On March 29, 2023, Russian officials detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich in the city of Yekaterinburg. He is currently being accused of espionage after reporting on a Russian military facility. This is the first American reported to have been charged with espionage in Russia since the mid-1980s.

Maine Campus Media interviewed Dr. James Warhola regarding Gershkovich’s detention. Warhola was a political science professor at the University of Maine for 37 years, as well as a visiting research professor at Moscow State University. In his time at the University of Maine, Warhola taught several classes, including Soviet foreign policy, politics in Russia and an introductory course in comparative politics.

Foreign relations between the United States and Russia have been particularly tense for the last several decades. 

“Russia presently considers the U.S. to be an unfriendly nation and that doesn’t sound very bad, but in diplomatic circles and certainly from Russia’s perspective, it’s a really, really serious thing. They consider that the U.S. is basically waging a proxy war against Russia, and Ukraine is the venue,” Warhola said. “[Gershkovich] was doing some reporting on Russia’s declining economic capability, especially as it pertained to military production. My understanding is that he was in the area of some military production facilities, including a tank factory. That, of course, is immediately going to raise suspicion on the part of Russian officials that he’s engaging in more than just journalism.” 

Many people are concerned about Gershkovich’s eventual release, but when asked what the likelihood of his release was, Warhola did not seem overly optimistic.

“The conviction rate in Russia for criminal cases is very close to a 100% chance that you’re going to be found guilty. They’ve said that they’re going to detain [Gershkovich] until May 29th,” Warhola explained. “In the meantime, they’ll level some specific charges against him, and then he will go to trial…So, you know, if all that follows through in that way and there isn’t some diplomatic intervention to get him out of there, in all likelihood, he’ll end up with about a 20-year sentence… Then maybe after 10 years, they revisit the case and decide that they found some other things that he did wrong. So then they can slap more charges on him and stretch out his time in prison even longer.”

At this time, there is very little that can be done to free Gershkovich from Russian detention. However, the U.S. State Department is currently putting together a case of unlawful detention. There is the possibility of a prisoner swap with Russia, as has recently been accomplished with WNBA player Brittney Griner. While this is likely Gershkovich’s best chance of returning home, there is no current plan to do so.

On March 23, 2023, the results of the student government election were made public. Michael Delorge won his uncontested race for president, and Keegan Tripp won the contested race for vice president. Delorge and Tripp will begin their terms in the fall of 2023.

After the results were announced, President-elect Delorge released a statement.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be elected as the next president of the UMaine Student Government. While I ran unopposed, I want to assure my fellow Black Bears that I am the right person for the job. I care deeply about the UMaine community, its traditions, and its future,” Delorge said. “I believe that I have the experience on campus and within UMSG to create the change that students desire and deserve. I urge students to hold myself and Vice-President-Elect Keegan Tripp accountable in our positions by attending our office hours and weekly Tuesday meetings. I can’t wait to get to work with Keegan and see what we accomplish as a Student Government.”

Vice President-elect Tripp echoed President-elect Delorge’s sentiments with his own statement.

“I am beyond excited to have been elected to this position! Campaigning this semester was an absolute blast, and I am so grateful for those who supported me through it… I look forward to working on all the projects I discussed throughout my campaign and seeing them through. I am also excited to work with President-elect Michael Delorge next year to achieve our collective goal of representing students to the best of our ability. I know I have a lot to prove, especially being younger on campus and at UMSG, but I intend to hit the ground running and make a real difference here on campus. Thank you again to everyone who voted for me; it truly means the world,” Tripp said.

Maine Campus Media was able to interview a few students regarding the results of the election.

Noah Jalbert, a third-year business student, voted for both Michael Delorge and Keegan Tripp.

“With Delorge running unopposed, my decision was pretty easy,” Jalbert said. “For the vice president, I had to spend a little more time informing myself. But after reading about each candidate’s platform, I decided to vote for Tripp. He seems like a genuinely good person and I think he will do a great job.”

Emily Boynton, a third-year student, voted for Keegan Tripp for VP.

“He came into Hip Hop club and talked to us. He talked about how he was one of the reasons we were an official club and actually showed interest in the dance program. It was interesting to hear about how club funding actually works from one of the people who is a part of it. And it was just really nice to see someone showing interest in the dance program,” Boynton said.

With the election now officially over, Maine Campus Media would like to sincerely wish President-elect Delorge and Vice President-elect Tripp good luck in serving their upcoming terms.

On Tuesday, March 7, the General Student Senate (GSS) discussed upcoming events and heard platform speeches from executive candidates. The student government election will take place on Wednesday, March 22.

Senator Cameron Nelson resigned as student senator.

The lone presidential candidate, Michael Delorge, delivered his speech first.

“I am running on a platform that strengthens the student experience and students’ voices. Our campaign focuses on mental health and campus connection,” Delorge said. “Together, we hope to strengthen mental health services by furthering our collaboration with the UMaine counseling center.”

Delorge also discussed providing clubs with fair elections and developing closer relationships with adminstration.

The first candidate for vice president, Kaitlyn Sterner, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted students’ attendance for school events. As a result, Sterner hopes that student government can enrich the college experience. She also hopes to increase transparency and communication as much as possible.

The second candidate for vice president, Yeshayahou Kuptchik, focused on diversity inclusion and accessibility.

“The student body needs an individual who is fair, unbiased and open to everyone, and I hope to be that voice. I hope to foster an environment that encourages diversity from all corners. This includes encouraging involvement of all students, from all communities and beliefs. I plan on using this opportunity to further encourage student involvement within different organizations on campus including our very own,” Kuptchik said.

The third candidate for vice president, Keegan Tripp, mentioned how students need to be the center of the campus, and student government is the bridge that can connect administration and the student body. Similar to other candidates, Tripp discussed the much-needed transparency.

“Transparency requires not just us going to them, but then in turn them coming to us, and in that regard we must hold them accountable. I want to see an event each semester, so that students can put faces to those who are representing them,” Tripp said. “I want students to feel like they can come to us with anything campus related. As vice president, I will make myself as accessible as humanly possible to the students. Opening the blinds, both literally and figuratively.”

The campaign for fourth and final candidate for vice president, Kyle Ricker, also focused on transparency between student government and the rest of the UMaine campus.

“My plan is to upload all public portions of student senate meetings to YouTube, and use the UMSG instagram to show what the student activity fee is being used for on a weekly basis. I would also like to reach out to all clubs and communities on campus and listen to what they would like to see from the student government,” Ricker said. “If elected, I will be working on a few other initiatives as well. I want to expand the add/drop period to two weeks, continue working on creating a syllabus bank and work on revitalizing Lengyel Field. In addition to this, I will be cutting my own pay. I believe that the student activity fee should be going back to the student and not just in someone’s pocket.”

GSS President Connor Bray gave his executive report detailing his meeting with the Student Alumni Association board, as well as his goal of setting up webinars for future senate meetings for more transparency.

Delorge reported that the UMSG Student survey is live and students are requested to take it.

VPFA Paige Allen reported that there is $67,036 remaining in unallocated funds.

Student government advisor Lauri Sidelko reported that student wellness is hosting a wellness advisory meeting this month where they will begin narcan training.

Director of Communications Hope Bifulco reported that she met with Delorge regarding the raising of the student activity fee. They plan to create an awareness campaign with executives from many clubs and organizations around campus about how the student activity fee is used.

Following a five-minute recess the senate approved the consent agenda, which consisted of $600 to Maine Masque, $45.19 to Aquaculture Club, $44 to Permaculture and Gardening Club and $850 to the American Society of Engineers.

Lastly, the senate began the process of electing a new representative to the Graduate Student Senate. Senator Tristan Friend was elected as all other senators nominated respectfully rescinded their nominations.

On Wednesday, March 1, Maine Campus Media interviewed Senator Kyle Ricker regarding his recent candidacy for student body vice president. Ricker stressed the importance of advocacy between students and administration within his campaign.

Ricker is a second-year student here at the University of Maine and is currently serving in his fourth consecutive term on the student senate.

“I’m running for GSS vice president because I believe that I am someone who can make a difference in student government and be able to advocate to administration for the students most effectively,” Ricker said. “I also believe that the position of vice president should be something that you completely dedicate yourself to. I want to dedicate myself to students, and be able to advocate and just be able to push initiatives. I believe I will be able to help all students on campus.”

Ricker is currently a part of the electoral project committee which primarily focuses its efforts on overseeing where the student activity fee goes and distributes it to clubs and organizations that request funding.

Ricker is very passionate about advocating for his fellow students and hopes to eventually make a career out of it.

“Something that I wish to do if I’m elected is to cut my own pay and then dedicate more hours of my time to the position, because I believe this should be a position of essentially pure service to the students,” Ricker said.

Ricker plans to work vigorously in order to help the student body, saying that he sees himself working up to 40 hours a week solely on student government issues.

“I am always trying to continue working on some sort of initiative that I wish to accomplish,” Ricker said. “I want every hour of my day to be productive, and I just think being able to constantly push towards these sorts of initiatives or something like it is a year-long goal of mine.”

Two additional large goals that Ricker has if elected as vice president are to extend the add/drop period an additional week and to continue the work that is currently being put in to create a university-wide syllabus bank.

Ricker also spoke about student government transparency issues, and he plans to dedicate time toward ensuring that students from all walks of university life understand what student government is.

If you have any questions regarding Senator Ricker’s campaign, or just any student government related questions, please contact Senator Ricker via email at  kyle.ricker@maine.edu and keep up with his campaign on instagram @kylewolfgangricker..

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the General Student Senate (GSS) held their usual weekly meeting over Zoom due to unexpected weather conditions and announced the student senate debate on March 6.

The meeting began with the resignations of Senators Reagen Lee and Carter Rice.

Bartholomeu Murphy, Tristin Friend and Jack Blais were all sworn in as new student senators.

The Cornhole Club appeared before the senate for final recognition. The senate voted unanimously in favor of recognizing the club.

The Political Activism Chair reported that the student senate debate will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 6, in the North Pod of the Memorial Union. Students are encouraged to attend the debate.

An act was brought before the senate to provide $5,851.55 to the Center for Undergraduate and Graduate Research for venue, food, drink and marketing for their Student Symposium event. The senate passed the act after significant debate.

An act was proposed to allocate funds in the amount of $2,800 to the African Student Association for a snowboarding and skiing trip to Hermon Mountain. The senate passed this act unanimously.

An act to allocate funds in the amount of $170 to the Asian Student Association for food for a film night was brought before the senate. After a period of debate, the Senate passed this act with minimal contention.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the General Student Senate (GSS) shared their weekly reports and discussed upcoming events, including the possible return of students’ favorite dining halls, Wells and Oakes Room.

The meeting began with Turning Point USA appearing before the senate to receive preliminary recognition as a club. The senate voted in favor of preliminary recognition.

Advisor to student government Lauri Sidelko reported that the Winter Carnival is next week. It will be Star Wars themed, and there will be a social media contest, a bonfire with hot chocolate, service projects, Star Wars trivia, a small business fair, laser tag and casino night. All information is available on the Center for Student Involvement’s website and social media.

Advisor Sidelko also reported that a fentanyl strip testing program and narcan training will soon become available at the Student Wellness Center.

Services representative Memphis Peterson reported that he had a meeting with Tad Stone of services regarding the new Sodexo deal. This deal consists of $7 million going directly to upscaling dining services. Wells is tentatively being planned to open in the upcoming fall semester, and will have a pub as well as an automated digital market. Debate is still ongoing as to whether or not the Oakes room will be reopened. Focus groups are still being held and students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Faculty Senate student representative Kate Kemper reported that the faculty senate discussed the expansion of the on-campus child care center — potentially an $8 million renovation —  and changes to gen-ed requirements. For example, the senate mentioned adding an immersion requirement that would require students to participate in an internship.

Former GSS President Alyssa Ciasullo brought an act to the floor which would send a petition to the Faculty Senate that would urge them to consider Dead Week. During Dead Week, there would be no assignments, tests or quizzes for a week long period before finals in each semester. After discussion and debate, the senate voted to table the act indefinitely.

Several acts were brought before the senate for approval. The first was an act to allocate funds to the Back Country Squatters in the amount of $1,450.95 for stoves, insulated sleeping bags and a Garmin Inreach yearly subscription for winter camping trips. The senate voted in favor of this act.

The second was an act to allocate funds to the Black Student Union in the amount of $4,635 for hair supplies, insurance and a reservation fee. The senate voted in favor of this act.

The final act was to allocate funds to the Student Construction Association for $3,600 for hotels for their CONEXPO event in Las Vegas.

VP for Student Entertainment Owen Hebda reported that the upcoming concert on April 21 is in need of volunteers. If interested, please contact VP Hebda at owen.hebda@maine.edu.

Commuter and Nontraditional Students representative Cameryn Hammill reported that there will be a free pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday in the Commuter and Nontraditional Students Lounge.

VP of Financial Affairs Paige Allen brought a discussion to the floor regarding a slight increase to the student activity fee. As Student Government Inc. operates within the budget of the student activity fee, this would directly increase the Student Government Inc. budget. At the moment the current unallocated funds are at a record low for this point in the year. This resolution will likely be brought before the senate in next week’s meeting.

Acting GSS President Connor Bray gave his executive report detailing the future appointment for the vacant GSS Vice President position. Student senator Michael Delorge has since been appointed as the vice president of the student body.

On Monday, Feb. 6, the Maine Campus interviewed student senator Cameron Nelson, who has recently announced his candidacy for University of Maine student body president.

Nelson is a third-year student and has been involved with student government for two semesters now, after transferring from the University of Southern Maine where he studied political science and business analytics. Since then, he has committed himself to student government here at UMaine.

Nelson has been politically inclined for several years, with experience dating back to seventh grade.

“I remember in seventh grade, the first political thing I ever saw was the Republican presidential debate, like the Republican primary,” Nelson said. “I don’t know why I was just so drawn to people on stage, just like grappling with the future of our country. So just like activism and politics has always had this pull on me that nothing else ever has.”

When asked why he is running for UMSG president, Senator Nelson articulated numerous reasons:

“Most importantly, I’m running for student body president because I feel like the 21st century has introduced a number of different types of challenges that will need a different type of never-before-seen leadership to help us walk through those challenges and conquer them,” Nelson said.

Nelson then detailed some of his goals if elected president, beginning with the Pine Tree Resolution.

“There’s a state-level bill of the main legislature called the Pine Tree Amendment that seeks to enshrine a right to a clean environment in the Maine Constitution.” Nelson explained. “We introduced a bill to take the text of that bill, which would be put into the Maine Constitution and put that into the University of Maine student Constitution. So students of the University of Maine would have the right to a clean and healthy environment, pure water, clean air and everything like that. So if we’re elected we would like to see the passage of that.”

That is just one of Senator Nelson’s campaign pillars.

“We also have a bill to amend the University of Maine Constitution to include gender non-conforming individuals in the list of classes protected from hate-crimes,” Nelson said.

Nelson outlined the remaining three pillars of his campaign.

“Our four pillars are committed to ending racial and social inequality on the basis of gender, sexuality, income and all other classes that might basically subject somebody to inequality; Increasing access to mental health resources and making sure that everybody has access to equal opportunity and pursuing their best selves; and our final pillar is a commitment to transparency and democracy for students,” Nelson stated.

After interviewing Nelson, it was abundantly clear that he takes his campaign very seriously and is incredibly passionate about student government. If you have any questions about Senator Nelson’s campaign or his goal, please contact him at cameron.nelson@maine.edu.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the General Student Senate (GSS) approved budgetary acts and finalized the recognition of several clubs. During this session, University of Maine Student Government president and vice president of GSS Alyssa Ciasullo also announced her leave from UMaine.

The Pre-Vet club and Type ONE-derful! Diabetes club appeared before the senate to receive final recognition as clubs. The senate voted unanimously in favor of recognizing the clubs.

Additionally, guest speakers Shane Smith and Cam McDonald appeared before the senate, representing Residence Life. If you have any issues or questions regarding residence life such as mechanical issues or interpersonal life please contact your RA or Shane Smith.

Policy and Procedure representative Keegan Tripp reported three resolutions coming to Poli-Pro: Dead Week, the Pinetree Resolution and expanding the representative Army ROTC position to include more military branches.

The Senior Class Council representative reported that if you are interested in joining a class council in classes 2025, 2026 or 2027, please contact Max Rich at max.rich@maine.edu.

Wilde Stein representative Kristina Belaya reported that there will be a drag show on April 1, as well as this year’s Lavender Prom which will be held on April 15. More information on both of these events will be forthcoming.

An act to allocate funds to the Student Construction Association in the amount of $3,600 for transportation and event registration for CONEXPO was brought before the senate and passed unanimously.

Lastly, student body president Alyssa Ciasullo discussed her departure.

“I want to start this off by saying this wasn’t at all an easy decision for me to make. To address the circulating rumors, I will no longer be running for re-election for student body president. I also have to tell you all that effective after Wednesday, and for personal reasons, I will be stepping down from my role as president of UMSG Inc. and withdrawing from the University of Maine,” Ciasullo said. “Recently, I have been forced to face the harsh realization that I have nothing left to give to this organization without further sacrificing my mental health and furthering the burden that I have been neglecting and ignoring. It would not be fair to this organization — that I love and care for deeply — to suffer when I can no longer give it my all. I have to take care of myself, and to get corny with you all, when you love something, you set it free.”

As a transfer student, Ciasullo found community in the student government and reflected on her time serving as student body president.

“I want everyone to know that these past three years in student government have been a wonderful experience, and I would not trade them for the world,” Ciasullo said. “ It was the greatest honor to be your president, regardless of the length of my term. It’s not a hearty Maine goodbye Black Bears, because you’ll never be able to truly get rid of me. It’s a hearty Maine see-you-later.”

Connor Bray will step in as student body president and appoint a new vice president soon.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the General Student Senate (GSS) held a meeting where they began the nomination process for representative positions.

The meeting began with the appointment of third-year Kate Kemper as a student senator.

Afterwards, Angela Fileccia from the University of Maine Counseling Center spoke about the many different services offered by UMaine. All appointments are free to both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of previous sessions.

The Vice President of Financial Affairs Paige Allen reported that there is currently $105,190.23 of unallocated funds.

The Vice President for Student Entertainment Owen Hebda reported that they are beginning the process of the next campus concert.

The Vice President for Student Leadership Michael Delorge reported that he has reached out to the Career Center and Auxiliary Services in hopes of finding guest speakers for future GSS meetings. This week, Delorge will finalize a survey that will be sent out to students.

Wilde Stein representative Kristina Belaya reported that meetings will occur from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the multicultural center on Fridays this semester.

An act to allocate funds to the Franco-American Resource Opportunity Group was proposed in the amount of $2,250 for their trip to Quebec and would pay for lodging and travel expenses. This act was approved by the senate unanimously.

Another act was proposed to allocate funds to the Men’s Volleyball Club in the amount of $5,450 for their tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. This would pay for airfare, lodging and registration. The act was approved by the senate unanimously.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, the General Student Senate (GSS) held a meeting where they voted for multiple acts and discussed the upcoming faculty senate meeting regarding Maine Day.

The meeting began with the appointment of Dylan Leeman as a new student senator.

Next, fourth-year GSS President Alyssa Ciasullo gave her executive report detailing the various meetings and issues that she attended.

“We will be producing a resolution with policy and procedure to support the betterment of Lengyel Field for recreational sports and use, and you will be seeing that in the near future. I have been spending most of my office hours recently looking into the Maine Day situation, and producing a written statement with our lawyer Sean O’Mara for News Center Maine. I am also producing a speech for the faculty senate meeting tomorrow… so that I can really represent you all,” Ciasullo said.

Next, Vice President of Student Leadership Michael Delorge reported the winners of the student leadership scholarship: Jessica Cleary-Reuning, Steffi Victoria, Grace Fuller, Hunter Lizzotte and Tamra Benson.

Delorge also met with the MaineCard office this week and has started the process of adding emergency numbers for the suicide hotline, St. Joseph Hospital and UMaine Police Department to the back of MaineCards starting in the fall 2023 semester.

Faculty senate student representative Jacob Chaplin spoke of the Maine Day discussion taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the faculty senate meeting. In this meeting the faculty senate will be voting on whether or not to recommend to the administration that classes should be canceled on April 26, 2023.

The Commuter and Non-Traditional Students representative reported that they will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. in the Commuter Lounge.

Honors College representative Kate Kemper reported the success of the fall formal, as well as the start of donations for their “It’s Personal” campaign. They are looking for personal care products such as soap, shampoo, razors and menstrual products. Products must be sealed and preferably individually wrapped.

Sustainability and Environment Action Division representative Nara Narith reported that they are currently looking to implement a new design on recycling bins outside of residence halls and other areas on campus. If anyone has ideas or questions about this process please contact Narith at nara.narith@maine.edu.

Feminist Collective representative Megan Keast reported that next week is Maine Recycles Week, and there will be a sustainable menstrual products presentation in the FFA room Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m.

The Wilde Stein representative reported that Gay Thanksgiving is taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 4-6 p.m. in the North Pod in the Memorial Union. On Sunday, Nov. 20, there will be a candle lit vigil taking place outside Fogler Library to remember the many transgender people who were killed in the past year.

The senate unanimously passed an act to allocate $1,638 to the Black Student Union to visit the Black History Museum in Boston. The funds will help with the trip’s housing, train tickets and bus tickets.

Another act to urge the University of Maine to formally recognize Election Day as an academic holiday was brought before the senate for a roll call vote. This act was passed through the senate last week, but the cabinet vetoed it. In order to override the cabinet veto, it must pass the senate with a two-thirds vote in the majority, which ultimately passed.

The final order of the senate was to spend 10 minutes discussing a Maine Day rebrand and potential service ideas. Issues of transparency were brought up on accounts of both the Faculty Senate and the Student Senate.