SMCC and USM strengthen partnership with transfer agreements
University of Southern Maine
From left, SMCC President Joe Cassidy and USM President Jacqueline Edmondson sign agreements between the two schools.
Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine have signed 13 new agreements that will allow students in selected programs to start their journey at SMCC and transfer to USM, creating new student life opportunities and expanding housing.
The Southern Maine Pathways transfer agreement will allow students to start their education at SMCC and, upon successful completion, seamlessly transfer their credits to USM, where they can continue their education by working towards a bachelor's degree in a related field. Southern Maine Pathways allows students to plan, save, and focus on achieving their goals.
Eligible students include those enrolled in SMCC's business administration; pre-engineering, fire science, horticulture, liberal studies with a focus in science, marine science, nursing, precision machining and manufacturing, respiratory therapy and more.
Through Southern Maine Pathways, SMCC students who qualify to live on campus in USM's new Portland Commons while completing their SMCC coursework are full-time, seeking degrees in good standing, have completed 24 credit hours, have lived on campus for a year, or are 22 years of age or older.
"SMCC couldn't be more excited to continue to deepen our partnership with USM, allowing SMCC students to achieve their academic goals and providing them with the necessary support to succeed," said Joe Cassidy, SMCC's president. "The new agreements will enable SMCC students to pursue their unique educational objectives while also preparing them to meet the workforce demands in Maine. SMCC students will get an incredible opportunity to experience the Husky culture and support while they take advantage of the new living accommodations. Our students get the best of both campuses at once."
SMCC students will have access to housing at USM at SMCC prices, access to the USM dining hall and meal plans, as well as transportation.
"This agreement deepens USM's already formidable partnership with the Maine Community College System and our joint aim of offering quality higher education to the people of Maine," said Jacqueline Edmondson USM resident. "The Portland Commons' ability to ease the housing concerns for our students while also giving some relief to the demand for housing in greater Portland only highlights the strength of this project."
SMCC has also been strengthening partnership agreements with Saint Joseph's College of Maine. The colleges signed 13 new agreements that will allow students in selected programs to start their journey at SMCC and transfer to Saint Joseph's, saving them both time and money.
The University of Southern Maine is a public university with 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses online and at campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn. USM was ranked No. 3 among Maine's largest colleges and universities in the 2023 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on full-time undergraduate enrollment, in fall 2022.
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