DOE Announces First Cohort of Post-Secondary Programs to Receive New Zero Energy Design Designation

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) awarded its first-ever Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) seal of recognition to 17 leading educational programs that are preparing tomorrow’s architectural and engineering leaders to design and build the most sustainable buildings possible. This new DOE designation distinguishes post-secondary academic programs that impart the best practices of zero-energy design on students and require them to apply those building science concepts in actual projects.

“Our fight against climate change runs straight through our nation’s buildings, and the forward-looking college and university programs we honored today are paving the way for students to lead our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions future,” said Carolyn Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency. “Graduates of these programs will join the front lines of our fight against the climate crisis by designing sustainable buildings that bring the benefits of our clean energy future to all.”

The following educational programs, available at 12 institutions globally, earned DOE’s Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD):

  • Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana) Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture
  • The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.) Master of Science in Net Zero Design/Master of Architecture Joint Degree
  • Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois) Master of Engineering in Architectural Engineering, Master High Performance Buildings
  • University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio) Net Zero Energy Design Track in the Architectural Engineering Program
  • Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo, Iowa) Sustainable Construction and Design Program
  • Vermont Technical College (Randolph Center, Vermont) Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology
  • University of Missouri (Columbia, Missouri) Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
  • University of Colorado, Boulder (Boulder, Colorado) Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
  • Howard University (Washington, D.C.) Master of Architecture with an Equitable High-Performance Energy Design Concentration
  • Western Washington University (Bellingham, Washington) Bachelor of Science in Energy, Science, and Technology – Net Zero Energy Design Track
  • Myongji University (Seoul, Korea) Zero Energy Design Certificate for Bachelor of Architecture, College of Architecture, Zero Energy Design Certificate for Bachelor of Traditional Architecture, Zero Energy Design Certificate for Bachelor of Space Design
  • Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina) Master of Science in Technology with a Sustainable Building Design and Construction Concentration, Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences with a Sustainable Buildings Concentration

The Zero Energy Design Designation program supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. With buildings being one of the main contributors to carbon emissions, building professionals must be trained to design and construct high-efficiency, low-carbon buildings powered by renewables to achieve this goal. DOE’s ZEDD designation, offered to qualifying programs of study for three years, requires graduating students to:

  • Complete a Building Science Education Curriculum that uses DOE’s Solar Decathlon Building Science Education learning modules or otherwise meets ZEDD’s learning objectives; and,
  • Participate in a Zero Energy Design Practicum, either by completing the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design and/or Build Challenge or by engaging in a real-world zero-energy design project that would earn the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification or more stringent energy and environmental performance standard.

“This designation is important to us because it demonstrates our commitment to, and passion for, sustainable building design and interdisciplinary education. It is an honor to receive this designation as one of the first pilots, and we expect the designation to help raise the visibility of our programs,” said Brent Stephens, Department Chair, Professor of Architectural Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

WCAX: Vermont Technical College recognized by U.S. Department of Energy

GlobalFoundries Announces New Scholarship Program

GlobalFoundries Inc. (GF) (NASDAQ: GFS), a global leader in feature-rich semiconductor manufacturing, announces its first scholarship program for students at Vermont Tech. The GF Scholarship Program will offer an annual $5,000 scholarship and a paid summer internship to three selected candidates from Vermont Tech’s Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and/or Electrical/Electromechanical Engineering Degree, and/or Diesel, and/or Automotive Technology Program.

“Vermont Tech graduates continue to impress me with their knowledge and skills, work ethic, and their unique ability to learn and apply in any work setting, based on the hands-on experience they gain during their college education,” said John Lafreniere, Fab 9 Deputy Director of Engineering Operations at GF, who graduated from Vermont Tech in 1987 with an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Technology and Management. “Higher education accelerates the career path for our employees, helping them get where they want to go faster with significant ROI for their investment in at least two years of college.”

The scholarships will be awarded as follows:

  • Two $5,000 scholarships for freshman going into their sophomore year earning an associate and/or bachelor’s degree in the included programs.
  • One $5,000 scholarship for a junior going into his or her senior year earning a bachelor’s degree in the included programs.

“We are elated to deepen our relationship with GlobalFoundries,” said Kelly Boulan, Development and Alumni Relations specialist at Vermont Tech. “This generous scholarship program builds on the GF apprenticeship program and lunch-and-learn lecture series, among so many other ways GF supports our students. We are pleased to offer yet another opportunity for students to succeed and thrive in their post-graduate careers.”

Though priority will be given to Vermont residents, the scholarships are open to out-of-state students. Candidates must be enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering Technology and/or Manufacturing Engineering Technology and/or Electrical/Electromechanical Engineering Degree Program and/or Automotive Technology Program and/or Diesel Technology Program and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. To fully receive the $5,000 scholarship, students must successfully complete GF’s paid summer internship.

“During my time at Vermont Tech, I learned hands-on technical skills as well as how to communicate in a professional environment. These are attributes that have allowed me to succeed across my career from machining and welding, to teaching and now in engineering,” said Wesley McEntee, Equipment Engineer, GF, and Vermont Tech graduate (MEC 2016 & MAN 2018).

GF will announce the inaugural scholarship awardees at a formal dinner being held on October 25, 2022.

“The education and experience that I received at Vermont Tech prepared me to effectively learn and apply new knowledge for every role I have undertaken at GlobalFoundries. This has enabled me to successfully grow my career through the years from a Technician to my current Engineer position,” said Benjamin Broe, Equipment Engineer, GF, and Vermont Tech graduate (EET 2000 & BUS 2010).

Vermont State University Unveils New Unified Brand Identity & Logo

Vermont State University, the first statewide, hybrid higher education institution in the United States, launched its unified brand identity and logo during a live virtual broadcast today. The unveiling is a major milestone in a transformation process unifying three institutions – Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Sixteen months ago, the Vermont State Colleges System initiated a strategic transformation process to redesign its system such that it could continue to deliver on its mission to Vermont and achieve financial stability.

The logo design, which features three triangles intersecting, represents the Vermont landscape and the connection between the three schools as they come together to chart a new path forward for higher education in the state. It was completed by Vermont-based company Solidarity of Unbridled Labour. More than 3,000 faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community partners have provided feedback throughout the process.

“Our Vermont State University brand identity emphasizes the idea of togetherness. Together, we can do great things,” said Sophie Zdatny, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System.

“Together we are engaging in the hard work of transformation to bring together our individual strengths to provide innovative, affordable, and accessible higher education to Vermonters from all walks of life. Now, the logo is a symbol of our unification and our shared commitment to meet the needs of our students and the state of Vermont.”

Students, faculty, and staff from Castleton, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College joined Dr. Parwinder Grewal, who was named the inaugural president of Vermont State University in April 2022, to unveil the university’s new logo and share the brand identity, which celebrates that Vermont State University is at the heart of Vermont — a university of the people, driven by fearless innovation and exploration, developing students who are both doers and thinkers, with an expansive, yet intimate feel, and encouraging everyone to dream big and dream differently.

“Vermont State University is for every Vermonter who wants access to higher education; it’s also for Vermont – we are here to meet the state’s evolving and emerging needs. We’re transforming the way we think about college and leading the way with the nation’s first statewide, community-engaged and student-centered hybrid university,” Dr. Grewal said.

Enriched with multiple campuses and integrated within its host communities, Vermont State University is set to offer liberal arts, technical, and professional programs to students statewide and beyond.

“By bringing together the best of its programs, resources, and teachers, this new state university becomes a beacon of opportunity for all of us in Vermont and around the world to make our education truly one-of-a-kind,” said Ryan Cooney, a Class of 2022 Vermont Technical College student and VSCS student trustee.

Vermont State University opens its doors to its first class of students in the fall of 2023. Students admitted and matriculated this year will be the first students to graduate from the new university. Vermont State University will phase in its new brand identity and logo over the next year.

To learn more, please visit: https://vermontstate.vsc.edu

Vermont Tech Partners with Instrumart to Train & Support Students

Vermont Tech’s Continuing Education & Workforce Development Division announces that Instrumart, a leading distributor of industrial instrumentation headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, has joined its Employer Partner Program.

“This type of partnership is really impactful for our students,” said Maureen Hebert, Associate Dean of Industrial Relations & Workforce Development at Vermont Tech. “The scholarship funding can mean the difference between completing their education or not, and paid summer internships enable students to get real world experience in their area of interest and build a relationship with the employer.”

Vermont Tech’s Employer Partner Program

Vermont Tech offers a program that gives employers the opportunity to help train and shape the workforce that will move their industry forward and help keep their local communities vibrant.

The Employer Partner Program leverages support from Vermont employers to furnish students with financial resources to obtain a college degree. Participating businesses and organizations play a key role during every step in the process, providing students with career guidance, meaningful workplace experience, and the opportunity to start working immediately following graduation. Employers benefit by developing a pipeline of local students who are trained in a relevant degree program and are engaged in both their workplace and their city or town.

“The Associates in Electric Engineering Program at Vermont Tech provided me with engineering skills and technologies knowledge that helped me progress my career from a Lab Technician to an Applications Engineer at Instrumart,” said Mark Dion, an Applications Engineer at Instrumart and a graduate of Vermont Tech’s Associate in Electrical Engineering program.

“The education was well-rounded and not solely based on engineering designing, testing, and building. My professors were always available for further discussion and helped me throughout my program. The skills that I learned in the Vermont Tech lab directly influenced my ability to provide technical support and application advice to the customers I talk to daily. I strongly recommend the Electrical Engineering Program at Vermont Tech for those looking to jumpstart their Engineering career.”

Learn more about Vermont Tech’s Employer Partner Program. Learn more about current job openings at Instrumart.

High “Performing” Energy Down Under

*As published by Green Energy Times, February 11, 2022

Vermont Tech’s Architectural Engineering Technology and Renewable Energy programs both include a senior capstone project, wherein students apply what they have learned in coursework toward solving a problem, capitalizing on an opportunity, or fulfilling some need. The programs both include a focus on energy issues. This year, the two programs have joined forces, challenging students to design a performing arts center in Sydney, Australia. VTC seniors will not only design the building systems, but they will apply renewable energy sources to attempt a net-zero design for the structure.

Their effort is part of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 2022 Student Design Competition. The VTC students are entering the “Integrated Sustainable Building Design” option in the competition, where they will develop schematic-level designs of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, structural, civil, and site systems for a large performing arts center to be located in Sydney, Australia. The building comprises performance areas, office spaces, classrooms, food service, parking, and other uses in three levels, totaling 250,800 square feet (23,300 square meters).

The design should be environmentally friendly and meet energy-efficiency criteria from ASHRAE and others. Students will consider various heating, cooling, and ventilating systems, electrical systems and lighting technologies, and innovative materials, to be energy-efficient with a low carbon footprint (plus creating an effective, aesthetically pleasing look and comfortable conditions for employees and patrons. It is important to note that, the team will attempt to provide sufficient energy from local or on-site renewable sources to offset the building’s energy use, resulting in net-zero status. An energy production plan may include solar, geothermal, and tidal applications, among others. This marriage of energy-efficient design and renewable energy production highlights the strengths of the two programs at VTC, where Architectural Engineering Technology students bring their capabilities in optimal building system design together with Renewable Energy students’ expertise in energy use and production.

The team will spend the beginning of the semester researching Sydney, Australia and the building owner’s project requirements. They already have developed a schedule and budget for their design work. After they consider the advantages and disadvantages of various building and energy-production systems, including their sustainability and ability to be integrated effectively, they will select specific systems to pursue further, and perform the calculations and other work necessary to bring all of the building systems designs to a schematic level, along with their energy plan. They will perform an economic analysis of their design, using state of the practice tools such as heating and cooling load calculators. Their submission to the ASHRAE competition in May will include a video, a technical report documenting their engineering and architectural work, and appropriate design drawings. The team will present its project to the public on VTC’s Randolph Center campus, tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2022 (along with another Architectural Engineering Technology team focusing solely on an in-depth structural design of the same building).

The students will be guided by Scott A. Sabol, P.E., who is a full-time faculty member in the Architectural Engineering Technology program, and Nathan Mascolino, P.E., who is an adjunct faculty member whose primary employer is VEIC, an energy-solutions firm closely tied with Efficiency Vermont.

The idea to combine seniors from the two programs this year came from Professors John Kidder and Dan Costin (who directs the Renewable Energy program). Buildings represent a significant consumer of the world’s energy, and energy-efficient design alone will not be sufficient to meet Vermont’s goals. The ability to provide sustainable energy for buildings (as well as for other uses) from nontraditional sources is an additional keystone to Vermont’s and the world’s future. Professor Costin stated, “The 2021 Infrastructure Bill is going to invest billions of dollars in electrical transmission, renewable energy projects, battery storage, and electrical vehicle infrastructure. VTC is prepared to educate and train the workers who will design and build many of these systems. In fact, we have been doing that for years. Our problem in Vermont is that there are not enough workers for these technical jobs, and not enough students getting educated to meet the demand of renewable energy businesses around the state.”

More information about the ASHRAE student design competition can be found on their website and information about the course project, including the public presentations, can be obtained from Professor Sabol (ssabol@vtc.edu). Anyone seeking information about the Renewable Energy program should contact Professor Costin (dcostin@vtc.edu), and should contact Professor Brad Miller, P.E., about the Architectural Engineering Technology program (bmiller@vtc.edu).

Bridge Building Competition Returns to Vermont Tech

Vermont Technical College announces the return of its popular Bridge Building competition with a high school event on Thursday, March 17, and a middle school event on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

The events will be held in Judd Hall at Vermont Tech’s Randolph campus. Due to COVID-19 precautions, participation will be restricted to students who built the bridges and their advisors. Lunch will not be offered.

Why model bridges?

Model bridges promote the study and application of physics and engineering and help students develop hands-on skills. Participating students experience what it is like to be an engineer, designing structures to a set of specifications and then testing their functionality.

Teams of students construct bridges in advance of the competition—using only popsicle sticks, Elmer’s glue, toothpicks, and dental floss. Bridges are judged on aesthetics and originality of design, presentation, ultimate load carrying capacity, strength-to-weight ratio, and predicted failure point. Teams consist of 1-6 students.

The competition is designed for students and teachers interested in math, science, physics, research, and engineering. Teams receive awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as awards for aesthetics, presentations, bridge designs, and team spirit.

John Diebold, professor in Vermont Tech’ Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology program, has been involved in planning the competition since its inception in 2015. Over the years, he has witnessed the excitement and enthusiasm of the students.

“It is a great way to showcase the college and the program,” he said. VTC students serve as ambassadors—escorting teams over to the “crusher” to check span and height. The “crusher” is a hydraulic cylinder applied to the deck of the bridge to see what the bridge can hold—a moment of excitement for all involved. Check out the video from 2018’s event.

Diebold has seen middle school groups create bridges that have held up to 2,700 pounds, and high school groups create bridges that have held up to 4,900 pounds.

Vermont Teachers Design Curricula Around the Competition

Teachers in high schools and middle schools throughout Vermont return each year to the competition, and some even design their curricula around the event.

Vicki Johnson from Randolph Union High School has had engineering students from all grade levels participate in the event since its inception. Her engineering units focus on structures, so students can apply their knowledge to the competition. “Students are always excited when they get there,” she said. “They get to see students from other schools, the bridges they’ve built, and effective designs being implemented right in front of them.”

ML McLaughlin from Barre Town Middle School and Elementary has also been bringing her eighth graders to the competition since its start. Groups of four students begin their designs in October. “It is a great way for students to learn to work out conflict, problem-solve as a group, and see a project from conception to completion. Students have said they have never felt more accomplished in their lives after the competition,” she said.

In past years, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAT) has provided funding for the event and its engineers have served as judges.

“It brings people out of the office and into the community,” Carolyn Cota at VAT said. “It sparks interest in STEM and engineering—that’s what it’s all about.”

Interested in signing up for the event? Check out our event page for more information on how to register.

Class of 2021 Achieves 99% Placement Rate

Vermont Technical College’s graduating class of 2021 achieved a 99% placement rate, reflecting that they are either employed or enrolled in continuing education programs after completing their certificate or degree. Since 2014, Vermont Technical College has had an average placement rate of more than 97%. As in years past, 98% of Vermont Technical College’s graduates in the class of 2021 are working in their field of study.

Coupled with the best return on investment of any higher education institution in Vermont according to a new study from Georgetown University, Vermont Technical College’s pillar remains its support of the State of Vermont’s workforce needs.

“This achievement affirms that our programs, and graduates, are in high demand,” said Karry Booska, director of Career Development at Vermont Tech. Vermont Technical College’s annual placement rate is calculated by a six-month outcome survey conducted by the college’s Office of Career Development.

The majority of survey respondents reported employment or continuing education in nursing and health professions, followed by engineering and computing, professional studies and management, and agricultural, plant, and life sciences.

“To the class of 2021, who persevered in the face of phenomenal challenges, we are so very proud of you, congratulations” said Patricia Moulton, president at Vermont Technical College. “We are so pleased to see you already changing the world in such a positive way.”

Vermont Tech Ranks #1 in Vermont & #7 Nationally Among Four-year Public Universities with Best Short-term Return on Investment

Vermont Technical College ranks first in the state and #7 nationally among four-year public universities with best short-term net value, according to a new report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW).

Georgetown CEW’s new return-on-investment tool ranked 4,500 colleges and universities by net value at several benchmarks — after 10 years of enrolling, 15 years, 20 years, 30 years, and 40 years. Notably, the rankings include a metric that measures the share of students at an institution whose earnings 10 years after enrollment are higher than those of workers with a high school diploma as their highest level of education. Vermont Tech was #1 in Vermont at the 10, 15, 20, and 30 year mark, and also moved up in the rankings for long-term return on investment.

“Achieving this top 10 ranking is due to one very important factor – our incredible faculty and staff, who rank #1 here at Vermont Tech,” said Patricia Moulton, president at Vermont Technical College. “They not only provide a world-class education to our students in the classroom, but they also prepare our students to thrive in their careers post-graduation through hands-on learning, training, internships, and other innovative opportunities. And, of course, our amazing students graduate and obtain lucrative careers bringing great value to their employers.”

The top ten list is headed up by Princeton University and includes two other technical colleges, Fashion Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech.

Top 10 Four-year Public Universities with Best Short-term Net Value (10 years)

  1. Princeton University ($333,000)
  2. S. Merchant Marine Academy ($321,000)
  3. Fashion Institute of Technology ($302,000)*
  4. Georgia Tech ($295,000)
  5. Foothill College (CA) ($278,000)*
  6. University of Pennsylvania ($277,000)
  7. Vermont Technical College ($271,000)*
  8. Skyline College (CA) ($268,000)*
  9. California State University-Maritime Academy ($263,000)
  10. (tie) Bellevue College and Cascadia College ($260,000)*

*predominantly offers associate’s degrees

To learn more about Georgetown CEW’s study, visit https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.

World-Renowned Expert in Design for Additive Manufacturing Joins Vermont Tech

Andreas Vlahinos, PhD, CTO of Advanced Engineering Solutions, joins Vermont Tech (VTC) as Visiting Professor. Vlahinos is a world-renowned expert in design for additive manufacturing, computer-aided innovation, and generative design who has worked with companies including SpaceX, General Dynamics, and TetraPak.

Vlahinos will teach undergraduate students in partnership with Jeremy Cornwall, MS, associate professor and department chair in the School of Engineering and Computing at VTC. Vlahinos will teach remotely with several in-person, hands-on learning sessions throughout the Spring 2022 semester, a hybrid approach that will provide students with access to a global leader in the field. Vlahinos will also collaborate with VTC on industry-focused educational events for area businesses.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for our students and greater community,” said Patricia Moulton, president at VTC. “To have an expert of such caliber on our roster will only serve to advance our mission to meet the growing and urgent need by employers for a technologically skilled and knowledgeable workforce.”

Vlahinos’ joining VTC builds on the State of Vermont’s commitment to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing by businesses and grow the capable workforce. Through strong support from Senator Patrick Leahy, VTC was awarded a program contract through the U.S. Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program’s National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative to create the first advanced manufacturing education, research, and application development facility in Vermont by building collaboration between higher education and regional industry.

“Vermont Technical College is a unique place that enables students to acquire exceptional technical skills,” said Vlahinos. “At a time when manufacturing is experiencing a paradigm shift, Senator Leahy and Vermont Tech had the vision to develop a center of excellence in additive manufacturing and make it a reality. Now, students can learn how to use state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design tools to conceive and design high performance products. In addition, they will be able to manufacture and inspect their designs at an incredible facility and implement the industry 4.0 Digital Thread. VTC will become an incubator for industry ready skilled practitioners.”

At VTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center students and businesses can access design digitalization, metal and polymer additive 3D printing, advanced machining, EDM processes, heat treatment, post-processing, metrology, and metallurgy. Students get hands-on, experiential learning by providing services to industry, training, and internships.

Learn more about the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative and Advanced Manufacturing Center at Vermont Technical College.

Engineering Students Place First in Annual Golf Tournament

A team of Vermont Tech engineering students placed first at the annual Vermont Society of Engineers’ (VSE) golf tournament, held September 24, 2021 at the Stowe Country Club in Stowe, Vermont.

The Green Knight team, comprising Quinn Munns (of Jericho, VT), Thomas Ferguson (of Deering, NH), Ronnie Corey (of South Burlington, VT), and Michael Ranaldo (of Burlington, VT), outscored other university engineering student teams in a scramble format, reclaiming the rotating trophy that goes to the winning institution each year and that spent its last year in Norwich University’s possession. Munns and Corey also played last year.
The tournament is a fundraiser for the VSE and most of the golfers were practicing engineers; the funds raised go toward student scholarships. For many years now, the VSE has invited the three engineering academic institutions in Vermont (Vermont Tech, Norwich University, and the University of Vermont) that receive the scholarships to enter a student team.

The trophy will soon be placed on display at the Campus Center on the Randolph Center campus, along with engraved plates showing the names of past winning teams.

“The students have fun and network with professionals at this event. We appreciate how the VSE invites students who will be the engineers of the future,” said Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., who coordinates the Vermont Tech team. Sabol will be looking to recruit four engineering students to play in the tournament when next autumn rolls around again.

Sabol Elected Chair of Vermont Board of Professional Engineering

Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., of the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College, was elected chair of the Vermont Board of Professional Engineering at its October meeting.

The Board, one of many addressing licensure and practice of various professions in Vermont, operates under the auspices of the Secretary of State’s office. Prof. Sabol, a licensed structural Professional Engineer, has been a Board member since 2016 and previously as Secretary to the Board.
Prof. Sabol’s role on the Board allows him to bring first-hand professional-practice information into several courses, including a class on engineering management (where issues of licensure and professional ethics are taught) and another that helps students review for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (an early step toward licensure as a P.E.).

Sabol, a resident of Northfield, also recently commented on Act 178, passed by the Vermont Legislature in 2020, that requires several licensed professions to become educated on Vermont’s energy goals as a condition of licensure.

“Architectural engineering as a field of study encompasses many aspects of energy efficiency and sustainability, including efficient use of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, effective electrical and lighting systems, and knowledge of structural systems as they relate to renewable energy technologies,” he said. “Vermont Tech students, no matter what aspect of building and infrastructure design and evaluation they eventually pursue, will enter the industry already immersed in issues affecting Vermont’s and others’ sustainable energy future.”

Architectural & Building Engineering Technology Program Receives Highest Marks Possible in Accreditation Process

Vermont Technical College’s Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College had both its bachelor’s degree and associate degree accreditations extended for an additional six years, the longest term that the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) grants.

The programs, assessed under ABET’s Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission, received a final evaluation of “no findings,” which means the programs had no deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns.

“This marks the best possible result for a program,” said Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., of the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Department at Vermont Technical College. “These two programs were reviewed based on their curricula, the faculty, facilities, and student achievement of learning outcomes.”

ABET accreditation facilitates eventual licensure of graduates as professional engineers.  Most states allow the Vermont Tech graduates to become licensed following completion of national examinations and appropriate professional experience.

Vermont Tech’s associate degree program has been continuously accredited since the mid-1970s; its bachelor‘s degree program since the mid-1990s. The programs focus on building design and evaluation, with emphases on sustainability, energy efficiency, and mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Opening for Fall 2021

August 11, 2021

Effective Friday, August 13 all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a mask when indoors on campus at any Vermont Tech location.

This is in accordance with the CDC’s latest recommendations. This decision follows our recent announcement to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine of all enrolled students.

The latest research on the Delta variant shows that even a high vaccination level is probably not enough, by itself, to prevent significant infections on college campuses. As such, each of us donning a mask embodies the Vermont Tech’s values because it strengthens our ability to hold in-person classes and activities and it protects our friends who may be immunocompromised or have unvaccinated children at home.

The new Delta variant has the potential to infect people with the vaccine. The good news is that those who are vaccinated are much less likely to have severe symptoms, so the vaccine is working. But it is spreading more with this new variant. The CDC has recommended masks be worn indoors even by people who are vaccinated in high risk counties. A majority of the counties in Vermont have become high risk. To help mitigate the risk, the VSC system has implemented the mask mandate on all campuses.

No mask is required if working alone, such as in your office, or for on-campus residents when in their room alone or with their roommates. Everyone should have a mask ready for when conditions warrant their use.

July 30, 2021

Vermont Technical College now requires COVID-19 vaccination for all students enrolled during the 2021-2022 Academic Year. To be in full compliance a student must complete one of the following options before 8:00 am on August 23, 2021:

  • Submit a copy of their completed COVID-19 vaccination record. Please review the vaccination information to submit your vaccine; OR
  • Submit a request for exemption (only documented medical conditions or strict religious beliefs qualify for exemptions). Anyone on campus who is not vaccinated is expected to wear a mask indoors and to social distance (6 feet apart) from others, OR
  • Submit a copy of their vaccination record confirming the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered prior to August 23, 2021, indicate the scheduled date of the second shot (if applicable), and their agreement to complete the full vaccine protocol, OR
  • Submit a signed written statement (include name and Vermont Technical College ID number) to studentaffairs@vtc.edu stating they will not come on to the physical campus for any reason during the 2021-2022 academic year due to their taking classes exclusively online.

The goal is to maximize the number of vaccinated individuals for the safety of the entire Vermont Technical College community. Failure to be in compliance by August 23, 2021 will jeopardize the student’s ability to be present on campus for any reason. Please review information on vaccine availability in Vermont or in your home state.

July 22, 2021

Today, Chancellor Zdatny shared news from the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees:

The Executive Committee of the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees voted this afternoon to require COVID-19 vaccination for all students enrolled in the 2021-2022 Academic Year. The safety of our students, employees, and local community members is our top priority as we continue to respond to the ongoing pandemic.

Our goal remains for all members of the VSCS community who are able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated. We urge you to make every effort to complete your vaccination as soon as possible. Requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered in accordance with Vermont law. Today’s decision by the Executive Committee does not apply to students who will not come on to the physical campuses for any reason during the 2021-2022 academic year, such as those who are taking classes exclusively online.

Any necessary updated guidance will be distributed to you shortly on how to report your vaccination status and we look forward to welcoming you back to classes next month.

If you should have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to your Dean of Students.

The resolution is posted on the VSC website.

Summer 2021

Because of our community’s tremendous effort and sacrifice, we are increasingly confident in providing a campus and academic experience that is much closer to our traditional operations. While we don’t yet have all of the details, we eagerly anticipate a much-improved public health situation and a significant reduction in state mandates and restrictions this fall.

We strongly encourage everyone – students, alumni, staff and faculty – to get vaccinated. As a reminder, we will mandate the vaccine for enrolled students once vaccines are approved for permanent approval by the FDA. This will be in addition to the other vaccines currently required by the Vermont Department of Health. Once the COVID-19 vaccine is required, requests for medical and religious exemptions will be considered, in accordance with Vermont law.

March 1, 2020

After more than a year of modified instruction and limited campus housing, President Patricia Moulton has announced the college’s intention to return to full in-person academic schedules for the fall of 2021. To serve the needs of students by providing our uniquely applied educational format, the college will reinstate a full contingent of in-person classes and labs in the fall. Many clinical experiences have continued throughout the pandemic for our health majors, and will also be offered in-person in the fall.

“I have been very impressed by our college community’s ability this past year to adapt and pivot to meet the guidelines of the State, the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health while meeting the educational needs of our students,” says President Moulton. “I am looking forward, however, to returning to a sense of normalcy and togetherness as we set our sights on reopening fall 2021.”

As of this writing, the academic calendar for fall 2021 will not be modified to condense the schedule for the purpose of returning students to their home communities after the Thanksgiving break. Remote learning will not be the dominant delivery format for all courses. The college’s portfolio of online and hybrid courses will be available as they were pre-pandemic.  Residential housing will continue to be offered on both the Randolph Center and Williston campuses for fall 2021.

This plan will continue to be based on the shared responsibility of our entire community to adhere to any remaining safety measures and follow protocols during the coming academic year. We can likely expect that we will continue to wear masks and practice forms of social distancing into 2022. However, the trends in cases and vaccinations has led us the conclusion that our fall reopening plans are viable to return us to our campuses, classrooms and in-person labs.

More details about housing options and the academic calendar will be rolled out during the spring semester. Departments and offices will work to formalize details in the coming months.

 

Vermont State Colleges Students Eligible for New Scholarships

Today, the Vermont State Colleges System Board Chair, Chancellor, and Presidents held a press conference to announce the new legislation that creates several scholarship programs for Vermonters. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor, Vermont is funding several incredible opportunities for high school graduates and adult learners at the Vermont State Colleges this year. We are grateful, especially to the Legislature, for their prioritization of higher and continuing education and workforce development in their strategy for allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

These scholarships total a $15 million investment in Vermont students. This helps address the affordability of public higher education. We are thrilled that our students are reaping the rewards of this tremendous opportunity this year.

The new scholarship initiatives are

  • Welcome Home / Transfer Scholarship – for Vermonters who were attending an out-of-state college or who exited a VSC institution in 2020-2021.
    • This scholarship award is up to $5,000 for full-time students and $3,000 for part-time students per year to cover tuition, room and board, and fees.
  • Degree Completion Scholarship – for Vermonters who have earned at least 40 college credits and have a gap in their education of at least two years.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
  • Free Tuition Scholarship – for students entering or returning to programs identified as ‘Critical Occupations’ in the legislation, including healthcare programs and the McClure Best Bet programs.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
    • July 16, 2021: Due to response volume paired with limited State funding, this program’s awarding is paused at Vermont Tech, Castleton University, and Northern Vermont University, with the exception of our Paramedicine Program. Students admitted prior to this date are being awarded existing funds. Your continued interest is encouraged, while we work to secure additional funding. Please stay tuned. Scholarship programs above and the VSAC scholarships are unaffected by this pause.

VSAC also joined the press conference to present their state-funded initiative that also apply to students interested in taking a course tuition-free at one of the Vermont State Colleges System institutions: Green Mountain Grad and 802 Opportunity Grant. These programs are both provided by VSAC.

The press conference streaming archive is available on the VSC YouTube channel.

Vermont Tech Named in Newsweek’s Top 100 “Most Bang For Your Buck” Colleges

Vermont Tech is flying high, and it’s not just among its Professional Pilot program students. The college has been included in Newsweek Magazine’s The 100 Community Colleges With the Most Bang For Your Buck list. Ranking at 39, Vermont Tech is cited for the $1,050,000 40-year net present value, or a comparison of investing in a Vermont Tech education to future value. The $1M-plus value is a combination of affordable tuition and high earnings potential for the professional programs of the college.

Vermont Tech was included on the community college list for its portfolio of associate degree programs, but was also noted for offering, “programs ranging from certificate to associate and bachelor’s degrees.” The college also offers a Master’s in Software Engineering.

Another notable correction to the article is that graduates of Vermont Tech have historically achieved a 99% placement rate over the last five years, including the Class of 2020 that graduated into a pandemic. The Career Services webpage shows the rates back to the Class of 2016.

The Newsweek list is based on data derived from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University in their First Try at ROI study.