Green Mountain Job & Retention Center

Spring 2023 Graduates: Applications Open for New Loan Repayment Program for Students Earning a B.A. or B.S. at a Vermont College

The State of Vermont, in collaboration with the University of Vermont and Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), has set up the Green Mountain Job & Retention Program, which offers up to $5,000 in loan repayment awards to encourage new graduates from Vermont colleges and universities to stay and work in Vermont after graduation.

All Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College spring 2023 graduates with a bachelor’s degree may apply!

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis based on regional, employer, and institutional distribution criteria. Program FAQs and the VSAC link to apply are at VermontState.edu/GMJobRetentionProgram .

Vermont State University Leadership Transition

The Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) today announced that Vermont State University (VTSU) President Parwinder Grewal has tendered his resignation and is stepping down effective immediately for personal reasons. Former Vermont Agency of Human Services Secretary Michael (Mike) Smith will assume the role of interim president beginning next week.

The announcement comes after much consideration about how best to lead the upcoming launch of Vermont State University set for July 1. The launch of Vermont State University is the culmination of years of work to unify the state colleges, streamline academic offerings and achieve financial sustainability. This has been a partnership with Governor Scott, lawmakers, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our communities.

“We knew this work would be difficult – in fact, none of this work is simple or easy but we are making steady progress and will be ready to launch Vermont State University in July,” said Sophie Zdatny, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System. “We are grateful to Dr. Parwinder Grewal for stepping into the role of President and bringing his skills and expertise from a similar higher education unification at this important time, and we appreciate his service.”

The Board of Trustees and Chancellor Zdatny have asked Interim President Smith to pause implementation of the proposed initiatives around athletics and the libraries, pending development of a comprehensive set of recommendations for continued transformation work in the coming weeks. More information will be shared when that work is complete.

Interim President Smith will serve for the next six-months and will initially focus on implementing transformation plans and meeting with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and communities with an eye towards ensuring the successful launch of Vermont State University in just a few short months.

“It is an honor to take on this role at such a critical time and I am committed to giving this my all to ensure the overwhelming success of Vermont State University,” Interim President Smith shared. “I am excited to work with the faculty and staff and welcome the inaugural class who will help chart this new path forward. Together, we are making history and securing a legacy that will serve generations of Vermonters.”

Interim President Smith comes to Vermont State University after a long career in public service, most recently as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services where he was a key leader in the state’s nationally recognized COVID-19 pandemic response. Smith also served Vermont as Secretary of Administration, Deputy State Treasurer, and as a member of the general assembly. Smith served the United State admirably as a member of SEAL Team Two and has held various roles in the private sector.

“I also want to extend my appreciation to Dr. Grewal for his contributions and welcome Mike to this interim role,” added Lynn Dickinson, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges System. “We know we have a lot of work ahead to achieve the vision of a unified, thriving and financially viable Vermont State University. Strong communications, engagement, and collaboration will be our ongoing focus.”

All University Update December 14, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

As we begin to close out the semester, I offer my appreciation to all of you for your incredible efforts these past few months. Students, thank you for your hard work throughout the semester. You are close to the finish line – and I’m rooting for you all! Faculty and staff, thank you again for your work supporting our students and for all the extra contributions you have made in your work as we build Vermont State. If you have any news to share as you complete the year, please click here to submit your news! If you have a suggestion to share, please click here to send it to me.

As we enter the new year, I want to share with our entire community our new values statement, which will be of critical importance as we forge forward together as Vermont State University.

Here’s to a successful end to 2022, with best wishes for a rewarding 2023.

Yours,
President Grewal

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Transformation Updates

We are pleased to announce three Vermont State University leadership appointments:

  • Jayshree Bhat will be the Associate Vice President of Workforce, Community, and Economic Development
  • Lindsey Melo begins her role as Assistant Vice President of People and Culture
  • Mari Perez is the new Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Programs

Please join us in welcoming Jayshree, Lindsey, and Mari!

VSCS Transformation Newsletter

Additional transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Reminder: Transformation Update #43
  • IT Shared Service Next Steps
  • Student Advisory Council November Meeting Summary
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • Announcing Three New Vermont State University Leadership Appointments
  • Spotlight: Complementary Roles & Workforce Development System-wide
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

VTSU Office of the President Communications and Organization Chart

President’s Office Communications

To send an inquiry or meeting request to President Grewal, please use President@VermontState.edu. The President’s Office staff, including Michelle Graham and Barb Flathers (Johnson campus) and Rita Geno (Castleton campus) will be happy to support you.

Vermont State Organization Chart

All VTSU employees can access a new and helpful Vermont State organizational chart in UKG (UltiPro).

To access this chart:

  1. Login into UKG
  2. Click on your personal tab (Myself)
  3. Scroll down the list about half way and you will see the My Company category with the Organization Chart
  4. Click on Organization Chart
  5. In the chart you can click and drag with your mouse to move through the chart or you can use the search bar to search a name.

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

  • First day of classes for spring 2023

Around Our Campuses

Castleton Campus

WPTZ-TV – Castleton Nurses Pass Licensure Test Well Above National Average

“We’re really, really excited that something’s going very well here,” said Helen Papeika, assistant professor and nursing chair at Castleton University. “We’re meeting the needs of the community, we’re meeting the needs of the students, faculty and staff across nursing and other departments.” Watch now.

Johnson Campus

Pocket Wetland Restoration Underway on Johnson Campus

“This project is a first step in making the campus grounds more sustainable,” Professor Lisa Zinn said. “With climate change, the storm events are getting more frequent in Vermont, and all of the surface water running off lawns and roads is running into streams and rivers.” Read the entire article. Read more.

Lyndon Campus

Out and About with NVU’s Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism Program

NVU’s Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism program faculty and students have been out in the local and regional community learning and sharing their knowledge in a variety of ways this semester. Read more.

Randolph Campus

Vermont Tech Hosts Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony

“The athletes inaugurated into this first Hall of Fame class showed exceptional talent and willingness to work hard both in the classroom and on the playing surface,” said Hilary Linehan, Director of Athletics and Recreation. Read more.

Share your news!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media.

Vermont Tech Hosts Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony

Vermont Technical College’s Athletic Department hosted its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame event in conjunction with the college’s annual Homecoming weekend events on September 24-25, 2022, at its campus in Randolph Center, Vermont.

In total, 18 athletes and one administrator were inducted:

Basketball, Bob Pietryka, 1967
Nordic Skiing, James (Jim) Lehneman, 1984
Nordic Skiing, Andy Whitney, 1986
Nordic Skiing, Michelle Bean, 1989
Basketball, Lance Boire, 1999 & 2001
Basketball, Robby Cosgriff, 1999 & 2001
Basketball, Marybeth LaRocque, 2000 & 2002
Soccer, Chad Albrecht, 2002
Soccer, William (Billy) Field, 2002
Baseball, Jordan Hodge, 2008
Soccer, Shannon Leland, 2008
Cross Country, Justin Newland, 2011
Soccer, Amy Galipeault, 2011
Basketball, Kevin Carr, 2013
Basketball, Paige Wells, 2015
Basketball, Jamal Hughes, 2015
Soccer, Phil Hepburn, 2017 & 2019
Cross Country, Rebecca Broadbent, 2019
Administrator/Coach, Skip Distel

“We want to ensure that Vermont Tech’s athletics legacy is retained in a formal manner,” said Hilary Linehan, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the college. “The athletes inaugurated into this first Hall of Fame class showed exceptional talent and willingness to work hard both in the classroom and on the playing surface.”

Athletics have a long history at Vermont Tech, dating back to the 1960s. The athletic teams started as part of the NJCAA, competing with some schools within the same athletic conference for more than 50 years. After the college added its first bachelor’s degree program in architectural engineering technology in 1993, Vermont Tech moved over to the U.S. Small College Athletic Association, which rebranded as the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) in 2005.

Vermont Tech has a history of excellence in athletics, with hundreds of student-athletes earning national and conference All-Academic, All-Conference and All-American awards. Our teams have also followed this pattern of excellence, appearing in over 50 different Conference and National Championship tournaments and events, and winning nine of these.

“While we honor this year’s class of athletes, we know there are more out there that will be nominated for a future class,” Linehan said. “We expect to open nominations in late spring each year so please be sure to check the website to place your nomination.”

The Hall of Fame Kiosk is located in the alcove next to the SHAPE entrance on the Randolph campus. Visitors may view the Hall of Fame online by using the Hall of Fame link on the Vermont Tech athletic website under “Inside Athletics”.

All University Update November 28, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

Welcome back from the Thanksgiving holiday! I hope you had a restful few days, doing the things you enjoy with the people you care about.

There are just three weeks left in the fall semester and only a little over a month until we welcome 2023. My best wishes to you on final exams and projects. To our December graduates, my congratulations to you on your hard work to complete your degree.

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Watch for a special message from me about how we can all participate in a campaign to support students and the high-impact education they receive at our Vermont State University institutions.

Yours,
President Grewal

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Transformation Updates

We have welcomed Amy Daviarz, the new Title IX and Protected Rights Coordinator for Vermont State University. Amy joins the Office of the Chancellor in Montpelier while she completes her training under Kathryn Santiago’s supervision. She will then transition over to Vermont State University. Welcome, Amy! Additional transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Title IX and Protected Rights Coordinator for VTSU
  • Spotlight: Updates from VSCS Library Transformation
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • The CCV Graduate Connection VTSU
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Town Hall Meetings

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

Open House

Vermont State University In the News

New England Cable News: Team USA Athletes Savor Thanksgiving Week Stop in Vt. on World Cup Circuit

WCAX-TV: How Killington partners with a Vermont college to staff the ski resort

From Our Campuses

Castleton

Take a Moment at the Mandala

“The Mandala is something that every student walks by,” Jennifer said. “But what the students might not know is that the Mandala is an interactive sculpture, and the marble centerpiece turns.” Read the entire article.

Vermont Tech

History Is Made at Cross Country Nationals

Trevor Kipp, who graduated Brattleboro High School in 2019 became the first All-American male athlete for Vermont Technical College Friday when he finished third at the USCAA Cross Country Nationals in Virginia Beach. Read the entire article.

Share your news!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media.

Quote/Unquote

“Our campuses are excited to participate in Giving Tuesday, which is the biggest giving day of the year around the world. We have three unique campaigns running at Castleton, NVU, and Vermont Tech in order to meet the individual needs of our campuses. Just like Vermont State University, #GivingTuesday is not about just one thing…it’s about all of us, and we hope that you will make a gift to the campaign of your choice to help us meet our goals!”

-Lauren Philie, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement

All University Update November 18, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to share my gratitude to you for your hard work, commitment, and innovations all through the year. I know navigating the changes and uncertainty have been difficult, but your contributions have been tremendous. You are part of a unique endeavor and are building something remarkable for the state of Vermont.

Thank you to the faculty and staff for all you are doing. To our students, thank you for continuing to inspire us and be the living proof of our professional commitment.

Yours,
President Grewal

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Transformation Updates

Please join me in congratulating two more Vermont State University leadership appointments: Deanna Tyson will be the Assistant Vice President of Athletics and Fitness and Lauren Philie will be the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. Both Deanna and Lauren were in interim positions prior to these appointments. Additional transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Spotlight: An Update on Systems Projects
  • First-Generation College Celebration Day: November 8th
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • Progress Report Accepted by NECHE
  • Announcing Three Vermont State University Leadership Appointments
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Town Hall Meetings

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

In the News

Parwinder Grewal Settles In as the First President of Vermont State University

Vermont colleges growing cannabis education programs

From Our Campuses

Castleton

Men’s Hockey’s Alderson Featured on NHL.com

Castleton University men’s ice hockey freshman forward Mason Alderson, a native of London, England, was recently featured on NHL.com’s “Color of Hockey” series—a running series penned by William Douglas that covers people of color in the sport of hockey. Read the entire article.

NVU Johnson

NVU Receives NBHWC Approval for Health Science – Health & Wellness Coaching Program

Graduates of NVU’s Health & Wellness Coaching program will be eligible to sit for the NBHWC Certification Exam to become a Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Read the entire article.

Plazek Joins Association of Canadian Studies

David J. Plazek, PhD, Professor of Political Science, was elected to the Executive Council of the Association of Canadian Studies in the United States in October for a three-year term. Plazek is Co-Chair of the Culture, History, and Political Science Department and Director of the Institute of Canadian Studies.

NVU Lyndon

NVU Honors the Memory of Hall of Famer Mark O’Brien

The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon community paid tribute to alumnus and athletic Hall of Famer Mark O’Brien ’89, who passed away in June of 2020. Mark was an outstanding basketball and baseball player at Lyndon. He was inducted into the Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.  Read the entire article.

Vermont Tech

VCBB begins partnership to fill worker shortages in conjunction with universal broadband

“Vermont Technical College is excited to work with the fiber industry in Vermont to provide apprenticeship training for this sector. We are working on developing all the elements of the program with the CUDs, VCBB and construction firms who are doing this work,” said Patricia Moulton, Vermont State Colleges Workforce Division Executive Director. Read the entire article.

Share your news!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media.

Quote/Unquote

“As I was planning my F2F+ course for this semester, I wanted to ensure that all of my students felt as though they were a contributing member of the class. I chose to incorporate Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning activities and broke students up into small teams. I change the teams every five weeks. This helped to promote a sense of community and increased student engagement. An unintended benefit has been that students report being surprised by how quickly the class time passes, a difficult feat for a 75-minute, 8 a.m. class!”

-Shannon Newell, PhD, NCSP, Associate Professor of Psychological Science, School Psychology Graduate Program Coordinator, Castleton University

All University Update November 1, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

I hope you had a safe and festive Halloween.

As we move into November, we find ourselves honoring our community in many ways. This month, we recognize First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, a time to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We also commemorate Veterans Day on November 11 and Transgender Day of Awareness on November 20. All November long we observe Native American Heritage Month. And, of course, there is the Thanksgiving Holiday on November 24, a time for family and friends.

Each of our campus communities has events planned to mark these important occasions. See below my message for a list of First Generation Day activities being held across our campuses. Watch for emails with information on how you can participate.

I encourage you to engage in these important observances with our community. Share your story or listen to another’s story. Take time to read, watch, or listen to learn more. Join us at an event.

To those who we honor on these days, we see you and we are here for you.

Yours,
President Grewal

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First-Generation College Celebration Day – November 8

Castleton Campus:

Events will be held in the Campus Center Atrium from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. where cider and donuts will be served while sharing in writing and video, “it’s important to me to be FG, because…” Later, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., cider and donuts will be served in the Campus Center 1787 Room where there will be more sharing as well as live music and therapy dogs. All week long leading up to November 8, the Calvin Coolidge Library will display books by famous first-gen authors.

NVU-Johnson Campus:

Students and staff will table in Stearns Student Center where they will have TRIO items to distribute, a poster to fill out, and a button-maker for students to make their own buttons.

NVU-Lyndon Campus:

Faculty and staff will display signs on their office doors that say, “I’m 1st Gen, let’s talk!” Students are invited to write about what being first-gen means to them at a table in the Academic Support Center, where snacks will be served.

Vermont Tech Campus:

Faculty and staff will display signs indicating their first-gen status on their office doors. Student stories will be shared via video. A table of books by first-gen authors will be on display at the library.

Transformation Updates

Transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Update on VTSU Staffing
  • Happy Diwali!
  • IT Shared Services Update: New Appointment Announcements and Answers to FAQs
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • Student Advisory Council October Meeting Summary
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Meetings* with President Grewal

*see calendar for Zoom details

  • STUDENT Meeting: Wednesday, November 16, 7 pm
  • STAFF Meeting: Monday, November 21, 12:15 pm
  • FACULTY Meeting: Monday, November 28, 12:15 pm

Town Hall Meetings

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

Fall Admissions Open Houses

In the News

NVU-Johnson Basement Medicine Interview with President Grewal

Vermont Viewpoint Interview with VCS Chancellor Sophie Zdatny and VSC Board Representative Lynn Dickinson

From Our Campuses

Heidi Welch Honored with Music Department’s Distinguished Alumni Award

The Keene State College Music Department has bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Award for 2022-23 to Heidi J. Welch, Class of 1996, who serves as the Director of Music Education at Castleton State University in Castleton, Vermont. Read the entire article.

This is Our Home – Lyndon, Vermont

Professor Dan Daley is featured in this love letter to the greater Lyndon community by NVU-Lyndon alum Ben Frechette, now with WPTZ-TV. Daley was born and raised in Lyndon and was also a student here! Watch the entire feature.

Vermont Tech Engineers Gold for Charity and Their Profession

Vermont Tech engineering students retained their trophy at the annual Vermont Society of Engineers’ (VSE) golf tournament, held in September. Vermont Tech’s team bested other university engineering student teams in a scramble format, keeping the rotating trophy that goes to the winning institution each year and that Vermont Tech had reclaimed in 2021. The tournament is a student-scholarship fundraiser for the VSE, and most of the golfers were working engineers. For many years, the VSE has invited the three engineering academic institutions in Vermont to enter a student team.

Quote/Unquote

“Through my work in the F2F+ pilot, I’ve been able to see the benefits of using technology in a way that brings students together from different locations and allows them to engage in course material in a way that breaks down the barriers of where students are attending from.

I’ve also strengthened my course delivery through Canvas course templates and been able to allow for modality diversity in how students do work within the course which has allowed students to get more creative with how they tackle different tasks within the course.

Sure, it’s been a challenge and not everything has been perfect, but if this is a glimpse of how I might deploy this in other courses, I’m confident I can do so without feeling overwhelmed by it and know that I have the support of OIT, the Teaching and Learning Innovation team, and my peers who are also working through things in this environment as well.”

-Meaghan Meachem, Professor and Chair, Journalism and Communications, Northern Vermont University – Lyndon

Share Your News with Us!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media. Submit your news on this form.

All University Update October 20, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

I hope you had a wonderful fall break, and you are rejuvenated for the rest of the semester.

It’s great to see each of our campuses buzzing with activities. This month, we saw our first Vermont State University prospective students on our campuses at our open houses. I encourage you to help us spread the word to your friends, family, and community members to learn more about our campuses and their distinctions! We are hearing great news from the road. Our admissions team members are reporting a lot of excitement about Vermont State University from prospective students.

We are eager to hear your comments, questions, feedback, or ideas. Please let me know via this form and, if you have stories to share about interesting projects, research, or more, send them here!

Yours,
President Grewal

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Transformation Updates

Transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Note on Newsletter Schedule
  • Transformation Update Presentation to Board of Trustees
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • Updates to Transformation Website
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Update

Staff may qualify for the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver opportunity and, in some cases, could see their entire federal educational loan balance forgiven. This limited waiver opportunity allows borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment (while working full-time for a qualifying employer) that typically would not qualify. You must take action by October 31, 2022. The action(s) needed depends on the types of loans the borrower has. You can get more information, including how to tell what types of loans you have and what actions you need to take online. VSAC is ready and available to provide guidance and counsel to staff. Staff may also submit their PSLF forms via an HR Help Desk ticket (accessible from the portal).

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Town Hall Meetings

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

Fall Admissions Open Houses

In the News

Caledonia-Record: Vermont State University President Visits Lyndon Campus

WCAX-TV: Vermont Technical College Recognized by U.S. Department of Energy

From Our Campuses

Connection Through Comics: Mat Heagerty, ’05

After graduating from Castleton in 2005 with an associate degree in Communication and Media Studies, Mat Heagerty pursued a life as a punk musician. Read the entire article.

NVU Students, Faculty Chase Storms in Tornado Alley

Earlier this summer, faculty, staff, and five students from Northern Vermont University-Lyndon resumed the opportunity of a lifetime to chase storms in tornado alley. Read the entire article.

Quote/Unquote

“In the few months since I accepted the position of Chief Diversity Officer, my favorite part of my work has been getting to build deeper connections with my colleagues on other campuses. There are so many amazing human beings working for our system! I can’t wait to continue collaborating with all of you to make Vermont State University a truly welcoming and inclusive learning and working environment!”

-Jae Basiliere, Chief Diversity Officer

Share Your News with Us!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media. Submit your news on this form.

All University Update October 4, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

Here we are—September already behind us, and October in front of us. My family and I are enjoying our first Vermont foliage season. It’s a treat to see each campus in its autumnal glory. I hope you are enjoying this special season, whether it’s your first or umpteenth.

In the month ahead, we will host our first Open Houses for Vermont State University. Our Admissions team has been hard at work to prepare, and I applaud them for their formidable efforts. They are also on the road meeting with prospective students at several hundred events.

Please also join me in welcoming four new people to Vermont State University leadership: Irene Irudayam will be serving as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning and Chief Data Scientist. Bobbi Jo Carter will be serving as Director of Online Program Administration. Jennifer Garrett-Ostermiller will be serving as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Sara Kinerson has been appointed to the role of Interim Assistant Vice President of Advising and Career Development. Congratulations to you all!

As always, if you have any comments, questions, feedback, or ideas, please contact me. I’m here to listen and learn from you all. We also have a wonderful and easy way to gather news and story ideas — click here to submit your news!

Yours,
President Grewal

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Transformation Updates

Transformation updates can be found in the most recent Sway.

This issue includes the following:

  • Vermont State University 2023-2024 Tuition Announced
  • Spotlight: Transforming the VSCS with Shared Services
  • VSCS Board of Trustees Expands In-State Tuition for Refugees at all VSCS Institutions
  • Update on Workforce Development Goals and Structure
  • Transformation Project Updates
  • Four New Leadership Appointments for Vermont State University
  • Human Resources and Employee Services Transformation
  • Vermont State Colleges in the News

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

Town Hall Meetings

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

Meet the President

October 6, 5:30-7PM, Williston Campus, Vermont Tech 400 Building

Fall Admissions Open Houses

  • Castleton Campus: October 10
  • Williston Campus: October 17
  • Johnson Campus: October 22
  • Randolph Campus: October 29
  • Lyndon Campus: November 5
  • Castleton Campus: November 11
  • Learn more on the VTSU microsite

In the News

VTDigger: Vermont State University to cut tuition by 15% for in-state students

From Our Campuses

Mike Robilotto Honored by Red Sox Foundation

Castleton University Director of Residence Life Mike Robilotto was recognized for his volunteer work with Rutland County Little League at a pre-game ceremony on the field at Fenway Park as the Red Sox Foundation’s Mike Egan Volunteer of the Year from Vermont. Read the entire article.

Northern Vermont University Named a New England Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases by CDC

Grant-funded regional collaboration is designed to reduce diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes. Read the entire article.

WPTZ-TV: Vermont Tech’s Apprenticeship Program Sets an Example

GE a world leader in providing aircraft engines, systems and avionics, with a location in Rutland, Vermont, announces that its GE Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs graduated 41 apprentices in toolmaking, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance. Watch the entire story.

Quote/Unquote

“I’m excited to work together with my colleagues in Student Success – all of whom put students first every day—to  improve the student experience and expand student opportunities as we launch Vermont State. By integrating and coordinating programs and services to support students holistically, we will build the framework necessary to meet all students where they are and help them achieve their goals. Teamwork is a big motivator for me, and I am energized to join my colleagues in this important work!”

-Kelly Beckwith Director of Student Success

Share Your News with Us!

Submit your story to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on social media. Submit your news on this form.

Vermont Tech’s Apprenticeship Program Sets an Example

With workforce shortages across the nation, the Vermont State Colleges System is working to provide more apprenticeships to students.

Vermont Technical College is just one school in the state with programs placing students in apprenticeships.

The school said with current workforce shortages, these programs are getting even more popular.

“The old adage was ‘go to college to get a good job’ and that just has not been providing enough workers for these manufacturers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Higgins, a professor at Vermont Tech.

Higgins said companies like GE Aviation have had to flip the narrative.

“Now it’s ‘get a good job to go to college!” Higgins said. “So, they’re being hired by the companies, working full time, filling an immediate need, but then they’re being educated to become leaders inside that company.”

This year, Vermont Tech had over 40 students graduate from GE Aviation’s Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs.

“The biggest benefit about apprenticeship is that you learn and earn at the same time,” said Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division.

Moulton said the Vermont State Colleges System is trying to add even more apprenticeship programs across the state.

“They’re not just sitting in class,” Moulton said. “They’re taking what they are learning in lecture and then applying it in the lab immediately, within the same day or the next day. So, they get that context of why algebra matters, why calculus matters, those types of things.”

This dual education and experience benefit is particularly useful at the end of Vermont Tech’s program.

“Their capstone project in the program must solve a real-world problem inside the plant,” Higgins said.

But Higgins said to do that, students need to use a lot more than just technical skills.

“That requires teamwork, critical thinking skills, communication skills, their technical skills, and then presentation skills because when they’re done, they perform a presentation in front of the leadership team about their project,” Higgins said.

If they do well, those plans are then implemented at GE Aviation, while also preparing students for a future in engineering, no matter where they work.

As published by NBC5 September 28, 2022

All University Update September 26, 2022

Greetings Vermont State University community,

It is now officially fall, and while we mark a change of seasons, I want to also recognize that it’s been a year of changes for all of us, individually and collectively. For some of us, September marked the first year of the college experience, while for others turning the calendar over meant marking decades of teaching and supporting students. We are each on our own journey.

Yet, your personal journey is also intrinsic to our shared history, and more so, our shared future. The next few months will continue to be stressful and challenging. They will also bring moments of joy, success, unity, and friendship. I call upon you all to join me in building Vermont State University as the most innovative and forward-looking university in the world!

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to travel to all of our campuses and meet students, faculty, staff, and community members at listening sessions, campus community forums, convocations, and homecoming events. It’s great to be back together again after the long years of the pandemic. What is abundantly clear to me is how much you all care for your students, colleagues, institutions, and communities. It’s that passion and dedication that will help us through this next phase together.

If I haven’t met you yet, I invite you to join me at my upcoming Meet the President event on October 6. Or, you can email me with your questions and ideas. I want to hear what’s on your mind.

Yours,
President Grewal

Vermont State University Tuition Announced

The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees approved lowering tuition for new students at Vermont State University starting Fall 2023. We are also pleased to inform our current students that we will again freeze their tuition for the third year in a row. Additionally, current students can expect adjustments to their aid so their total net tuition will either stay the same or be lowered, depending on their current scholarship.

Read the full Press Release.

Transformation Updates

NECHE has formally approved Vermont State University accreditation contingent upon us providing the required progress reports, a normal part of the process. Thank you to the faculty, staff, and students for their extraordinary work on transformation projects over the past two years. NECHE has also recently concluded accreditation reviews of Castleton University and Vermont Technical College and determined the two institutions to be in good standing. NECHE has canceled the previously slated review of Northern Vermont University due to its planned consolidation into Vermont State University.

What’s next?

  • We now need to finalize our Gen Ed curriculum so that we can seek specific disciplinary accreditations for the successful launch of Vermont State University in Fall 2023.
  • We also need to continue to work collaboratively across campuses on various other critical projects including program arrays and faculty, staff, and student governance for Vermont State University.
  • Following the legislative and transformation expectations, we will be building Vermont State as a first statewide hybrid (In-Person Plus), community-engaged, and career ready university. You will be hearing more about these top priorities over the coming weeks and months.
  • We are making good progress on building the leadership team. Several leaders are already in place and they have begun their work and are already filling staff positions in their areas.

Click here to view the most recent full transformation update.

Listening Tour Report

A number of key themes emerged from President Grewal’s listening tour. In response to one of those key themes – a desire for clear and transparent communication – we share the President’s report on his tour.

Click here to read the listening tour key themes report.

Upcoming Vermont State University Events

President Grewal invites all faculty, staff, and students to Town Hall meetings on:

  • September: 26
  • October: 10, 17, 24
  • November: 7, 14
  • December: 5, 12
  • Time: 12:15-1 pm

Location: Zoom – https://vsc.zoom.us/j/88441214720

In the News

Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus/Rutland Herald: New student trustee loves Vermont, wants to remain.Perry Ragouzis, a junior at Castleton University, was appointed student trustee to the Vermont State College System Board of Trustees this summer. The Colorado native says he’s fallen in love with Vermont, and says he hopes to make it easier for people like him to stay and work in the Green Mountain State.

WCAX-TV: $4.5M in grants awarded to Northern Vermont University first-generation students. Hundreds of kids in Vermont have access to a higher education program that helps them prep for college and helps them financially.

WCAX-TV: Vermont State University hires new diversity officer. Anchor Darren Perron spoke with Jae Basiliere, PhD, about their new role at chief diversity officer at Vermont State University.

From Our Campuses

CASTLETON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES MCNAIR GRANT

The grant helps universities and colleges develop programs to prepare undergraduate students from a variety of historically underrepresented groups for doctoral study and also provides students opportunities to engage in paid summer research under faculty mentorship and other scholarly activities

NVU ALUMNI TAKE HOME 10 NEW ENGLAND NATAS EMMY AWARDS

Seven Northern Vermont University-Lyndon communications alums took home ten Emmy awards at the New England National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) 45th Boston/New England Emmy Awards ceremony on June 4, 2022.

VERMONT TECH AWARDED $1.2 MILLION BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

A $1.2 million grant to Vermont Technical College will help to expand the college’s agricultural workforce development and entrepreneurship training programs.

Quote/Unquote

“Hello from admissions! Working alongside colleagues through our transformation has been such a pleasure. Together, we are so excited about the year to come as we represent Vermont State University with the highest integrity and transparency in order that our prospective students understand who we are, the strengths we’re carrying forward, new opportunities we are creating, and the strong academic and co-curricular foundation we will provide for them and their very bright futures. Admissions representatives are actively attending over 750 events this fall season, as well as hosting a full array of campus visits, and we are all looking forward to welcoming applications to Vermont State’s inaugural class!”

–Emily Wiezalis, Director of Enrollment Communications, Admissions

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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 Tech Announces 40+ Graduates of GE Aviation Apprenticeship Program

GE a world leader in providing aircraft engines, systems and avionics, with a location in Rutland, Vermont, announces that its GE Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs graduated 41 apprentices in toolmaking, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance on August 26, 2022.

The graduation took place at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division, was the keynote speaker. Jeffrey Higgins, EdD, professor and Director of External Degree Programs at Vermont Technical College, was the guest speaker.

“Our graduates gained so much from GE’s apprenticeship programs, but they also gave back to GE,” Dr. Higgins said. “Apprenticeship capstone projects accounted for more than $3M in plant efficiencies. Those savings don’t include what we call cascading benefits, things difficult to monetize such as freeing up technician time to work on more projects, increasing safety for employees, improving quality, and increasing employee morale.”

GE Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Program graduates earned 20 – 40 college credits, depending upon the program in which they are enrolled, and many are continuing on to Vermont Technical College for the associate and bachelor’s degrees in their respective fields.

“A strong manufacturing base is critical to Vermont’s present and future. As manufacturing jobs move from low-tech to high-skill, training the manufacturing workforce will be increasingly important. Building a strong program for workforce development is essential. This program is a sterling example of that,” said Patricia Moulton.

“I was determined to get into this program, and thankfully I was selected. I learned a lot in the Vermont Technical College classes – they really helped to lay the foundation. It has been a long road to get where I am today, but I am grateful I did it this way. I believe my time in the program will help me be a more effective engineer in the future, “ said Jim Wark, forge manufacturing engineer at GE Aerospace Rutland and a graduate of the apprenticeship program.

In addition to the GE Aviation Apprenticeship Programs, Vermont Technical College also directs the GW Plastics/Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program, the GS Precision Advanced Machinist Program, and the GlobalFoundries Maintenance Technician Apprentice Program.

Additional story information can be viewed on WCAX.

Vermont Tech Awarded $1.2 Million by U.S. Department of Commerce

On August 9, 2022, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) would award a $1.2 million grant to Vermont Technical College to expand the college’s agricultural workforce development and entrepreneurship training programs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan and will support the establishment of agricultural and food entrepreneurship coursework designed to spur innovation and train the next generation of farmers, food workers, and food entrepreneurs. The EDA grant will be matched with $314,775 in local funds and is expected to create 690 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration applauds community-led efforts to grow regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support workforce development efforts designed to spur innovation, fill job vacancies and graduate the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.”

“This funding will provide vital support for keeping agricultural land in production and for educating young and beginning agricultural entrepreneurs,” said Senator Patrick Leahy. “For many years, agricultural businesses and organizations in Vermont have struggled to find staff to meet the sector’s growing workforce needs. This investment in Vermont Technical College will create jobs and strengthen our rural economies.”

“When I visited VTC last summer to talk about workforce challenges, we spoke about how important funding like this is to support their plans to grow and develop our workforce,” said Congressman Peter Welch (VT-01). “VTC has demonstrated incredible commitment to expanding opportunities for Vermont’s workers and employers, and I’m thrilled they’ll receive this additional support from EDA.”

In May 2022, Vermont Technical College announced plans for a new Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship set to launch in late 2023 under the auspices of the new Vermont State University. The Center will provide students with expanded educational degrees offered in a variety of modalities (on-campus, virtual, and hybrid) as well as a robust internship program.

The centerpiece of the program will be an Associate Degree in Agriculture & Food Entrepreneurship, with concentrations in either Agriculture & Livestock Production or Food Entrepreneurship. Students may choose to go on to complete a bachelor’s degree in either Diversified Agriculture, or another degree offered at Vermont State University. The Dairy Farm Management Degree with a pathway to the 2+2 program at University of Vermont will remain in place. Other educational learning opportunities will include an expansion of the Vermont Technical College farm, which serves as a working laboratory to complement classroom-based learning. Planned changes include updating the greenhouses, farm facilities and launching new enterprises, including custom dairy heifer grazing, deep bedded hogs, vegetables, grass-fed beef, alongside the existing apple orchard and maple sugaring operations. Also planned is a meat processing training lab and program, which will support credit, non-credit, and apprenticeship opportunities, serving as a workforce training program for meat processing facilities and supermarkets for both matriculating and continuing education students.

“This funding will enable Vermont Technical College and the forthcoming Vermont State University to bring our shared vision for our agricultural education to life,” said Parwinder Grewal, PhD, president at Vermont Technical College and inaugural president of Vermont State University. “The grant will allow us to build upon our current programs and expand to new programs in diversified agriculture and food systems. It will also enable us to address programming, staffing student services, internships, and other elements of our new Center. We believe our new offerings will not only be of great interest and benefit to Vermonters but will attract students from across New England and the Northeast.”

Starting in 2020, Vermont Technical College engaged in a 20-month process to re-envision the agriculture and food educational degree programs and to re-design and modernize the campus farm at VTC. A group of more than 40 Vermonters, including alumni, farm and food producers, education professionals from other Vermont institutions as well as leaders in government, business, and the nonprofit sectors, engaged in the planning process. “Both Vermont’s and New England’s farms and food system businesses are expanding and are in need of more workers and the next generation to take over. Vermont Tech’s applied, hands-on education is a key asset to our region and those graduating from the new Center will play a major role in helping expand local and regional food production so that our food system can be more resilient in the face of climate change and future pandemics,” said Ellen Kahler, executive director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, and one of the volunteers involved in the re-envisioning effort.