Act 120 of 2020 created the Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont. The Select Committee was tasked with assisting the State of Vermont in addressing the urgent needs of the Vermont State Colleges and developing an integrated vision and plan for a high-quality, affordable, and workforce-connected future for public higher education in the State.
The Final Report of the Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont is available here
Using the Select Committee’s reports as a guide, the Vermont State Colleges System developed a project plan for system organization, governance, and operational model transformation that is fiscally sustainable and fulfills its mission of delivering an affordable, accessible, high quality, student-centered, workforce-relevant education for Vermonters in measured stages to be completed within five years.
Six strategies emerged from the planning work that followed a report from the Select Committee in April of 2021:
- AFFORDABILITY: Reduce total cost of attendance for students and families.
- STATE-WIDE ACCESSIBILITY: Increased access to VSCS programs regardless of race/ethnicity, age, educational attainment of parents, prior educational experience, family status, or place of residence.
- ACCESSIBILITY AND STUDENT SUCCESS: Students receiving the academic, advising and other supports necessary to succeed in their VSCS programs as measured by their retention, persistence and graduation.
- QUALITY: The ability of VSCS graduates to meet externally-recognized measures of achievement (i.e. licensure exam success rates) and their preparation to compete in the global workforce.
- RELEVANCE: Development of degree paths that are relevant to student goals and expectations of value in a career.
- FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: Reduce the structural deficit of the VSC by $25 million over five years.
Aligned with these strategies, the VSC System is tasked with three significant initiatives:
1. Create Vermont State University
On July 1, 2023, Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College will unify and become one university under a common accreditation with campuses throughout Vermont. As we look ahead to our new university, students will have greater access to:
- High-quality, comprehensive experiential education that prepares students for rewarding careers and active participation in their communities
- A broader and deeper range of courses, faculty, and student activities
- An even larger alumni network to tap into for inspiration and career success
2. Consolidate Administrative Operations
By aligning administrative processes, systems, and operations, the VSC system will generate savings and increase services and supports to benefit the students and employees of the new Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont.
3. Increase Workforce Development Across Vermont
This initiative seeks to align workforce development and continuing education programs, support services, and operational systems across the institutions of VSCS to significantly increase the availability and accessibility for Vermonters to address the talent development needs of the State, Vermont employers, and Vermont communities.