Unity Environmental University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Unity Colleges have the opportunity to participate in both international and Maine-based immersive programs such as with the Maine Organic Farmers and growers Association (MOFGA) (http://www.unity.edu/summer_programs/all_summer_courses/summer_farm_intensive), and sustainability-focused immersive study abroad including service trips with Sustainable Harvest International to Nicaragua (http://www.unity.edu/NewsEvents/News/SHI09.aspx) and the Center for Alternative Technologies in Wales. http://www.unity.edu/facultypages/womersley/es4501.htm). The four core on-campus classes that provide students with an immersive sustainability experience include the environmental Citizen class which allows students to work hand in hand with the community in a sustainable topic such as recycling in local schools, building a root cellar on campus, landscaping shorefront properties to protect water quality, or doing a deep energy retrofit of a campus building. The Environmental Sustainability Class allows students to incorporate critical thinking about current global problems such as water scarcity and rising temperatures. In the Environmental Challenge course, students spend the semester listening to environmental speakers and working on a service project that will benefit the wider community.

Unity College students have the opportunity to participate in immersive programs ranging from local organic farm experience with MOFGA to international travel sustainability courses at well known centers and programs. The college offers several options including sustainability community engagement programs.