The University of Maine Student Government (UMSG) met for its weekly meeting in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union on Nov. 4. The meeting was conducted by UMSG President Keegan Tripp and Vice President Memphis Peterson. Topics covered ranged from UMSG budgetary updates to a presentation from the town of Orono regarding future local development plans.
Club Maintenance:
The South Asian Association of Maine sought preliminary recognition from UMSG. The club was active at UMaine a couple years prior, and re-started again in 2023. It is now a fully functioning and active club with around 200 members, with roughly half of those members being undergraduate students. The request for preliminary recognition passed with a clear majority.
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit on campus also sought preliminary recognition from UMSG. The club is focused on creating a student-driven group that uses the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) unit as a central hub without being affiliated with military service.
The group shared that the organization’s main goal is to introduce students to ROTC through more accessible non-military events while fostering a strong sense of community on campus. Their plans include tabling events and organizing mental health-focused initiatives. With a clear majority of votes to pass, the club was granted preliminary recognition.
Guest Speaker:
Isabelle Oechslie, planner for the town of Orono, visited UMaine and spoke at the meeting. She discussed the town’s comprehensive plan—a state-mandated document that serves as a roadmap for the community’s development over the next 10 to 12 years. Oechslie shared insights into the goals of the plan, which cover critical areas such as economic development, housing, transportation and environmental sustainability.
“One of the most important things we take into consideration is the student voice,” said Oechslie, emphasizing the importance of student input in shaping the future of Orono.
She encouraged students to share their ideas and suggestions for the plan, which will help guide decisions on public policy, development priorities and resource allocation for the town.
Oechslie can be reached via email at planner@orono.org or by phone at (207) 889-6909.
Executive Reports:
Tripp announced that the Vice President for Student Organizations (VPSO) interest period remains open, with only one application currently submitted. Interested students are encouraged to apply.
“It is a big role and a big position but a good opportunity to get your foot in the door,” said Tripp.
Tripp also mentioned his plan to bring the issue of raising the student activity fee to a vote of the student body with prices rising everywhere. He notes he can run UMSG with the current budget size, but without a raise in the activity fee, major cuts will have to be made. The current student activity fee rests at $78 annually, and Tripp has proposed an increase to $100 or somewhere in between.
“It is something serious our organization needs to consider moving forward,” said Tripp, ending his report.
Vice President for Student Leadership Elizabeth Oldfield mentioned projects they are working on this semester. Merchandise ideas such as magnets and lanyards for UMSG were mentioned. Student Leadership also mentioned tabling at a prospective student open house at the New Balance Recreation Center on Nov. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. if anyone wanted to help out or just stop by to say hello.
Advisor to Student Government Lauri Sidelko touched on mental health issues on campus. Sidelko urges those in crisis to reach out or ask for help, and to be there for your friends. Resources mentioned include Campus Police and the on-call campus counselor at Cutler Health Center. Sidelko ended her report by reminding us to “look out for one another.”
University of Maine Police Department: (207) 581-4040
University of Maine Counseling Center: (207) 581-1392
Representative Board Reports
Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Jacob Heartquist noted that executive board applications will be open this week for IFC. They urge anyone with friends in fraternities who may be interested to inform them of this opportunity.
Panhellenic Council President Hannah Blanchette held all interviews for the Panhellenic Executive Board and everyone that was offered a position accepted their positions.The Slating Committee, which is a voting committee for Greek life, will be meeting to pass the new executive board over the next two weeks. A finalized executive board is expected to be established near the end of November.
The General Student Senate (GSS) considered a budget request from the Black Bear Catholics. The $1,300 approved by the executive budgetary committee would cover registration for the SEEK Conference, a forum in Washington, D.C. that encourages learning about faith and fostering friendship among attendees. After a request from the presenting Black Bear Catholic officer for the amount to be increased and considerable debate, the Senate passed the resolution as it previously stood.
UMSG meetings are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union for those who wish to attend. The meetings are also recorded and posted here.
