Get Involved

Being part of the SWAG视频 community means being involved. There are plenty of ways to get involved on the Biddeford Campus. From playing on one of the University鈥檚 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  from which to choose, you鈥檙e sure to find a place where you belong. Whatever your interest 鈥 whether it is academics or theater, community-based service or LGBTQ issues, student government or club sports, figure skating or surfing 鈥 you鈥檙e sure to find like-minded students and faculty eager to share in your passion.

Headshot of U N E student Jojo Pikowski

Josephine Pikowski 鈥26

Marine Science, Data Science

Why SWAG视频

摆鲍狈贰鈥檚闭 Marine Science programs are what drew me here. I came to SWAG视频 knowing that I wanted to study marine science. When I arrived on campus for my first tour, I was greeted in the admissions office with my name on the welcome screen. Everyone was so friendly. I knew right there that this was where I wanted to be.

Having gone to an engineering type of trade school in high school where I did a lot of programming, I started to miss doing those things. SWAG视频 not only made it easy for me to connect with our [math and physical sciences] faculty to add my second major in Data Science, but tie in my current area of study [in the marine sciences]. A Data Science degree will help me achieve a career that combines my love for marine science and engineering.

I just love how SWAG视频 is a small school. The professors are phenomenal and it鈥檚 good to see them around campus. The location is amazing. As a marine science person, I love having our own beach [on campus].

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

When I first got here, I made it a big deal to go and talk to my professors. They were all super sweet and willing to help me get involved with research. I鈥檓 working on an eDNA sampler where I research the changes of ocean warming in the Gulf of Maine. I鈥檝e worked in 摆鲍狈贰鈥檚闭 Makerspace to build the device and then programmed an app that helps get it to the right ocean depths.

In the Marine Science world, we can leverage [data science] to help us detect trends, observe changes, and be better prepared to manage and protect our ocean environment. My professors stress how the field applies to any major. Having the ability to get this experience as an undergrad will help you be more successful later on.

Beyond the Classroom

There are so many cool clubs at SWAG视频. I am part of the Scuba Club and got certified. Through this club, I鈥檝e been able to meet so many new friends outside of my classes. I also just joined a new club called Women in STEM and have been a part of Ocean Club and Generation Action.

There are so many cool clubs at SWAG视频. I am part of the Scuba Club and got certified. Through this club, I鈥檝e been able to meet so many new friends outside of my classes. I also just joined a new club called Women in STEM and have been a part of Ocean Club and Generation Action.

Marine Science, Data Science

athletics

SWAG视频鈥檚 Biddeford Campus is home to , 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 SWAG视频鈥檚 Blue Storm Stadium, Blue Bolt Field, and Nor鈥檈aster Diamond 鈥 our blue, synthetic turf fields.

Zoe Henderson stands smiling on the sand at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park

Zoe Henderson 鈥22

Elementary Education
Why SWAG视频

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鈥檛 feel personally connected to my professors. No one really knew my name. After the first month or so, I knew it wasn鈥檛 the right fit for me, so I started looking at other schools. I had always known of SWAG视频 because I grew up vacationing in Old Orchard Beach with my family.

SWAG视频 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, 鈥淥h my gosh, we missed you.鈥 I don鈥檛 know any other college that welcomes you in like that. SWAG视频 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 SWAG视频 community.

At SWAG视频 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. SWAG视频 is a place full of people with passion for what they are doing. I am inspired by this place and its people.

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

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鈥 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鈥檚 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. SWAG视频 is a place full of people with passion for what they are doing. I am inspired by this place and its people.

Elementary Education

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 SWAG视频 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 SWAG视频. 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鈥檚 Variety Show, the Spring Semi-Formal Dance, and cap off the year with the Spring Concert.

U N E Students Using Gym Equipment

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 鈥 such as the SWAG视频 Safe Space training, designed to educate students about the challenges facing the LGBTQ community 鈥 and offers a Diversity Leadership Certificate.

Our Global Education Program is another means by which SWAG视频 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.