University Policies
University Policies for Graduate Students
2021-22 Graduate Catalog
Please read USM's Academic Policies for graduate students. You can also review the complete 2021-22 Graduate Catalog.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
2021-2022 Health Insurance Information
Voluntary Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
UMS Changes to Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) – Effective Fall 2021
All non-international graduate students enrolled in 6 credit hours or more are eligible to enroll in the University of Maine System’s voluntary health insurance plan. Plan information and/or enrollment is available at Gallagher Health. An annual health insurance charge of $3,624 will be payable to Gallagher Health upon enrollment. The annual plan is available to eligible students until September 13, 2021. The coverage period is from August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022.
NOTE to Graduate Assistants and International Students: Graduate Assistants (including Research Assistants and Teaching Assistants) and International Students are required to have health insurance, and may purchase it from the University of Maine System or hold their own insurance. Cost of coverage is $2,386 for individual student coverage from August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022 and will be charged to student accounts. International students with adequate health insurance must complete an online waiver process to opt out of the plan before October 1, 2021 to remove the charge from their account.
Plan information or enrollment is available at Gallagher Health.
For eligible students whose initial enrollment at the University begins with the Spring semester, a spring-only health insurance plan will be available.
For questions about the student insurance coverage or enrollments, please log into Gallagher Health or call Gallagher Student Health at 833-882-3592.
Community Standards
Members of the University of Southern Maine Community are:
Honest
Respectful
Aware
Knowledgeable
For more information on University policies and procedures, see the USM Community Standards.
Community Standards USM.pptAcademic Integrity Policy
Top 5 Pointers to Maintain Academic Integrity
Know the rules: Your faculty will tell you if it is okay to work with a partner, which sources and styles are expected, and what is and is not permitted during exams.Turning in the same paper in more than one class, cutting and pasting, purchasing or borrowing papers, exams and other materials form fellow students or online sources is not permitted.
Manage your time: Trying to cram at the last minute or write an entire paper or lab report the night before it is due are times many students make bad choices or mistakes.
Ask Questions: If you're unsure about which sources to use, what citation style your professor wants you to use, or if you can work with another student to complete the assignment- ask first! Also check the syllabus.
Use the Learning Commons and the librarians: They are there to help students with whatever they need and are a helpful source of information saving you loads of time.
Take care of yourself: Getting enough sleep and eating right mean your brain is functioning at its optimum level. Lack of sleep mimics the effect of alcohol in relation to recall, reflexes and memory.
Title IX
USM is obligated and committed to preventing and responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault that impacts students' access to education
The University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations under Title IX and the Clery Act, faculty and other employees are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted. More information can be found online at https://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project or by contacting Sarah E. Holmes at usm.TitleIX@maine.edu or 207-780-5767.
If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on and off campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-871-7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357).
Netiquette
If online, your classes can consist of thousands of interactions between you and your classmates and professors. It's important to keep these interactions professional and positive for the good of everyone's academic goals. The etiquette that you will be asked to follow online is similar to what you would be expected to follow in a face-to-face classroom, though there are some slight differences. Online etiquette, sometimes called "netiquette", is essential to a productive and enjoyable online experience.