The University of Maine is the principal research and graduate institution of the state of Maine. It offers a comprehensive program of undergraduate study that is enriched by the resources of its university setting. The university is one of seven institutions in the University of Maine System; each institution complements and collaborates with the others in the System to fulfill the needs of public higher education in the state of Maine. The University of Maine has statewide responsibility for those educational, research, and public service programs associated with its designation as Maine's land-grant university and sea-grant college. In the spirit of its land-grant heritage, the university is committed to the creation and dissemination of knowledge to improve the lives of its students and Maine citizens in their full social, economic, and cultural diversity.

The University of Maine offers a competitive and intellectually challenging experience for its students in degree programs from the baccalaureate level through the doctorate. Undergraduate education, with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences that guides the intellectual and ethical development of the university's students, continues to be central to its teaching mission. Professional education in a wide range of disciplines, including programs unique within the state in engineering, the sciences, natural resources, teacher education, business, and human resources, meets student and societal needs. Graduate education, with special emphasis on programs that address the current and future needs of Maine citizens, and in selected areas in which the University of Maine can make significant national and international contributions, supports the research missions of the university, provides advanced training, and educates the next generation of teachers and researchers.

The university recognizes the increasingly global context of economic, social, scientific, technological, and political issues, as well as the evolving multicultural dimensions of contemporary society. Through teaching, basic and applied research, and public service activities, the University of Maine contributes to the economic, social and cultural life of Maine citizens. With programs that are national and international in scope, the university is also a major resource for Maine in the increasingly interdependent world community.

The university is committed to developing and sustaining a multicultural and pluralistic educational community that encourages the full participation of all of its members. An attractive campus and quality cultural, social, recreational, and athletic programs are offered to complement and extend the learning environment.