Franco American Programs

Mission Statement:

Franco American communities constitute a large percentage of the population of Maine and the Northeast region. It is the mission of  Franco American Programs to serve these communities while recognizing that cultural patterns do not stop at national borders.  Franco American Programs includes the Franco American Centre as well as Franco American Studies.

The primary goal of the Franco American Centre is to support and enhance the Franco American communities of Maine. The Centre looks to disseminate the richness of Franco history, language, and culture, as well as to bridge Franco Americans both to the University campus and to other peoples of the region.

The primary goal of Franco American Studies is to broaden the canon of knowledge on Franco American peoples, culture, and literature. It encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary research, faculty engagement, and student exploration.

Vision Statement:

We seek to make Franco American Programs at the University of Maine into an international center for Franco American scholarly research and community engagement. The Franco American Program responds to an unmet need: it researches, teaches, and serves the French cultures of the Northeast. This need is felt locally, nationally, and internationally. The University of Maine is singularly capable of responding to this need and providing national and international leadership. The University’s land grant mission to serve the people of Maine and its large Franco American population, its location close to Canada, and its role as the state’s flagship campus present a unique opportunity to build upon our strengths and create a national and international profile.

Come and visit us!

We know that parking can be difficult on campus. We can help you!  Call Lisa Michaud if you are coming to campus, and she can reserve you a spot at the Franco American Centre.