University of New England is uniquely positioned as an educational institution to contribute research, foster innovation and provide a model for environmental sustainability to university campuses and the greater community. Teaching environmental stewardship, both by example and through living and learning experiences, ensures UNE’s contribution to a cleaner, healthier environment.
For more than 15 years, the core curriculum of UNE's College of Arts and Sciences has included Environmental Awareness as its first-year theme. All students, regardless of major, take a three-credit course entitled “Introduction to Environmental Issues”. Additionally, all first-year environmental studies students participate in a year-long “Green Learning Community” that is an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, economics, literature and sustainability - and where experiential learning activities are central.