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As of July 1, 2023, Northern Vermont University, Castleton University, and Vermont Technical College have become Vermont State University. With the combined strengths of three institutions, multiple campuses and learning sites across the state, and a tradition of continuous improvement, we remain committed to serving Vermont and our students. Vermont State University offers a high-quality, affordable education and flexible pathways to degrees and certificates both online and in person. Vermont State University adheres to the policies of the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) system, which state:
The VSC is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment including sexual harassment, sexual assault and misconduct, dating violence, and stalking. Such misconduct will not be tolerated.
All allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, and both the accuser and the accused will be afforded equal rights during the investigatory and adjudicatory process.
Disciplinary sanctions for any member of the VSC community engaging in this conduct can include reprimands and educational sanctions, suspension or expulsion of students, the suspension or termination of employees as well as possible referral for criminal investigation and prosecution under Vermont law.
To learn more about system policies; reporting and/or responding to reports of abuse, rape, harassment, or assault; who to talk to on your campus if you are a survivor or want to support a survivor of sexual assault; and more, visit the Vermont State Colleges System’s RESOLVE website.
Accreditation
Vermont State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Commission indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied though a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Commission is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: info@neche.org
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. The primary rights afforded to each student include but are not limited to the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to amend incorrect records and the right to limit disclosure of information from the records.
In accordance with federal law and regulations issued by the Department of Education, the Vermont State Colleges System (“VSC”) has adopted policies and procedures for each of its Colleges. The Colleges within the VSC are: Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont. The purpose of this VSC policy is to provide guidance on the rights of inspection and the prohibitions against unauthorized dissemination of educational information. See VSC’s full FERPA policy for additional details. More information is also available from:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC20202-4605
Email: FERPA@ed.gov
Telephone: (202) 260.3887
Fax: (202) 260.9001
Federal Clery Act Compliance
In compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Statistics Act [20 USC 1092(f)] (the “Clery Act”) and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. 668.46 (the “Clery Regulations”), Vermont State University’s Department of Public Safety prepares and publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report each October 1 for the purpose of disclosing campus crime and fire statistics, reported to have occurred within the University’s Clery geography. This report includes security policies and information about the University’s alcohol and drug policies, sexual-assault education and prevention programs, enforcement authority, and procedures for reporting and handling reports of sexual assaults. You may request a printed copy from the Office of Public Safety.
NC-SARA
Vermont State University (VTSU) has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA was established to help expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance learning programs.
Two critical components of the VTSU mission are:
- To assure students are well served in a rapidly changing educational landscape;
- To increase the quality and value of higher education credentials earned through distance education programs.
State Distance Education Complaint Process
If you have a serious complaint against the University related to online learning, please be reminded that there are specific processes for you to follow in seeking resolution. If you have any concerns, your Student Success Advisor will be able to direct you to the right point person to begin the resolution process. You can reach out to them via email or phone. VTSU encourages students to inform the University of concerns as soon as possible. We want to know what your concerns are so that we can address them promptly and fairly. In the event that you feel your concern has not been addressed in a reasonable period of time and in accordance with the VTSU procedures, you may contact the entities below to file a formal complaint.
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education programs to provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against postsecondary institutions offering distance learning within that state. These agencies typically require that all institutional procedures be followed before reviewing any concerns raised by the student.
Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement
Qualified students are recruited for, admitted to, and participate in all college programs without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, place of birth, religion, creed, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. Vermont State University will provide reasonable accommodations to create equal opportunity for students with known disabilities.
Photographs & Videos
Vermont State University and its representatives occasionally take photographs, audio and video recording of students, faculty, and staff for publicity purposes, including use in advertisements, publications, and on the Internet. All publicity materials are considered the property of Vermont State University to use without permission, inspection, or approval unless a signed letter has been submitted to the admissions office (PO Box 500 Randolph Center, VT 05061) withholding permission to use an individual’s name, voice, and likeness in any photographs, audio recordings or video in public-facing content. Withholding permission will not usually affect the University’s use of materials taken in a public space or at public events.
Public Safety
The Office of Public Safety is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and the officer on duty can be reached at any time on the following campuses:
For the below campuses, and for all VTSU learning sites, please call 9-1-1 for any emergencies. For non-emergencies you can reach out using the contact information provided.
Regardless of your location, if you need to report a safety concern, or have general Public Safety related inquires, you can email: PublicSafety@VermontState.edu
You can also file an incident report here: https://vermontstatecolleges.formstack.com/forms/public_safety_incident_report
When to call 911
A 911 emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:
- A fire
- A crime, especially if in progress
- A car crash, especially if someone is injured.
- A medical emergency, especially for symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
U.S. Department of Education Requirements
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to make available annual statistics related to any campus crimes and/or students’ continuation rates. Please contact our Admissions Office for a copy of this information.
Disclaimer
This catalog is prepared annually with current information and is subject to change. It provides general information for Vermont State University students and applicants. While it does not purport to be a contract, in combination with subsequent publications, web documents and other communications (semester class schedules, the student handbook, and special announcements), it outlines requirements and helps identify expectations for students seeking to earn degrees at the university.
While the final version of Vermont State University’s class schedule is the official announcement of course offerings for that semester, the university reserves the right to cancel courses for lack of sufficient enrollment or to substitute instructors for courses. Students will be given reasonable assistance in meeting graduation requirements, but necessary changes in the class schedule may require changes in planning for a degree.
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