Preserve University Park Family Housing
University of Maine Administration
“With a mix of students and faculty/staff, and a large number of residents from other countries and states, University Park is an extremely diverse community. As neighbors to people of many different cultures, races, ages, religions, backgrounds, and abilities, residents have a unique opportunity to participate in a truly multidimensional living environment. Particularly for children growing up in an ever-changing and increasingly shrinking world, this experience will prove invaluable. In the interests of celebrating both diversity and community, all residents are strongly encouraged to get to know their neighbors.”
—University Park Manual
Sponsored by
To:
University of Maine Administration
From:
[Your Name]
We, the residents of University Park, along with our friends, families, and allies, seek to preserve University Park Family Housing and collaborate with the university to find long-term solutions upholding the values of family, affordability, inclusivity, and community. With the present housing study evaluating campus housing we recognize that this is a watershed moment to protect our families and secure the future of this proud tradition at Maine’s flagship university.
We ask the university to pledge the following:
We will preserve University Park Family Housing. UPark is an honorable institution providing homes to families, especially international students, many of whom would have been otherwise unable to pursue their education at the University of Maine.
We will prioritize affordability. True to the original vision of University Park, housing will be provided at cost to residents. In the highly competitive housing market in the area, the university’s tax-exempt status renders it uniquely positioned to provide affordable homes to families navigating the many financial strains of our time.
We recognize that University Park residents are unique. The buildings at University Park are not mere dormitories, they are homes. Children live here. These units have profound meaning in peoples' lives. Residents require special care and consideration.
We will not evict or move any students and families. Students will be permitted to complete their program at their present location. The sudden loss of apartments disrupts lives, causes financial strain, and disrupts invaluable community ties.
We will establish clear and consistent communication with residents. We will send regular updates directly to residents concerning any news, plans, or developments regarding University Park.
We will hold in-person town halls at the University Park Community Center. We will include regular in-person town halls at the University Park Community Center to keep residents informed of plans and listen to concerns.
We will include residents in planning University Park’s future. We recognize that residents of University Park have unique, nuanced, and valuable input. We call for an inclusive decision-making process that prioritizes their perspectives and involves them in plans for the future development of University Park. They can help families who will one day call University Park their home.
---
When University Park opened in 1961, then-president Lloyd H. Elliot explained:
In providing University Park at cost to married students, the University simply chooses to render a service in order that more students may complete their education. Hundreds of colleges take no responsibility for housing of such students; the university of Maine has chosen to help the married student continue [their] education.
We ask the University of Maine to honor that pledge for the generations of families that follow.