Thinking Matters:
A Student Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Symposium
Statement of Purpose
The public exchange of ideas is a central feature of university life. The purpose of the Thinking Matters conference is to provide a public forum for USM students and invited guests to share the results of student research, and in doing so, encourage student initiative and celebrate its result. It is also our hope that within this environment of academic challenge a sense of camaraderie will befostered throughout the USM community.
Statement of Values
As members of the Academy, we believe that an annual, campus-wide conference at the University of Southern Maine be guided bythe following core values:
- That the give-and-take of ideas be the ultimate purpose of the conference, and open to all that attend.
- That the conference provides a forum where students and faculty become scholars.
- The fostering of student research and the celebration of its results.
- To encourage interaction at USM through intellectual intercourse.
- To form connections across academic disciplines through which students, faculty, and staff will encounter a richer learning experience.
- To build community at the University of Southern Maine where diverse disciplines and schools of thought work together to ensure a continued vibrancy of learning throughout southern Maine.
Being members of the Academy, we believe there is value in diversity of thought. With this in mind, it is incumbent on those charged with putting on the conference to ensure that all people and disciplines feel comfortable participating in this event.