Students describe their Nova trip, the beginning of their Unity College adventure, as one of the best experiences they have ever had.
Entering Unity College students are enrolled in the Unity Experience class that stresses the College’s values including community engagement and environmental responsibility. Unity Experience begins with Nova, an adventure-based orientation trip that takes place even before classes begin at the end of summer. The Nova trips are designed to support the transition to college life at Unity by emphasizing personal growth, building social connections, and promoting environmental stewardship. Nova also encourages new students to become full participants in the College and broader communities.
Students choose their Nova experience from a selection of wilderness experiences that include canoeing and kayaking in lakes and rivers or backpacking and hiking through the Appalachian Trail. Through this wide selection of outdoor adventure activities, students learn camping, outdoor cooking and living skills. They also participate in community-building games and initiatives, discussion circles, and service projects that provide students a chance to give back to the wild and scenic places they are exploring. Students are actively involved with all aspects of the trip, including planning, cooking, decision-making, risk management, and other camp-related responsibilities.
The trips are led by current Unity College students who are trained to serve as guides, giving them the opportunity to serve future students who are making the transition to college life at Unity.
Nova trips give incoming students the opportunity to meet people from different areas, different walks of life, and who have different points of view. Through their adventure together, students discover unknown territories, open their horizons and use the experience of bonding with each other and the larger environment in preparation for the next stage of their lives.
Unity College is a private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education that emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.
