I am a graduate student in the American and New England Studies master’s program at the University of Southern Maine, and the future of my education is now a tenuous one.

Since the University of Maine System board of trustees has voted to eliminate this program, along with two others, why have I – a student, and a paying customer of this institution – not received notice on what the future will hold for my education? Where is the plan informing us students how USM intends to finish out our education in an efficient and effective way?

When I was accepted into American and New England Studies, I took on the challenge under the assumption that I’d have the professors and their knowledge base to lead me through my studies.

Now I read in newspapers that the program has been eliminated. So, I ask USM: Where is my letter informing me on my future as a student? Is this how you practice business?

The university system trustees, the president of USM and the administration of the university system should be ashamed of themselves.

I’ve heard many times from the trustees that they think higher education should be run following a business model. In fact, one trustee said it should be like Netflix.

Well, tell me: Where is your action plan that allows us to have the best education while teaching us out? I have many questions I want answered, but who can or will answer them? Am I not a paying customer?

The student loans I have accrued, which will plague me for the next 10 years, are proof enough of my commitment to my education and your institution. So tell me, where is your commitment to me?

Be ashamed, USM: You have shirked your responsibility to us paying customers.

David Jester

Brunswick

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