Transition to College Life

The UNE Nor’easter First-Year Experience (FYE) is designed to assist first-time college students with their transition from high school to the University. First-year students can participate in FYE by attending programs, workshops, and signing up to receive a peer mentor. Welcome first-year Nor’easters!

Contact Bryan Adams, director of Student Engagement, at fye@orkexpo.net or (207) 602-2548.

Educational Programming

The FYE office provides supportive programming to help ease the transition from high school to college. Programs range from course registration workshops to roommate matching socials, and even an annual first-year trip to Boston. Attending a first-year experience program can help you make the most out of your first year. 

Peer Mentor Program

If you are an incoming first-year student, our peer mentor program allows you to sign up to receive a mentor. Mentors are upperclass students who go through specialized training, professional staff, or faculty. If you opt into this program, you receive assistance in navigating your first year of college, connections to other offices and people who can support you, and general information about being a student at UNE.

Registration for the program is now open to deposited students from the Class of 2027.

Register for the peer mentor program

Living Learning Communities

The FYE Living Learning Communities (LLC) provide an introductory leadership experience within the context of a residential setting. You will have the opportunity to move to campus one day early to participate in an off-campus retreat to develop a sense of community with other LLC members. You also take one or more linked courses together throughout the year.

 

First Year Experts

First-Year Experts are upper-class students supervised by the FYE coordinator who assist in the planning and development of FYE programs/initiatives. 

Support Services

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising Center assists all first-year students as you seek to explore, develop and implement realistic educational and career goals. Professional Academic Advisors partner with faculty and staff throughout the university to support the success of all students. Through personalized, appreciative advising, the advising center is there as you explore your academic and career options.

Student Academic Success Center

Some first-year courses are tough — get to the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) to make a strong start. Find tutoring support for general chemistry, biology, statistics, pre-calculus, and more. Meet with a learning specialist to create a custom approach to your studies and see a writing consultant to develop your writing. You will find it all at une.tutortrac.com.

Career Advising

Career Advising serves students and alumni from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as undergraduates from the Westbrook College of Health Professions on the Biddeford Campus. Make plans to visit us for all of your resume, cover letter, career planning, graduate school application, and job search needs. 

Peer Academic Coaches

The SASC sponsors peer academic coaches (PAC) in every first-year residence area and for first-year commuters. PACs are patient listeners who can empathize with you and guide you through many of the challenges that come with the transition to college academics. You can meet with the PAC for your area during weekly office hours or by appointment. Visit une.tutortrac.com and search for Peer Academic Coaching.