The University of Maine System (UMaine System or UMS) was created in 1968 by the Maine Legislature and consists of eight institutions, each with a distinct mission and regional character. Combined, there are approximately 33,000 students enrolled at these institutions. The UMS includes every institution with a name including University of Maine, and the University of Southern Maine. Public colleges in Maine that are not part of the UMS are the Maine Maritime Academy and the members of the Maine Community College System.

The system's board of trustees consists of 16 members; 15 are appointed by the governor and approved by the Maine Legislature with the Maine Commissioner of Education serving as a member ex officio. Members are appointed for a five-year term and may be reappointed once. A student member of the board is appointed for a single two-year term.^[1]