Unity Environmental University launches AI-integrated Applied Bachelor's with Una Tutor, Maine's first accreditor-approved program of its kind

Unity Environmental University launches AI-enabled Applied Bachelor's program

NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine - Unity Environmental University is implementing Artificial Intelligence in its new 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science program. The school has embedded an AI tutor-Una Tutor-directly into its learning management system to deliver real-time, course-specific support while lowering the environmental footprint of traditional large-scale AI.

"Una Tutor engages students in Socratic-style exchanges," the school announced. "[The tutor] prompts self-reflection and provides 24/7 feedback within the context of Unity's own courses, making its answers more precise and relevant than those from generic AI models."

What makes Una Tutor different

The tutor lives inside Unity's LMS, which means responses are contextual to each course and assignment. Students get on-demand guidance that encourages critical thinking, not just quick answers.

The university also cites environmental benefits through a smaller compute profile compared to large, general AI deployments.

Accreditation and timeline

With approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education, the school says it is the first institution in Maine to announce and accept applications for accreditor-approved programs of this kind. Learn more about NECHE's role in accreditation at neche.org.

Applications are open now, with the first cohort beginning in 2026. Full program details are available at unity.edu.

Programs at launch (fully online)

• Applied Bachelor's in Sustainable Business Management
• Applied Bachelor's in Psychology and Human Services
• Applied Bachelor's in Culinary Innovation and Food Systems
• Applied Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship
• Applied Bachelor's in Environmental Crime Investigation

Speed and cost

The university says many students can finish in three years or less and save more than $14,000 in tuition. For working learners and adult students, this reduces both time away from the workforce and overall program cost.

Why this matters for education and program leaders

• Learning impact: Course-specific AI support can strengthen feedback loops and improve persistence. Track leading indicators like assignment completion velocity, time-to-feedback, and assessment alignment.
• Faculty workflow: Integrate AI prompts into syllabi and rubrics; define what's acceptable assistance versus academic misconduct. Provide faculty with quick-start guides and scenario playbooks.
• Governance and privacy: Set clear data policies, opt-in controls, and auditing. Involve IRB, IT security, and accessibility teams early.
• Cost modeling: Compare in-platform tutoring to outsourced tutoring and proctoring. Map savings across tutoring, retakes, and student support services.
• Equity and access: Ensure the AI is available 24/7, mobile-friendly, and accessible. Monitor outcomes by demographic to prevent gaps.
• Sustainability: If AI is part of your mission, measure energy use and vendor choices to match institutional sustainability goals.

Quoted

"Higher education has been slow to adapt to the needs of today's learners and employers," said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, president and CEO of Unity Environmental University. "With the Applied Bachelor's, Unity is leading a national conversation on how to deliver rigorous, accredited degrees that are faster, more affordable, and more relevant."

Action steps for academic managers

• Run a one-term pilot in 1-2 gateway courses with defined success metrics and faculty champions.
• Create an AI use policy covering transparency, proper use, attribution, and assessment redesign.
• Stand up an AI teaching toolkit: prompt libraries, assignment templates, and student onboarding.
• Implement a data and ethics review: privacy impact assessment, bias testing, and accessibility checks.
• Report quarterly on learning outcomes, satisfaction, costs, and resource utilization.

For official program information and admissions, visit unity.edu. For leaders building staff and faculty AI capability by role, see this curated catalog: AI training by job.