Transformation Update #19

With the holidays almost upon us and 2022 around the corner, it seemed fitting to use today’s transformation update to take a quick look back at 2021, as well as preview some of the things we can look forward to in 2022.

Year in Review by the Numbers

  • 0 – We froze tuition for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
  • 0 – Thanks to the state’s support with bridge funding to cover the structural deficit, there have been no layoffs
  • 4 – We adopted a professionalized project management approach to transformation and established four core transformation teams (Student Experience, Academic Operations, Administrative Operations, and Workforce Development)
  • 5 – The state committed to investment in the VSC and transformation that will allow the Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph, Williston, and Castleton campuses to remain open
  • 14 – Approximately 14% of the VSC’s workforce have been directly involved in the work of transformation
  • 87 – This includes 87 faculty members who were engaged in the summer program optimization work to develop the program array for the new university . . .
  • 150+ – As well as the more than 150 faculty, staff, and administrators directly engaged in the project transformation work
  • 300+ – Faculty reviewed over 300 academic programs as part of their summer work
  • 3,775 – Over one-third of our students received a new state scholarship this year
  • 10,550 – Our campuses re-opened and we welcomed back over 10,550 students this fall
  • 20,000 – State dollars ($20 million), not student tuition dollars, are funding the transformation work
  • 100,000,000 – We secured over $100 million in state investment in the VSC, system transformation, and student scholarship opportunities

In addition,

  • A transferable framework of General Education requirements has been created;
  • A strategic financial planning tool was developed;
  • A return on physical assets study was delivered;
  • The mission, vision, and name for the new University were established; and
  • The search for the first president of Vermont State University was launched.

What is ahead in early January?

  • Our new transformation microsite will be going live.
  • We will be sharing information on recent Requests for Proposals for work on our Information Technology systems and for an evaluation and recommendation on tuition pricing and discounting for the new university.
  • We will be announcing upcoming Town Hall events.
  • We hope to add some new faces to the Student Advisory Council.  If you are a student who would be interested in joining or you know a student you would like to nominate, please complete the nomination form at Student Advisory Council Nomination Form – Spring Semester (office.com).
  • AND—last but definitely not least—we will be launching the new portal. Our official launch date for the new portal will be on Tuesday, January 11th.  Over the past few weeks, we have been digesting all  the feedback you have provided.  We want to thank so many people for showing up to the on-campus feedback sessions, as well as providing feedback through email and other communications.  This is a very exciting project and Kellie Campbell, Chief Information Officer, and Meg Walz, Director, want to thank so many of their colleagues from across the system for being involved.  They will be sending a more detailed communication on January 3rd, providing updated details that will include information on drop-in sessions where you will be able to learn more.