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Executive Team

We’re Here to Advocate for YOU!

The University of Maine Student Government Inc. (UMSG) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation built with the intention of improving student life here on campus. UMSG is a distinct entity from the University of Maine, but maintains a special cooperative relationship as a direct-funded organization. With a yearly budget of more than $1,000,000 assessed by the undergraduate student activity fee, this organization works tirelessly to use that money on behalf of students in a manner consistent with our organizing principles, and any professional non-profit. Money is allocated every week back to the over 200 clubs and organizations on campus recognized by UMSG. Beyond the allocation of money to clubs and organizations, this budget also covers the expenses to host concerts or events at no cost to the undergraduate students. UMSG also manages professional legal and risk management assistance for students and clubs.

Senators and Executives strive to represent every student on this campus to the university, the university system, and the wider community. This organization is the voice of a constituency of students who see problems they want to fix every day.

Hazel Sparks

Vice President
hazel.sparks@maine.edu
Hazel’s Bio
Book an Appointment

Matthew Webber

Vice President of Financial Affairs
matthew.webber@maine.edu
Matthew’s Bio
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Alayna Dana

Vice President of Student Organizations
alayna.dana@maine.edu
Alayna’s Bio
Book an Appointment

Ellie Granat

Vice President of Student Entertainment
ellie.granat@maine.edu
Ellie’s Bio
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Trishelle Ames

Vice President of Student Leadership
trishelle.ames@maine.edu
Trishelle’s Bio
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Hailey Inman

Director of Communications
hailey.inman@maine.edu
Hailey’s Bio
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Tacie Dougan

Board of Trustees Representative
tacie.dougan@maine.edu
Tacie’s Bio
Book an Appointment

Ethan Cratty

Director of Technology
ethan.cratty@maine.edu
Ethan’s Bio
Book an Appointment

Vacant

Fair Elections Practices Chair
Refer Questions to
cynthia.shelmerdine@maine.edu
hazel.sparks@maine.edu

Be the Voice of 9,000+ Students.
As the face of UMSG, you’ll steer the organization’s vision, advocate for undergrads at all levels, and ensure every decision empowers campus life.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set UMSG’s Direction: Chart the strategic goals and priorities for the executive branch, aligning all actions with student needs and UMSG’s mission.
  • Govern with Integrity: Chair weekly Cabinet and Executive Committee meetings. Attend Senate, Budget Committee, and Student Entertainment Committee meetings to stay connected.
  • Advocate Relentlessly: Represent student interests to UMaine administrators, faculty, state leaders, and beyond.
  • Uphold Policies: Ensure compliance with the UMSG Constitution, Senate rules, and legal standards. Sign all approved resolutions.
  • Lead the Team: Direct vice presidents, directors, and alumni engagement efforts to strengthen UMSG’s impact.
  • Handle Crises: Address legal/audit emergencies with UMSG’s attorney, even during breaks.

Your Go-To For:

  • Big-picture ideas to improve campus life.
  • Questions about UMSG’s policies or advocacy work.
  • Urgent student concerns needing top-level attention.
Job Description PDF

Lead the Senate by Empowering Leaders.
Serve as the backbone of UMSG’s legislative branch, ensuring student concerns drive campus decisions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Chair the General Student Senate (GSS): Lead meetings, set agendas, and ensure senators’ voices shape policies and resolutions.
  • Coordinate Governance: Work with the UMSG President to align Senate actions with student needs. Vote on the President’s Cabinet and Executive Budget Committee (EBC).
  • Oversee Elections & Roles: Manage nominations/elections for Senate chairs and liaisons within three weeks each semester. Fill vacancies swiftly to keep committees active.
  • Supervise Records: Ensure meeting minutes are accurately recorded and resolutions are signed/filed after Senate and Cabinet approval.
  • Connect with Campus: Invite guest speakers to Senate meetings and represent the GSS to administrators, faculty, and external partners.
  • Prepare for Succession: Maintain records of your term and train the next VP to ensure a smooth transition.

Your Go-To For:

  • Questions about Senate operations or student representation.
  • Proposing policies, resolutions, or campus improvements.
  • Collaborating with student leaders to amplify undergraduate voices.
Job Description PDF

Empowering Clubs. Building Community.
Lead UMSG’s support for 200+ student groups, ensuring they have the tools, recognition, and advocacy to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee Club Recognition: Manage the approval of new clubs, enforce Student Organizations Recognition Policies (SORP), and handle reactivation/suspensions with SOC input.
  • Maintain Club Records: Keep a live database of all clubs—track leaders, recognition dates, constitutions, and updates.
  • Lead the Student Organizations Committee (SOC): Chair meetings, report SOC decisions to the Senate, and guide clubs through recognition processes.
  • Support Club Operations: Help clubs with funding paperwork, policy compliance, and troubleshooting. Create and revise application forms for recognition.
  • Advocate for Clubs: Attend Senate, Cabinet, and Budget Committee meetings to represent club needs and secure resources.
  • Stay Connected: Regularly update clubs on UMSG resources, events, and responsibilities.
  • Highlight Student Groups: Run the Club Spotlight program to showcase organizations and their impact.

Your Go-To For:

  • Starting a new club or reviving an inactive one.
  • Navigating club policies, funding, or paperwork.
  • Connecting groups with campus resources and opportunities.
Job Description PDF

Shaping the Social Atmosphere of Campus Life.
Lead UMSG’s efforts to create unforgettable events—concerts, lectures, and more—that students love.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan & Execute Events: Organize concerts, guest lectures, and campus-wide activities that reflect student interests.
  • Manage Budgets: Collaborate with the VP of Financial Affairs to allocate funds wisely and maximize student access to affordable entertainment.
  • Handle Logistics: Negotiate contracts, work with Legal Services, and coordinate vendors to ensure events run smoothly.
  • Lead the Student Entertainment Committee (SEC): Chair meetings, track attendance, and report SEC decisions to the Senate.
  • Collaborate Campus-Wide: Partner with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and other groups to expand event offerings.
  • Stay Accountable: Report weekly to the Senate on event updates, budgets, and upcoming plans.
  • Keep Records: Maintain a binder of past events and create a “how-to” manual for future VPs.

Your Go-To For:

  • Pitching event ideas or volunteering.
  • Questions about concerts, lectures, or campus activities.
  • Partnering with UMSG to host student-focused events.
Job Description PDF

Maximizing Student Support through Responsible Spending.
Manage UMSG’s $1M+ budget to ensure transparency, compliance, and responsible funding for clubs, events, and student needs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Financial Strategy: Advise the President, Senate, and committees on budgets, policies, and funding decisions.
  • Chair the Executive Budget Committee (EBC): Oversee funding approvals for student organizations and events. Lead meetings, track attendance, and report EBC decisions to the Senate.
  • Oversee Audits & Compliance: Ensure annual audits of UMSG accounts and share the results. Inspect financial records of clubs receiving activity fee funds.
  • Handle Emergencies: Address urgent legal/audit issues with UMSG’s attorney or assistant.
  • Ensure Transparency: Report all budget debates and allocations to the Senate following EBC meetings.
  • Support Fair Elections: Supervise the Fair Elections Practices Chair as needed.

Your Go-To For:

  • Questions about club funding, audits, or financial policies.
  • Ensuring student activity fees are used responsibly.
  • Resolving urgent financial or compliance issues.
Job Description PDF

Shaping UMSG’s Future by Empowering Leaders.
Promote leadership growth and ensure senators have the training and support to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Chair the Student Leadership Committee (SLC): Lead meetings, track attendance, and report SLC decisions to the Senate.
  • Train & Develop Leaders: Organize workshops, mentor new members, and host semesterly Senate Leadership Retreats to build skills and teamwork.
  • Recruit & Retain Senators: Expand UMSG’s visibility on campus and recruit passionate students to join the Senate.
  • Support Senators: Serve as a resource for members tackling projects—connect them with tools, resources, or guidance.
  • Uphold Policies: Ensure compliance with the Division of Student Leadership Development’s guidelines.
  • Maintain Resources: Update and distribute Senate binders alongside the Membership Committee.
  • Collaborate Campus-Wide: Attend Senate, Cabinet, and leadership events to advocate for student needs.

Your Go-To For:

  • Joining UMSG or learning about leadership roles.
  • Leadership training, retreats, or mentorship.
  • Getting support for a Senate project or initiative.
Job Description PDF

Connecting Students to Student Government.
Lead UMSG’s messaging to keep students informed, engaged, and proud of their Student Government.

Key Responsibilities

  • Promote Events & Opportunities: Publicize concerts, meetings, open positions, and student org activities across campus.
  • Enhance UMSG Branding: Develop strategies to boost UMSG’s visibility, promote student engagement, and ensure consistent branding.
  • Manage Digital Media: Oversee UMSG’s YouTube and Instagram, to keep content fresh and student-focused.
  • Build Relationships: Strengthen ties with student groups by promoting student org social media posts.
  • Support Student Entertainment: Collaborate with the VP of Student Entertainment to advertise upcoming concerts and events effectively.

Your Go-To For:

  • Promoting a club event or initiative.
  • Collaborating on marketing campaigns or social media.
  • Taking photos of events.
Job Description PDF

Empowering UMSG through Modernizing Technology.
Ensure UMSG’s website maintains the most up-to-date information and furthers student involvement through the continued development of new features.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain Tech Infrastructure: Oversee hardware, software, and website functionality—fix bugs, update security, and keep systems student-ready.
  • Lead Website Development: Collaborate with UMSG teams to update content, improve user experience, and troubleshoot issues.
  • Support UMSG Projects: Assist executives with tech needs for events, meetings, and initiatives.
  • Manage Tech Purchases: Procure necessary software or equipment while prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
  • Maintain UMSG’s Database: Protect & maintain UMSG’s database with regular development.
  • Record Key Events: Film Senate meetings or activities when requested for transparency and archiving purposes.

Your Go-To For:

  • Website updates, glitches, or feature requests.
  • Tech purchases or software recommendations.
  • Troubleshooting tech issues.
Job Description PDF

Ensure Fair Elections. Uphold Student Democracy.
Lead transparent, unbiased elections for UMSG and student groups, keeping campus voting trustworthy and accessible.

Key Responsibilities

  • Run Campus Elections: Organize and oversee elections for executives, senators, and student groups. Manage referendums to ensure every student voice is heard.
  • Enforce Fair Practices: Investigate complaints of rule violations, hold hearings, and report findings to the Senate.
  • Chair the FEPC: Follow FEPC Guidelines to print/tally ballots, apportion voting districts, and maintain election integrity.
  • Update Policies: Recommend changes to FEPC Guidelines to improve future elections.
  • Preserve Records: Work with the Executive Administrative Assistant to archive election results for transparency.

Your Go-To For:

  • Questions about election rules, voting, or candidacy.
  • Reporting election concerns or violations.
  • Ensuring elections reflect student voices.
Job Description PDF

Be the Voice of UMaine Students at the Highest Level.
Serve as the official link between the University of Maine student body and the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, ensuring student perspectives are heard where major system-wide decisions are made.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Represent Students to the Board of Trustees: Act as the official representative of UMaine students to the UMS Board of Trustees, advocating for student needs and concerns at every meeting.
  • Report to Student Government
    – Attend Student Senate meetings after each BOT meeting to deliver a report.
    – Provide written reports summarizing Board discussions and decisions.
  • Collaborate with Campus Leadership
    Meet regularly with the President of the University of Maine, key administrators, and the Graduate Student Representative to stay aligned on campus-wide concerns.
Job Description PDF

Bring the Fun to UMaine!
Support UMSG’s mission to deliver affordable, student-driven entertainment that builds community and school spirit.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with Planning: Help plan and organize concerts, events, and many activities that students love! Brainstorm ideas, help book the talent, and handle the logistics of associated with event planning.
  • Draft Contracts: Work with the Vice President of Student Entertainment to prepare agreements for performers and vendors.
  • Record & Organize: Take minutes at Student Entertainment Committee meetings as well as update event binders to keep records for future teams.
  • Collaborate Campus-Wide: Partner with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and other groups to expand the reach of UMSG events.
  • Maximize the Fun: Maximize access and enjoyment for all undergrads through the planning and executing of events both on your own and in collaboration with the Vice President of Student Entertainment.
  • Support the Team: Help with promotions, setting up, coordinating volunteers to ensure events run smoothly.

Your Go-To For:

  • Volunteering at concerts or events.
  • Questions about event logistics or student feedback.
  • Helping turn creative ideas into reality.
Job Description PDF

The General Student Senate (GSS) Clerk is a one-year, regular employee position within the University of Maine Student Government, supervised by the Vice President of UMSG, Inc. The Clerk is responsible for recording all proceedings and roll call during regular and special GSS meetings (held Tuesdays), producing accurate meeting minutes, and submitting an electronic copy of those minutes to the Executive Administrative Assistant by 9:00 a.m. the following day (or as close as possible). The Clerk also retains the title of Secretary for completing the Student Government Annual Report and may perform additional duties as assigned by the GSS President or the EAA.

Job Description PDF

Lead with Purpose. Serve Your Peers.
Serving as a UMSG executive offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, advocate for student needs, and shape campus life for all Black Bears. Here’s how to prepare and apply:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be an enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Maine (minimum 6 credits).
  • Express an interest in UMSG’s mission of improving student life.
  • Exhibit leadership potential, collaboration skills, and a dedication to student advocacy.
  • Fulfill role-specific qualifications (e.g., availability, relevant experience).

Application Timeline
Executive positions open annually in the spring semester:

  • Late January: Positions becoming vacant are posted.
  • Late February: Applications are released.
  • Late March: Submission deadline.

Stay Informed

  • Check official channels: Periodically check our website as well as follow our instagram @UMSGinc for updates.
  • Attend General Student Senate (GSS) meetings: Hear announcements directly and see UMSG at work. Can’t make it? Catch up by checking out our YouTube channel, @SenateOfUMSG.

Learn About the Roles

  • Connect with current executives: Email or meet with the executives in whichever positions and areas you’re interested in.
  • Review materials: Look over position descriptions and watch prior senate meetings to hear executives report on what they’re up to each week.

Prepare to Apply

  • Align your experience: Highlight leadership roles, teamwork, or advocacy relevant to the position.
  • Want to make an impact: Express interest in making change, tell us what you’ve done or hope to do, and how UMSG aligns with your aspirations.

Key Steps

  1. Monitor announcements in early spring for positions opening up and application details.
  2. Review the position requirements and expectations.
  3. Contact the current executives to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

Your Leadership Matters
UMSG executives are part of creating meaningful change for all undergraduate Black Bears. If you have a drive to be a part of something bigger than yourself, address problems, and to push for change, then we highly encourage you to apply!

Have questions but aren’t sure who to reach out to? Contact the Vice President of Student Leadership.

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