University of New England

What is the history of University of New England?

The history of the University of New England (UNE) can be traced back to 1939 when Franciscan monks founded the College Seraphique, a high school and junior college for boys of Quebecois descent on the banks of the Saco River. In 1952, the institution evolved into a four-year liberal arts college called St. Francis College. Financial struggles in the late 1970s led to the merging of St. Francis College with the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, forming the University of New England in 1978.

UNE's roots also extend to Australia, where it was initially established as New England University College (NEUC) on January 1, 1938, on the grounds of Armidale Teachers' College. The institution gained independence from the University of Sydney in 1954 and adopted the name University of New England, with Dr. Robert Madgwick as Vice Chancellor. Under Madgwick's leadership, the university expanded its academic programs and research initiatives.

Today, the University of New England is Maine's largest private university, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, online, and professional degrees in various fields. Its College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Dental Medicine are the only medical and dental schools in Maine and northern New England. The university is composed of six colleges, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Dental Medicine, and the online College of Graduate & Professional Studies.

In 1996, UNE experienced further growth when it merged with Westbrook College, which was founded in 1831 as Westbrook Seminary in Portland. This merger brought a long history and dedicated alumni body to the University of New England. The university's interprofessional education initiatives now prepare future healthcare professionals for comprehensive and collaborative team-based care.

During the 2020 academic year, 7,208 students were enrolled in the University of New England's campus-based and online programs. The university's programs have received national and international recognition in recent years. The Princeton Review ranks UNE in "The Best 386 Colleges" 2021 edition, while U.S. News & World Report ranks it #285 in the 2023 Best Colleges Ranking. Forbes lists UNE at #452 in its "America's Top Colleges for 2019," and The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked the university 325th among U.S. colleges and universities in 2017. In 2015, the Brookings Institution ranked UNE second among Maine universities and colleges for its ability to increase students' career earnings.

What are the faculties and departments at University of New England?

The University of New England in Maine boasts a diverse range of faculties and departments catering to various academic interests. One such faculty is the College of Arts and Sciences, which encompasses departments such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Physics, English, Environmental Studies, Mathematical Sciences, Marine Sciences, Psychology, and Society, Culture and Languages.

Another faculty at the University of New England is the College of Dental Medicine, which offers departments including Oral Health Sciences, Pediatric Dentistry, and Restorative Dentistry. The College of Osteopathic Medicine also provides several departments, such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Family Medicine, and Pharmacology.

The Westbrook College of Health Professions is another faculty at the University of New England, featuring departments like Athletic Training, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Social Work. Additionally, the School of Community and Population Health comprises departments such as Health Informatics, Public Health, and Social Work.

The University of New England's School of Education offers departments including Education and Leadership, and School Psychology. The School of Marine Programs provides departments like Marine Affairs, Marine Biology, and Marine Sciences. Lastly, the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education (HASSE) is one of the largest faculties at the university, with departments such as the Department of Geography and Planning, the Department of Literatures, Languages, Linguistics and Cultures, and the Department of Social and Philosophical Inquiry.

What is the location of University of New England?

The University of New England is situated in the Northeast region of the United States, with two campuses in Maine and one in Morocco. The main campus is located in the coastal city of Biddeford, at 11 Hills Beach Road, with a ZIP code of 04005-9526. This picturesque location offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as health professions, sciences, business, and liberal arts. The nearest airport to the Biddeford campus is Portland International Jetport, making it convenient for students traveling to and from the university.

In addition to the Biddeford campus, the University of New England has a campus in Portland, Maine, which is situated in a suburban neighborhood.

What is the mission and vision of University of New England?

The University of New England has a well-defined mission and vision that directs its educational programs and activities. A key component of the University is the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which aspires to be a recognized leader in training primary care physicians for Maine, New England, and the nation. The College is dedicated to fostering a diverse, innovative, interprofessional, and entrepreneurial culture while maintaining a caring and collegial atmosphere.

The University of New England places great importance on promoting wellness, equity, inclusion, and diversity across its community, as well as reinforcing its commitment to the principles of osteopathic medicine. The College also seeks to creatively shape the future while preserving its heritage of educating osteopathic physicians to care for rural and underserved populations in Maine and New England.

In order to improve medical education and healthcare outcomes, the University of New England is devoted to employing evidence-based methods, practice-focused research, scholarship, critical thinking, and various learning modalities. The College actively pursues both internal and external collaborations to advance its mission and vision.

Overall, the University of New England is dedicated to empowering individuals to adapt to a changing world through education and to become leaders in their respective fields. The institution's mission and vision revolve around providing exceptional osteopathic healthcare locally and globally through practice, research, scholarship, education, and community health. The University of New England values diversity, innovation, and interprofessionalism while maintaining a caring and collegial environment.

What is the accreditation of University of New England?

The University of New England holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education for institutions of higher education in the six New England states. This accreditation status was reaffirmed in 2017 by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which has since restructured and become NECHE.

In addition to institutional accreditation, the University of New England also boasts specialized accreditation for a variety of programs. These include dental hygiene, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, public health, business, and social work. One notable example is the American Occupational Therapy Association's Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy, which accredits the university's occupational therapy program.

Prospective students can be confident in the quality of education offered at the University of New England, as its accreditation status demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high academic standards and continuous improvement.