Welcome to our Student Handbook – your go-to resource for navigating the ins-and-outs of the VTSU 3D Technology Summer Institute. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with the information needed to thrive in our program.
The purpose of this handbook is to let students and parents know what to expect from the VTSU 3D Technology Summer Institute. Reading, understanding, and following the policies outlined in this handbook will create an enjoyable and beneficial program for everyone. Program administrators may update policies and procedures at their discretion and inform students and parents of any changes.
The VTSU 3D Technology Summer Institute is designed to provide a rigorous hands-on introduction to core concepts in 3D Technology. Students will receive extensive hands-on training and access to advanced technologies both inside and outside of traditional classroom time. They will also have the opportunity to earn up to 9 college credits and the VTSU Certificate in 3D Technology.
This program is fully funded for Vermont students thanks to a special appropriation from the Vermont State Legislature in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget (2023 Act 78 Sec.B.1101(c)2).
For non-Vermont residents, we charge the following prices:
- 1-week course: $1,950
- 2-week course: $3,750
Costs for all students include tuition, room and board, all meals for the week, field trips, and activities.
Personal purchases, emergency expenses, and personal transportation (such as airline or bus tickets) are not included.
Deposit Schedule
For out-of-state students, you will have two deposits to make up your total balance for the summer. The first deposit is non-refundable and will be due 14 days after you receive your acceptance email from
3DInstitute@VermontState.edu. The second deposit will be due on May 1st.
Jump to: Instructors | Assistant Directors | Mentors | Residence Life Staff
The Vermont State University 3D Technology Summer Institute is an academic program organized by VTSU faculty members and supported by diverse staff and students. Overall direction of the Institute is provided by those faculty teaching during each session, with Professor Moriarty serving as the Institute Director and Professors Kidder and Renner serving as Co-Directors. Faculty leadership are responsible for the academic content of the courses and provide oversight for the Institute as a whole.
Instructors
Dr. Matthew Moriarty
Email: Matthew.Moriarty@VermontState.edu
Ph: (802) 353.3465
Dr. John Kidder
Email: John.Kidder@VermontState.edu
Ph: (802) 272.1048
Professor Kate Renner
Email: Kate.Renner@VermontState.edu
Ph: (802) 274.7261
Dr. Ross Lieblappen
Email: Ross.Lieblappen@VermontState.edu
Ph: (781) 424.7268
Professor Daniel Costin
Email: Daniel.Costin@VermontState.edu
Ph: (802) 279.9074
Professor Bill Kuker
Email: Bill.Kuker@VermontState.edu
Ph: (802) 468.1101
Assistant Directors
- Emily Demers – phone: 802.279.8719
- Owen Edgcomb – phone: 802.793.1116
Day-to-day operations and logistics are directed by Emily and Owen who serve as the Assistant Directors of the 3D Technology Summer Institute. They will act as mentors with students while also being the primary points of contact for students and parents. They can be reached at their phone numbers listed above, or at 3DInstitute@VermontState.edu
Mentors
Direct supervision of residential life activities will be provided by our graduate and undergraduate Mentors, who will be living in the dorms and either taking the courses or serving as Teaching Assistants. Their contact information will be provided to families and participants at check-in.
Randolph Campus Leadership
All residential life activities are supported by Vermont State University’s full-time residential life staff. Siobhàn Anderson-Judkins is in charge of residential life on the Randolph campus, supported by Vanessa Roy and others.
Randolph campus residential life staff can always be contacted via the Residential Life Duty Number: 802.728.7116. Additional questions can be directed to Michael Robilotto, VTSU Director of Residential Life.
The VTSU Randolph Public Safety staff are available 24 hours/day at 802.728.1292
Matthew Moriarty is as an assistant professor of archaeology in the Anthropology, Archaeology, and Geography program and director of the Castleton Innovation Lab. As an archaeologist, Dr. Moriarty has participated in archaeological investigations in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Ireland, and various parts of the United States, including Vermont. He is also heavily involved in the application of 3D Imaging technologies to archaeological heritage. He and his students partner with a wide range of museums and other organizations around the state to create high-resolution 3D models of artifacts and other cultural patrimony for public outreach and digital curation.
John Kidder is a professor of engineering, with specialties in materials science, processing renewable energy, and ski fabrication. Professor Kidder joined the Vermont State University faculty in 2002 and immediately found it to be an exciting and rewarding place to teach. He currently serves as the chair of the Department of Engineering and teaches courses in materials science, processing, and other engineering topics. On the Vermont State University Randolph campus, he runs the ski building lab and works with students in the Manufacturing Club, fabricating skis and snowboards. Outside of work he enjoys sailing, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Kate Renner is an assistant professor of visual arts, and teaches drawing, animation, and 3D Modeling courses for students who want to build a career in the animation industry. She creates a curriculum that both supports and challenges emerging artists as they expand their creative processes, while ensuring that they graduate with the software fluencies necessary to be competitive in the job market. Her current writing and research includes a review of Dan Bashara’s recent publication Cartoon Vision: UPA Animation and Postwar Aesthetics for the Society of Animation Studies. Outside of the classroom, she is the Director of the Vermont Animation Festival, and loves to ski and bike in the hills of the Northeast Kingdom.
Ross Lieblappen is an associate professor in the Natural Sciences Department, teaching physics, chemistry, environmental science, and math. Starting with examining the pore structure of soil systems in 2006, Ross has been using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) to probe the microstructure of various samples. The majority of his research has been studying snow, sea ice, and permafrost collected with his students on research expeditions from Antarctica to the Arctic. He also works with The Manufacturing Collaborative to use μCT to characterize the structure of various manufactured parts ranging from plastics to metals. In his free time, Ross enjoys the woods of VT, adventuring outside with his wife and two kids, whether it be skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, or adventure racing.
Bill Kuker is an instructor teaching programming and database courses in the Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. He has a professional background as a programmer in the fields of network management, telecommunications performance monitoring, and 3D graphics. Bill recently led a development team in the creation of a virtual reality medical training product, mentors FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team 10066, is the founder and volunteer at a makerspace in Rutland VT, and enjoys researching and programming antique computers in what remains of his free time.
Dan Costin joined Vermont Tech in 2018 after many years designing aerospace structures, automotive transmission components, and wind turbines. He has developed software for multidisciplinary optimization of aircraft structures. Dr. Costin invented a low-cost pawl OWC that is commonly used in automatic transmissions. He has designed wind turbine blades and permanent magnet generators. These designs have been used in the industry-leading Northern Power 100kW wind turbine and other models. At Creare, Dr. Costin worked on a tethering system for autonomous helicopter deployment, a high-capacity spacesuit evaporator absorber radiator, an air compressor for Xenon isotope detection, and laser measurement of airfoils.
Jump to: Course Calendar | Course Abstracts | Attendance | Communication | Grades | Course Materials and Assignments | Virtual Environments | Faculty Meeting Times
Students will be enrolled in intensive Vermont State University academic courses during the summer program. Students will be required to dedicate their energies and attention to completing these courses on schedule and to a collegiate standard.
Course faculty and student mentors will assist students in this process; however, students must apply themselves to their highest ability throughout these courses.
- If completing a one-week course, a student will receive 1 college credit.
- If completing a two-week course, a student will receive 3 college credits.
- Students who complete 3D Printing, 3D Imaging, and 3D Modeling will receive the Vermont State University 3D Technology Certificate.
Course Calendar
| Session One | 3D Printing (Intro – 3 credits)* Programming for 3D (2 credits) | June 28 – July 11, 2026 |
| Session Two | 3D Imaging (Intro – 3 credits)* Virtual Reality (1 credit) Intro to 3D Animation: 2D to 3D (1 credit) | July 12 – 25, 2026 July 12 – 18, 2026 July 19 – July 25, 2026 |
| Session Three | 3D Modeling (Intro – 3 credits)* CT Scanning (1 credit) | July 26 – August 8, 2026 August 2 – August 8, 2026 |
Course Abstracts
TDT-1020 3D Printing* – From Digital to Reality: This course provides a basic understanding of all major 3D printing (additive manufacturing) technologies. It also gives a deeper understanding of polymer (plastic) 3D printing technology including extensive hands-on use of 3D printing equipment. Students will learn how to use the software required to prepare objects for printing and to operate the equipment. Safety, maintenance, and operation will be covered. Students will print multiple parts or objects, including those of their own design or choice.
Programming for 3D | This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming through hands-on activities connected to 3D environments. Designed for beginners with no prior programming experience, the course emphasizes core programming concepts. Students write small programs that interact with and control objects in a virtual 3D space, allowing program behavior to be visualized directly. In addition to graphics and the basics behind interactive 3D environments, subjects related to the other courses in the 3D Technology program will be considered from the computer software perspective. Lab-based activities reinforce concepts through immediate, observable results.
TDT-1010 3D Imaging* – Capturing Reality: 3D imaging encompasses a set of techniques utilized to capture reality in the form of digital 3D models. This course introduces a suite of approaches to 3D imaging, including 3D photogrammetry, laser scanning, and structured light scanning, for diverse research, preservation, and technical applications. Participants will be able to create, edit, and manipulate high-quality 3D models utilizing industry-standard equipment and software.
Intro to 3D Animation: 2D to 3D : This one-week course introduces fundamental concepts of 3D animation. Students will spend the first two days of the course learning and practicing the principles of animation through a series of traditional 2D animation exercises. After building a foundation of basic knowledge, the course will transition into learning how to animate in a 3D space, using Autodesk Maya software. By the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to work with rigged objects and characters
DT-1015 3D Modeling* From Idea to Digital: This course spends one week introducing students to 3D character
and object modeling for gaming, animation, and as a resource for artists. Students will use industry-standard software to complete a variety of modeling projects, including architectural modeling and character modeling. Special emphasis will be placed on textures and lighting, which will enable students to create convincing and appealing scenes. In week two, students will use Fusion software to learn parametirc modeling which is utilized in engineering and other careers.
Virtual Reality: This course introduces students to the field of virtual reality and extended reality. The course covers an overview of the theory behind 3D graphics and environments, and the utilization of that theory in VR. A wide range of VR applications are thoughtfully explored – from education and industrial to creative and entertainment.
CT Scanning: Although many are familiar with medical computed tomography (CT) imaging, industrial CT imaging extends the application to a wide variety of fields, such as material science, 3D volume and surface model creation, manufacturing, failure analysis, and much more. This one-week introductory course explores utilizing X-ray μ-CT to acquire non-destructive 3D images, and how to visualize and analyze the internal structure of objects. Students will learn the principles of X-ray generation, image acquisition, reconstruction, and techniques to investigate microstructural properties such as cracks, pores, burrs, and particle size distributions.
Attendance
Classes will be held in Clarke Hall. Students are required to attend and positively participate in all classes each day. This includes both being on time and being ready to participate in each session. It is critical that students participate in person for each entire session. Due to the structure of the summer program, it will be extremely difficult to make up any missed class time.
Communication
Communication between VTSU and parents is critical during the summer program. VTSU communicates in various ways during our summer sessions, by phone and email for important information and pictures. In addition, we will also be posting updates on our social media. Please make sure you have completed the communication plan and digital media release forms.
Grades
All courses are graded and students will earn a letter grade (A, A-, B+, B, etc.) at the conclusion of the course. Faculty will monitor student progress throughout the course and will be available to assist as needed; however, successful completion of these courses will depend on student input and effort.
Course Materials and Assignments
All course materials will be provided to the students either in class or via the course Canvas page. Student assignments will be varied, but will include short readings, reflective essays, problem sets, and hands-on projects. Timely completion of all assignments is critical for success in this program.
Virtual Environments
While you are a student taking these courses, you may be exposed to online environments that are open to the public. Please be aware that you may hear inappropriate language and/or may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. We want you to feel comfortable and will not penalize you for removing yourself from these situations should they arise. Please know we do not condone students engaging in this inappropriate behavior, as it is against Vermont State University’s harassment policy. Students found to be using such inappropriate language will be subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined in our harassment policy.
Faculty Meeting Times
Faculty will designate times outside of class to meet and discuss any course issues. Faculty may also be available during lunchtime or free time. Students should email or talk to faculty about any issues as they arise.
Jump to: Arrivals | Airport and Bus Shuttle | Absences | Departures | Student Drivers | Meals | Free Time | Evening Activities
Arrivals
The 3D Institute runs 7 days a week. Students will need to check in to the Keenan Hall residence hall the Sunday before their first class begins (building number 11 on the attached map). Parking is available directly in front of the residence hall (parking lot G on the attached map).
The initial check-in time for each session is from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Students are expected to arrive during this interval in order to verify they have completed their documentation, receive their rooming assignment, and move into their dorm room. It is important to arrive during this interval so that students can participate in a tour and other activities from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., with a dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Airport and Bus Shuttle
For students traveling long distances to get to Randolph, VT, we will have a mentor traveling with a van to Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport every Sunday to pick up students at 3 p.m. A separate van will also be traveling to White River Junction, VT, every Sunday to pick up any students arriving at the Greyhound bus stop at 3 p.m. For any questions relating to travel, please email us!
Absences
Students are required to remain on campus for the session’s duration in compliance, except in the case of emergencies, field trips, evening programs, or occasions pre-arranged with session directors.
Departures
Check out is on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Students will end class at 5:00 p.m. and eat dinner at 5:30 PM. Students only need to check out if they are not returning for another class the following week.
Local students do have the option to return home with a parent/guardian on Friday evenings but they MUST return on Sunday evening at 6:30 PM.
We understand not all students can return home on weekends. Mentors will remain on campus over the weekends to take students on off- campus field trips each Saturday. It is IMPORTANT no student is leaving or arriving on Saturdays! Students will either go home or go on the field trips on Saturdays (no one will be on campus)
Student Drivers
Students who drive themselves to and from campus will be required to complete a form and park in designated areas only. Students are not allowed to use vehicles during the week; therefore, students will be required to turn in the keys to their vehicle when they arrive on Sunday evening, and they will be returned to them on Friday evening at checkout.
Meals
Meals will be held in Morey Hall. Please be sure to complete your dietary form to notify University staff of any allergies or restrictions! In the case of field trips, students may eat off-campus and are responsible at all times for notifying food preparation staff of allergies and restrictions
- Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The rules for the dining hall are as follows:
- Clean up table and meal area before leaving.
- Show respect for dining hall staff and others who may be dining there.
- Students need to check out with mentors before leaving the dining hall.
- Alternate meal schedules may occur during field trips or in relation to evening activities.
Free Time
Students will have free time following lunch, before dinner, and at other times during the day. During these times, students will need to abide by all residential life policies as described below.
- If students are leaving the dorm during free time, they must sign out with a mentor and report their destination. Students must check back if they change locations.
- Approved locations will be announced by mentors.
- Mentor supervision may be required for some activities.
- Games and other sports equipment may be available for students to check out during free time. Students must check out equipment with a mentor.
Evening Programming
A few nights a week, the mentors will be organizing an evening program from approximately 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The program may include board games, movie nights, bowling, and other fun activities.
Participation in these events is highly encouraged to promote group interaction and bonding outside the classroom. If not participating in the evening program, students must either remain in Keenen or get permission from a mentor to take part in another activity.
All residential life policies remain in effect throughout these activities.
Students will be housed in two wings of the building and on three floors (separated by gender) in VTSU Randolph’s Keenan Hall. Bathrooms are shared by floor and must be kept clean at all times.
Any student who has questions or concerns while living in the residence hall should speak with the mentor on duty. Students are not allowed in dorms without a mentor present in the hall unless otherwise cleared. Students are never allowed to be in the dorms alone.
Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency during the summer program, parents/guardians should call the residential staff member on duty. The on-duty cell phone number is 802.760.7116. Parents may also call Public Safety at 802.728.1292. During daylight hours, you may also call the faculty session director.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency on the VTSU Randolph campus, VTSU staff will immediately contact Public Safety for emergency aid and/or ambulance service. VTSU staff will notify parents of medical emergencies directly after contacting Public Safety. In the event of a medical emergency off campus, VTSU staff will either transport the participant to the nearest hospital or contact 911 for ambulance service.
VTSU staff will notify parents of medical emergencies directly after seeking medical attention for the participant.
VTSU staff will accompany the participant to the hospital and/or in the ambulance, and will remain with the participant until parents arrive. VTSU staff are not medical professionals and will always seek out immediate medical care for participants who are not able to continue regular participation in VTSU activities due to an illness, injury or medical emergency.
Decorating Your Room
Taken from the VTSU student handbook:
- Road signs, highway cones and lights may not be displayed in residence halls and will be confiscated if found
- The fire code requires that furnishings of an explosive or highly flammable nature not be used and/or possessed in a residence hall.
- Wall coverings such as posters or other paper/cloth decorations can only cover 50% of a wall.
- No holes, nails, or screws may be put into any residence hall door, wall, ceiling, floor, or furniture.
- No wall coverings (posters, etc) may be applied by the use of adhesive glue or cement.
- No objects may cover electrical outlets, heat or smoke detectors, fire alarm signaling devices or lighting fixtures.
- Residence hall furniture belongs where it has been placed.
Windows/Balconies/Stairwells
- Screens are not to be removed from room windows. Students will be charged to replace removed screens.
- Exiting or entering the residence hall through a window/balcony is strictly prohibited.
- No objects may be thrown or dropped from a window/balcony/stairwell or thrown up to a window/balcony/stairwell.
- No sliding down stairwell railings.
Recreation
No outdoor games are allowed in the building (ball sports, Frisbee, water guns, etc.)
Right Place, Right Time
- Students are not allowed to be on residential floors other than their own at any time. There will be designated areas where all students may gather in and around the residence hall.
- Students are not allowed to loiter in the stairwells.
- Students must be in their rooms at 10:00 p.m. and observe quiet time.
- Room checks are at 10:45 p.m. Students should have bathroom visits completed and be in their rooms at this time.
- Students are to stay within designated VTSU areas unless a staff member has given prior approval.
- Absolutely no visitors are allowed on the floors or in the residence hall without prior approval from the Session Director or Residential Life Director.
Noise
- Students are required to be courteous of others when listening to music by keeping the volume at a reasonable level and/or using headphones.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Jump to: Medication | Physical Activity | Illness/Injury | Technology Policy | Drugs/Alcohol | Smoking/Vaping | Cannabis Policy | Weapons | Lost or Stolen Items | Displays of Affection
Medication
Parents/guardians and students must complete and submit a medication form. This form will list all prescription drugs students may need to take during the summer program. The form will also list any non-prescription drugs the student has permission to take during the summer program. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify VTSU staff if any medications are prescribed during the course of the summer program.
Physical Activity
All VTSU participants may be expected to perform physical activity while in the program, particularly on field trips. These include, but are not limited to walking, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods of time, and getting in and out of vehicles without assistance. We will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students with disabilities in compliance with federal laws that pertain to public institutions of higher education, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Participants requesting accommodations are required to submit medical documentation to administrative staff, meet with administrative staff, and develop a plan together for all upcoming events and activities within a reasonable amount of time before events and activities are scheduled. Should these accommodations not be satisfactory to the participant, they may appeal to the Vermont State University ADA/Section 504 coordinator.
Illness/Injury
Any illness that prevents students from being an active participant in any VTSU activities should be communicated with the Session Director and the Residential Life Director. Students who are not well enough to participate will be asked to have a parent take them home until they are well enough to participate. All academic course work must be made up.
Technology Policy
Cell phones may only be used during free times or meal times. We ask that students be respectful in using their cell phones when participating in Institute activities. Cell phones cannot be used during class time unless allowed by the professor. Devices used inappropriately will be dealt with on an individual basis, and parents will be contacted if necessary. VTSU strongly encourages students to shut devices off at night. Technology use in the late hours is unhealthy for you as it can disrupt your sleep schedule!
Drugs/Alcohol
No student is to be under the influence or in the possession of illegal drugs or alcohol at any time while participating in this program. Suspicion alone can result in suspension. Random room searches may be conducted at any time during the summer program. A violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal.
Smoking/Vaping
The Vermont State University Randolph campus is a smoke-free environment. Students are not allowed to smoke, vape, or use any other form of tobacco or related product during the VTSU 3D Technology Summer Institute program.
Cannabis Policy
Though cannabis sale and use are legal within the State of Vermont, it is strictly prohibited at the University. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance under federal law, and the University must prevent its possession, use, or distribution by students and employees due to the funding the University receives from the U.S. government.
Weapons
Vermont State University (VTSU) prohibits the possession of weapons, replicas, and facsimiles of weapons, or dangerous items at any of its locations. Weapons or dangerous items include, but are not limited to, firearms, dirks, daggers (including “Vampire Straws”), ice picks, blackjacks, whips, metal knuckles, nunchaku, knives with a blade longer than three (3) inches (except for lawful use in food preparation or consumption), razors with an unguarded blade, tasers, stun guns, instruments that expel a metallic projectile (such as a BB or a pellet), spot marker guns (commonly known as a “paintball guns”), compressed air, gas, or spring actuated (airsoft) guns, fireworks, or other explosive devices. It is also a violation of this policy to use any item (i.e., scissors, baseball bat) in a manner that could or does result in an act of violence or a threat of violence against another person.
Lost or Stolen Items
VTSU is not responsible for theft or loss of items brought to campus. Students should keep their rooms locked at all times. Students will be charged for VTSU or college property if it is lost or damaged at standard university rates.
Displays of Affection
No intimate contact is allowed during the program. Couples are not allowed to be alone at any time.
The policies and procedures in this handbook are in place to ensure an enjoyable and safe summer for all students and staff. Therefore, it is essential that students and parents take the time to carefully read and understand the policies set forth in this handbook.
Consequences for violations of VTSU policies may include the completion of special assignments, financial payment if damage to property was involved, not being invited back, probation, or removal from the program. Student offenses that may result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the program include, but are not limited to:
- Inappropriate use of social media to promote self-harm, harm to others, sexting, or any other improper posting.
- Drug or alcohol use, being in the presence of drug or alcohol use, or coming to school or campus under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Verbal or physical acts or threats of violence to self or others
- Inappropriate sexual conduct.
- Tampering with safety equipment such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or smoke detectors.
- Possession of weapons, fireworks, or other explosives of any kind.
Violation of any local, state or federal laws. Participation in the program is a privilege. Violation of any policy or suspicion of inappropriate behavior of any kind is grounds for dismissal. Any costs associated with student dismissals are the full responsibility of the student, parent, or guardian. This is not limited to damage fees, travel expenses, and more.
The Vermont State Colleges and its member Colleges (collectively the “VSC”) are committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from discrimination, harassment and related unprofessional conduct. The VSC prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, positive HIV-related blood test results, or any other status protected by state or federal law (collectively“protected categories”). Sexual harassment, racial harassment, and harassment based upon a person’s status in a protected category are forms of discrimination and will not be tolerated. In addition, inappropriate sexual relationships between VSC employees and students, including those that may not otherwise rise to the level of sexual harassment, are prohibited.
Discrimination also includes but is not limited to:
- The use of slurs or overly hostile language
- Intentional misgendering, or repeated misgendering without effort to correct behavior
- Micro-aggressions such as touching hair without consent, touching clothing without
consent, mimicking stereotypes, mocking language, etc.
Issues of harassment will be dealt with in the following way.
If the behavior is repeated, VTSU staff will contact the guardian of the student. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the student may be allowed to continue at the institute on a probationary basis, or the student may be dismissed immediately and asked to leave campus by the end of the day.
A mentor, Professor, or any other member of the VTSU staff will issue a verbal warning. Depending on the severity of the situation, in cases of especially egregious violations of the harassment policy, students may be dismissed from the Institute immediately.
Below is an estimated schedule of what a typical day may look like during a student’s time at the 3D Institute. Times are subject to change and activities may vary.
Arrive on Sunday
Arrival for the first Sunday of each session is between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. When not arriving/moving-in, Sundays will have homework/activity/relaxation days.
Monday-Friday
| 7:00 a.m. | Students need to be awake |
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast/Free time |
| 9:00 – 11:50 a.m. | Class |
| 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch/Free time |
| 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Class |
| 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Extra lab hour if needed (free time if not needed) |
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Dinner/Free time |
| 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Optional evening activity with mentors, or free time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Quiet hours begin and students must be preparing for bed |
| 10:45 p.m. | Students must be in bed, mentors do room checks |
Friday
After class ends on Fridays, students who are returning home for the weekend must be picked up between 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. NO PICKUPS ON SATURDAYS!
Saturday
Vermont Days field trips (except for Aug. 8 which is final move-out day for EVERYONE)
Vermont Days are new this year! With the 3D Institute being operational on the weekends and having out-of-state students, we wanted to provide a weekly field trip on Saturdays to showcase some of Vermont’s unique places and have some fun! All costs for outings are covered through attendance costs.
These field trips will take the majority of the day, allowing students to travel with mentors around the state of Vermont. Some activities may involve going to a museum, visiting maple cremee shops, exploring Vermont’s rugged terrain, or indulging in local cultural traditions. Vermont Day field trips are open to ALL 3D Institute students!
Q: Do I need to return home on Friday each week?
A: No, mentors will be available on the weekends. The only time you must return home on Friday is when it is the last day of your class, and you are not returning the following week for a different class.
Q: Do I need to bring all my belongings home on the weekend?
A: No, you will have the same room for the entire duration of the time you signed up to be on campus for the Institute. It is ok to leave things in your room until move-out day.
Q: Can I have a car on campus?
A: Yes, but you cannot use it throughout the school week. Mentors will take your car keys once you arrive on Sunday and return them to you on Friday when you check out.
Q: Can I have a mini fridge and snacks in my room?
A: Yes, you may have a small mini fridge and snacks are allowed. All major meals will be had at the dining hall. Students CANNOT have a microwave, hot plate, or other small appliances in their room. There is a common kitchen with a microwave, stove, oven, and a common refrigerator.
Q: Where can I spend my free time?
A: You can be in your room, in a common room, outside (with mentor permission), and in some cases, you may be allowed in classrooms/printing labs with permission.
Q: Will there be homework?
A: YES, this is an academic Institute and attending your classes and completing the accompanying work is important. Homework and classwork are graded just like any other class, and completion of this work is needed to pass the courses and earn college credits.
Q: What does “evening activities” mean?
A: This is a time when students will have the option to gather in a common space with mentors to enjoy an activity together. Activities may be a movie, karaoke night, game night, or an outing to go bowling, mini-golfing, swimming, etc. This time is used to socialize with peers and have fun after a long day of class.
Q: What should I do if I’m having trouble with classwork or homework?
A: If a professor is available, they are happy to help you with classwork or homework. All classes have a teacher’s assistant to help students. Mentors are also available, and they may be in your classes with you. Some of your mentors have already taken these courses and can help you with assignments or with classwork. Just ask!
Q: What should I do if I am having issues with Canvas, Duo, or any other technological issues?
A: Please notify a professor, TA, or mentor IMMEDIATELY. If you are having issues, especially with Canvas or Duo, we want to get them handled soon so you can access course materials.
Q: If I have a dietary restriction, can you accommodate me?
A: Absolutely! We want all students to have access to meals they feel comfortable eating. While the dining hall staff make menu decisions, we can inform them of restrictions so they can make options for you. Please make sure you complete the dietary form and inform us as soon as possible of any new restrictions that may arise.
Q: Do I need to attend Vermont Days if I am on campus on Saturdays?
A: Yes, all 3D staff will be attending Vermont Days with students, meaning no one will be on campus to supervise students. You have the option to not participate in most activities but please note you must travel with everyone to and from the field trip.
Q: Is there a place to do laundry on campus?
A: Yes, there is a laundry room in each wing of Keenan. Mentors may also arrange one day a week to go to a laundry mat in Randolph. Please note that both options cost money, and it is the responsibility of the student to cover these costs.
Q: Who should I ask if I have any questions throughout the Institute?
A: Mentors are a great resource! If they cannot answer your questions, they will help lead you to the right person.
