Reimagining Vermont Higher Education for a Changing Future
The Vermont State Colleges System (VSC) is undergoing a notable transformation, driven by a commitment to accessibility, responsiveness, adn relevance for all Vermont learners. Recent state investment has provided crucial stability,allowing us to focus on modernization and building a system designed to meet the evolving needs of students,communities,and the Vermont economy.
This modernization centers on adaptability. Recognizing that the conventional academic calendar and course format aren’t universally suitable, we are expanding online and hybrid learning options. This includes courses offered at times convenient for working adults and other students – evenings, weekends – alongside self-paced learning and “stackable” courses that build towards degrees and credentials.
We are strengthening pathways between Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont State University (VTSU), recognizing that students may benefit from transferring between institutions. Currently, nearly half of CCV students who transfer choose VTSU, demonstrating a strong alignment we aim to further develop. This also includes supporting students who may need to move back to CCV to complete their goals.
This evolution isn’t solely focused on program delivery. We are also reimagining our campuses as year-round centers of learning and community vitality. this involves exploring year-round housing options for working learners, revitalizing underutilized spaces through partnerships, and ensuring our campuses serve as anchors for the rural towns they inhabit.
crucially, this work is being done while continuing to support traditional residential students, athletes, and those who benefit from in-person learning. We remain committed to fostering campus life, including clubs, activities, and the arts and humanities, to cultivate critical thinkers and future leaders.
To ensure success, we are prioritizing continuous evaluation, faster partnerships with employers to co-develop relevant programs, and maintaining affordability. Initiatives like 802Opportunity and Freedom & unity will be expanded to remove financial barriers for Vermonters in need.
This is not a one-time fix,but an ongoing process of adaptation and growth. We are not simply preserving a system; we are actively building the Vermont we envision – one where education is accessible to all ages, campuses drive community renewal, entrepreneurs can thrive, and the workforce is prepared for the future.Our goal is to make learning and prospect a promise, not a priviledge, for every Vermonter.
Beth Mauch is Vermont State Colleges’ chancellor.
Vermont By Degrees is a series of weekly columns written by representatives of colleges and universities from around the state about the challenges facing higher education at this time.
