Traditional Campus-Based Orientation

The Traditional Summer Orientation Program is designed to help new students become familiar with the campus, and receive relevant information about getting started at the University of New England. Summer Orientation Sessions include academic advising, registration for fall classes, social activities, and opportunities to meet faculty, staff, and current students and connect with other new incoming students. You will receive answers to most, if not all, of your immediate questions regarding college and life at UNE.

Sign up for one of our Trailblazer Programs that will provide a unique community service or outdoor experience!  Please note there is a fee associated with each of the Trailblazer programs.  Fee information can be found on the Registration page.

Trailblazer in the Community Overnight - $75

The Trailblazers in the Community Overnight programs will take place prior to the Traditional Campus-Based session and will end in time for students to participate in that session.

Trailblazer in the Community is a five-day program that consists of a small group of incoming first year students. The program entails student involvement in Biddeford’s surrounding communities, such as Saco and Kennebunk, and their participation in a number of community service opportunities. These include visiting elderly homes and soup kitchens, trail work, and Habitat for Humanity. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about the surrounding communities and become actively involved within them. It is also a good chance to become more acquainted with the school, while giving the students a chance to make some close friends. At the end of the third day, the group joins the traditional summer orientation program, to meet more people as they continue to expand their knowledge about the school. Overnights will be on the campus in one of the residence halls, and meals will be provided both on campus and at the volunteer sites.  Community Service is highly valued at UNE therefore; this experience is being subsidized by Biddeford and Saco Rotary, Saco Bay Rotary and UNE. 

Trailblazer One Day Community Service Program:
$10

The Trailblazer One Day Community Service Program will be a one day experience occurring bvefore the general Orientation session. 



During this program, students will provide various service projects to local organizations in the local community.

Trailblazer One Day Community Service Program:
UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center - $10

The Trailblazer One Day Community Service Program will be a one day experience occurring before the general Orientation session. 

During this program, students will provide various service projects to the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center and learn more about its programs.  On the first day, students will get a tour and orientation to the facility.  Service projects on the full day will vary based on the Center's needs at the time, but may or may not include direct contact with the marine mammals.  Space for this program is very limited.

Trailblazer Sea Canoe Overnight - $185

This program takes place prior to the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation.  The program will end in time for students to participate in the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation session.

Are you interested in meeting new friends on a true wilderness camping trip?  If so, check out Trailblazer Sea Canoe Overnight.  This is an intermediate-level outdoor learning experience partnering with the Chewonki Foundation and focusing on life at UNE.  Trained registered Maine guides along with UNE’s Trailblazer Guides will lead students through a three-day journey around the coastal waters at the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine.  Students will paddle out to island camp sites where they will spend the nights camping as a group.  While camping, students will engage with their peers and enjoy the time spent outdoors, canoeing, sleeping in tents, and cooking meals on small camp stoves.  During the trip, UNE student Trailblazer guides will lead discussions on adjusting to life at UNE.  They will also serve as friendly campus resources on everything from academics to clubs and organizations.  This is a true wilderness experience.  Students will learn about Maine’s unique coastal ecosystem and they will learn how to pack efficiently as everything must fit in the canoes.  Students should be comfortable around water and some canoeing experience is recommended though not required.  All of the needed equipment can be borrowed.  After the trip, students will return to UNE for a traditional campus-based orientation.

Trailblazer Kayak/Ropes Course Overnight - $135

This program takes place prior to the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation.  The program will end in time for students to participate in the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation session.

Are you interested in learning how to sea kayak or in meeting new friends while climbing a ropes course?  If so, check out Trailblazer Ripple Effect.  This is an entry-level two day, outdoor learning experience partnering with Ripple Effect and focusing on life at UNE.  UNE Trailblazer Guides will welcome students on campus and then transport them to Portland where they will meet up with trained Ripple Effect staff. Students will be boated out to scenic Cow Island in historic Casco Bay where they will spend the two day trip.  Cow Island is a very unique setting with multiple options for outdoor activities.  During this trip, students will spend one day doing some entry-level sea kayaking in the protected waters alongside Cow Island and another day climbing on the island’s very own ropes course.  During the trip, students will engage with their peers as they cooperate to prepare meals and carry out camp chores.  Trailblazer Guides, who are UNE students themselves, will lead discussions on adjusting to every aspect of life at UNE and serve as friendly campus resources.  Students should be comfortable around water and rope course elements, but no experience is required.  After the trip, students will return to UNE and join a traditional campus-based orientation.

Trailblazer One Day River Kayak - $30

The Trailblazer One Day River Kayak will be a one day experience occurring before the general Orientation session.

Are you interested in kayaking down the Saco River near UNE while meeting fellow new students? If so, check out Trailblazer One Day River Kayak.  This is an entry-level kayak trip down the Saco River near campus.  After the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation ends, students will undergo safety training in the pool which teaches kayak safety along with paddling techniques. After the training, students will have the opportunity to participate in team builders with their peers and the Trailblazer Guides. The next morning, after breakfast, students will be picked up on campus and boated over to Bare Knee Point Kayaks at Camp Ellis. There, they will be outfitted and take a motorboat ride up the Saco River with Captain Carl Lagerstrom as he describes the history of the river. Students will then be dropped off in view of downtown Biddeford where they will kayak out with the tide back to campus. Lunch will be provided at the Marble Head Boat Launch.  This is a great introduction to kayaking with no experience necessary.  Following the tide down the Saco River allows for a leisurely pace. Students should be comfortable around water. Throughout the entire trip, trained Trailblazer Guides as well as professional staff will be present.

Trailblazer One Day Bike - $30

The Trailblazer One Day Bike will be a one day experience occurring before the general Orientation session.

Are you interest in connecting with fellow new students while exploring Coastal Biddeford by bike?  If so, check out Trailblazer One Day Bike.  This is an entry-level bike trip designed to offer new students the opportunity to connect with peers while touring the scenic coast near UNE.  After the Traditional Campus-Based Orientation ends, students will spend the evening taking a sunset bike ride down Hills Beach Road where they will view the Saco River, Atlantic Ocean and multiple islands near campus.  After the ride, students will have the chance to participate in team builders with their peers and discuss life at UNE over a campfire setting.  The next morning, after breakfast, students will peddle off to explore Biddeford Pool, a picturesque Coastal Maine Village.  Students will become acquainted with Biddeford’s scenic oceanfront while touring Biddeford Pool, Sand Beach and Fortune’s Rocks Beach where a lunch will be provided.  The ride is meant to be recreational and will not surpass a moderate intensity level. Throughout the trip, student Trailblazer Guides and professional staff will be present to lead the group and answer questions about UNE.  Bikes can either be provided or students can bring them from home.  

Trailblazer Intercultural Excursion

The Office of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity Programs offers a two
day Intercultural Excursion to first year students from traditionally
under-represented backgrounds, as well as any first year student
interested in a cross-cultural experience. The excursion offers students
a chance to meet other incoming students as well as current UNE students
from diverse backgrounds and the program is open to all students
interested in connecting with diversity programs and opportunities at
UNE.  Join us for beachside bonfire barbeques, sightseeing excursions in
Portland, and a commercial lobster boat tour to Peak’s Island. You
will also visit the Museum of African Culture for a presentation and
hands on activity and visit Portland Headlight, the most photographed
lighthouse in the World!  At the end of the two day program, students
who did not attend Summer Orientation will participate in the General
Fall Orientation program.  The Trailblazer Intercultural Excursion
experience is offered to students who have already participated in a
Summer Session or who are participating in Fall Orientation.  For more
information, email Donna Gaspar Jarvis at dgaspar@une.edu.

Transfer Orientation

Transfer Orientation is designed to help transfer students become familiar with the campus, and receive relevant information about getting started at the University of New England. It is geared specifically for you and your individual needs!  Orientation Sessions include academic advising, registration for fall classes, social activities, and opportunities to meet current students, faculty, and staff while connecting with other transfer students. You will receive answers to most, if not all, of your immediate questions regarding college and life at UNE.  Students have the option to stay on campus or commute during Transfer Orientation.  Transfer students also have the option to attend Fall Orientation in place of Transfer Orientation.  

Once you register, be on the look out for information regarding a Trailblazer overnight program for Transfer Students!