University of New England

May I talk with a current student about my program?
Incoming and prospective students often have questions they would like to ask our current students. We would be happy to put you in contact with one of our students; however, University policy does not allow us to give anyone the telephone number of a current student. Instead, we will have a current student contact you. You may contact the COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services at 207-602-2329 or comsa@une.edu. We will take your name, telephone number, and E-mail address and have a current student contact you.

Can I talk with an alumnus about my program?
Current, incoming, and prospective students may be put in contact with an alumnus. Please follow the guidelines in the previous question.

Can my spouse/partner talk with a current student's spouse/partner?
Spouses and partners have just as many questions as their students do. Please follow the guidelines in the previous question. A spouse/partner of one of our current students will contact you.

If there is ever an emergency, how can my spouse/partner/family contact me?
Your spouse/partner/family can contact the COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services at 207-602-2329. Depending on the nature of the emergency, our staff will either locate you in your class or bring a message to your note service box.

What do I have to have for books? When should I get them?
This information will be sent to all incoming students during the summer. Students should also consult the College of Osteopathic Medicine's homepage for further information.

Do I need to have diagnostic equipment before I arrive?
Purchasing diagnostic equipment prior to your arrival is not necessary. There will be an opportunity to examine and purchase diagnostic equipment from vendors who come to campus. This will occur within the first couple weeks of classes. Additional information will be posted, as it becomes available, on the class webpage.

How can I find a place to live?
Students can get information from the Housing and Residence Life Office, located in East Residence Hall. You may contact the office at Housing-Office@une.edu or 207-602-2272. A listing of local properties for rent from landlords/homeowners and realtors is available on-line on the Housing and Residence Life page. All students are welcome to come in to the housing office and ask to see the listing at any time during the year. The listing is regularly updated.

Other information can be found on the Internet at the following addresses:

What do I need for health immunizations? Do I have to have a health history and physical?
All incoming students are sent immunization forms upon their acceptance. This form must be completed and returned to the University prior to classes beginning. All information must be provided on the University form; information supplied by any other means (e.g., faxes, E-mail, separate pieces of paper) will not be considered acceptable and may be returned to students. If you do not complete the immunization requirements, you will not be able to attend classes until you do.

Health history and physical evaluations do not need to be completed before your arrival unless it is a specific program requirement. Some programs will require a health history and physical prior to your clinical rotations. You will receive more information as necessary.

Am I required to have health insurance? Does the University offer health insurance?
All students enrolled half-time and greater are required, by University policy, to have health insurance. Students who cannot offer proof of comparable coverage are required to purchase student health insurance through the University. Students may include family members in their student health insurance policy. More information is available from the Division of Student Affairs.

How can I get involved in life at UNE? What clubs and organizations are available to join?
Co-curricular activities enhance the academic experiences of students and provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, gain new experiences, create life balance, and meet new people with similar interests. There following are several ways to get connected:

The Student Government Association (SGA), the elected governing body for medical students at the University, recognizes and supports more than 30 clubs and organizations. These clubs and organizations often sponsor guest speakers, tours, conference trips, and socials for students interested in a particular area of medicine.

Additionally, there are a number of campus-wide organizations including the International Student Association, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender and Friends Alliance, Sea Dwellers (SCUBA), and the Outing Club. Comedians, coffee house entertainers, concerts, and other events are regularly sponsored by the Activities Program Board (APB) on the University Campus (UC) and the Student Activities Council (SAC) on the Westbrook College Campus (WCC). All of these activities are open to graduate and medical students. For more information contact the Office of Student Activities, 207-602 2447 (UC), or 207-221-4269 (WCC).

On the University Campus, the Campus Center houses a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, indoor walking/jogging track, racquet ball courts, and open gym space. A number of health and fitness programs are offered including aerobics, water aerobics, and Tai Kwon Do. General access to the Campus Center is free to full-time students, faculty and staff; but some specialty classes have a registration fee. For more information contact the Campus Center, 207-602-2438.

On the Westbrook College Campus, the Finley Recreation Center offers open gym hours, basketball and volleyball courts, indoor tennis stands, a batting cage, use of the fitness center, and step aerobics classes. Fitness assessments, blood pressure measurements, and equipment orientations programs are also offered on a regular basis. For more information contact the Finley Center, 207-221-4348.

A variety of team and individual recreation, intramural, and club sports are open to all members of the University community. These sport programs include, but are not limited to, basketball, volleyball, indoor and outdoor soccer leagues; billiards, table tennis, and wally ball tournaments; aerobics, Karate, and ice skating classes. For more information contact the Office of Recreational, Intramural, and Club Sports (UC), 207-602-2499, or the Finley Recreation Center (WCC), 207-221-4348.

What University activities and events can my spouse/partner and/or children participate in?
Family members of all ages may participate in and/or attend most campus activities including special lectures, concerts, movies, holiday programs, comedians, and trips. Although most of these events are free, in some cases there is a nominal charge for non-students. In some limited cases, events and programs are for students only. Please call ahead to the specific office, department, or organization sponsoring the event to confirm that family members or guests are welcome.

Spouses and partners of medical students are able to purchase an academic year pass to the Campus Center (UC) for $35 per month, and to the Finley Center (WCC) for $15 per month. Occasional guest passes are available at both campuses with a variety of fee options. Participation in the intramural program is also open to spouses and partners, although there is a small registration fee required. For more information contact the Office of Recreational, Intramural, and Club Sports (UC), 207-602-2499, or the Finley Center (WCC), 207-221-4348.

The Student Associate Auxiliary (SAA) is an organization for spouses and partners of medical students, and is open every year to new members. This organization assists with planning family- oriented activities, potluck dinners, socials, and other events geared toward spouses, partners and families of medical students. SAA also serves as a support network for members. At this time, there is not a similar organization for spouses, partners, and/of families of graduate students. If you are interested in starting a group, please contact our office and we will gladly assist you.

Does the University have child care or elder care?
The University does not have child care or elder care on either campus, and for legal reasons cannot recommend specific facilities. However, we have done our best to collect information about area placement services and resources that will help you find the most fitting care for your child/children or parent(s). Your orientation folder will include information about area child care placement services. We also recommend that you talk with current students, faculty, and staff who may have children or parents requiring care.

Do I have to go to orientation?
Orientation is mandatory for all new students. We believe the information provided and the interaction you have with students, faculty, and staff is vital to your success. Orientation sessions will focus on introducing you to your academic program and student services. It is also a terrific time to ask questions and acquaint yourself with the University community.

In what orientation activities can my spouse/partner and/or children be involved?
The Student Associate Auxiliary (SAA) is an organization for spouses and partners of medical students. SAA sponsors a life partner session during orientation to help spouses and partners understand the medical school environment, workload, and pressures. The Medical Partners Relationship Workshop is co-sponsored with the Orientation Committee. This interactive program provides some insight to the changes, challenges, and pleasures partners and families may experience; structured exercises to facilitate discussion; and an open forum for questions and answers.

Medical student family members, including children, are invited to attend the orientation picnic and outdoor concert. All families are invited to participate in the White Coat Ceremony and Reception held in early October. Other family-oriented programs for medical students and family members are still in development at this time, but most orientation lunches are open to spouses and partners. There may be a charge for non-students for some events. For more information contact the COM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services at comsa@une.edu or 207-602-2329.

What resources does the library have?
The University of New England Libraries provide access to over 150,000 volumes and approximately 1,300 current periodical titles. In addition to books and periodicals, a number of videos, CDs, and audio cassettes are available. Library services, including an integrated online public access catalog, Internet access stations, bibliographic instruction, reference assistance, online literature searching and interlibrary loan are available to students. Students with valid UNE IDs may borrow materials at either campus library. For more information contact Barbara Swartzlander, Director of Library Public Services, at bswartzlander@une.edu, or 207-602-2363.

What does my general services fee cover?
All students pay a general services fee. This fee covers the following student services: