Unity students in the lab

Frequently Asked Questions

What accepted students want to know......  

General Information    Residence Life      Academics    
Area Information    Financial Aid     Athletics/Clubs

 

General Information

When is the deposit deadline?
The official deposit deadline is June 15th, however we strongly recommend you deposit as early as possible.  Best chance for first choice housing picks and Nova trips are from the earliest deposits. 

Are students required to have a computer?
While students are not required to have a computer, it is strongly recommended.  For more information about campus technology go to the IT webpage.

Can first-year students have cars on campus? 
Yes, we do allow first-year students to have cars on campus.  All personal vehicles are required to have a Unity College parking sticker.  Parking stickers are obtained from Public Safety free of charge.

If I don’t have a car, how will I get around? 
The campus vans are available for most student activities (clubs, athletics, residence hall programs). Vans must be scheduled in advance and driven by a certified van driver. The village of Unity is within walking or biking distance and includes restaurants, a grocery store, banking, and post office. The CommUnity Trail system also offers a great trail system for walking and biking around the area.

If I have special food requirements or health issues who should I talk to?
The Director of Dining Services will be happy to work with you on any special dietary requirements. Information about health related issues should be directed to the campus Wellness Center.  Included in the packet of information you will receive from the admissions office when you submit your deposit will be an extensive health history and physical examination form.  This information will provide Wellness Center personnel with the necessary background information.

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Residence Life

Am I required to live on campus?
All students who enroll at Unity College on a full-time basis (12 or more credit hours) are required to live on campus.  Exceptions to this policy include students who are 21 years of age or older, students who live with their parents within a commutable distance (50 miles or less), or are married or have children. Upon successful completion of 60 credit hours, students may elect to seek off-campus housing when their current Campus Plan expires.

Are the residence halls coed?
Yes, most of our residence halls are coed, but 3rd floor Wood Hall is single sex female and 2nd floor Wood Hall is single sex male. Most of our coed residential areas have separate male and female bathrooms. However, Cianchette Gold, Maplewood, and TerraHaus have gender neutral private bathroom.

When I visited campus, I saw a residence hall that is not listed as an option on the housing application.  Why is that?
Some of the residence halls on campus (such as Cianchette and Maplewood)  are reserved for returning students. 

Are there internet hookups in the residence halls? 
The college provides wireless and wired network and Internet connectivity in each residence hall room.  In order to connect, student computers must be running a currently supported operating system with current security updates.  Anti-virus software is provided free of charge for all residents.  For more information, visit the Information Technology page.

Can I request a specific roommate?
Students may request a specific roommate and requests will be honored whenever possible; however, requests must be mutual. Students should note their specific roomate request on the housing questionnaire.

When do I find out my room assignment?
The Director of Residence Life begins making roommate assignments for incoming students who have completed their housing questionnaire during the last week of May. He then will notify you via your Unity College email with your housing placement and your roommate information. For more information on housing process for incoming students see housing process incoming students page.

Am I allowed to bring any pets to campus?
The only pets allowed in the residence halls are fish. 

How safe is campus?
Unity College is remarkably safe and Public Safety is on duty 24/7.  Crime reports (Clery Report) are available on the Public Safety website.

What size are the beds?
Our mattresses are normal twin however we do have a few extra long twin mattresses for our extra long residents. If you need an extra long mattress, contact the Director of Residence Life.

Please see the Residence Life FAQ page for more frequently asked housing questions. 

 

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Academics

When is the first day of classes?
Typically classes begin the last Monday in August. For more information check out the academic calendar.

What is the average class size and the student –to-faculty ratio?
80% of classes at Unity College are under 25 students.  The student-to-faculty is 12:1.

What is Nova and when does it take place?
Nova is the Unity College wilderness orientation program.  This unique orientation is required for all incoming students. These Nova trips are designed to support the transition to college life at Unity by emphasizing personal growth, building community connections, and promoting environmental responsibility. They are small group wilderness experiences that are offered during six sessions leading up to the start of the fall semester.  Students may select the week they wish to attend and the trip of their choice.  For more information, check out the Nova website.

Is Nova the only orientation?
No, Nova is only the first of your three part orientation.  Part II takes place the weekend before classes begin. Part III is a semester long class called Unity Experience. Among other things, students will identify campus and community resources, establish a support network, engage in community collaboration, explore your major, and ask a lot of questions. This course requires participation in regular experiential labs and a community collaboration project.

If I decide to do a gap year (or semester), will my acceptance still be honored?
Yes, your acceptance is good for 2 years.  Once you inform the admissions office that you will be taking a gap year, your file will be considered Inactive until you contact us of your intention to reactivate.  If you complete any college credit hours during that time, you must submit those transcript(s). 

When do I get my course schedule?
Incoming first year students are pre-enrolled in courses depending on level of high school courses completed and the chosen program of study.  Students are notified of their course schedule in early summer by the Unity College Registrar’s office.

When will I meet my advisor?
During your first semester, your advisor will be your Unity Experience instructor.  As part of this class, you will have the opportunity to choose your permanent advisor when you register for your second semester classes.

Does Unity College offer academic support services?
Yes, our Learning Resource Center provides multiple levels of support from peer tutoring to a full time Learning Disability Specialist. Specialized services for students with diagnosed learning differences are available upon request.

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Area Information

Where is the closest hospital?
The closest hospital is in Waterville which is 20 miles from the college.  There is a medical clinic in Unity just a short distance from campus.  There is a Wellness Center on campus with a nurse practitioner and a clinical counselor on call 24/7 when school is in session.

Where is the closest airport?
The closest airport is Banger International Airport, 35 miles north of campus and serviced by most major airlines.  Transportation to campus from the airport can be arranged for a small fee by contacting the Office of Student Affairs.

What religious services are available on campus or in the local area?
Unity, Waterville and other surrounding communities offer places of worship for most faiths.  

I know Unity is a small, rural college, does that mean it’s really in the middle of nowhere?
Not really.  The Town of Unity (1,800 population) is walking or biking distance from the college and offers a grocery store and pharmacy, a hardware store and a variety of small restaurants.  18 miles west of campus is the City of Waterville, offering a variety of entertainment, shopping and lodging,  as well as Greyhound bus service. 20 miles to the east on Penobscot Bay is the beautiful coastal city of Belfast. 

What is there to do in the area?
From Maine’s western mountains to its rocky Atlantic coast, the rich natural heritage of our region enhances Unity’s academic programs and offers lots of outdoor fun!  For a long list of the many things to do around Unity and around the state, check out our Unique Location webpage. 

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Financial Aid

What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
There is not a deadline, but it is strongly recommended that you file the FAFSA no later than March 1st. 

When will I receive my financial aid award?
Financial Aid packages begin going out to accepted students in early March. 

Athletics/Clubs

What intercollegiate sports are offered at Unity?
Our intercollegiate varsity sports include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country and women’s volleyball.  Unity students also participate is a variety of intercollegiate club sports that include our woodsmen, ice hockey, and ultimate frisbee teams.

What division is Unity College?
Our intercollegiate sports compete under the guidelines of the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association), and the YSCC (Yankee Small College Conference). These affiliations allow our varsity athletes the opportunity to compete for local, state, regional, and national recognition. In recent years, Unity teams have traveled to North Carolina, Michigan, and Texas for national competitions.

What is the UC mascot and what are the college colors?
Our mascot is the Unity College Ram and our colors are green (of course!) and white.

What are some the favorite student activities on campus?
The Student Activities office coordinates a wide variety of social, cultural, and educational programs throughout the academic year, including a Wednesday night coffeehouse series and other live music performances; weekend programs (movie nights, crafts, karaoke, and video/board gaming, for example); and day trips. Students can get involved with the Student Government Association, take part in one of our clubs, or start their own based on their interests. Annual campus traditions include Community Carnival (club night), Apple Fest, Student Appreciation week, Earth Day celebrations and Roots Week (a week of events celebrating cultural diversity). Most students love being outdoors – exploring woodlands on and around campus, canoeing or kayaking on Unity Pond, snowshoeing and cross country skiing our many trails in the winter. A favorite indoor activity is hanging out at the Student Center. Check out the activities calendar on the Student Activities webpage.

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