In the Northeastern-most state of the United States, Maine, a university with a unique history operates two campuses: one in Biddeford and the other in Portland. The history of the University of New England can be traced back to the end of the Depression era, when two leaders in local Maine churches decided to create a high school and junior college facility for male students. They called this institution the College Seraphique. In the 1950s, the school board members opted to change the institution’s name to something more traditional and called it St. Francis College after the Franciscan friars. Gradually, the high school element of the school was eliminated and women were allowed to attend.
The school faced trouble in the 1970s when enrollment in many Maine colleges dropped sharply. To compensate, the school merged with the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and changed its name to the University of New England. Years later, another college, Westbrook College, closed its doors and merged its staff with the University of New England. Westbrook College’s campus became the second campus of the University of New England in Portland, Maine.
With recent donations, the school has expanded once again by building a large athletic and fitness center on its main campus. The new sporting arena will contain a basketball court, a fitness center, classrooms for fitness courses, practice courts for multiple athletic purposes, and an indoor ice hockey rink.
University of New England
Academics
The University of New England offers college-level courses that can be taken either on-campus or using the college’s online education software. Many students choose to forego the commute to the University of New England campus and, instead, pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree from the comfort of their own homes.
The degree programs offered at the University of New England are numerous. Students can choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in several different liberal arts major areas of study, a master’s degree, or a doctorate degree at either of the University of New England’s campuses. Many students choose to simply pursue a career certificate using one of UNE’s many one-year certification programs.
Today, the only medical school in the state of Maine is located on the University of New England’s campus. When the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine merged and became the University of New England, it maintained its high standards of education in the medical field. Roughly a quarter of the graduates from this medical school program become primary care physicians in or near Biddeford, Maine.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at University of New England.
The University of New England has partnered with the Israel College in Israel to offer students the chance to study abroad. Students who attend the Israel College through the University of New England partnership program are mostly nursing students. Students in this program will receive real-life experience treating a wide variety of disorders and diseases.
The University of New England also offers a unique set of certification programs. These programs are designed for students who are incapable of attending school full-time or otherwise incapable of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The certification programs can often be completed in less than a year. These programs provide concrete, practical knowledge and hone specific skills that can be used in a career. Students who graduate from the career certification programs at University of New England often immediately enter the work force.
University of New England
Admissions
The University of New England sees a new student population of over a thousand students each year. In the past decade, total enrollment has surged to well over seven thousand students. Students from across the New England area are applying to the nursing, dental hygienist, medical, and liberal arts programs offered at the University of New England. As such, admission is very competitive.
Students should begin the application process immediately following their Junior year of high school. The application can be completed online. Those who choose not to fill out an online application can apply in person at the school or mail or fax their application to the admissions department. However, these students may be required to supply a processing fee with their application.
The application for admission consists of several parts. Initially, the school requires students to submit their official high school transcripts as well as an official documentation of their SAT or ACT scores. All students must submit these documents to be considered for admission. Students can also submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation from academic and personal advisors and leaders. Including these in the application will give a student a competitive edge in the application process.
University of New England
Students
Both of the campuses of the University of New England are positioned along the gorgeous United States coastline. Students live in on-campus housing or off-campus in shared student apartments or individual living arrangements. A large portion of the school’s student body consists of on-campus residents; however, many students do choose to make the commute if they are enrolled in courses at both campuses.
Students are very close to important American cities such as Boston and New York City. Proximity to these cities provides students with a unique opportunity to absorb a wide array of cultural, historical and educational experiences. Students often organize weekend trips to the surrounding metropolises to experience big city shopping, dining, and arts.
Students on campus are very actively involved in a wide variety of clubs and organizations. These clubs range from academic societies like the Nursing Club, Dental Hygiene Club and Literary Arts Club to recreational clubs like hiking clubs, camping clubs, and dance clubs. Many students are also involved in social activist groups such as the Gay-Straight Alliance or Habitat for Humanity.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at University of New England?
The varsity teams at the University of New England are given the nickname the “Nor’Easters.” The Nor’Easters compete in a variety of college-level athletics. Men can play on varsity teams such as the basketball, soccer, and cross country teams. Women also compete in a variety of sports including field hockey, basketball and lacrosse.
Students may also compete in intramural sports if they do not wish to play on the varsity teams. Intramural sporting tournaments occur throughout both semesters on the main University of New England campus. Softball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Flag Football are all intramural sporting events.
Bibliography
National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare Data: Customized Maps and Data.NCAHD, 2011. Web. 20 May 2011. <http://ncahd.org>.
Peterson’s Guide to Colleges in New England 1998. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s, 1997. Print.
University of New England. UNE, 2011. Web. 20 May 2011. <http://www.une.edu>.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
University of New England 394th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Maine scholarships and financial aid
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