Earth Day, 2017. Nearly 300 prospective students, parents, and guardians from fourteen states, including Oregon and Virginia, will immerse themselves in Earth Day at America’s Environmental College on Saturday, April 22 during the annual New Student Experience event.

“We thought it was only fitting to have New Student Experience at America’s Environmental College on Earth Day, said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, Unity College President. “Our students, faculty, and staff have been honoring Earth Week all week and we’re looking forward to celebrating Earth Day itself with new friends and family.”

The annual New Student Experience spring event offers prospective students the opportunity to finalize their decision and confirm their commitment to Unity College. By all accounts, the event is helping students make their decision to attend Unity College.

Record numbers at recent New Student Experience events have led to three straight record enrollments in fall. According to Joe Saltalamachia, Director of Admissions, this fall’s enrollment projections are similar to last.

“The demand for this event, and for Unity College, grows every year, said Saltalamachia. “This year, in addition to having the event on Earth Day, we’re adding a student resources fair for parents and guardians. We’ll have our health center staff, learning specialists, McKay Farm team, wellness and recreation staff, financial aid professionals, residence life, and others in a fair-like atmosphere so families can get one-on-one with their student’s new support team. Families will also get guided tours of town, because we see the town of Unity as an important part of the experience for students.”

“Unity College is unapologetically different and students and their loved ones will get a chance to experience that on Earth Day,” said Khoury. “The highlight of New Student Experience is always the faculty demonstrations: radio-telemetry, wildlife crime scene investigations, alternative energy, environmental media, and more. Hands-on experience is what our students come for.”

At Saturday’s event students will spend the day experiencing what it’s like to be a Unity College student. They’ll meet current students, faculty and staff, participate in Earth Day events, explore campus, engage in hands-on activities related to their major, learn more about living in the residence halls, and eat in the dining hall. Parents and guardians will spend the day at the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in sessions designed specifically for parents and guardians of new Unity College students.

“New Student Experience is a special day for our accepted students, said Saltalamachia.“It allows students to be part of the Unity Community. Having it on Earth Day, just makes sense for America’s Environmental College.”