Join Us For Our Next Senate Meeting!

Want to get involved and help make a difference for the entire undergraduate student body?

Attend our next General Student Senate meeting, every Tuesday at 6:00pm in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union!

Kick off Fall 2025 by finding one to join today!
FREE Student Legal Services

Did you know that UMSG offers free legal aid to any undergraduate who has paid the student activity fee and is taking more than 6 credit hours?

General Student Senate

The General Student Senate meets every Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Union. Interested in attending? Join us in-person or watch live via Zoom!


The modern UMSG Inc. logo with Bananas T. Bear, wearing a football jersey, standing in place of the letter 'I'.

HEARTY MAINE, BLACK BEARS!

Happy Fall Semester and welcome back to Orono! As campus comes alive again with students, faculty, and staff, we’re thrilled to see familiar faces and meet new ones who are beginning their time at UMaine. This year is already shaping up to be full of exciting opportunities, events, and more from your Student Government. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to this fall:

Thinking about starting something new on campus? UMSG can help you turn your idea into a recognized student organization! The process begins with gaining preliminary recognition, which opens the door for your group to grow, build membership, and eventually access funding and resources through UMSG. From completing an application and drafting bylaws to presenting before our Student Organizations Committee/General Student Senate, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to get started or have questions about the process, reach out to our Vice President of Student Organizations, Jordan Thompson (jordan.r.thompson@maine.edu).

This year brings an increase in the Student Activity Fee—from $78 per semester to $100 per semester—approved by students last spring to better support the growing needs of student organizations and campus events. This increase means more funding opportunities, expanded event support, and additional available resources to help your organization thrive. If you’re a student leader, now is the perfect time to take advantage of UMSG resources. For assistance with budgeting or funding questions, reach out to our Vice President for Financial Affairs, Joshua Bohm (joshua.bohm@maine.edu).

Student Entertainment will be in full swing this fall, and Dillon Leeman (dillon.leeman@maine.edu), our Vice President of Student Entertainment, along with Assistant VPSE Abby Hall, has big plans to keep campus lively. Whether it’s preparing for this year’s Fall Concert, bringing in fresh entertainment collaborations, or keeping up beloved traditions like free movie Wednesdays at Black Bear Cinemas, our Student Entertainment team is working hard to put together fun, engaging campus experiences for all undergraduate students. If you’re interested in planning events, want to help bring live music to campus, or have ideas for new entertainment opportunities, consider joining the VPSE’s Student Entertainment Committee. It’s open to any undergrad who wants to get involved, and Dillon would love to hear from you!

There are many ways to engage with UMSG, whether you’re interested in serving as a senator, joining a committee, or simply staying informed. General Student Senate meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Bangor Room (located on level 2 of the Memorial Union), and all students are welcome to attend. Can’t make it in person? You can watch our meetings live or access recordings afterward on our Senate YouTube channel. Even if you’re not inclined to join officially, we encourage you to stay connected—follow us on Instagram @UMSGinc, send us your questions and ideas, or reach out directly to our Vice President of Student Leadership, Nate Feng (jonathan.feng@maine.edu), to learn how you can get involved. We work for you, we’re here to listen, and your voice can shape campus life!

As your Student Body President and Vice President, we are entering this year with clear goals: to strengthen student engagement, improve access to UMSG/Campus resources, and ensure students have meaningful input in University decisions. Whether it’s advocating for fair funding, expanding representation, or building stronger campus connections, our focus is on delivering for you. Our doors—and emails—are always open for your questions, concerns, and ideas. We work for you, and we want to hear from you. Reach out to us, Keegan Tripp (keegan.tripp@maine.edu) or Cynthia Shelmerdine (cynthia.shelmerdine@maine.edu), anytime!

UMSG Inc circle logo

Keegan Tripp
Student Body President, University of Maine Student Government 
Cynthia Shelmerdine
Student Body Vice President, University of Maine Student Government

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.


Unhappy with the UMaine Dining Experience?

UMSG’s Food & Dining Affairs (FDA) committee communicates directly with the heads of UMaine Dining! Want to share your thoughts and concerns, make a change on campus? Join and or attend the FDA committee to help better the dining experience!

ALL students are welcome!

Contact the FDA chair to learn more.

Have a problem, complaint, or concern?

Tell us about it! You can contact senators of your college or a specific committee to voice your thoughts. As well as members of representative boards and community associations. OR you can submit the form linked below. Remember, we’re here to advocate for YOU!

Want to get involved?

You don’t need to be a senator to make a difference! Many committees are open for undergraduates to attend their meetings and even join. Of course, you’re also always welcome to attend our weekly Senate meetings!

Know how we can improve our website?

We know our website could use some work. That’s why we’re revamping it! We hope to have some big changes to show, but we need your feedback first. Help us make the UMSG website better by filling out this short survey and tell us what you want to see!