MORNING SENTINEL • August 3, 2020
Unity College officials announced Monday the school will explore selling its main campus and is laying off about 15% of its staff as part of sweeping changes to its education program that embraces a “hybrid” approach. Unity officials said a hybrid learning model would give students “control over their education through a nonstandard calendar, shorter terms, differentiated tuition and a multimodality curriculum that does not rely on maintaining a physical campus.” Penny Picard Sampson, chairwoman of the Unity Board of Selectmen and a Unity College alumna, said she was shocked by the news. Unity College students contribute much to the community, including making up about half the Fire Department. Other concerns are the facilities the college provides the town, from the performing arts center to the Field of Dreams park, and the impact on local businesses.