As the leaves change and we enter the second half of the fall semester, excitement builds for what lies ahead. With midterms now behind us and following an electrifying Homecoming weekend filled with Black Bears, both current and alumni, shared memories, and back-to-back victories from our hockey and football teams, there is so much more to look forward to—diving deeper into classes, preparing for finals, or participating in the many events and activities that make our community thrive. Let’s carry this energy through the rest of the semester, supporting one another and making the most of our time together at UMaine.

Here’s an update on what is going on currently with your Student Government:

Upcoming Senate Elections:
For the first time post-COVID, there will be elections for Student Senators. The elections will occur during the weeks before Thanksgiving break. Nomination papers are due on November 1st so if you would like to run for a senate seat, nomination papers can be picked up at the back of the Wade Center in the UMSG offices. Following nomination papers, there will be a two week campaigning period from November 4th-15th. During this period nominees can campaign however they feel is best as long as campaign poster and paraphernalia stays out of the Wade Center. Senator elections will occur on November 18th as an online forum or in person voting in the Wade Center. Students will vote for their college’s nominee’s and for the at-large nominees. If you need assistance or advice, contact Zoe Stankevitz, Chair of the Fair Elections Practices Commission (Zoe.Stankevitz@Maine.edu).

Recognizing, funding, and supporting student-run organizations:
We remain dedicated to formally recognizing, funding, and supporting student-run organizations. So far, UMSG has recognized 9 student organizations and allocated $266,054.08 in Student Activity Fee dollars to various events, trips, club/rep board budgets, and gear. If you have any questions about clubs, don’t hesitate to contact our Vice President of Student Organizations, Neil Rockey (Neil.Rockey@Maine.edu). For recognized student organizations with funding inquiries, please contact our Vice President of Financial Affairs, Oliver Bois (Oliver.Bois@Maine.edu).

Student Entertainment:
The University of Maine Student Government is excited to bring Trevor Wallace to the Collins Center for the Arts on campus on November 7th at 8 PM! Tickets are available on Campus Groups. UMSG also provides free movie tickets to Black Bear Cinemas every Wednesday! If you’d like to get involved with our Entertainment division and contribute to planning, decision-making, and event efforts, please contact our Vice President of Student Entertainment, Dillon Leeman (Dillon.Leeman@Maine.edu). We’d love to have your input!

Remain committed to enhancing student representation:
Your voice matters, and we are dedicated to ensuring it’s heard. We look forward to continuously addressing your concerns and collaborating with you. Our executives’ contact information and office hours are on our website and in our Instagram highlights (@UMSGinc). Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime! You can contact President Keegan Tripp (Keegan.Tripp@Maine.edu) or Vice President Memphis Peterson (Memphis.Peterson@Maine.edu).

Offering free legal advice and affordable representation:
Do you need a lease reviewed? In need of legal advice? Your Student Government’s attorney, Sean O’Mara (Sean.Omara@Maine.edu), is here for you! For more information, check out our legal services page. Student Legal Services has helped 79 undergraduates with legal issues so far this calendar year, including half a dozen court representations, in addition to Attorney O’Mara’s work with UMSG clubs and events.

If you would like to get involved with UMSG, please contact our Vice President of Student Leadership, Elizabeth Oldfield (Elizabeth.Oldfield@maine.edu), the two of us, or visit our offices at the back of the Wade Center in the Memorial Union during the standard UMaine office hours (8 am – 4:30 pm). Also, follow our Instagram account @UMSGinc to stay up-to-date on our efforts!

P.S. The General Student Senate (our entire body) meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union. You can also find our meetings live-streamed here and recordings of our meetings on the Senate’s YouTube page here.