Get Involved
Being part of the UNE community means being involved. There are plenty of ways to get involved on the Biddeford Campus. From playing on one of the University’s 18 athletic teams, to joining one of the many available clubs and organizations, to attending events and lectures, your involvement in campus life can be as extensive as you want it to be.
Clubs and Organizations
Meeting with students and faculty outside of the classroom is part of what makes a college experience personally meaningful. With more than 100 clubs and organizations from which to choose, you’re sure to find a place where you belong. Whatever your interest — whether it is academics or theater, community-based service or LGBTQ issues, student government or club sports, figure skating or surfing — you’re sure to find like-minded students and faculty eager to share in your passion.
Christina Genuario ’20
Why UNE
All the students in my program are very connected to each other. I feel safe and comfortable speaking in every classroom. The professors are supportive of learning and seem interested in what they do. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of things that are related to occupational therapy, and I appreciate how much we get out of our learning.
I really like how people are willing to reach out to each other. I wasn’t expecting that coming north from Rhode Island. I had this idea that it would be more conservative here, but I’ve found a lot of connections that I didn’t expect. I really appreciate everyone at UNE’s ability to be there for each other. I feel like there is a lot of understanding between people.
Welcoming Community
UNE has so many programs, clubs, and other things happening. One of the biggest things for me has been getting involved. Once I was doing more than just passively going to my classes, I found that I was having a much more enriching experience. It’s great to be involved in clubs and around campus, making connections outside of your major.
For me, Alliance is one of those big things. I became involved my sophomore year. I had seen flyers around campus and heard about the club, but…I was nervous that my roommates would find out about my sexuality. Once I got the courage and put myself out there more, I started going to Alliance meetings, and the sense of community was fantastic.
Alliance is based on forming a community on campus where people feel safe and are excited to engage. Most of our members identify as members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and we do a lot of outreach to inform people about LGBTQ+ issues and help with advocacy efforts on campus. Overall, we are spreading awareness about LGBTQ+-related issues, but we also host events.
One of the biggest things for me has been getting involved. Once I was doing more than just passively going to my classes, I found that I was having a much more enriching experience.
athletics
UNE’s Biddeford Campus is home to 18 sports teams, including basketball, volleyball, ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, golf, football, rugby, track and field, and cross-country running. Our Alfond Forum boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities and is located between UNE’s Blue Storm Stadium, Blue Bolt Field, and Nor’easter Diamond — our blue, synthetic turf fields.
Zoe Henderson ’22
I did my first semester of college at a large state school in Massachusetts. During my first semester, I felt lost. It was a very big school, and I felt like I was being treated like a number. I didn’t feel personally connected to my professors. No one really knew my name. After the first month or so, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me, so I started looking at other schools. I had always known of UNE because I grew up vacationing in Old Orchard Beach with my family.
UNE felt comfortable and there is so much opportunity for global exploration and experience. Coming back after time away, professional staff and fellow students are like, “Oh my gosh, we missed you.” I don’t know any other college that welcomes you in like that. UNE embodies what I really want out of a school. It makes me my best self in every way possible. Also, I am able to be an athlete here and balance it with my academics, fieldwork, and research. I feel so well-rounded from my experience already. I am really grateful for my UNE community.
At UNE I always feel seen and heard, and I have never been spoken down to here because I am a student, because I am young, because I am female, or for any other reason. Even as a student athlete here, I have always been treated with so much respect, love, and kindness. UNE is a place full of people with passion for what they are doing. I am inspired by this place and its people.
I love the education program. All of the professors are amazing, and everyone has their own kind of niche, which is really cool. I've had classes with all of the professors and my [academic advisor]. My advisor is all about special education and innovation in the way of different kinds of learners. She has taught me a lot about adapting to students’ different learning needs.
Another of my professors is all about technology, innovation, and global studies. She has taught me a lot about education here in the U.S. versus other parts of the world. Then another is such a humanitarian. She cares so much about people, equity, and welcoming different kinds of cultures.
It’s so interesting to get diverse perspectives from my different professors.
Even as a student athlete here, I have always been treated with so much respect, love, and kindness. UNE is a place full of people with passion for what they are doing. I am inspired by this place and its people.
Leadership opportunities
If you have strong leadership abilities or wish to develop them, the ULead Student Leadership Program offers the training and education you need to be the best leader you can be throughout your college career and beyond. You not only enhance your college experience, but you build the confidence, skills, and know-how to become a leader in whatever avenues you pursue in the future. ULead Students are encouraged to explore options such as the Annual Fall Leadership Retreat, the Orientation Leader Program, and other great opportunities.
Events
From the ringing of the UNE bell during an autumn sunset over the Saco River on First Night, to Homecoming, events on campus mark the passage of time and lend a sense of continuity and community to life at UNE. Harvest Fest, Winter Lighting, and the 50-plus year tradition of a faculty- and staff-served Thanksgiving Dinner are some of the events you can look forward to in the first semester. In the spring, you can have a blast at the Doc Samuel’s Variety Show, the Spring Semi-Formal Dance, and cap off the year with the Spring Concert.
Wellness
We recognize the importance of self-care and whole-person wellness in order for students to thrive both personally and academically. Our Campus Center Fitness and Wellness Team provides a vast array of activities, assessments, experiences, and opportunities to help students grow into healthy, confident working professionals. Our many playing fields provide space for sport, while nearby outdoor recreation venues allow for swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and more. Prefer to get your exercise indoors? Fitness centers, courts, tracks, a pool, and an ice arena provide the workout space you need to stay fit.
Intercultural Life
The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement promotes a welcoming and inclusive campus environment that supports the leadership development, social experiences, and academic persistence of all students, with an emphasis on those from traditionally under-represented groups on campus. Located in the Cultural Exchange Lounge of the Campus Center, the office also holds trainings — such as the UNE Safe Space training, designed to educate students about the challenges facing the LGBTQ community — and offers a Diversity Leadership Certificate.
Our Global Education Program is another means by which UNE fosters a spirit of intercultural exploration, offering semester programs in Tangier, Morocco, and Seville, Spain, as well as many short-term travel courses that can take you anywhere from the Galapagos Islands to the mountains of Iceland.
LEARN MORE
Visit the Office of Student Engagement to read more about what's going on, call us at (207) 602-2447, or drop by our office in the Campus Center.