Russell Scholars

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Director: Lisa M. Hibl, Ph.D., MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham

Associate Director: Elizabeth K. Dodge, MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham

Russell Scholars Faculty: Elizabeth K. Dodge; Timothy Wooten, MFA; Nathan Hamilton, Ph.D., Anthropology

Website: http://usm.maine.edu/rscholar

The Russell Scholars Program (RSP) is a residential, undergraduate learning community of highly motivated students and faculty dedicated to the achievement of educational goals through collaborative learning, out-of-class activities, and community building. The Russell Scholars Program is designed for students who wish to pursue their studies in a small living-learning community, and who wish to receive close faculty mentoring. Russell Scholars will develop a commitment to learning and community awareness, experience with critical thinking, intercultural knowledge, personal and ethical integrity, and an ability to work as part of a team. Faculty mentors encourage students’ curiosity and passion for the meaningful work of lifelong learning. Approximately 50 first-year students from all majors are admitted to the Russell Scholars Program each year.

Co-curricular and social activities enrich the learning community experience. Russell Scholars are encouraged to have optional out-of-state or out-of-country learning experiences for which they receive academic credit. First-year Russell Scholars reside at Hastings Hall, a remodeled residence hall located on the Gorham campus. Here students can study, socialize, meet with mentors, and attend seminars, concerts, and readings. There are frequent opportunities for Russell Scholars, faculty members, and guests to discuss ideas and issues in a relaxed social setting. From time to time, the campus community is invited to visit Russell Scholars class activities and to see student projects.

To graduate as a Russell Scholar, a student must successfully complete 15 credit hours consisting of a combination of required and elective courses, including RSP 100, RSP 103, RSP 110 and RSP 402.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Most Russell Scholars courses satisfy the USM Core/General Education requirements. Students can complete six of the eight required USM Core courses in the Russell Scholars Program.

Departmental Major

Russell Scholars courses are not intended to be counted toward the number of credits that departments require for graduation as a major. Students enrolled in the Russell Scholars Program should consult with their departmental advisors concerning the use of Russell Scholars courses to satisfy departmental major requirements.

Admission to the Russell Scholars Program

1. Any full-time, residential student in good standing is eligible to apply to be a Russell Scholar for their first semester of college.

2. After your first semester of college, you are welcome to enroll in Russell Scholars courses without applying to the program as long as you are in good standing at USM.  

Director, Russell Scholars Program 

USMRSPdirector@maine.edu

(207) 780-5751

Associate Director, Russell Scholars Program

USMRSPassocdirector@maine.edu

(207) 780-5752

For more information and to apply, visit www.usm.maine.edu/rscholar

Programs

• Russell Scholars Program

Return to: Programs by College