| Connie Justice, Economic and Community Development Committee |
Over 40 local residents, educators and businesspeople joined the New Gloucester Economic and Community Development Committee in October to tour Unity Environmental University at Pineland, connect with friends old and new, and enjoy Pineland refreshments. Unity President Melik Khoury and staff shared their excitement about the university’s mission and the campus facilities. Energized participants buzzed with questions and ideas for initiatives the community and university can explore together, from MSAD15 high school students attending courses, to local businesses hiring interns, to homeowners renting sorely needed living space to Unity staff.
Unity at Pineland hosts lectures and events open to the public, with listings found at the Unity Events Calendar. There is an artist series coming right up:
- Watching the Periphery with Simon van der Ven on November 21st 5:00pm Freeport Hall
- The Influence of the Optical with Hilary Irons on December 12th 5:00pm Freeport Hall
- Designing Beyond Boundaries: Fusing Ghanaian Heritage with Contemporary Innovation with Ebenezer Akakpo January 23rd 5:00pm Freeport Hall
Some highlights about the university (more details found on the Unity website):
Unity has committed to providing a minimum $50,000 annual salary for all full-time Maine-based employees. They are hiring: Job Postings
Unity offers five in-person programs at the Pineland Campus, which can be supplemented by online options.
- Aquaculture and Marine Sustainability
- Business Administration in Regenerative Tourism
- Conservation Law Enforcement
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Management
- Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation
Professionals in these fields are in high demand, and they earn substantial salaries. See details at Careers and Outcomes and Career Search.
Unity works with employers to customize training and certification programs, helping build a skilled workforce: For Employers
Unity is an independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited educational institution that offers environmentally focused bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Unity Distance Education serves almost 9,000 students with online courses, and Unity at Pineland recently welcomed their first cohort of in-person students to New Gloucester.
Unity’s educational model is flexible. Students take one class at a time in 6-week sessions, with 8 start dates per year. Students earn their degree at a pace that suits their life situation: 100 percent online, 100 percent in-person, or a combination.
Unity aims to be affordable. Distance Education tuition has been flat since 2018 and will remain so through 2030, at $375 per credit hour, $11,250 per year for 30 credits with full-time status. Financial aid is available.
Unity at Pineland breaks with a traditional residential college model by focusing on rigorous academic programs and outsourcing some support services. Residential housing is offered through USM at the Gorham campus. Discounted dining services are available at Pineland’s Commons and Market.
Visit the Unity website to learn more and possibly be inspired to pursue a new career path or simply take some fascinating courses about our world.
