University of New England Student Life

Influencing the Problem

Salt. It permeates through the campus. Unhindered by brick and mortar, the cool ocean breeze glides past the Ripich Commons and Residence Halls. The aroma of salt water at low tide serves as an escort to see ten students off as they settle into a van for a sunrise road trip. The regional programming conference in Connecticut awaits.

These students reside at UNE's Biddeford Campus on the Southern Maine coast. This location was the first of three campuses to be established. After the Biddeford Campus was founded in 1978, the institution then established a campus in Portland, Maine in 1996, and Tangier, Morocco in 2014. With its three campuses, UNE has developed into a premier health-sciences institution grounded in the liberal arts.

Each year, the Office of Student Engagement sends students from the Activities Programming Board to the annual programming conference. This group is tasked with contracting performers and guests for the upcoming academic year. Once the conference comes to a close, up to twenty programming slots left available on the calendar are filled. I have the pleasure of serving as a supporting advisor for the club to organize and execute their programs. These programs are intended to serve the student population and engage the university community beyond the walls of a classroom. Taking the annual conference trip and feverishly booking performers for three days demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in co-curricular programming. Doing so enhances the value of Student Affairs and the student experience (Kinzie & Hurtado, 2017). Back on the coast, students await as programming advertisements flood their emails and social media feeds.

However, this conference trip is not unique to UNE. Neighboring institutions throughout the region find themselves traveling to the conference. They all attend with a similar objective; identify and book the most engaging performers they can. The inevitable result is schools welcoming similar programs and events to their institutions (personal communication, May 23, 2019). A ripple effect ensues. Performers pass from one institution to the next providing each student population with the same experience. Variation is minimal. Distinctiveness is absent.

By following this annual trend, my colleagues and I are limiting UNE's ability to define its identity and distinguish itself from other institutions. Most Student Life programming reflects that of UNE’s counterparts. However, tides are shifting. In the wake of a new strategic plan, my colleagues and I in Student Engagement have a rare opportunity to assess current initiatives and adjust Student Life programming. This will contribute to reshaping the institution’s identity, supporting recruitment, and enhancing retention.

Shifts Toward Distinctiveness

Salt. It saturates the water as the waves ebb and flow against the coastline. With the sun glistening off the blue water, students and staff take in a breath of fresh air as they sit back and enjoy the last program of the year.

UNE's emerging identity derives from its distinctive coastal setting and proximity to rural Maine. This position lends itself well to UNE's evolving focus on health, sustainability, and the environment (University of New England, 2019).

Hosted by Earth's Eco, the last Student Life program of the 2018-19 academic year epitomized the institution's environmental focus. The club consists of a group of environmentally conscious and engaged students who seek to inform others of environmental concerns and promote sustainable actions. As the lead operations manager for all Student Life events, I spent two months 

preparing for this program with the student club. Guided by student ideas, I challenged them to expand their outreach and connect with the community. Location was also critical. Working with institutional partners, I assisted the club in securing and preparing a new outdoor venue at UNE. The venue highlights UNE's passion for innovation and incorporates the coastal setting of the campus.

As the sun set over the ocean, the UNE community meandered around the Ripich Commons patio. Vendors including local farmers and student clubs were in attendance selling and sampling fresh produce and organic foods. Others discussed with attendees how to sustainability utilize the environment to support a healthy lifestyle. Across the patio, two local bands filled the atmosphere with music as they sought to connect with the community and share their stories through song.

This program demonstrates an effective manner in which to engage with the institution’s community. By providing co-curricular experiences that bring students, staff, and the community together, students are able to develop myriad connections with UNE. With an atmosphere brimming with proactive conversation and encouraging signs of innovation, the program elicited positive emotions. Doing so enhances sense-of-belonging with the program and the institution (Sousa, 2010). Furthermore, a program centered around community, sustainability, and healthy lifestyles epitomizes the direction of UNE’s strategic plan (University of New England, 2019).

An Eye to the Future

Salt. It is essential for the marine life teeming along UNE’s private coastline. Through the brackish water and into the bay, the UNE kayaks, sailboats, and research vessels glide through the salt water as they embark on their next adventure. A brief trip up the coastline, aspiring UNE health professionals prepare to travel inland and support the rural northern regions. This is all part of UNE’s identity. Adhering to this is critical as UNE continues to distinguish itself in its formative years. Student Life serves a powerful role.               

With a direct influence on the development and execution of all Student Life events, it is critical that I take an active role in implementing change. I must collaborate with institutional stakeholders and utilize UNE's location and natural resources with intention. Bringing this insight to my team in the Office of Student Engagement must then follow. The team may proceed and adjust Student Life programming to enhance the UNE student experience.

Continue story of UNE by proceeding to Homogeneous Practices