It’s that point in the semester once again when students are relentlessly bombarded with requests to complete their course evaluations. Whether through frequent emails, pop-up notifications or annoying announcements during class, there’s no way to escape the constant reminders. Yet, one can’t help but question the underlying reasons why the University of Maine places such an emphasis on these evaluations. For many students, the impact they seem to have on professors or their teaching methods appears minimal, if not totally nonexistent. Why does the institution push so hard for participation and what tangible benefits, if any, do these evaluations bring to the academic experience?

I decided to dedicate some time to researching course evaluations to gain a deeper understanding of their purpose and impact. I reviewed the resources available on the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment website, where I found several guidelines for professors on how to improve response rates, along with advice on “Making the Most of Your End of Semester Evaluations.” While these resources provide useful tips for maximizing participation, I couldn’t find any clear explanation regarding the core reasons why student feedback is so critical or why the University places such intense emphasis on encouraging students to complete these evaluations. There’s a noticeable absence of information about the broader significance of student feedback and its actual role in shaping teaching strategies or academic policies. Given the numerous reminders I’ve already received this past week, it’s rather strange that there seems to be no clear explanation for the constant urging to complete the evaluations.

I attempted calling the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment to inquire about the matter, but there was no one available to answer the phone. However, here’s what I know: applying student feedback to lectures can and would significantly enhance the learning experience for students by making content more relevant as well as engaging, which increases student satisfaction and motivation, thus bettering grades. It allows professors to adjust their teaching methods based on areas where students may be struggling, leading to better learning outcomes. Feedback also helps accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students can access and engage with the material effectively. When students see their feedback taken seriously, it fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and encourages critical thinking. Overall, applying feedback demonstrates a commitment to improvement, benefiting both students and the quality of the educational process. However, by not seeing any change done by the completion of the feedback, students are much less likely to even bother submitting it. 

While course evaluations are a pretty standard part of the academic process, the lack of transparency around their purpose and the minimal impact they seem to have on teaching practices leaves students questioning their overall effectiveness. Despite the University’s heavy emphasis on participation, there is little explanation about how feedback is used to improve courses or benefit the academic experience. While student feedback, if properly applied, could significantly enhance learning outcomes by making courses more relevant, engaging and adaptable to diverse learning styles, the absence of visible changes following evaluation submissions leads to student disengagement. Until the University provides clearer communication on the importance and impact of these evaluations and goes to actually present changes, the cycle of constant reminders may continue to feel ineffective and irrelevant to many students.

I was born and raised in Maine, and I’m very proud to call it home. There’s something truly unique about this state, such as its breathtaking coastline, its dense forests and the quiet resilience of the people who live here. Maine’s natural beauty is unmatched (although I may be biased), from the mountains in the west to the rocky shores of the Atlantic. One of the crown jewels of the state is Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island. 

With its picture-perfect views, incredibly diverse wildlife and miles upon miles of hiking trails, it captures the essence of what makes Maine so remarkable. Whether it’s watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain or walking along the ocean path, Acadia is a place that stays with you – just like Mainers themselves.

Acadia National Park, with its granite peaks, crystal-clear lakes and sweeping ocean views, is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike. It attracts tons of tourists, rightfully so. Watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, which is one of the first places to catch the morning light in the U.S., and is an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend that you do this at least once in your lifetime. 

Heading further up the coast, a town called Camden is a charming harbor town where the mountains meet the sea. Although fairly touristy, it’s worth the visit. You can hike up Mount Battie for panoramic views of Penobscot Bay or stroll the historic downtown filled with shops, galleries, and cozy cafés.

Farther north, Baxter State Park is a rugged wilderness area that is a favorite of mine. It’s home to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The views from the summit are awe-inspiring, especially in the fall when the foliage lights up in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. I highly recommend this place!

For a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape, Moosehead Lake is a tranquil gem tucked away in northwestern Maine. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it’s ideal for canoeing, fishing, or simply soaking in the stillness of nature. Camping is another super fun activity to do here if you have the time and resources to do so.

Most importantly, or rather, infamously, the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Standing tall on a rocky cliff, it perfectly captures the spirit of Maine’s bold and beautiful coast.

Although I’ll admit I’m a bit biased, I truly believe Maine is one of the most breathtaking and unique states in the country. While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore the entirety of the U.S., I can say that when compared to the 10 other states I have visited, Maine is certainly one of the most beautiful.

The University of Maine generates millions of dollars in revenue every year, (unsurprisingly), and with such substantial financial resources, it’s more than clear that the institution has the capacity to allocate more funds towards enhancing student involvement. Investing in programs, activities and resources that promote student engagement could genuinely foster a stronger sense of community on campus, allowing students to feel more connected to their peers, their faculty and the university as a whole. 

Additionally, this focus on student life could have a significant impact on enrollment, as prospective students increasingly seek institutions that offer rich, supportive environments that go beyond academics. By prioritizing student involvement, the University of Maine could not only improve the overall college experience but also attract and retain students who are eager to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Getting involved in college offers students numerous benefits, including personal growth, the development of leadership and time management skills and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and professional networks. It can enhance career prospects through internships and involvement in career-related clubs, while also improving mental health by fostering a sense of community and belonging. Extracurricular activities provide a chance to explore diverse interests, broaden cultural perspectives and gain practical experience that looks great on a resume. Overall, participation in college activities contributes to a more fulfilling and well-rounded college experience.

Rather than directing funds towards less essential expenditures, the university could see far greater returns by prioritizing investments in student wellness and involvement. By dedicating more resources to programs that support mental health, physical well-being and extracurricular engagement, the institution could help reduce student fatigue, alleviate stress and foster a more balanced and fulfilling college experience. This shift in focus would not only improve overall well-being but also positively impact academic performance, as students would be better equipped to manage their responsibilities and maintain focus. 

Looking back on my own time here, I can’t help but feel that more emphasis on student involvement would have been incredibly beneficial. It would have provided an outlet for personal growth and a stronger sense of community. I believe many of my peers would share the same sentiment, as fostering a supportive environment is essential to both academic and personal success.

An advisor’s primary role is to guide their advisees through their academic and professional journeys. They help them navigate through course selection, potential future career paths and personal development. However, at the University of Maine, this responsibility often doesn’t align with the reality of the advising experience, at least not for me. As a graduating senior, I’ve encountered a range of advisors throughout my time here, and it’s become clear that not everyone is suited for or willing to fulfill the responsibilities that come with the role. While some advisors genuinely invest in their advisees’ success, others seem disengaged or uninterested in advising altogether. 

The majority of advisors at UMaine are professors, whose main priorities are their teaching responsibilities and their own research pursuits, not necessarily providing students with the personalized support they need. This disconnect often leaves students scrambling to figure out how to register for classes, select extracurriculars or plan for their futures without the guidance they should be receiving. It’s a system that, at times, feels more like an afterthought rather than a priority. I feel as though the university should put more emphasis and effort into hiring people whose jobs would solely be dedicated to advising students instead of forcing the responsibility of it onto professors. 

Advising is incredibly crucial to student success as it helps navigate their academic journeys, plan their courses and ensure that they meet graduation requirements. Beyond academics, effective advising provides guidance on career development, offers mentorship and supports students through personal and emotional challenges that college life tends to throw at its students. Advisors also play a key role in student retention (i.e. making students feel comfortable on campus) by fostering connections and providing a sense of belonging that can help students stay engaged and persist toward graduation. Strong advising offers personalized support, helps open potential career opportunities and helps students overcome obstacles, contributing significantly to their overall success in college.

 Without sufficient advising, students can feel lost, hopeless, or a sense that they do not belong. It can even lead to them dropping out. I personally have felt that way. In my time here at UMaine, I’ve had a few advisors, all of which seemed overwhelmed. I felt as if I was bothering them by asking questions since they aren’t there to just help me. They have more important priorities. Oftentimes, I was left to figure out college complications by myself unless I could wait until my advisor was free for 10 to 20 minutes to help me out. I think that if the university dedicated more attention to student advising, it would improve student experiences across the board. 

As a student graduating this May, I’ve spent the past few months celebrating my senior year at the University of Maine, but no one ever warned me just how expensive everything surrounding graduation would be. The costs associated with this rather important milestone are overwhelming, and it’s hard not to feel like it’s all about making money off of students who are already financially stretched thin.

There’s already tuition. For years, students have been paying thousands of dollars in tuition just to earn a degree. While it’s commonly expected to pay for the education itself, no one ever tells you that graduation- the final celebration of all that hard work—will come with a hefty price tag too. It’s not just about walking across the stage and getting your degree. You have to pay for everything related to it. If you want to participate in the ceremony, you need to buy a cap and gown from the University Bookstore, which costs about $45. It’s not an optional expense, either—it’s required in order to walk and officially mark the occasion. If you attempt to purchase a cap and gown through another channel, you may not be allowed to walk unless it is an exact color match. 

It’s incredibly frustrating because, at this point, many of us have already paid for the privilege of attending college and earning a degree. We’ve made the investment in our education, so it feels unnecessary and unfair to tack on these additional expenses, especially for something as basic as the cap and gown that marks our achievements. These items should be included in the overall graduation experience, not an extra financial burden.

At $45 for a cap and gown, it’s not just the price that’s the problem—it’s the principle. After investing thousands of dollars into tuition, students shouldn’t have to pay for a required part of their graduation attire. By making caps and gowns free, UMaine would show a commitment to supporting students during this incredibly important time, easing financial stress, and letting us focus on what really matters: celebrating the completion of our education.

In the end, graduation should be entirely about the achievement, not about how much you can afford to pay for all the associated costs. Caps and gowns should be free to make this moment accessible to all, and to ensure that every student, regardless of their financial situation, can fully enjoy this well-deserved celebration. 

The University of Maine was established in 1865, a good 160 years ago. The campus has been in Maine for the entirety of its existence, as has the snow every winter. However, they have yet to discover snow removal.  Snow and ice can create dangerous driving and walking conditions. Proper removal reduces the risk of slips, trips and falls for pedestrians, and also helps decrease the likelihood of accidents for drivers by improving things like road traction.

Many students have cars on campus, thus the parking lots are typically full. I don’t think that should inhibit parking services from plowing. They’re allowed to instate a parking ban between November and May in certain lots because they need to be able to be plowed, but what about the student lots?

I’ve seen so many students get stuck in the snow, I’ve also seen them park in the crosswalks, specifically in the Steamlot parking lot, because nobody can see the lines to park there properly. Right now, if you were to walk to just one of the student lots, you would see snow piled in and around almost every single parking spot in that lot. 

Plowing a parking lot makes it safer by reducing ice buildup, improving visibility, preventing snow drifts and creating clear paths for vehicles and pedestrians. It would also lower the risk of accidents and injury, as well as help the school avoid liability by maintaining a safe environment for its students. 

There are so many places on campus that have had poor snow removal. Just pushing the snow to the side of a path is not the same as removing it. When the snow is simply pushed aside, it eventually melts, creating puddles, which then turn into ice. Having walking paths that are almost entirely icy is incredibly unsafe, not to mention inaccessible to some. 

Not everyone likes to walk outside in the cold, but I can say that almost everybody hates walking in the snow and slipping and falling in front of a bunch of people. I have seen so many people slip on campus this semester. I think that the University could contribute a little more money towards ensuring that the campus is safe for everyone.

As we know, Valentine’s Day is no longer a celebration of love, but a celebration of direct consumerism, and to see how much stuff you can buy another person. The romance of the holiday has worn off as time has passed, and is now just another excuse for corporations to dump the next shiny cheap item on the general population, yet charge an unreal amount of money for it. In the year of 2022, Americans spent a total of $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day. 

It is theorized that Valentine’s Day originated as a Roman festival called Lupercalia, which was known to mark the arrival of springtime. Many years later, the Catholic Church Christianized the holiday as a way to honor St. Valentine. The Lupercalia festival took place in mid-February, and one renowned ritual of the holiday was that boys would draw names of girls from a box and that couple would be “together” for the remainder of the festival. 

St. Valentine was a Catholic priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by performing weddings for soldiers. Claudius II had Valentine imprisoned and beheaded on Feb. 14 for refusing to forsake his faith. His martyrdom was then honored by making Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day. 

The past few decades have greatly strayed from the origin of this holiday. What was once about love, marriage and sacrifice, has now become another excuse to purchase the shiniest new item on the market. People spend tons of money on this holiday, trying to upstage even the most lavish gifts. Millions upon millions of dollars worth of flowers, chocolates and teddy bears are purchased. 

We should return to the roots of this holiday by showing appreciation for loved ones in a way that doesn’t put an emphasis on the monetary value of items. A handmade card can hold just as much if not more emotional value.

As a college student, nothing hurts more than seeing another unnecessary fee on your student account. We all know that the University of Maine loves to pass fees out like Oprah does cars. However, I think that a lot of the fees administered are completely unnecessary. Every time I take a walk on campus, I see cars littered with parking tickets. Dorms are now charging “cleaning fees” for using the communal trash inappropriately, internet fees and what in the actual hell is a student activity fee?

The UMaine Foundation prides itself on achieving a record-breaking fundraising year in 2024. According to their website, the total revenue and gains for 2024 was a whopping $100,991,141. 

Fees that aren’t directly related to a student’s curriculum, housing or meal plan are all things that nobody thinks to consider prior to attending a university. I know that as a kid when I was saving up for college, I never once thought to myself, “I think I’ll save this $50 for when I receive a parking citation because the parking spot to student vehicle ratio is abysmal.” 

I have lived on campus since I enrolled here. I moved onto campus in May of 2023, and have only spent the occasional month not living in the dorms (typically during winter break). However, when I decided to move off campus for my last semester, nobody told me that it would cost me enough money to cover a month’s worth of parking tickets. 

Firstly, I had to pay a $500 cancellation fee, which I suppose is understandable due to the late notice. I moved out on Jan. 19, and there was already another name on the door when I got there. They had already filled my spot. Secondly, I had to pay them to take my minifridge back, and again, had to pay a cancellation fee – this one, however, only being $50, although I had paid through the entire semester already. I also had to purchase another parking pass. Parking services will not allow students to switch their parking passes even though you’ve paid for one for the entire semester. If I wanted a commuter pass, I needed to fork over another $50. Even though I wasn’t going to live on campus, I was told I needed a meal plan. I was then charged for $350 worth of meal plan dollars. 

These fees, in a way, are almost punishment for moving off of campus. If the University isn’t able to charge you thousands of dollars through a room fee, they’ll get their money another way. 

Another big issue I’ve heard about on campus is a “cleaning fee” that people are being charged for. Apparently, if a student utilizes the bathroom trash as their own, the entire floor is being charged a “cleaning fee.” Not only is this entirely unfair, it’s also ridiculous. Charging each student on a floor any amount of money for trash disposal is absurd. 

When living in the dorms I saw signs plastered on the walls stating that everyone on a floor is charged for damages if nobody confesses to an act. Once again, this is not fair at all for any students (except maybe the ones at fault). Charging everyone on a floor in the name of solidarity for acts that no one claims is unjust. 

Lastly, I’ll address student activity fees. I know everyone gets that email, “Your student activity fee at work,” but what is it for? Why can’t I choose not to contribute? Who decided this fee? Who decided the price? What does it go to? I think that as a university that is able to rake in so much money in fundraising (not to mention how much sporting events bring in), that various activities created for students should be free. This is just another way that the University gets away with charging students unjustly.

A 2022 census states that there were 1,385,340 people living in the state. However, in that very same year, 15.3 million people visited Maine. That is just over 11 times as many people that visited the state than those who actually reside here. This is a huge ratio, and it’s causing problems for the residents of Maine. 

This time of year (late September into early October) is an incredibly popular time for tourism. This is primarily due to the beautiful trees that change color before dropping their leaves for the season. People come from all over to gaze upon the scenic beauty of Maine autumn. However, all of this tourism coming into the state is much more detrimental than it is beneficial. While tourism does bring quite a bit of money into the economy, it also destroys various other parts of our precious state. 

Activities related to tourism are known to increase noise levels with things such as music, vehicles, etc., which can contribute greatly to air pollution. Tourism can also put pressure on natural resources via overconsumption, especially in areas where resources are already scarce, as well as put unnecessary stress on local land, which can then lead to soil erosion. Tourism can also lead to natural habitat loss for so many of our native animals, which then can put pressure on endangered species, as well as potentially add to the ever-growing list. 

One of the biggest issues with tourism in Maine is the effect it has on climate change. Climate change is already greatly affecting Maine’s ecosystems and coastal areas, and tourism can contribute to climate change both through air and car travel.

In order to ‘keep up’ with the demands of tourism, communities are dealing with significant increases in taxes, just to be able to fund the demands made. Not to mention that the overall cost of living within these communities are going up, alongside the price of rent, rates and property values. People in certain areas of Maine that get flooded with tourists are now not able to afford to live their lives due to the continuous influx of tourists, readily wanting to experience an East-Coast fall. An article written by Anthropologist Morgan Glup states that overtourism has been found to directly correlate to a decreased quality of life for residents by increasing housing costs, limiting the diversity of economic opportunities and exposing residents to the misuse of public spaces. 

Maine is working to promote ecotourism, which focuses primarily on minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment within the state. Ecotourism principles include responsible travel, environmental conservation, education and community involvement. These efforts may help, but they will in no way be able to undo the damage that’s already been done, nor will they be able to prevent much more damage without the overall number of tourists decreasing.

As with any other topic, the ethics of true crime content consumption is a subject of heavy debate. I find the energy surrounding these shows unethical for the most part. These shows have become incredibly popular worldwide, captivating audiences of all ages. However, there are ethical concerns associated with both their production and consumption. Here are seven reasons why I find the consumption of true crime shows unethical: the exploitation of victims and their families and general sensationalism by the media; the abandonment of the presumption of innocence; the potentially harmful impact on ongoing cases; privacy concerns; a dearth of honest reporting; and its contribution to societal desensitization. 

True crime shows and other contents tend to scrutinize and overanalyze real-life events and crimes, which can be incredibly distressing and traumatic for the victims’ families, especially when these shows and other sources are broadcast and/or printed repeatedly for the purpose of entertainment. This practice can oftentimes be seen as exploitative, which is hard to disagree with. Respecting the privacy as well as the consent of the individuals involved (such as the victims and their families) is essential. When portraying real-life events or people who are still alive, creators should consider the potential impact on their lives, reputation, and well-being. Caution should be exercised to avoid harm or unnecessary intrusion. Obtaining informed consent from people who are being depicted or referenced is important, especially when their personal lives or sensitive information are being portrayed. This, however, tends to happen a lot less than it should, and it displays how unethical true crime shows tend to be. 

Some true crime shows and other sources tend to prioritize sensation and graphic content to over-exaggerate and dramatize events to boost viewership, which can oftentimes lead to a voyeuristic and insensitive approach to serious and sensitive matters. Oftentimes, the stories that are published use exciting language and shocking details at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke more public interest or excitement. This is due to the fact that the truth isn’t always as exciting as a dramatic narrative, and the media is more than aware of this fact and often uses it for detrimental reasons. Media creators should attempt to approach real-life events and people with sensitivity and empathy. Consideration regarding the potential impact their portrayals may have on individuals, communities or cultures should definitely be taken into account. Additionally, avoiding stereotypes, biases and sensationalism is of the utmost importance. 

Sometimes, the presumption of innocence is too prevalent in true crime shows. They can oftentimes focus too heavily on a particular suspect, both potentially leading to a presumption of guilt in the publics’ eyes before a trial even occurs, while simultaneously allowing the true offender to remain unnoticed. This behavior typically ignores the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which proclaims “innocence until proven guilty.”

Another ethical issue with true crime shows is the impact that their airing has on ongoing cases. Revealing details of unresolved criminal investigations can lead to absolutely no good. It has the potential to jeopardize the investigation via witness contamination or revealing sensitive information. This ethical concern ties into the general lack of privacy by these true crime programs. True crime shows often utilize real names, photographs and locations, potentially infringing on the privacy of individuals who were not directly involved in the crime and possibly putting them at risk. 

Ethical reporting is oftentimes not made a priority. Usually, it is far more important or prioritized to be entertaining than to maintain journalistic integrity. The accuracy and fairness are oftentimes questionable due to this. Most of the time, it’s a mad dash to deliver the news first; whichever channel can broadcast the fastest wins the race and delivers news to most of the population. It’s important that misrepresentation or distortion of facts doesn’t occur when delivering news. If any creative license or dramatization is taken in the depiction of real-life events or people, it is important that the media creators are transparent and disclose such modifications. Clearly differentiating between facts and fictional elements can help maintain integrity and avoid misleading the audience.

Another issue with the consumption (and often overconsumption) of true crime content is the general desensitization that occurs. Constant exposure to violence and the overall distressing material in true crime shows may cause viewers to become anesthetized to the tragedies that occur in life. While true crime shows are entertaining pieces of media, their producers should ensure that they can be aired without bringing about substantial ethical or privacy concerns.