Photo: College of the Atlantic. Retrieved from: www.coa.edu
The College of the Atlantic provides students with a unique form of education that focuses on liberal arts and humanity. The curriculum at the College incorporates a strong emphasis on human ecology and civility, encouraging students to get involved with civil service and positions within public eye to express and challenge their views. Some of the most popular majors at the College as Ecology, Humanities and Human Services. The College of the Atlantic students often obtain leadership positions that enable them to be the change that they want to see in the world. Students are also encouraged to challenge themselves to push forward with the various professional programs and advanced studies to maximize their education. Helping students to develop their own individuality and build relationships effectively is one of the core values of the College of the Atlantic – believing that students are able to build their own road to success through relationships and personal evolution.
Students can take part in over 30 majors of study as well as take advantage of double major opportunities to encumber multiple interests in to one course program. Faculty remains supportive of students needs by offering direct attention and innovative ideas to help guide students along their way. Many students take advantage of the various outreach programs that are available, which allow students to travel abroad for a semester or an entire year, studying amongst the cultures they are learning about. It is these types of legendary experiences that separate College of the Atlantic students from the competition.
School History
Founded in 1969, College of the Atlantic was established by a group of local educators and community members that shared the same vision of turning a piece of land into the strong foundation for an educational facility. College of the Atlantic is the first college in the country t offer a program based on the direct relationship between humans and the environment. The first students to enroll in the College were 32 men and women that focused on the making their mark in the world using the Atlantic mission of human ecology. It was important to the founders to teach students that living active lives within the community, benefits more than just their education, but also the balance in the world.
The College of the Atlantic is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The College of the Atlantic enabled students to study in various parts of the world such as Mount Desert Island, Gulf of Maine and Acadia National Park, all within the early years of establishment. Although, the school currently encouraged students to venture to over 35 foreign countries, the core values are still utilized by the staff and faculty to help students carry out the beliefs of the founders.
Campus Life
Students that attend The College of the Atlantic are encouraged to advance themselves at all times – academically, individually and as civilians. For this reason, students are provided with all the essential tools needed to make their mark in the world such as on campus resources to obtain study abroad permissions, spreading the Atlantic way to foreign communities and citizens. Students are offered housing throughout the year in one of the residence halls, apartment buildings, townhouses or summer cottages that are designed for the foreign exchange program. Campus residence facilities are maintained with student staffing to ensure safety, compliance and assistance for all students throughout the year.
With over 45 student organizations and clubs to choose from, campus life at The College of the Atlantic is anything but mundane. Students work together to develop fundraiser for community service, awareness for various school and global issues, as well as interest groups that help students adjust to common life experiences and talents. Many students participate in the Student Government in attempts to develop their leadership qualities and social voices. In fact, many The College of the Atlantic alumni graduate to become leaders in their political communities.
Despite the type of student you are, there are a wealth of opportunities to get involved at The College of the Atlantic. All students are encouraged to get involved in the Outside Perspectives program that enables students the opportunity to travel and socialize with other community organizations while learning to challenge and express their own beliefs. Many students also become actively involved with the sports programs available at the College, which also travel abroad, making their mark by spreading the Atlantic views of teamwork throughout the world.
Financial Aid
The College of the Atlantic remains actively involved in helping students obtain financial aid each semester. Counselors as well as student mentors are available to help fellow students explore their funding options and even provide assistance with the application process. The founders strongly believed that no students should be denied a solid education based on financial stature. These views are still expressed today by the strong support given by the Office of Financial Aid. Students and families can receive one on one assistance in exploring their funding options and finding the proper aid that best suits their individual needs.
The College of the Atlantic currently accepts all forms of government and third party financial aid funding for students in the forms of loans, scholarships and grant funding. In addition, the College also offers students private funding, raised by student organizations and donations in the form of merit and athletic scholarships and grants upon admission. Although all students are considered for these funding types, students with special circumstances, disability military or veteran status are also available for independent funding through the school. All students are encouraged to participate in the work study program established on and off campus to help alleviate the cost of school and expenses.
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