spirit week and maine day of service

In 1935, Maine Day began as a campus cleanup, later evolving into a celebration; in fall 2024, it transitioned to Spirit Week, a full week of beautification, service, and school spirit events.

The Maine Day of Service Tradition

In 1935 President Arthur Hauck inaugurated MAINE DAY, a day set aside for “spring clean-up” of our campus. The entire campus community  – students, faculty, staff, and alumni – pitches in to spruce up the campus. Historically Maine Day was set on Wednesday of the last week of classes of the Spring semester. Over the decades, the tradition transitioned away from its roots and became a large-scale celebration. 

In the fall of 2024, the University shifted to “Spirit Week”, a week-long focus on beautification, giving back to campus, and increasing Black Bear school spirit. 

Below you will find a frequently updated schedule of events, athletic games, and service opportunities. Sign up for service opportunities at the bottom of this page.

Maine day of service Sign Up

The University of Maine’s Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism connects students, faculty, and staff with meaningful volunteer opportunities, fostering a culture of civic engagement and community impact. Through a wide array of programs, workshops, and partnerships, the center empowers individuals to address local and global challenges, promoting service-learning and strengthening communities through collaborative action.

The Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism coordinates activities for Spirit Week. To sign up to volunteer during Spirit Week and Maine Day of Service at umaine.edu/volunteer/mdos. 

  

Spirit Week and Maine Day of Service Schedule


Spring Football Game, 10:00am

Join the UMaine Black Bear Football Team for their annual spring game at the Alfond Stadium!

Spring Into Action Block Party, 11:00am – 3:00pm

As part of our efforts to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Title IX Student Services Office, Center for Student Involvment, and the Title IX Peer Ambassadors are excited to be organizing the Spring Into Action Block Party for Prevention on Saturday, April 26th, from 11 AM to 3 PM in the Stewart Quad. This event aims to raise awareness and funds for Rape Response Services, a critical initiative that aligns with our mission to foster a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

Softball Double-Headter, 12:00pm and 2:00pm

Cheer on the UMaine softball team as they play UMass Lowell in a double header in the Pierre and Catherine Labat Softball Complex.

Baseball Game, 1:00pm

Cheer on the UMaine baseball team as they play New Jersey Institute of Technology in the Mahaney Diamond.


Zimmerman Fitness Challenge, 10:00am – 4:00pm

The Zimmerman Fitness Challenge is a memorial fitness event held in honor of 1st Lt. James Zimmerman, a UMaine graduate and Marine Corps officer who was killed in action in 2010. The challenge is open to the community, with all proceeds benefiting the 1st Lt. James Zimmerman Foundation, which helps newly commissioned officers with career-starting expenses. For more information visit the Zimmerman Fitness Challenge website here.

Pancake Breakfast, 9:00am – 11:00am

Join Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs in the Wade Center for a pancake breakfast. There will be gluten-free and vegan options available!

Black Bear Exchange Food Pantry and Clothing Exchange, 12:30pm – 4:30pm

The BBE is an on campus food pantry and clothing exchange. The food pantry is open to students living off campus and on-campus students with limited meal plans. Folks can visit once per week to select food items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are free to all students! Check out our website for more information – umaine.edu/volunteer/bbe

Maine Day of Service Projects, 9:00am – 3:00pm

9:00 am to 3:00 pm (all projects must end by 4:00 pm). These are drop in projects.  Come any time during these hours. Projects will be focused on the northeast side of campus, and tools/supplies will be available at the Bodwell Center (139 Rangeley Road). Projects will be available for groups or individuals.

Maine Day Meal Packout, 8:00am – 2:30pm

Join the Honors College and the Honors College Advisory Group in packing over 50,000 meals! Set up starts at 8:00am and meal packing begins at 9:00am in the Memorial Gym.

Maine Day of Service BBQ, 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Join UMaine Dining on the University Mall for food and fun!

Maine Day of Service Events, 12:00pm – 4:30pm

Join UMSG, Inc. and UMaine Campus Departments on the University of Maine Mall for fun activities!

  • UMSG, Inc.: knockerball lawn games
  • Center for Student Involvement: Lawn games on the Mall
  • Student Wellness Resource Center: Tabling on the Mall
  • Athletics: Basketball / football games on the Mall

Denim Day, 12:00pm – 4:30pm

Show your support for ending sexual violence by wearing denim jeans and decorating a pair with the Student Wellness Resource Center on the University Mall.

Black Bear Exchange Food Pantry and Clothing Exchange, 12:00pm – 4:30pm

The BBE is an on campus food pantry and clothing exchange. The food pantry is open to students living off campus and on-campus students with limited meal plans. Folks can visit once per week to select food items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are free to all students! Check out our website for more information – umaine.edu/volunteer/bbe

Grilled Cheese!, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Join Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs in the Wade Center for a grilled cheese lunch. There will be gluten-free and vegan options available!

First Friday Bagel, 9:00am – 11:00am

Join Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Programs and the Student Wellness Resource Center in the Wade Center for First Friday Bagels! There will be gluten-free and dairy free options available!

Black Bear Exchange Food Pantry and Clothing Exchange, 12:30pm – 4:00pm

The BBE is an on campus food pantry and clothing exchange. The food pantry is open to students living off campus and on-campus students with limited meal plans. Folks can visit once per week to select food items. Clothing, shoes and accessories are free to all students! Check out our website for more information – umaine.edu/volunteer/bbe

Harm reduction

A huge part of the Maine Days is making sure students are staying safe while honoring this long standing tradition. Check out some of these tips provided by the Student Wellness Resource Center which can help you prepare for the Maine Days.

  • Make sure to have a group of people to enjoy festivities with. Watch out for each other and make sure everyone is on the same page.
  • Recognize your personal limits. Don’t go overboard with any substances. Slow down and pace yourself rather than try to consume too much at once.
  • Stick to a plan! There are a lot of things happening throughout each day of Spirit Week. Make a plan for each thing you would like to do and make sure your friends are accounted for throughout.
  • Be in control of your drinks. If you choose to consume alcohol, measure it before mixing. It is a safer practice to have a container that you control during the entire time you participate; Don’t give other people access to your container!
  • Remember to eat and hydrate! Eating food prior to using substances helps to slow down the absorption rate, and drinking water throughout can help replenish the water removed from the cells by alcohol and cannabis.

For more information click on the links below. 

Be an Active Bystander

Watch out for these signs of: Alcohol Overdose

Fentanyl Test Strips: Lower your risk of exposure

Know what’s in your BORG

Questions?

Reach out to The Center for Student Involvement at um.getinvolved@maine.edu

Center for Student Involvement