The following are a few questions alumni often ask. Please feel free to be in touch with other questions you may have!
Q. Why are Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College unifying?
Economic and demographic challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the reimagining of the Vermont State Colleges System to ensure it will thrive into the future. Vermont State University is the new name for the unified institution, with five campuses and multiple learning sites throughout Vermont. See the Vermont State Vision and Mission.
Q. What does this mean for my alma mater — will it still exist after unification?
While our name is Vermont State University, we remain committed to everything that you have known and loved about your experience on your home campus, including the campus culture and traditions that touched you deeply. Vermont State University includes campus locations as part of its name when referring to a specific campus: i.e., Vermont State University Lyndon, Vermont State University Castleton, etc.). The changes increase opportunities for our students while reducing our administrative structure.
Q. What does unification mean for alumni?
The unification of Castleton, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College presents benefits for both current students and our alumni communities through increased networking and mentoring opportunities, new affinity groups, and a robust slate of alumni events. Our individual institutions are home to a network of tens of thousands of alumni living across the country and around the world. All are welcome in our new unified university.
Q. Can I still connect with the college and campus I graduated from?
Yes! The Alumni Office at your home campus is ready to help you! Just follow the appropriate link:
Q. How can I best continue to support my campus and Vermont State as an alum?
Be involved! Share your experiences, remain engaged in university activities and news, volunteer your time, attend Homecoming, give to your home campus or the larger institution, and join your alumni Facebook group.
Q. Can I still donate specifically to my alma mater?
Yes! You may donate to the campus you would like to support by making a restricted gift to support the fund of your choice at the campus of your choice. VermontState.edu/Give.
Q. What institution name should I use on my resume?
Alumni may continue to refer to their alma mater as Castleton University, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Technical College. Or you may choose to use Vermont State University (formerly [the name of institution you graduated from]), as in: Vermont State University (formerly Castleton University).
Q. Will campus-specific athletics teams remain after unification?
Athletics is recognized as a core element of the student experience and a source of diversity and energy on the Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, and Randolph campuses. We are not making any immediate changes to our athletic offerings — or our mascots! We will continue to use data and analysis to make adjustments to athletics in the coming years, but any major changes will be announced at least a year in advance.
Q. What will my transcript say?
If you order a new transcript, it will list “Vermont State University,” but it will also include the name of the institution you earned your degree at and a “Transcript Key” that includes an explanation of the name change.
Q. If I order a replacement diploma, what institution will it be from?
Your replacement diploma will display the name of the institution you graduated from, not Vermont State University.
Q. Can I get a new diploma from Vermont State University?
No, since you didn’t earn your degree there. However, you can order a commemorative Vermont State University diploma. Stay tuned for details and make sure you are subscribed to our e-newsletter or are a member of your alumni Facebook group.
Q. What is happening to my university email address?
If you have used your university email address in the last two years, it will remain active. If you have not, it will be marked as inactive, and the account will be closed.
Q. How can I order swag from my alma mater?
The Gear Store will now sell all branded gear, both at the bookstore at Castleton and through an online Vermont State University store. The Gear Store will launch for the full university this summer.
Q. What will happen to your alma mater’s alumni associations?
Regardless of when you graduated, what you studied, or what you’re doing now, your degree makes you a member of your alma mater’s alumni association. This alumni community provides a rich blend of social, professional, cultural, and academic opportunities and is a great way to stay connected. If you’d like to get involved, join your alumni council! Contact Bo.McDougall@VermontState.edu for more information.
Q. Do alumni still have email access?
Soon after graduation every student’s account will be shifted to Alumni. The Office 365 license will be bumped down to only email, calendar, and contacts. The account will lose access to OneDrive, Teams, and any other apps that were included in the license for students and employees.
The primary email alias will change to Username@alumni.school.edu. Details can be found here.
Note: Only graduates will continue to have access to Office 365 and alumni email accounts.
Contact Us!
Questions? Want to get involved?
Please contact our Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations team at Alumni@VermontState.edu and the appropriate team member will get back to you.
