Tag: Vermont Tech

Sabol Elected Chair of Vermont Board of Professional Engineering

December 2, 2021

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

December 2, 2021

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.

All College Update November 16, 2021

November 17, 2021

Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to express my gratitude for ALL of you. As we have weathered significant change, both globally and locally here at our Vermont Tech community, you continue to rise to every challenge. As you know, it takes ALL of us to effectively operate this college, we are all vital. I thank you for all you do.  Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday!

Covid-19 Update

Questions About Covid Safety or Vaccinations?

  • If you are a student and have questions, contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs@vtc.edu.
  • If you are an employee (staff or faculty) and have questions, contact Kelly Rue Riso, Director of Human Resources, at kriso@vtc.edu.

Boosters are here!

We strongly encourage students, staff, and faculty to get boosters when you are eligible to protect yourself and our community. Living or working on campus is considered a high-risk setting. That means that you are eligible to receive a booster.

For more guidance—including where to access boosters—visit the Vermont Department of Health. Booster shots are available here on our Randolph Center Campus every Tuesday morning in Judd as well as sites across the state. Sign up and use code BOOSTER.

Thank you for doing your part to keep us all healthy!

Nursing Press Conference

On Wednesday, November 10, we co-hosted a press conference with NVU-Lyndon to announce a federal grant to expand nursing education in the Northeast Kingdom.

The federal funding expands our in-demand, existing nursing program on the NVU-Lyndon campus, creating a direct pathway for students to complete their degree from start to finish on the Lyndon campus.

The press heard from Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Peter Welch, NVU Interim President John W. Mills, NVRH CEO Shawn Tester — and President Pat Moulton.

You can see the coverage of this exciting news by clicking on any of the links that follow:

Policies & Procedures

Vermont Tech is committed to creating policies consistent with the mission of the college and to support our NECHE Accreditation. Policy development and implementation has been a continuous and evolutionary process. The President’s office, with the support of the marketing department updated and organized all policies and procedures on the website by category to ease the search process and accessibility for the college community. The categories include: Academic Affairs, Personnel, Student Affairs, Business/Financial, and General.

Vermont Tech leadership and their accompanying departments began reviewing all policies and procedures in July of 2021 per VTC policy T708 (policy on policies). In addition, a video was created explaining the process and how to find the policies and procedures on the website.

Unification Update

Thank you for your continued contribution to the unification process. For the latest transformation update, click here.

Campus Life

Honoring Brenda Churchill Flint

On Friday, November 5, we hosted the inaugural Brenda Churchill Flint Fun Run 5K/8K in partnership with the Randolph Union High School Cross Country Team. Coming together to remember Brenda, we raised more than $6,500 for the scholarship fund named in her honor.

Click here to make a donation to the Brenda Churchill Flint Scholarship Fund.

Engineering Students Place First in Golf Tournament

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

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), reclaimed the rotating trophy that goes to the winning institution each year. The tournament is a fundraiser for the VSE; the funds raised go toward student scholarships.

New OTT Sports Channel

Our new Vermont Tech OTT channel allows you to access games and other sports programming for FREE on your AndroidTV, AppleTV, FireTV, Roku, and other similar apps.

To access Vermont Tech’s OTT channel, search “Vermont Tech” on your streaming service.

Knights in the Know

I sincerely believe in continuous improvement. I also believe that every member of our team has something to contribute to make us a better organization. As a reminder, please know that the college has an electronic “suggestion box” to share ideas with me and the administration about areas of improvement or recognition. It’s also a reminder for everyone to keep sending me your thoughts and ideas.

Have a faculty member you think deserves kudos for the experiential learning project she embedded in your class? Have you thought of a more efficient process we should implement for cost savings? Do you see a way to improve safety on your campus? Want to nominate a student, faculty or staff member to be profiled as an excellent example of Vermont Tech-ness on our website? Use this suggestion box for these ideas and more.

This form is in addition to the college’s Care & Concern form (to report any student safety issues).

Who’s New at Vermont Tech?

Please join me in welcoming these new employees to the Vermont Tech family.

Welcome to our new staff members!

  • Chassidy King – Assistant Program Coordinator/Electrical & Plumbing Apprenticeship Program (switched from the OC)
  • Anne Black Cone – Assistant to the Academic Dean
  • Rachel Smith – Assistant Director of Admissions/Transfer Coordinator (Switched from Admissions Assistant)
  • Kelly Dixon – Nursing Site Director, Southeast Region

Warm wishes on a healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday.

Native American Heritage Month

November 12, 2021

Dear Vermont Tech Community:

In November, we honor Native American Heritage Month. This month allows us time to learn, reflect, and engage in both the historical and modern experiences of Native Americans in our country. We use the term Native Americans to represent the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The best terminology is what an individual person or tribal community uses to describe themselves. When possible, we refer to the specific tribe or tribal community. Learn more about the various terms used by indigenous people to describe themselves here.

In Vermont, there are four state-recognized Western Abenaki Tribes:

  1. The Elnu Abenaki Tribe
  2. The Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe
  3. The Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation, and
  4. The Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi.

Within the political borders of Vermont there is also the federally recognized Mohican Nation.

No matter where you are in Vermont or across the world, which campus you attend, or whether you are a resident or commuter student, there are many opportunities offered below to learn more about Indigenous peoples.  We are also repeating our CALL TO ACTION.  We are seeking students, faculty and staff with connections to Native Americans or others who are interested in amplifying Native American voices and experiences by developing a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech. To learn more about what a Land Acknowledgement statement is and how you can help please read below.

Native American Heritage Month Programming:

Virtual Game night with Native American Heritage Month questions

  • Monday, November 8
  • ZoomLink, Meeting ID: 861 4986 4456, Passcode (case-sensitive, lowercase): playnow

Screening of Dawnland

“For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to save them from being Indian. In Maine, the first official “truth and reconciliation commission” in the United States begins a historic investigation. DAWNLAND goes behind-the-scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations.”

  • Williston: Wednesday, November 17, Room 203; lunch provided.
  • Randolph: TBD
  • Streaming via VIMEO from your computer any time. Password: silver.five.dove

Screening of Songs My Brothers Taught Me

“A melancholic portrait of Lakota Indian life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the South Dakota Badlands.” This is a movie that was written and directed by Academy Award winner Chloe Zhao

  • Randolph: Tuesday, November 30, 7 pm, Campus Center
  • Streaming via KANOPY from your computer any time

Resources for Further Learning:

Call to Action:

We are seeking Vermont Tech students, faculty and staff with connections to Native Americans who would like to help develop a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech. A Land Acknowledgement Statement is a formal statement spoken at the beginning of a public event, or written as part of a public communication that recognizes those events, communities, homes and businesses which reside on land originally inhabited by or belonging to indigenous people. A Land Acknowledgment also formally recognizes and respects indigenous peoples as stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between indigenous peoples and their traditional lands.

For more information on Land Acknowledgement, please see these resources below:

If you are interested in developing a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech, please email Kathleen Mason

Vermont Tech Launches New Sports OTT Channel to Broadcast Athletic Events

November 4, 2021

There’s a new way to enjoy Vermont Tech Athletics. Now you can catch every game from the comfort of…anywhere!

The new Vermont Tech OTT channel allows viewers to access games and other sports programming for free on their AndroidTV, AppleTV, FireTV, Roku, and other similar apps.

“We are excited to be everywhere for our Vermont Tech sports fans,” said Hilary Linehan, Director of Athletics & Recreation. “Alumni, parents, and community members can all see their favorite Knights in action.”

Vermont Tech’s first home basketball game is on November 17, 2021, at 5:30 pm. To access Vermont Tech’s OTT channel, search “Vermont Tech” on your streaming service. To access a full calendar of athletic events, visit https://athletics.vtc.edu/landing/index. For information about advertising, please email Hilary Linehan, Director of Athletics & Recreation.

All College Update October 20, 2021

October 20, 2021

COVID-19 Update

Thank you to everyone for working to keep us all safe. We’ve had just a few COVID cases recently, all commuter students. We need to strive for a zero-case count. If you have any questions about vaccinations and COVID safety, please contact studentaffairs@vtc.edu.

We need to collectively be vigilant regarding the Delta variant of the virus, please be vaccinated and follow best practices.

Campus Safety

We will send out another live test of our emergency alert system RAVE in the coming weeks, and a reminder to verify your account for accuracy. As a reminder from IT:

  • To manage your account, please visit https://www.getrave.com/login/vtc
  • Your username is your VTC USERNAME@vsc.edu email address (example: abc01230@vsc.edu)
  • Click on the ‘Forgot your password?” link, enter your email address and follow the prompts to set a password

This would also be a great time to sign up for the RAVE Guardian app.

RAVE Guardian App

With the Guardian app, users can:

  • Use a virtual “escort” that sets a fixed time for departure and arrival, alerting Public Safety if those parameters are not met.
  • Send two-way confidential text messages to Public Safety, anonymously.
  • Request help with one click from the app, sending a text message and location.
  • Receive push messages from the college based on location, increasing our ability to reach you in an impact area during an emergency.

We’ve implemented this system for your safety, please avail yourself of it. Users can find the Rave Guardian app in their app store and download to connect it to your Rave Alert account.

President’s Open Office Hours

Share ideas, comments, questions, concerns, or whatever issues you may want to discuss with me. I want to hear them. Next open office hours will be offered both in or via zoom. In person on the Randolph and Williston Campus or by zoom for students and employees are:

Williston Campus: Tuesday, November 2nd

Williston West (200 Bldg), room 203 or zoom
9:30 – 11:30 AM for Employees (staff & faculty)
12:00 – 2:00 for Students

Please RSVP to Michelle Graham to select an up-to 10-minute block of time to meet with Pat either in-person or zoom.

Randolph Campus: Wednesday, November 3rd

President’s Office, Admin 206 or zoom
9:30 – 11:30 AM for Employees (staff & faculty)
12:30 – 2:30 for Students

Please RSVP to Michelle Graham to select an up-to 10-minute block of time to meet with Pat either in-person or zoom.

We welcome your ideas, thoughts and feedback so please come! If additional time is needed we can schedule another separate meeting.

An Important National Win for Us: National Science Foundation Grant!

Our college is part of a three college/university consortium which has been awarded a $4 million grant to be on the forefront of research which is critical given the pending congressional infrastructure bill! This bill will result in a massive overhaul of our country’s civil infrastructure – roads, bridges, dams, drainage, pollution abatement, etc. Our contribution will be in cutting-edge infrastructure monitoring technology. Learn more about the grant.

Unification

The work to establish a new Vermont State University continues. For the latest transformation update, please visit the VSC Transformation website. Thank you for your contribution to VTC to date and the unification process as we move forward. We will continue to bring the best of Vermont Tech, NVU and Castleton to our new University together.

Homecoming!

We had gorgeous weather and good turnout for Homecoming this year.  It was great to see everyone including our 50 year class reunion alumni as well as graduates from 2020 and 2021 for our “mini Commencement” ceremony. It was great to have parents visit and have alumni return to celebrate their alma matter! Check out all the fun photos!

Auto Club Services & Tire Changeover

Is your car or truck in need of an oil change, service, or repair but you don’t have time to wait for your regular mechanic? The VTC Auto club is here to help and pleased to offer auto repairs on a donation basis for all VTC community members. Please email vtcautoclub1@gmail.com to inquire and schedule an appointment. The vehicle owner must provide any necessary parts for the repairs. If you need assistance ordering parts please ask any club member; they are happy to help with that process. This work will be done during club hours on Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Need a tire changeover? The VTC Auto Club is pleased to offer the Tire Changeover event again on Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th from 9 am – 5 pm by donation for all VTC community members. The vehicle owner must provide the tires and the club will change your summer tires to your winter tires and balance them for a donation. Please email vtcautoclub1@gmail.com to sign up for a time slot. More information/details to come at a later date.

Virtual Tour of New Advanced Manufacturing Center

It is Manufacturing Month all October!  The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, part of Vermont Tech, is promoting the various manufacturing events this month. Including our own Advanced Manufacturing Center in Morrill Hall. I encourage all to join in the virtual tour on Wednesday, October 27th 11-11:30 am via zoom to learn more about the exciting opportunities this new center provides for our students, manufacturers and Vermont! Read the full event description here and register to attend today!

Who’s New at Vermont Tech?

Welcome to our new faculty members!

  • Baker Al-Bahri, Assistant Professor – School of Engineering and Computing – CIS, ELT, ELM
  • Mary Connors, Assistant Professor – School of Nursing and Health Professions – NUR
  • Erica Guay, Assistant Professor – School of Nursing and Health Professions – NUR
  • Amber Lamb, Assistant Professor – School of Nursing and Health Professions – NUR
  • Ryan Pepper, Assistant Professor – School of Nursing and Health Professions – DHY
  • Suzanne Pickett, Assistant Professor – School of Professional Studies and Management – CPM
  • Steve Simpson, Assistant Professor – School of Professional Studies and Management – GTS
  • Christopher Weinberg, Assistant Professor – School of Professional Studies and Management – PPT

Welcome to our new staff members!

  • Deven Carrier – Residence Hall Director, PT
  • Elke Billig – Administrative Assistant SBDC
  • Steven Longre – Advanced Manufacturing Lab Director

Please join me in welcoming our new employees to the Vermont Tech family!

Indigenous People’s Day 2021

October 8, 2021

Dear Vermont Tech Community:

On Monday October 11, 2021, we in Vermont formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. To celebrate a fuller and more inclusive American history, this day centers Indigenous people, who are the original inhabitants of North America. It honors their continued presence and contributions to the country, as well as attempts to reconcile a history of injustices such as mass genocide, forced removal from land, forced sterilization of women, forced assimilation of Native American children, and subsequent income and health disparities. Through education and awareness-raising, we can move forward together.

There are over 500 tribes recognized by the federal government. Vermont Tech is situated on Wabanaki land. The Wabnaki, “People of the Dawn,” are named for the area in which they lived and continue to live called Wabanahkik or “Dawnland” in the traditional language Algonquian. This region stretches from Newfoundland, Canada down to Massachusetts, US. The Wabanaki are a confederation of five principal nations: the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Abenaki, and Penobscot. The Western Abenaki homeland includes what is now Vermont and New Hampshire.

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ day, please see below for opportunities to learn more about Indigenous peoples and to attend events around the state.

We would also like to request the following Call to Action: 

November is National Native American Heritage Month. We are seeking Indigenous Vermont Tech students, faculty and staff who would like to help develop a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech. A Land Acknowledgement Statement is a formal statement spoken at the beginning of a public event, or written as part of a public communication that recognizes those events, communities, homes and businesses which reside on land originally inhabited by or belonging to Indigenous people. A Land Acknowledgment also formally recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples as stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous peoples and their traditional lands.

If you are interested in developing a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech, please email Kathleen Mason.

Learn more!

To learn more about the Abenaki:

  • VPR’s Brave Little State podcast: “What Is the Status of the Abenaki Native Americans In Vermont Today?” Nov. 4, 2016:
    https://www.vpr.org/programs/2016-11-04/what-is-the-status-of-the-abenaki-native-americans-in-vermont-today#stream/0
  • Listen to Abenaki Chief Don Stevens tell the story of Odzihozo and the creation of Bitawbwa (Lake Champlain):
    https://abenaki-edu.org/nebi-abenaki-ways-of-knowing-water/
  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association: http://abenakiart.org/

To participate in cultural programming around Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

  • Lake Champlain Origin Story, Vermont Tech Williston Campus, Monday, October 11, 12:00 PM in Room 203
    • Join us as we watch Chief Don Stevens tell the creation story of Bitawbwa (Lake Champlain) while enjoying Lake Champlain chocolates!
  • Indigenous People’s Day Rocks!
    • Sunday, October 9: enjoy drums, dance circle, vendors, food & an evening concert in Stowe! Rain date is October 10.
  • VAAA Abenaki Culture Lessons
    • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association (VAAA) and Abenaki Arts & Education Center scholars, historians, and culture bearers present vibrant regional culture. The current session is full, so stay sign up for the next course!
  • Healing our Future: Indigenous Wealth Building
    • Explore Indigenous approaches to wealth, stories from wealth building leaders, and ways Indigenous wealth concepts can heal our future in this virtual event on Monday, October 11.
  • Programming for Indigenous Peoples’ Day at UVM
    October 11, 2021: 12:00-1:30 PM Film screening of DAWNLAND. 4:30-6:00 PM Community Discussion with presenter Aaron York, an educator and skilled birchbark canoe artisan.

DAWNLAND Synopsis:

“For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to save them from being Indian. In Maine, the first official “truth and reconciliation commission” in the United States begins a historic investigation. DAWNLAND goes behind-the-scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations.

For further education:

IllumiNative is a Native-led non-profit using research to change the narrative about Native people in pop culture, media, k-12 education, and other critical sectors. To learn more about how we can change the story of Native Peoples and increase visibility please go to illuminatives.org

VTC, UVM, UMaine Win $4 Million NSF Grant to Create Next Gen Sensor Networks for Infrastructure Monitoring

October 6, 2021

Program Also Aims to Spur New Manufacturing Sector in Vermont, Maine and Develop Workforce to Serve It

BURLINGTON, Vt. — As the U.S. Congress deliberates over legislation that would massively upgrade the country’s aging infrastructure, researchers at the University of Vermont, the University of Maine and Vermont Technical College have received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and test new technologies that could make monitoring the safety and performance of infrastructure less expensive, more accurate and more widespread, resulting in more dependable, durable structures in the future.

The project also addresses human infrastructure, as the national legislation proposes to do, through engaging a group of faculty, graduate students and undergraduates at the three schools to create a trained workforce that could design and manufacture the new technologies the research project will develop and make use of.  K-12 students will also participate.

The project’s key contribution will be to develop and deploy wireless sensor networks that can be quickly and cheaply imbedded in existing infrastructure and built into new structures that will relay a wealth of data about the structure’s integrity to cloud-based servers via Internet of Things technology. The current generation of infrastructure sensors conveys information through cables, often fixed in conduits, that make deploying them expensive, limit their placement within a structure and make moving them difficult.

The new system will also use emerging 5G networks, which allow much greater rates of data transmission and more flexibility in how sensors communicate with the cloud and with one another, resulting in a significantly richer data flow. The system will also employ AI-enabled microrobots able to place the sensors in small or inaccessible spots that humans can’t reach.

“These advanced technologies are a game-changer; they will leap-frog the legacy equipment we currently use to measure the performance of infrastructure and allow us to much more effectively monitor the safety of many more structures in the future,” said Dryver Huston, principal investigator and professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Vermont. “There is a real need for these technologies nationally and globally, and real potential for Vermont and Maine to take the lead in developing a manufacturing sector to serve it.”

“This will indeed be transformative,” said co-principal investigator Eric Landis, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maine. “Sensing and data analysis capabilities are advancing at a very fast pace.  This project will accelerate field implementation of the new technologies in a way that will benefit the public.”

“These technologies are needed as we look towards upgrading our critical infrastructure, and understanding the land changes that, more and more, impact that critical infrastructure,” said Mary O’Leary, co-principal investigator and chair of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology at Vermont Technical College. “It’s wonderful that Vermont and Maine will be collaborators and leaders in investigating and addressing these challenges. We look forward to the partnership of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students, and the sharing of resources and knowledge with K-12 students in both states.”

Because the new technology is flexible and inexpensive to install, structures large and small will be able to make use of it. By and large, only monumental infrastructure like large bridges, buildings, dams and mines, where failure would result in catastrophic loss of life, use sensors today.

Another key advantage of the low cost of the wireless system—sensor networks could be installed ubiquitously in projects as they are being built, when problems they uncover during the construction process can be easily fixed, preventing harder-to-address and potentially dangerous problems down the road.

Technology will be developed and deployed in testbeds located throughout region

The researchers will create and study the technology they are developing by deploying it in a series of testbeds in locations throughout Vermont and Maine, each examining a different infrastructure element.

Areas the testbeds will cover include:

  • Coastal structures like wind turbines. Sensors will also be placed in estuaries to predict storm surges and extreme events.
  • Subsurface infrastructure like water and sewer pipes, telecommunications and power grids, culverts and tunnels.
  • Highway structures like roads, bridges and overpasses.
  • Installations on mountains and hillsides that would give advance warning of landslides.

Locations for the testbeds will be determined in the early months of the four-year project.  Faculty and students will assist with the development and deployment of the sensor networks at the testbeds.

The project envisions applications that significantly advance how and where monitoring is currently done. For instance, researchers plan to develop insect-like, sensor-carrying AI-controlled drones, swarms of which would monitor highway infrastructure. They also plan to imbed sensors in offshore, floating wind turbines, taking advantage of the much greater information flow the system makes possible to test the structures under varying wind, current and wave combinations, a highly complex set of interacting data.

The project builds on the complementary expertise of researchers at the three schools. UVM’s Huston has expertise in structural health monitoring, electromagnetic sensing, and electromagnetic systems, for instance. The University of Maine’s Landis is expert in infrastructure durability, monitoring and advanced fabrication techniques. VTC’s O’Leary has expertise in stormwater management and hydrology.

The research project will be closely connected with local communities in both Vermont and Maine. Researchers will partner with community members in identifying problems to pursue. In addition, the project will form an advisory panel of industry and governmental stakeholders who will provide guidance on project activities and on hiring and training decisions.

BOT Voted to Adopt Vermont State University Name

September 30, 2021

Dear students, alumni, faculty, staff, and communities of Vermont Tech,

The Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges system voted to formally adopt the name “Vermont State University” for the institution formed by the unification of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Tech. My thanks to those of you who commented and/or attended the Board meeting to let your voice be heard!

I believe this is a strong name that capitalizes on our strengths and the Vermont brand, while giving us great flexibility to reinforce commonalities in our branding, such as the commitment to advancement and innovation, and the importance of technical and liberal arts education.

Choosing a name is the first part of an ongoing process to build the brand. I am excited about the opportunity for the core concepts of “technology” and “innovation” to strongly identify with Vermont State University, as we work to articulate more about the university in the year to come.

I will make sure to keep you all informed as this process moves forward and look forward to Vermont Tech’s meaningful and important contributions to Vermont State University.

Thank you,
Pat

Vermont State College Chancellor Message – September 29, 2021

Dear Vermont State Colleges Community:

I’m reaching out tonight to share the exciting news out of this evening’s Board of Trustees meeting.

The Board of Trustees today approved the name Vermont State University for the new university unifying Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College.

This is a pivotal point in our unification efforts. Vermont State University capitalizes on the nationally and internationally known Vermont brand, highlights our connection to the state, and emphasizes our mission as a public higher education institution.

The transformation and branding work now underway will help us answer questions you all have been asking: How will campus locations be known? How will our current athletics and mascots fit in the unified brand? And how will technology, innovation, and workforce development be reflected in the new university? The brand identity work will lean on the research conducted by VisionPoint Marketing over the last several months and will help us determine how to best answers those questions (and more) through the brand identity for Vermont State University.

I am truly excited by the many opportunities ahead of us and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you throughout this unification.  Thank you for your continued engagement in this important work and for continuing to share your feedback and thoughts with the transformation teams and with the Board of Trustees.

With kind regards,
Sophie

Vermont State University – New Name and Unification

September 21, 2021

Dear students, alumni, faculty, staff, and communities of Vermont Tech,

As you know, The Vermont State Colleges – Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, Vermont Tech – will unify under a common name. That name recommendation was revealed today to the Board of Trustees: Vermont State University. This is the first step in the process and will be voted on September 29. Please read the full press release for additional details.

This is a strong name that capitalizes on our strengths and the Vermont brand while giving us great flexibility to reinforce commonalities in our branding, such as the commitment to advancement and innovation, and the importance of technical and liberal arts education.

I am heartened the research brought us to this conclusion and I appreciate the opportunities this presents. I am further pleased the research pulled out the prominence of the need for a name to reflect “technology” and “innovation” as core concepts.

We can brand this proposed name well. It does not lock us in to one stream of thinking. This is a palate from which we can paint many “pictures” spanning the liberal arts and advanced technology programs.

This is part of the picture with the rest to be “colored in” in the coming weeks. This is a start.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We want you to participate and there are a number of ways to do so, specifically:

The VSCS is seeking public comment on the name in advance of the Board decision on Wednesday, September 29. Public comment may be made at this link and will be shared with the Board in advance of the meeting. The Board will also hold a listening session on Wednesday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m. during the Board meeting at www.vsc.edu/botzoom. To sign up to speak at the Board meeting, visit www.vsc.edu/signup.

There will also be transformation Town Hall sessions on all the campuses. For Vermont Tech specifically:

  • VTC-Randolph
    Monday, September 27, 1 pm
    Conant 102
  • VTC-Williston
    Tuesday, September 28, 1 pm
    Williston 401B

Please join in on the conversation.

All College Update September ’21

September 1, 2021

Welcome to a New School Year!

Welcome to our first-year students, welcome back to our second-year students (for many of you, your first on-campus and in residential halls), and welcome back to all others! I speak for everyone here at Vermont Tech that we are so happy to have you here.

We are excited to offer you a more normal year, with face to face instruction, regular labs, student activities and a chance to make lifelong friends!

I am optimistic that we are closing in on providing you a ‘normal’ year, but we all need to work together to get there.

First, students get your vaccine and be sure to report it to student affairs. There is more detail about that below. Be sure to read it if even if you don’t read anything else here.  I’m sure you are current on the Delta variant news and know that vaccination and safe practices are paramount.

I’m confident that we will all be able to work together to keep each other safe, while still allowing the in-person learning, and college experience we all desire.

I look forward to seeing you all!

Emergency Alert Program – Be Safe

Your safety is our top priority.

Vermont Tech has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to provide an emergency alert system so you can know, in real time, about emergencies and incidents at the college. This system can deliver messages to your vtc.edu and personal email addresses, as well as your land line and cell phone.

Your vtc.edu email address has already been added to the system. We encourage you to login to the Rave Mobile Safety site to add more contact information and choose your notification preferences for voice and/or text messages. You may also elect to add an email and/or phone number for a close family member, so they will also receive emergency notifications simultaneously. (Note that your cellular phone provider may charge a per-text message fee for the delivery of emergency notifications to your phone).

  1. To manage your account, please visit https://www.getrave.com/login/vtc
  2. Your username is your USERNAME@vsc.edu email address (example: abc01230@vsc.edu).
  3. Click on the ‘Forgot your password?” link, enter your email address, and follow the prompts to set a password.

If you have any concerns regarding this program, please contact IT at https://helpdesk.vsc.edu.

COVID-19 Policy Update

A significant portion of residential students still have not submitted COVID-19 vaccine information.  If you are living on campus, commuting to or visiting any campus, you must comply with the college’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. The due date for this was 8/23/21.  If you have moved in and do not comply, you are at risk of being removed from housing and being charged for the full semester housing obligation, in addition to being unable to visit the campus.  We do not want you to risk this situation. Please follow the instructions below which apply to all students who will be attending VTC in person, at any time.

To be in full compliance, students were required to have completed one of the following options before 8:00 am on August 23, 2021 or AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

  • Submit a copy of your completed COVID19 vaccination record. Please visit this webpage (https://www.vtc.edu/covid-19-entry-checklist/covid-vaccination/).
    Or…
  • Submit a request for exemption (only documented medical conditions or specific religious beliefs qualify for exemptions)
    OR…
  • Submit a copy of your 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 your 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 you will not come on to the physical campus for any reason during the 2021-2022 academic year because you will be taking classes exclusively online.

For more information on vaccine availability in Vermont, or in your home state, click the preceding links. Thank you to those who have already submitted your information.

Varsity Athletics are Back!!!

Varsity Athletics are finally back for 2021-22. All of our traditional sports will be playing: soccer, cross country, basketball and track & field.

We are also currently recruiting for our women’s volleyball program and expect to have a few scrimmages this fall and begin competing in formal intercollegiate contests in the fall of 2022.

All the coaches are anticipating great things from their teams.

Recruiting was better than expected for most sports, especially women’s soccer and men’s basketball. Both coaches are expecting to make the Conference Final Four in their respective seasons.

Cross country and track are also working for a repeat visit to National Championships, where the track team is trying to beat their 2nd (men) and 3rd (women) finishes from spring 2019, the last time we were able to compete in a track season.

Our student athletes and coaches are excited to participate fully, without major restrictions, in their athletic seasons.

And, on top of this, we expect to have over 10% of our student athletes make the academic All-American team as well!

The Advanced Manufacturing Center at Vermont Tech

You may have noticed construction around Morrill and wondered what is going on.

Our college is building an Advanced Manufacturing Center on campus including large-scale metal and polymer 3D printing, 5-axis CNC milling, heat-treatment, advanced metrology, and metallurgy.

The AM Center will be run by the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative (VT-MC), with the mission to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing in industry by building strong collaboration between education and companies in need of advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The AM Center will offer students hands-on experience with leading-edge technologies and be a non-biased resource to help companies understand which new technologies may be right for their businesses.  The equipment will be integrated into classes over the next few semesters.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact the VT-MC Executive Director, Barry Hulce.

Marketing Department Update

The director of Marketing position at Vermont Technical College is, and has been, critical to our daily operations and ongoing success. Recently Amanda Chaulk, who held that position, left the college to pursue another opportunity. We’ll miss Amanda, the great work she did, and her diverse skill set.

By the summer of 2022, the marketing function for Vermont’s three residential colleges – Castleton University, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College – will be consolidated as a central service. In the interim, I have enlisted the help of a team of marketing specialists, to build on the excellent work our marketing team has done, to ensure that our marketing efforts are uninterrupted, and to continue to build strong awareness of Vermont Tech. All of these resources are proven, most have worked with the college before, and all of them are passionate about Vermont Tech, our mission, and the special place we occupy in Vermont’s educational ecosystem.

The current Vermont Tech marketing team of Carrie Clement and Jimmy Henault will be joined by Barbara Egan of Highland Consulting, Nilda Kerr of Kerr Advertising, and Ken Liatsos of People Making Good PR. Their responsibilities will be, respectively: marketing strategy and team management, marketing operations, and public relations. All three can be reached at marketing@vtc.edu.

Who’s New at Vermont Tech?

Please join me in welcoming our new employees to the Vermont Tech family!

  • Meghan Sperry – Nursing Site Director, Central Vermont Region
  • Patrick Connolly – Coordinator of Student Activities/Community Service/RD
  • John Oakes – Lab Technician – Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering
  • Zachary Lang – Public Safety Officer, Part Time
  • Charles Watson – Assistant Director of Secondary Education (VAST)
  • Maura O’Riordan – Enrollment and Retention Research Coordinator, Part Time
  • Kelly Boulan – is rejoining the Vermont Tech family as our Development & Alumni Relations Specialist, Part Time. She was our AmeriCorps VISTA Development and Events Coordinator a couple years ago.

Opening for Fall 2021

August 11, 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.

 

Remembering Byron Angell

July 30, 2021

Byron H. Angell, age 92, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Byron was a long-time professor at Vermont Technical College, and ultimately Department Head of Electromechanical Engineering Technology. The photo to the right is from the 1971 VTC yearbook.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan Angell Enos scholarship at Vermont Tech. A scholarship that was created by the Angells in memory of their daughter, a 1973 graduate of the Architectural and Building Technology program at Vermont Tech.

 

Update on the COVID-19 Coronavirus

July 30, 2021

COVID-19 Notification

We were notified that an employee on the Williston Campus has a confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. With this confirmation, college staff have notified all employees who came into close contact with the employee to quarantine (PDF) and monitor themselves for symptoms.

If any additional employees are deemed a close contact, college staff will be in contact to discuss next steps and guidance. We are in contact with the Vermont Department of Health (VDOH) and are taking necessary steps to protect the health of our students and staff.

Employees who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors and when social distancing isn’t possible or if you  are more comfortable doing so. Employees need to monitor themselves daily for symptoms, and should stay home if you are unwell or have a fever, regardless of vaccination status. Symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

If you haven’t yet received your COVID-19 vaccine and would like one, you can register for an appointment or find upcoming walk-in clinics.

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.

Vermont State Colleges Students Eligible for New Scholarships

July 16, 2021

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.