Dec 18, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Russell Scholars Program


Director: Lisa M. Hibl, PhD, MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham
Associate Director: Elizabeth K. Dodge, MFA - Hastings Hall, Gorham
Russell Scholars Faculty: Nathan Hamilton, PhD, Myra Wright, PhD
Website: https://usm.maine.edu/russell-scholars-program/

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, residential learning community, and who wish to receive close faculty mentoring. Russell Scholars will develop a commitment to learning and gain 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.

First-year Russell Scholars are encouraged to reside in Hastings Hall, a remodeled residence hall located on the Gorham campus. Here students attend some of their classes, socialize, and meet with mentors. Frequently, the campus community is invited to attend Russell Scholars class activities and to see student projects. Russell Scholars are also encouraged to pursue optional out-of-state or study-abroad experiences for which they may receive academic credit.

Program Requirements


Students may enroll in as few or as many Russell Scholars courses as they wish. Those who choose to graduate as a Russell Scholar must complete a minimum of 15 Russell Scholars credit hours consisting of a combination of required and elective courses, including RSP 100 , RSP 102 , and RSP 103 .

Core Curriculum Requirements


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

Departmental Major

Russell Scholars courses are not intended to be counted toward completion of a departmental major. A student seeking an exception to this policy should consult with their departmental advisor.

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 the first semester of college, any student is welcome to enroll in Russell Scholars courses without applying to the program as long as they are in good academic standing.

 

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 https://usm.maine.edu/russell-scholars-program/how-to-apply/