first week of November.
NSA Bake Off
This annual fundraiser for NSA takes place during Non Traditional Student Week . Faculty , staff and students submit their baked goods for the Bake-Off. For a small charge anyone can taste each submission and vote for the favorite .
NSA sponsored awards and recognition
The Non-Traditional Student Association in collaboration with Commuter and Non traditional Student Programs recognizes several non traditional students with the Graduating Non Traditional Student Achievement Award and the Linda Bradford Non Traditional Student Camps/Community Service Award. Students are nominated by friends, faculty, or staff in late spring semester.

NSA also recognized faculty or staff who have been supportive to non traditional students in their teaching , advising and program planning.
Nominations are accepted in April each year and winners are chosen by Student Affairs staff. Certificate of these awards are given out at the Non Traditional Student Graduation Breakfast . This even is traditionally the last Thursday of Classes in the Spring Semester .
To nominate a non traditional student or faculty /staff
NSA Bylaws
Bylaws of Nontraditional Students Association (NSA
)ARTICLE I – Name The name of this association shall be Nontraditional Students Association (NSA)
.ARTICLE II – Objective The objective of this association shall be:
- To assist nontraditional students in adapting to university life.
- To identify specific issues relating to nontraditional students.
- To act as an advocate for nontraditional students.
- To develop programs, services, and information that improves the university experience for nontraditional students.
- To develop understanding between nontraditional students, university staff and faculty, and traditional students.
- To promote networking, mentoring and friendship among nontraditional students.
ARTICLE III – Membership Membership is given to any person who attends the meetings or events of the NSA or registers with the officers of the NSA.
ARTICLE IV – Officers The officers of the association shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations and Events Director. Officers shall serve until a successor is elected.
Elections will be held during April each year or as needed to fill vacancies. Sufficient notice of the dates of nominations and elections must be given to all registered members.Update History v1.00 – 04/02/2007 v1.10 – 04/12/2008 ARTICLE IV amended to add “or as needed to fill vacancies.”
Former NSA Officers
Kathleen (Kat) O’Connell: President from inception ( 2007 )-May 2010.
Lisa Chapman Secretary/Treasurer from inception 2007- 2009
Lucas Rumler. Secretary/ Treasurer 2009-2010
Jason Canniff : President 2010- 2012
Antonio Giacomuzzi : President :
David Patrick : President 2014- 2015
Jennifer M. Brown: President 2015- 2016
Joan McCue: President Fall 2016
Lacey Darling: President Nov 2016- 2017 and Monica Littlefield : Vice President 2016-2017
Inactive : 2017-18
Amy Dias: President 2018-2019
The University of Maine Veterans Association (UMVA)
UMaine Veterans Association is a group designed to advocate for student veterans, encourage veteran social activities, and assist fellow veteran students here at UMaine. Contact the VETS office for more information