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Campus Center and Student Involvement

Family & Friends Weekend

October
18-20
2013

Registration Information Coming Soon!

You are cordially invited by the Division of Student Affairs to join us for our Annual Family and Friends Weekend taking place between Friday, October 18th and Sunday, October 20th. A University tradition, Family and Friends Weekend is designed to welcome our extended UNE family back to campus, providing an opportunity to observe and participate in the life of our vibrant community.

Family and Friends Weekend show-cases all aspects of the University with events that include academic presentations; athletic competitions; musical and ‘magical’ entertainment; outdoor recreation opportunities; delicious seasonal food and much more!  

A complete list of events from this past year's Family & Friends Weekend can be found by scrolling down this page; click on the event title to read a description of each.

Please note events highlighted as "signature events" feature the involvement of our accomplished faculty and staff.

Please join your student for the fun and memory-making that
marks our Family and Friends Weekend. Learn with us. Laugh with us. Celebrate with us!

We look forward to seeing you!

2012 Schedule of Events

Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Friday, October 12th
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Early Registration
Campus Center Lobby

Upon arrival, visit us at the Campus Center Lobby to collect a schedule for the weekend, register for events, pick up tickets, and to enter into various raffles.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

UNE President's Reception for Family and Friends to meet Faculty and Staff  "Signature Event"
Bush Center Board Room

President Danielle Ripich cordially invites you to join her and members of the faculty and staff for conversation and refreshments. Enjoy picturesque views of the Saco while you connect with members of our campus community at this Family and Friends Weekend opening event.

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Tour of Biddeford City Theater
Biddeford City Theater

Tour Biddeford's stunning 115 year-old opera house while UNE Players prepares for a production of "Story Theater: A comedic retelling of Grim and Aesop's Fables". As the show doesn't open for another week, this is a rare opportunity to get a sneak peek at the set and to observe the inner-workings of a student production.

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Southern Maine Open Mic Night
The Hang, Campus Center

Southern Maine Open Mic Night, a student favorite, will feature some of UNE's very own artists! Family and friends are welcome to bring along their musical instruments and talents, and join us on stage for this Family and Friends Weekend Tradition.

Saturday, October 13th
8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Registration
Campus Center Lobby

Upon arrival, visit us at the Campus Center Lobby to collect a schedule for the weekend, register for events, pick up tickets, and enter into various raffles. Take time to relax after your journey and enjoy some fall Maine treats!

9:00 am - 9:45 am

Welcome Coffee hosted by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Alfond 2nd Floor Lobby

Dr. Cynthia Forrest, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Mark Nahorney, Dean of Students invite you to enjoy a cup of coffee while visiting with members of the Student Affairs Division. Featured at this reception will be the poster presentations of some exciting research engaged in by our students!

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center Tour
MARC

The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is an important division of the University of New England's Marine Science Education and Research Center. The rehabilitation facility is part of a network of centers authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. MARC works to develop the most effective means of rehabilitation, and researches the causes of marine mammal mortality and the state of the marine environment. Stop by MARC to see and learn more about this important work.

9:45am - 10:45 am

Provost and Deans' Panel "UNE An Innovative Health Sciences University Grounded in Liberal Arts"
Alfond 113 "Signature Event"

Please join Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jack Williams and the Deans of UNE's Colleges as they discuss the rich array of academic offerings and the unique opportunities for students found at the University of New England. The panelists include: Dr. Jeanne Hey, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. James Koebl, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine; Dr. Tim Ford , Interim Dean of the Westbrook College of Health Professions; Dr. Jean Woodward, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions, College of Pharmacy.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Harold Alfond Forum Tours
Harold Alfond Forum

The Harold Alfond Forum, which opened in August of 2012, is an impressive 105,000-square-foot athletics complex featuring: an ice hockey rink with 900 seats; a basketball court with 1,200 seats; classroom space; a fitness center; an eatery; and multi-purpose indoor practice courts that can also be used for performances and other events. Altogether, the Alfond Forum has a combined seating capacity of 3,000! Also housing the Athletic Training and Applied Exercise Science programs which have custom-designed teaching and laboratory space, this is a facility you'll definitely want to see. Be among the earliest visitors to receive a tour of the Alfond Forum.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Annual Family & Friends Craft Fair
Campus Center Gym

Start your holiday shopping early! UNE and community artisans will present crafts produced with a number of different materials for your purchase. Jewelry, paper products, knitted items, home goods and more!

10:00 am -11:30 am

Saco River Boat Tour *
Meet at Boat House

This leisurely ride will allow you to see the University grounds and the Saco and Biddeford from a different perspective. There will be lots of opportunity to hear the history of this area and view the river's wildlife. Must sign-up in advance through University Tickets or at the Registration Table in the Campus Center Lobby.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saco River Kayak Excursion *
Meet at Boat House

A great way to get out and explore the beautiful Saco River and see campus from a different perspective start with a motorboat ride up the Saco River, while hearing about the history of the local area. From a point just below the dams in Saco, you'll hop into a kayak and have a leisurely paddle back to campus with the tides. Must sign-up in advance through University Tickets or at the Registration Table in the Campus Center Lobby.

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Department of Environmental Wilderness Tour/Hike "Signature Event"
Meet at Welcome Cottage

Dr. Noah Perlut holds a Ph.D. in National Resources with a concentration in Wildlife Biology from the University of Vermont. His research studies the joint ecological and evolutionary consequences of using human-managed habitats as wildlife habitats. Locally, Dr. Perlut's research includes the study of grey squirrel ecology on campus, and on evaluating the marsh bird communities on the Saco River.

11:00 am - 11:45 am

"Perspectives from a Libyan Scholar: Preparing Our Students for an Interconnected 21st Century World." "Signature Event"
by Dr. Ali Ahmida
Alfond 106

Dr. Ahmida holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Washington. His research interests include political theory, comparative politics, and the historical sociology of power, agency, and anti-colonial resistance in North Africa, especially modern Libya. Dr. Ahmida's expertise are regularly sought out by the media, including news outlets such as NPR, the Associated Press, and the New York Times.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center Tour
MARC

The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is an important division of the University of New England's Marine Science Education and Research Center. The rehabilitation facility is part of a network of centers authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. MARC works to develop the most effective means of rehabilitation, and researches the causes of marine mammal mortality and the state of the marine environment. Stop by MARC to see and learn more about this important work.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Women's Volleyball: Eastern Connecticut vs. Southern Maine
Harold Alfond Forum
11:00 am - 11:45 am

"Integrated Health Science Curriculum: Introduction to Health Profession & Scholarly Inquiry" "Signature Event"
by Dawne-Marie Dunbar
Alfond 205

Professor Dunbar is an Associate Professor of Nursing, Clinical Simulation Coordinator, and the Common Interprofessional Curriculum Coordinator at the University of New England. Her clinical/direct care experience includes competencies in trauma, pediatrics, neurology, orthopedic, open heart/cardiac/vascular, and general surgery. As a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), she's also a supervisor of nurse interns, surgical scrub students, and medical students.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Fall Feast with singer-songwriter
Jason Levasseur *
Upper Cafe, Decary Hall

Join us for our annual lunch with Family and Friends Weekend favorite Jason Levasseur. Enjoy your lunch while Jason plays some of his original hits.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Saco River Boat Tour *
Meet at Boat House

This leisurely ride will allow you to see the University grounds and the Saco and Biddeford from a different perspective. There will be lots of opportunity to hear the history of this area and view the river's wildlife. Must sign-up in advance through University Tickets.

12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Family Photos with the Photography Club and Nor'Easter News
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center

Come capture your Family and Friends weekend experience with a photo.

12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Spin Arts Frisbees and Pumpkin Decorating
Mutipurpose Rooms, Campus Center

A Family and Friends Weekend tradition! Professional caricature artists will be here to capture your best side.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Men's Soccer: UNE vs. Nichols- APB CODE BLUE!!!
Hazard Fields
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Women's Voleyball: UNE vs. Eastern Connecticut
Harold Alfond Forum
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Saco River Boat Tour *
Meet at Boat House

This leisurely ride will allow you to see the University grounds and the Saco and Biddeford from a different perspective. There will be lots of opportunity to hear the history of this area and view the river's wildlife. Must sign-up in advance through University Tickets or at the Registration Table in the Campus Center Lobby.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Open Labs

  • "Record the electrical activity of your heart while examining actual specimens." - Morgane 109 By Scott Dube
  • Dr. Sulikowski's undergraduate student research on sharks, skates and sturgeon - Marine Science Center 116 By James Sulikowski
  • slime! Who said chemistry isn't fun? Come tour the chemistry labs and prepare a polymer slime using materials found around the house. Appropriate for all ages! - Morgane 206 By Steven Johnson
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center Tour
MARC

The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is an important division of the University of New England's Marine Science Education and Research Center. The rehabilitation facility is part of a network of centers authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. MARC works to develop the most effective means of rehabilitation, and researches the causes of marine mammal mortality and the state of the marine environment. Stop by MARC to see and learn more about this important work.

 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Women's Volleyball: UNE vs. Southern Maine
Harold Alfond Forum
 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Women's Soccer: UNE vs. Nichols- APB CODE BLUE!!!
Hazard Fields
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Lobster Dinner *
Upper Cafeteria, Decary Hall

Enjoy a Maine classic! Dinner in our dining room with fresh Maine lobster as the "Maine Course." (Regular menu items are still available as well for those not wanting lobster) Pre-registration is required for lobster by Friday 10/5/12 You cannot purchase lobster at the door.

 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Activities Programming Board Presents: Magician Peter Boie!
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Activities Programming Board Presents: Prize Casino
Campus Center Gym

Try your luck at our mock casino, where you can win one of nearly $1000 in prizes! Prizes will be drawn at 9:30pm.

 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Activities Programming Board Presents: Bingo
Alfond 106 and 205
 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Activities Programming Board presents: Magician Peter Boie!
Multipurpose Rooms, Campus Center
Sunday, October 14th
8:00 am - 10:00 am

Fitness Fun Run/Walk/Bike
Around Campus

Local Maps will be available with marked off, running and walking loops. Bikes will be available to rent.

8:00 am - 10:00 am

Class of 2013 Fundraiser Breakfast at Buffleheads
Buffleheads Restaurant

Come support the senior class for a pancake breakfast at Bufflehead's. Cost is $7 per person. Buffleheads Restaurant, 122 Hills Beach Road

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Jazz Breakfast *
Upper Cafe, Decary Hall

Enjoy the smooth sounds of a jazz band and scrumptious breakfast.

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Farmers Market
Campus Center Circle

Sponsored by Activities Program Board and Environmental Movements and Social Change ENV 340

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saco River Excursion *
Boat House

A great way to get out and explore the beautiful Saco River and see campus from as different perspective though this guided kayak trip. Your trip will start with a motorboat ride up the Saco River, while hearing about the history of the local area. At just below the dams in Saco, hop into a kayak and have a leisurely paddle back to campus with the tides. Must sign up in advance through the box office.

* Denotes an event that participants need to register for ahead of time.

Need a place to stay?  Refer to this page with a listing of local accommodations.

Questions? 

Please contact:
Campus Center and Student Involvement
207-602-2346
Kim Hatch