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ETHOS
We are Facing the Most Critical Environmental Issues in Human History. Unity College is Dedicated to Educating Tomorrow’s Generation of Environmental Professionals to Ensure the Earth’s Wildlife, Resources, & Inhabitants Survive. It’s Time for Action.
Is Unity College Where You Belong?
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INTRODUCTION
The Time is Now.
The world needs problem solvers and stewards of the earth.
Something big is on the horizon. At Unity College, we know it. Our climate. Our planet. Our lives and our future. All of it is on the line, and time is running out.
“ There are populations—right here in the U.S. and all over the world— who do not see sustainability careers as a viable option. I want to better understand how to reach those communities, those people, and show them how professional environmental careers are attainable, socially valued, and economically rewarding in a global economy.”
What’s your role? Undaunted by the challenge. Uncompromising in your goals. Unrelenting as you strive to inspire change in how the world thinks, learns, and acts. Tomorrow is waiting for that new solution. It’s waiting for you at Unity College.
- Dr. Melik Peter Koury President of Unity College
OUR CAMPUS Unity College is ideally located for studying the environment.
++3,500 miles of coastline
++225 acres in midcoast Maine
++90 minutes north of Portland
++17 million acres of forest ++32,000 miles of rivers & streams
++45 minutes south of Bangor ++3.5 hours north of Boston
++6,000 lakes & ponds
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y SCIENCE FRAMEWORK
A New Approach to Education
Revolutionary. Unity College educates visionary leaders, problem solvers, and stewards of the earth.
Sustainability Science. It’s about understanding the complexity of interactions among economy, society, and nature to develop concrete solutions to the problems threatening the very survival of humanity.
TerraHaus, the first passive solar residence hall in the country, is now the Student Success Center.
“ Unity’s dedication to conservation through sustainability science GAVE ME an edge.” - Tiffany DeMell ’15
UNITY COLLEGE’S BEAR STUDY
W E C R E AT E THE CUTTING EDGE
The Unity College Bear Study is a perfect example of Sustainability Science in action.
When it comes to creating the cutting edge of Sustainability Science, that’s what we’re about.
++ First study of its kind in the U.S. to directly involve undergraduates from multiple majors. ++ Students handle bears, perform DNA blood analysis, and conduct bear collar-tracking. ++ 70 students participated in the study the first year with high ongoing student interest. After the recent release of Unity College’s Three-Year Report–offering remarkable new insights on the lives of black bears in Maine–the study has gained national attention.
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++ Unity College was the first in the nation to introduce sustainability science as an educational framework. ++ Unity College has signed a national pledge to strive for a carbon neutral campus. ++ Unity College was the first college in America to divest from fossil fuel investments, sparking a national movement. ++ Unity College employs sustainability staff who work daily to minimize our environmental impact.
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P R O B L E M D R I V E N, SOLUTIONS FOCUSED
Dirt Washes Off, Desire Doesn’t
Classrooms are great. But without meaningful action, knowledge just kind of sits there. Do you want to talk about ways to solve environmental problems, or do you want to sink your hands into a coastline habitat and find the solution yourself?
“ This is a really unique Research project that I would not have gotten at a bigger school. It’s a very special opportunity that we have here.” - Natalie Ameral ‘15 Marine Biology Major from Thorndike, Maine, about field research on tardigrades
DISCOVERING A NEW SPECIES
P R O B L E M D R I V E N, SOLUTIONS FOCUSED
Unity College team discovers a new species of tardigrade.
++ Our students and faculty work with cutting-edge technology in fields, forests, lakes, rivers, oceans, and mountains.
Unity College professor Dr. Emma Perry, aided by her students, discovered a new species, the news of which garnered global attention. Tardigrades, or “water bears,” are microscopic animals that can live in extreme conditions. ++ Understanding the biology of tardigrades has made a significant impact on our understanding of animal physiology, evolution, development, and ecology. ++ Studying tardigrades is important because it could help with understanding biodiversity loss, global warming, and other environmental issues.
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Purposeful Action Drives Innovation We’re about letting our passion and purpose drive innovation. In the lab. In the field. In the world. Because that’s what is takes when it comes to solving the earth’s environmental issues. Action.
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++ Our faculty are leading national research efforts into things like the effects of acid rain on lakes throughout the Northeastern U.S. ++ Unity College alumni are recognized as visionary leaders in everything from climate change research, to art, to media and marketing, to adventure tourism. ++ Our small classroom size and low student-to-faculty ratio (12:1) allow students to excel.
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TRANSDISCIPLINARY STUDY
Shattering Barriers, Creating Real Solutions
We solve problems together. Our individual programs are great, but the real magic happens when you pull them all together to solve a real-world problem no one else could crack. That’s what we do at Unity College.
“Global environmental issues will soon come to rest on the shoulders of this generation. graduates can expect job opportunities in these fields to be abundant in the coming decade.”
A College of Distinction Our approach to environmental education earned us a place in the 2016-2017 Colleges of Distinction guide.
- Gunnar Norback ’17 Earth and Environmental Sciences Major from Cheshire, Connecticut
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y SCIENCE IN ACTION
UNITY COLLEGE’S RESEARCH ON ALLEN ISLAND
++ Wildlife biologists need to understand the economics behind Maine’s annual bear hunt.
++ Teams of Unity College students and faculty are engaged in a variety of research projects.
++ Journalists reporting about the impact of climate change on coastline habitats must have a deep knowledge of the science involved.
++ Biodiversity baseline studies exploring the effects of global climate change on Maine’s coast.
his is the kind of thinking, learning, T acting, and problem solving that will characterize tomorrow’s generation of environmental leaders.
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++ Study the impacts of rockweed harvesting on the islands invertebrate species. Our students’ work and findings help develop effective strategies to mitigate global climate change and man’s impact on the marine ecosystem.
In a recent alumni survey, 92% of graduates who responded have secured a full-time job or are enrolled in graduate school.
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I N C L U S I V E, D I V E R S E COMMUNITY
Diverse Individuals Sharing a Common Purpose
“Togetherness” often rings false. But when you believe in something as deeply as the person standing next to you, there’s nothing false about it. We’re not claiming every night is a campfire and Kumbaya, but every person on our campus is real. We share ideas and inspire new ones. We are inclusive in our common purpose to protect the environment.
“we embrace our differences and show support for those of our friends and classmates who may need a greater degree of understanding than maybe they had been shown elsewhere.” - Autumn Kanakis ‘18 Captive Wildlife Care and Education Major
AN UNCOMMON SENSE OF COMMUNITY We agree. We disagree. We solve. We come from every corner of the globe. ++ We’re preservationists. ++ We’re conservationists. ++ We’re different, yet alike in our common purpose. That’s the magic of our campus culture. We like to call it an inclusive diversity. Because no matter how varied our life experiences may be, we share a common purpose and spirit that will never quit.
“Unity College is about being able to be different. Urban or rural, women or men, foreign or local. It’s OK to be different. That’s the meaning of Unity. Let’s embrace it. Let’s enjoy it. Your difference will be respected here.” -Dr. Melik Peter Khoury President, Unity College
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IT’S TIME FOR ACTION
Are You the Solution? It’s a big question. A powerful question. It’s a question all Unity College students have asked themselves at some point. At Unity College, they’re living their answer. THE WORLD IS TA K I N G N O T I C E
A NEW KIND OF E N V I R O N M E N TA L LEADER
No other college in the nation takes such a radically logical approach to higher education as we do.
The world needs a new kind of environmental leader. It needs well-rounded visionaries who go beyond conserving nature and instead bring science, technology, and passion in an unrelenting pursuit of new solutions.
++ In 2015, we experienced a 20 percent increase in the number of first-time freshman students on campus. ++ Recently we added more faculty and staff than at any other time in our history. ++ Between 2014 and 2016, we built three new student residences that meet LEED Silver standards. ++ In 2016, we invested in student success support initiatives including a new collaborative learning center.
That’s the kind of leader we’ve been giving to the world for over half a century.
Unity College. Come Join Us and Be the Solution.
INTERNSHIPS
CAREERS
Jacob Gaposckin ‘17
++Zach Schmesser ’08, Founder/Owner of New England Portable Showers
Bear Biology Research Intern, Denali National Park, Alaska Jacob is working with Denali National Park Bear Biologist and Unity College alum Greg Colligan to assist in bear biology research, public education, and habitat monitoring. Caitlyn Connolly ‘19
Field Assistant, Lillehammer University College, Norway
++Carol Moulton ’04, Environmental Investigator III, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Forth Worth, TX ++Gale Gennaro ’78, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Providence College, RI ++Bryan Gorsira ’86, Natural Resource Program Manager, National Park Service, VA ++Aaron Liberty ’01, Senior Fish Biologist, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
Caitlyn’s internship involved researching breeding phenology and breeding successes of a few Tit species as well as Pied Flycatchers.
++Molly McCarthy ’11, Research Professional, University of Alaska, AK
Hannah Grassman ‘18
++Bethany Yates ’14, Zookeeper, Zoo New England, MA
Horticulturist, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC While working closely with a team of horticulturists and gardeners responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of seasonal and permanent plantings in diverse conditions, Hannah learned about cultivation and maintenance practices of a broad range of plants.
In the Middle of Everywhere For students passionate about the environment, Unity College is an exceptional place for adventure and discovery.
++Brett, Bowser ’04, GIS Coordinator, Maine Department of Transportation, ME
++Shelby Hall ’15, Preserve Management Assistant, The Nature Conservancy, TX ++Dave Legere ’98, Owner of Aquaterra Adventures and Legere Construction, ME ++Merlin Benner ’89, President, Wildlife Specialists LLC, PA
unity.edu/internships
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IS UNITY COLLEGE WHERE YOU BELONG?
Visit Unity College
It’s time for you to come to Unity College; see what we mean, up close and personal. Tour our 225-acre campus, see research in action, take in a class, grab a meal with students in Wyman Commons, plus learn about our admissions process and financial aid. Learn More About America’s Environmental College:
Visit Unity throughout the year The best time to visit is while classes are in session. You will see the campus in action, meet current students, and chat with faculty.
unity.edu/visit 1.800.624.1024 If You Are a Senior, It’s Time to Apply. unity.edu/apply I N N OVAT I V E PROGRAMS AND LEADERS
ABOUT UNITY COLLEGE
Unity College offers 16 environmentally-focused majors:
Unity College is leading the way as America’s Environmental College.
++ Adventure Therapy
++ Founded in 1965
++ Adventure-Based Environmental Education
++ 16 environmentally-focused majors
++ Art and Environment
++ An average class size of just 19
++ Biology ++ Captive Wildlife Care and Education ++ Conservation Law Enforcement ++ Earth and Environmental Science ++ Environmental Policy, Law, and Society ++ Environmental Writing and Media Studies ++ Marine Biology ++ Parks and Forest Resources
++ A student-teacher ratio of 12:1 ++ Weekly labs, class-based projects, and field research ++ Intercollegiate men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, and women’s volleyball ++ A campus surrounded by woodlands, fields, mountains, and Maine’s rocky Atlantic coast ++ Tuition rates 18 percent below the national average
++ Secondary Education ++ Sustainable Agriculture ++ Sustainable Energy Management ++ Wildlife and Fisheries Management ++ Wildlife Biology
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IT’S TIME FOR ACTION
Apply to Unity College
Admission to Unity College is a highly personal and individualized process. We’d like to get to know you and help you on your way.
I M P O R TA N T DEADLINES
A P P LY I N G T O U N I T Y IS FREE
Student applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis beyond these dates:
While we base acceptance on your academic achievement, including grade-point average and class rank, that’s not all. We also look at your extracurricular and co-curricular involvement, work experience, special talents, application essay, letters of recommendation—and, of course, your demonstrated motivation to succeed and help solve real-world problems.
++ Early Action - December 15 ++ Regular Admission - February 15 ++ Transfer (fall) - June 15 ++ Transfer (spring) - December 15
Learn More About America’s Environmental College unity.edu 1.800.624.1024
Two ways to apply: 1. The Common Application 2. Unity.edu
CHECKLIST FOR JUNIORS
CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS
January - February
September–October:
Visit Unity College March -April Attend Spring Open House May-June Meet with Guidance Counselor to Evaluate Scholarship Opportunities July-August
Submit Your Application for Admission Attend Instant Admissions Day Attend Fall Open House October–February: Submit Your FAFSA March–April: Receive Financial Aid Award
Attend Summer Saturday
Attend Spring Open House
Attend Unity College Summer Program
Attend New Student Experience Day
September-October Use our Net Price Calculator Start Searching for Scholarships Attend Fall Open House
Submit Enrollment Deposit May–June: Complete Housing and Health Forms Sign Up for Nova Wilderness Trip Apply for Loans Process Application for Installment Payment Plan July–August: Submit First Payment Enjoy Your Nova Trip!
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