As finals week wraps up, we hope that courses are finishing well for everyone and wish you luck as you begin to submit final papers, take your tests, and leave for Winter Break. Remember, resources are available across campus if you’re struggling with anything—academically or otherwise—and there are resources on campus to help.

Here’s an update on what is going on currently with your Student Government and a peak into what is coming this Spring:

Executive Elections
Nomination forms for the next President and Vice President of UMSG will be available from January 21st until February 7th. They can be picked up in the Student Government offices at the back of the Wade Center in the Memorial Union. Students can vote from March 3rd until March 7th, either in person or online!

Welcome our New VPSO
As our current VPSO, Neil Rockey, steps away from his position to pursue a new opportunity in D.C., we are excited to welcome Amanda Levesque (Amanda.r.Levesque@maine.edu) to the Student Government executive team! She is a fourth-year History and English double major from Massachusetts who previously served as the Honor College Representative in the Senate and has been very involved across campus such as being the student coordinator for the Maine Day Meal Packout, the community service chair for All Maine Women, and a Peer Coach for TRIO SSS. If you want to discuss anything related to Student Organizations, contact her!

Recognizing, Funding, and Supporting Student-run Organizations
We remain dedicated to formally recognizing, funding, and supporting student-run organizations. So far, UMSG has recognized 23 student organizations and allocated over $278,564.51 in Student Activity Fee dollars to various events, trips, club/rep board budgets, storage, and gear this year. If you have any questions about clubs, don’t hesitate to contact our NEW* Vice President of Student Organizations, Amanda Levesque (Amanda.r.Levesque@Maine.edu). For recognized student organizations with funding inquiries, please contact our Vice President of Financial Affairs, Oliver Bois (Oliver.Bois@Maine.edu).

Spring Show
The University of Maine Student Government is excited to announce that a SPRING CONCERT is in the works! Stay tuned for updates! 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!

Meetings of the Senate
The final meeting of the General Student Senate took place on December 10th! Student Government will be on hiatus until next semester when meetings will resume each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Bangor Room starting again on January 21st.

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 our Instagram highlights (@UMSGinc). Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime! You can contact our President, Keegan Tripp (Keegan.Tripp@Maine.edu), or our 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.