PORTLAND – Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine are pleased to announced last week their partnership and the launch of Southern Maine Pathways, a program including 13 new articulation agreements and expanded housing and student life opportunities.

Southern Maine Community College President Joe Cassidy, and University of Southern Maine President Jacqueline Edmondson. Courtesy photo

According to a news release, the backbone of Southern Maine Pathways lies in the 13 new articulation, otherwise known as transfer, agreements between the colleges. The agreements 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 toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Southern Maine Pathways allows students to plan, save, and focus on achieving their goals.

With the new transfer agreements, SMCC students enrolled in the following programs can seamlessly transfer to the corresponding USM programs:

Associate in Science in Business Administration to Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Associate in Applied Science in Pre-Engineering to Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Associate in Applied Science in Pre-Engineering to Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science to Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Organizational Studies
Associate in Applied Science in Horticulture to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Policy
Associate in Applied Science in Horticulture to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies with a focus in Science to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies with a focus in Science to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Policy
Associate in Applied Science in Marine Science to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Policy
Associate in Applied Science in Marine Science to Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Associate in Science in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining & Manufacturing to Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
Associate in Science in Respiratory Therapy to Bachelor of Science in Health Science

“Southern Maine Community College 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,” SMCC President Joe Cassidy said in a June 9 email. “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.”

“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,” USM President Jacqueline Edmondson said. “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.”

Through Southern Maine Pathways, SMCC full-time degree-seeking students who are in good standing, have completed 24 credit hours, have lived on campus for a year, or are 22 years of age or older qualify to live on campus in USM’s new Portland Commons while completing their SMCC coursework. Portland Commons is a new, nearly 218,000-square-foot hall built to transform USM’s Portland campus that includes 580 beds and a mix of single-occupancy rooms, studio apartments, and larger apartments with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Up to 160 SMCC students can access housing at USM at SMCC prices. Some of the units at USM are single-bed units, so students in those units will be charged SMCC single-bed rates. Portland Commons is within walking distance of the USM’s McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success, Glickman Library, dining hall, and Portland’s Back Cove.

While the 13 agreements are standalone and accessible by any students who meet the necessary academic requirements, the Southern Maine Pathways program provides an additional level of experience and support.

Additionally, SMCC students can access the USM dining hall and meal plans. SMCC Students living in units without a full kitchen will be required to participate in the hybrid SMCC/USM meal plan. Students that live in rooms with a full kitchen are encouraged, but not required, to carry the meal plan. The plan gives SMCC students ten meals and $100 USM Dining Dollars weekly.

“We are dedicated to ensuring our students have access to resources and support at both campuses as an essential piece of this new agreement,” Interim Dean of Students Jason Saucier said. “We want to ensure our students have all the experiences and tools they will be able to use to complete their successful transfer to USM when their time at SMCC is done.”

Another piece of the agreement involves transportation. The SMCC administration will work with students living at USM to create a class schedule aimed at reducing travel between the campuses. A percentage of SMCC students can purchase USM parking permits at regular USM pricing of $610 per permit. SMCC and USM encourage SMCC students to take advantage of the METRO service free of charge with their SMCC ID. There are several METRO stops within walking distance of Portland Commons.

For more information about the transfer agreements and SMCC student requirements, visit www.smccME.edu/transfer or contact Transfer Services at 207-741-5994 or transfer@smccME.edu.

Southern Maine Community College President Joe Cassidy, and University of Southern Maine President Jacqueline Edmondson.