Academic Advising
Vermont Tech is committed to providing comprehensive advising designed to enrich the educational experience of every student. Students are assigned academic advisors, usually within their program department, and are encouraged to meet with them throughout the academic year to discuss their progress and career or transfer plans.
Students having academic or personal difficulties can get extra help from faculty advisors to identify problem areas, clarify educational and personal goals, resolve difficulties, and obtain referrals to other campus services. If students need to change their advisor, they should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Attendance
It is the responsibility of the student to observe the class schedules. Students are expected to attend all classes, work periods, and assemblies and to be on time.
Absences result in reduced comprehension and lowered academic performance.
The amount of instruction time a student receives is an important factor in the instructor's estimation of the student's performance and grade for the course.
The make-up of any work (including study assignments, homework, reports, and examinations) missed for any reason will be at the discretion of the instructor. Any time a student misses a class, laboratory, or other scheduled event, it is his/her responsibility to inform the instructor or individual in charge and to make satisfactory arrangements for any make-up work.
In cases of unusual absence from classes, work periods, and assemblies, and upon the recommendation of the student's instructor, the department chairperson may reprimand the student orally or in writing.
In excessive cases of willful absence, the department chairperson will refer the matter to the Dean of Academic Affairs for determination as to whether the student should be dismissed for excessive absenteeism and/or neglect of academic work.
Participation in varsity athletic contests may be considered excused absences; practices are not excusable absences. Athletes are responsible for all work missed and the instructor and athlete will make every reasonable effort to establish an acceptable make-up procedure. If no reasonable make-up alternative is possible, academic standing has priority.
Grading System
| Grade | Quality Points | |
| A+ | 4.0 | |
| A | 4.0 | |
| A- | 3.7 | |
| B+ | 3.3 | |
| B | 3.0 | |
| B- | 2.7 | |
| C+ | 2.3 | |
| C | 2.0 | |
| C- | 1.7 | |
| D+ | 1.3 | |
| D | 1.0 | |
| D- | 0.7 | |
| F | 0.0 | Failure |
| P | 0.0 | Pass |
| NP | 0.0 | No Pass |
| I | 0.0 | Incomplete |
| AU | 0.0 | Audit |
| W | 0.0 | Withdrawn |
| CR | 0.0 | Credit Received by challenge, advanced placement, waiver, etc. |
| TR | 0.0 | Transfer Credit Received |
Official grades are issued at the end of each semester. In addition, unofficial academic warnings are issued at the mid-point of each term.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation
The grade point average is determined by dividing the quality points earned by the GPA credits attempted. GPA credits are those taken for a letter grade, "A" through "F". Remedial or zero level courses taken count as GPA credits only in the term taken. They are not calculated in the cumulative GPA.
To calculate cumulative GPA, divide the term quality points by the term GPA credits attempted.
Transcripts
Credits earned within the Vermont State College system (Castelton State College, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, Community College of Vermont) are not considered transfer credit. All VSC courses taken starting in the 2002 summer term will be included and count in the determination of quality points and GPA on the Vermont Tech transcript.
Grade Amelioration Policy/Forgiveness or Non-use of Grades
One time in an academic career, a student who is changing programs or VSC schools may, with the proper approval(s), have selected grades excluded from the calculation of his or her cumulative Grade Point Average in the new academic program. Grades may only be excluded for courses required in the old program that are not required in the new or subsequent four-year programs for that degree program. Elective credits are not eligible for amelioration. All credits earned in courses excluded from the calculation are lost. This policy does not apply to electives or credits used for any diploma, certificate, or degree already awarded.
For students attempting to ameliorate grades, the approval of the student's new program department chair or director is required.
The student must have:
- One term of at least 6 credits of satisfactory academic progress (a term GPA of 2.00 or better) following the term for which amelioration is requested
- Must receive approval from the academic dean of the home institution in consultation with the other VSC academic dean whose grades are to be ameliorated
Auditing Courses
Tuition charges for an audit course will be 50% of the full applicable per-credit rate. Students registering to audit a course must do so by the end of the add/drop period. If space is available, students may audit a Vermont Tech course provided they have met all course prerequisites and have obtained the permission of the instructor. The audit course credit hours will not be applied for determining student load or status. Instructors, in giving permission for an audit, will specify the expectations for student participation as an auditor. Students who successfully audit a course will receive an "AU" grade, which carries no credit or quality points. Students who do not meet expectations of the audit will be dropped from the course with no grade or a "W" grade. Students may not change to audit status to avoid receiving less than desirable final grades.Incomplete Work
A grade of Incomplete ("I") applies to work in a course which has not been completed because of illness or other satisfactory reasons. The incomplete work must be made up as specified by the instructor, and no later than halfway through the following term. The grade for the course will be determined by the quality of the work that is made up, along with previously completed work. The instructor will determine a default grade that will be entered upon the student's transcript in the event the student fails to complete the assigned work. A student receiving an "I" grade may enroll in courses for which the "I" grade course is a prerequisite. Continued enrollment in the course is contingent on completion of the course with a passing grade. Repeated Courses When a course is repeated and is completed, the initial grade remains on the record but does not count in the grade point average or for credit. The most recent grade earned in a course will be entered on the record and used in computing the term and cumulative grade point averages and class rank. (If a grade other than an earned grade [W, NG] is recorded in the repeated course, all attempts will appear on the record, and the most recent earned grade will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average.) The English, Mathematics, Electrical, and Physics departments all have courses that have been created for students pursuing the three-year options in various majors; these are "stretched" versions of courses in the two-year programs. If a student who has taken a course designed for the three-year option repeats the equivalent course(s) in the two-year format, or vice-versa, the more recent grades and credit will be substituted in computing the GPA.Add/Drop Period
The normal Add-Drop Period is defined as the first two weeks of classes or the first 15% of class meetings for non-regular offerings. Degree students may add or drop a course until the end of the second week of classes. During the second week, degree students may drop with the advisor's permission. To add a class after the first week, students must also have permission from both their advisor and the instructor. A fee is charged for adding or dropping after the second week. Students are responsible to pay for any classes dropped after the second week of classes. Non-degree students must have the instructor's permission to add a course after the first week.Dropping a Course
A student who drops a course:
- during the normal add/drop period will be dropped from the roster and will receive no grade
- after the normal add/drop period, and until the 60% point of a course, will receive a grade of "W"
- after the 60% point students may not drop and will receive an earned grade whether they attend the remaining classes or not
- students who fail to drop a course and remain enrolled past the 60% point will receive an earned grade whether they attend classes or not. They are also responsible for costs incurred.
If a student successfully completes a course before withdrawing from the College, he/she will receive from that course's instructor an appropriate grade. An example of this case is a student who withdraws from the College before the end of the term having passed a self-paced mathematics course before he/she withdraws.
Students who drop courses after the first two weeks of class will not be reimbursed unless they withdraw from all their courses for the term.
Withdrawal from Vermont Tech
To withdraw from Vermont Tech once the term has started, a student must give written notification to the Office of the Registrar or off-campus site office. A parent or guardian must approve withdrawal requests made by minors. A student who stops attending classes after add/drop and does not inform the College will be considered to have withdrawn after the 60% point of the term if the last date of an academically related event cannot be determined.
Students will receive grades based on the guidelines specified in Dropping a Course.
Non-Returning Students
Students who plan to complete the term and then transfer or otherwise do not return to Vermont Tech for the subsequent term should:
- complete a non-returning student form, available at the Office of the Registrar or site office
- complete an exit interview, available through the Financial Aid Office
Leave of Absence from Vermont Tech
To take a leave of absence once the term has started, a student must request the leave in writing through the Office of the Registrar or the appropriate site office for off- campus programs. A parent or guardian must request the leave for a minor. The leave requires the approval of the Academic Dean.
If the request is for a medical leave of absence, a letter from the student's health practitioner may be required. Students approved for a medical leave of absence based on a letter from their health practitioner must have a time chosen when they are able to return to a normal class schedule.
For a leave of absence to be approved, it is expected that coursework incomplete at the time of the leave can be satisfactorily completed upon a student's return and prior to the expiration of the subsequent term.
If a student fails to return to school at the end of the approved leave of absence or if the student makes a written request to rescind the leave of absence, the withdrawal date will be the original date of the request for leave or the last date of an academically related event, whichever is later.
Grades for students on approved leaves of absence will be in accordance with the guidelines specified in Dropping a Course, with the exception that "I" or "W" grades may be used after the 60% point until the end of the leave of absence.
College policy will be followed for students required by the college to take a mandatory leave of absence. (see Policy 102 or 116)
Credit by Challenge Examination
Students who can document course work, private study, or on-the-job or similar experiences judged to be equivalent to a Vermont Technical College course may, with approval from the respective department chairperson, receive credit by examination upon satisfactory completion of an "equivalence" examination administered as below:
- Documentation is submitted at least three weeks prior to planned date of testing to the appropriate department chairperson
- Documentation is reviewed and accepted as satisfactory by the department chairperson
- Application for credit by examination is submitted with payment of a Challenge Exam fee
- The examination is satisfactorily completed. The format of such examination is recommended by the respective department chairperson and approved by the Academic Dean
- A maximum of 12 credits may be earned toward any one program by challenge exam and these credits are subject to Advanced Standing restrictions
- Challenge exams that are taken to replace failed course work must comply with all of the above criteria and must document new course work, private study, or on-the-job experience since the failure occurred
Waiver of Courses
A student may have a specific course waived. A student can initiate a course waiver by an academic petition to the Department Chairs through the Dean of Academic Affairs. The petition must be approved by the student's program department and by the department offering the course. A waived course may have to be replaced by an alternative course.
Substitution of Courses
A student may substitute another course for a specific required course if, for some approved reason such as a physical disability, the student may be unable to take the course. A student can request to substitute by an academic petition to the Department Chairs through the Dean of Academic Affairs. The petition must be approved by the student's program department and by the department offering the course.
Student Class Level
Class level is based on total earned credits toward an academic program. It affects financial aid, class standing, and other calculations regarding student progression. There are two sets of class levels used at Vermont Tech, one for Three-Year Option students and a second for all others. Non-degree students have no class standing.
| 3 Year Programs | Earned Credits | Level |
| 1st year | 0-25.99 | 3FR |
| 2nd year | 26-50.99 | 3SO |
| 3rd year | Above 50.99 | SO |
| All Other Programs | Earned Credits | Level |
| 1st year | 0-29.99 | FR |
| 2nd year | 30-59.99 | SO |
| 3rd year | 60-89.99 | JR |
| 4th year | Above 89.99 | SR |
Credit Overload
A student credit overload is defined as a course load in excess of 19 credits in a single term.
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater may be approved for a load of up to 24 credits in a term.
Students with a cumulative GPA from 2.00 to 2.99 may be approved for a load up to 21 credits in a term.
Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 will not be approved for a term credit overload.
Students with overloads will be reviewed at mid-term for possible load reduction.
Academic Standing
At the end of each term, academic standing is calculated for each matriculated student. There are three levels of Academic Standing: Good Standing, Academic Probation, and Academic Dismissal.
Good Standing
Degree students are in good standing if they meet the enrollment criteria for the term and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better (1.75 for students with less than 30 GPA credits).
Academic Probation
Degree students who are allowed to enroll and who have a cumulative GPA below that required for good standing will be on probation.
Students returning from academic dismissal will be on probation for a minimum of one term.
Probation is not a punitive measure, but rather is used to identify students who may need additional services or help.
Academic Dismissal
Degree students may be academically dismissed for a minimum of one term for:
- Receiving a term or cumulative GPA below .70
- Not achieving Good Standing while on probation
- Withdrawing from Vermont Tech while on probation
Students may also be dismissed at anytime when the Department Chair and/or Academic Dean determine(s) that continued enrollment would not be appropriate. Student dismissed during the term will receive grades of "F" or "NP" in any incomplete coursework at the time of dismissal. Students who are dismissed may not enroll in any Vermont Tech course for a minimum of one term. This applies to consortium enrollment from other VSC institutions as well.
Appeal of Academic Dismissal
A student who has been dismissed may appeal to the Academic Dean, provided there are mitigating circumstances for his or her performance that may have led to the dismissal. The Academic Dean will review each appeal on a case-by-case basis to determine if there are grounds for reinstatement.
Students reinstated on appeal will normally be reinstated on academic probation. Students must also appeal to Financial Aid to have their aid reinstated. This is a separate process from the academic appeal. (Refer to Statement of Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid section)
Disciplinary Dismissal
Students who are dismissed from Vermont Technical College for non-academic reasons are no longer matriculated students. They are not eligible to enroll in Vermont Technical College courses. These students may apply for readmission through the Admissions Office after they have met the conditions set for them at the time of dismissal. Readmission requires the approval of the Dean of the College.
Returning Students
Previously matriculated students who have not attended Vermont Tech for one term or more (even in instances of courses in a major not being offered) should contact the Vermont Tech Admissions Office by phone, email, or in person and inform them of their intention to return to Vermont Tech. Admissions will advise them whether they need to complete a new application or whether they can preregister for the upcoming semester with the Office of the Registrar. This determination is based on length of absence, the program requirements, and other academic considerations.
Returning After Dismissal
Students who have been dismissed from Vermont Technical College may return to Vermont Tech under the following conditions:
- Students have met the requirements placed upon them at the time of dismissal
- Students notify Admissions in writing (by October 15 for spring, or by March 15th for fall) of their intent to return to Vermont Tech
- Students are approved for re-admission by the Office of Admissions
Upon receiving notification from Admissions, the department chair or program coordinator will determine whether a fall or spring re-admission is most appropriate and send a preregistration to Admissions outlining course work and/or suggested course work prior to re-admission. Admissions will forward returning student information to the Office of the Registrar, Student Housing, and the Office of Financial Aid.
- Returning students desiring financial aid will have to appeal to Financial Aid to have their aid reinstated
- Returning students must complete a housing contract to live on campus
- Returning students will be on probation and receive increased supervision and academic support for a minimum of one semester
Changing Programs
If a student wishes to change programs, he/she must petition through the Office of the Registrar and be approved by the appropriate Department Chairperson(s).
Dual or Multiple Majors
If a student wishes to receive credit for a second degree or major, he or she must petition through the Office of the Registrar. If approved, the student must successfully complete at least 15 credit hours for an associate or 30 credit hours for a bachelor of course work beyond the first major for each successive major. This course work will include, as a minimum, all courses required in the successive major(s) not required in the first.
Course schedules are optimized for students with one program and major taking a full course load; because of this, dual majors typically require a minimum of an extra year at Vermont Tech.
A students with multiple majors will be awarded one degree with the additional majors annotated on his or her diploma.
Graduation Standards
A Vermont Technical College degree demonstrates not only accomplishment in the major field and general education, but acquisition of fundamental transferable skills required for success in today's world. For this reason, Vermont Technical College is committed, as are all of the Vermont State Colleges, to ensuring that graduates have achieved proficiency in written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and information literacy.
All degree students will be required to demonstrate competence in written communications, information literacy, quantitative reasoning, and oral communication at the appropriate level for their degree program. Students will have more than one opportunity to meet the expected level of performance.
All transfer students are required to take all graduation standards except
- students with a bachelor's degree or higher
- per VSC policy, a student who has completed the assessments at another VSC college
- a student who is granted a special exemption by the Dean of Academic Affairs
Procedures for completing the graduation standards are outlined in the Student Handbook.
Graduation Requirements
- Have a 2.00 cumulative GPA
- Complete 30 of the last 39 credits at Vermont Tech
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework at Vermont Tech or 15 credits minimum for programs of less than two years
- Satisfy all financial obligations to Vermont Technical College
- Apply for graduation
The department chairperson will approve program candidates who satisfy the above, as attested by the Registrar, to the full college faculty for recommendation to graduate. Any faculty members having questions about any candidate will voice their concerns at this time. If it is found that any candidate has not satisfied the graduation requirements, his or her name will be removed from the graduation list.
Time Limitation on Graduation Requirements
Normally, a student is expected to finish a degree program with continuous enrollment in the specified number of terms outlined in the curriculum for his or her program. Students who leave the college for a full-term will be assigned the requirements for the catalog that is in effect in the year of their return and will be expected to meet any new requirements for that catalog year unless the sponsoring department approves an earlier catalog year.
Each student operates under degree requirements in effect at the time of initial acceptance as a degree candidate. If, after two years for a certificate, four years for an associate's, or six years for a bachelor's, the degree requirements have not been met, the student must satisfy the graduation requirements in effect during the student's year of graduation.
A student participating in a college-sponsored part-time degree program has two years from the conclusion of the last scheduled course in the sponsored program to complete the degree requirements. After this time, if the degree requirements have not been met, the student must satisfy the graduation requirements in effect during the student's year of graduation.
Requirements for Participating in Graduation
Commencement is an important celebration of a student's academic success, as well as an opportunity for family, friends, and future employers to recognize those efforts in a formal manner. Academic credentials such as a certificate, associate's, and bachelor's degrees are important benchmarks in student learning. All students are strongly encouraged to attend commencement.
- Students who successfully complete all graduation requirements and are recommended by their departments will graduate and receive a diploma
- Students who have completed all but a few of the graduation requirements, have applied to walk or graduate on their application, and have the recommendation of their department and the college faculty may participate as "walkers". Although "walkers" participate in the graduation ceremony, they will not actually graduate until they have successfully completed all the graduation requirements and are so recommended by their departments
- "Walkers" who subsequently complete their degree requirements must apply for a diploma that will be mailed after college faculty approval and the next commencement
Term Honors
At the end of each term, degree students who have attained the following term grade point average while carrying 12 or more letter graded credit hours and who have not received a failing or incomplete grade in any subject during that semester will be accorded academic honors:
- 3.5 - Deans' List
- 4.0 - President's List
Honor Societies
Vermont Technical College students may qualify for membership in three national honor societies: the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Vermont Alpha Chapter of Tau Alpha Pi, and the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society.
Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society formed to recognize and encourage scholarship, academic excellence, leadership, and service among two-year college students.
Requirements for candidacy:
- 3.5 cumulative GPA with no incomplete grades
- Sophomore status
- Must be working toward an associate's degree with a
minimum of 12 credits completed at Vermont Tech
Tau Alpha Pi is the national honor society for associate and baccalaureate degree students in engineering technology. Its purpose is to recognize academic excellence in fields of engineering technology study and to encourage a lifetime commitment to learning and scholarship.
Requirements for candidacy:
- 3.5 cumulative GPA with no incomplete grades
- Minimum of 24 credits completed at Vermont Tech while in an engineering technology program
- Engineering technology students with more than 48 credits may be considered with a 3.3 or better cumulative GPA
Sigma Phi Alpha is the national honor society for dental hygiene students. It was formed to recognize, promote, and honor outstanding scholarship, service, and character among students or graduates of dental hygiene schools in the U.S. and Canada. Second year dental hygiene students who rank highest in scholarship and character and who exhibit potential qualities for future growth are, upon recommendation of the full-time dental hygiene faculty, elected to this prestigious group. Membership is limited to ten percent of the graduating class.
Graduation Honors
To be eligible for graduation honors, a degree student must:
- Have 30 credits for an associate degree and 60 credits for a bachelor degree completed within the VSC
- Have achieved the following cumulative GPA for all coursework:
- 3.5 - Cum Laude
- 3.7 - Magna Cum Laude
- 3.9 - Summa Cum Laude
To be eligible for graduation honors, a certificate student must:
- Complete 50% of the degree requirements within the VSC system
- Have achieved the following cumulative GPA for all coursework:
- 3.0 - Honors
- 3.5 - High Honors
Awards
Each year a number of students receive awards for distinguished performance, noteworthy improvement, and/or superior service and dedication to the college. A student who fulfills the requirements for two degrees is eligible for awards in both majors. Full-time students who are degree candidates are eligible for these awards:
- The American Society of Civil Engineers Awards to graduating seniors for the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology program.
- The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Award, sponsored by the Champlain Valley Chapter, to a deserving senior graduating from a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology program, based on factors such as participation in student and parent chapter activities and interest and excellence in building mechanical engineering systems. Award given most but not every year.
- The Angus A. Murray Athletic Award to the individual who demonstrates selfless dedication to the college's athletic program.
- The Angus A. Murray Award for Excellence in Writing to a returning student who demonstrates greatest overall excellence in writing in Vermont Tech's two required English courses.
- The Business Technology & Management Faculty Awards to graduating seniors for the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in this program.
- The Computer Engineering Technology Awards to graduating seniors with the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in this program
- The Dental Hygiene Peer Recognition Award to a second year dental hygiene student who, in the opinion of his/her fellow classmates, exhibits the interest, attitude, and cooperative spirit desirable in a dental hygienist. This award will be given out at the Vermont Technical College pinning ceremony on graduation day.
- The Dorothy Wootton Outstanding Clinician Award to the graduating student who best demonstrates outstanding clinical performance, from the faculty of the Department of Dental Hygiene.
- The Edward F. Kibby Memorial Award to the athlete who has displayed the most outstanding sportsmanship throughout the year, from the Vermont Tech Alumni Association.
- The Edward H. Jones Testimonial Fund Award to the graduating senior who has shown the greatest all-around academic development in an agricultural technology program.
- The Faculty Award to a graduating student who has made the greatest contribution to student activities while attending Vermont Technical College.
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Awards to graduating seniors with the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
- The Lambda Beta Society is a national honor society for the profession of respiratory care and students are proposed for membership if they are in the final semester of the Respiratory Therapy program and rank in the top 25% of the graduating class.
- The Landscape Development & Ornamental Horticulture Faculty Awards to graduating seniors with the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in this program.
- The Practical Nursing program recognizes clinical excellence through academic awards that are specific to the individual PN nursing campuses. Graduation awards are given at the Putnam/Bennington Campus, Thompson/Brattleboro Campus, Fanny Allen/Williston Campus and at the Randolph Center Campus. Additional awards are also awarded under the college's extended campus designation.
- The Nursing Program Awards to graduates of the Associate's Degree in Nursing program from the Vermont State Nurses Association, for clinical excellence, and from the Nursing program, for academic excellence.
- The Paul Calter Scholarship award to the student who, in the opinion of the Mathematics Department faculty, has shown the best performance in the regular mathematic sequence (MAT 1420 and MAT 1520) for the last year.
- The Respiratory Therapy Program Award goes to a graduate of the Associate of Science degree for academic excellence.
- The Robert S. Brady Memorial Award to the graduating senior who has shown the greatest all-around academic development in the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program, from the Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
- The Ruth Freeman Memorial Award to the graduating senior with the highest academic average in the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program, from the Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
- The Rutland County Alumni Award to the graduating senior who is a Rutland County resident with the highest academic average.
- Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society National Dental Hygiene Honor Society organized to recognize, promote, and honor outstanding scholarship, service, and character among students or graduates of dental hygiene schools in the US and Canada. Second year dental hygiene students who rank highest in scholarship and character and who exhibit potential qualities for future growth, are upon recommendation of the full time dental hygiene faculty, elected to this prestigious group. Membership is limited to ten percent of the graduating class.
- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Twin States Chapter 40, Award to graduating seniors with the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.
- The Stanley G. Judd Memorial Fund Award to the graduating senior with the highest academic average in an agricultural technology program, from the Vermont Tech Alumni Association.
- The Student Engineering Technician of the Year Award to a senior selected from nominations by the engineering technology departments for outstanding scholarship, character, and leadership.
- The Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists Student Award to a "second-year student in the Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture Program who exemplifies the qualities of a professional in their field: motivation, direction, leadership, and respect for both humans and the natural environment." The recipient must have earned at least 30 credits and hold a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- The Vermont Automobile Dealers Association Awards to graduating seniors for the highest academic average and greatest all-around academic development in the Automotive Technology program.
- The Vermont Dental Hygienists Association Membership Spirit Award to the graduating Dental Hygiene student who exhibits a high level of professional pride and enthusiasm for the profession of dental hygiene.
- The Vermont Tech Faculty Memorial Fund Scholarship to a student who has completed the freshman year and whose outstanding scholarship exemplifies excellence in technology; this award was created by the faculty as a living memorial to the men and women who served on the faculty and have passed away.
- The W. Newton Ryerson Award for Excellence in Freshman Mathematics and Physics to a returning student with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the freshman mathematics and physics courses who demonstrates excellence in laboratory performance and who demonstrates a positive general attitude as shown by class and/or laboratory participation and/or assisting other students.
- Who's Who Among Students at American Junior Colleges each department nominates students for this honor given for academic achievement, community service, leadership in extracurricular activities, and potential for success.
Honesty and Ethics
Vermont Technical College expects high standards of truthfulness and honesty in all academic work. Thus, any student who is found guilty of academic dishonesty will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the college. Cheating refers to using unauthorized aids or copying another person's work on exams, quizzes, and/or assignments.
Plagiarism means taking language, information, or ideas, either exactly or in paraphrase, from another person or from a printed source, without giving credit to the source.
Computer Software
The College has licensed (not purchased) the use of computer software for instructional use on college-owned computers. It is a criminal offense to copy this software.
Students will be allowed to use legally licensed software on the computer(s) for which it is licensed. The college will not authorize or tolerate any other use or copying of these materials.
Student Support Center
A number of services are provided by the staff at the Student Support Center to help students meet their academic, personal, and career goals.
These include academic and personal counseling, study skill assistance, Learning Center services, services for students with disabilities, and the Student Support Services/TRIO Program. Students enrolled in programs at sites other than Randolph Center or Williston should contact their site coordinator to arrange for tutoring, career information, placement, counseling, and disabilities services.
Student Support Services/TRIO Program
The SSS/TRIO Program at Vermont Tech provides support services designed to increase student retention/transfer and graduation.
Funded by a special grant from the U.S. Department of Education, SSS/TRIO provides services to first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. This program is widely used by students for personal, academic, and career counseling assistance in transferring to bachelor's degree programs, improving study skills, developing reading and writing skills, individual tutoring, workshops, peer advising, support groups, cultural events, and field trips.
Academic Counseling
Academic counseling includes a variety of services designed to help students with concerns about reaching their academic goals.
Counselors provide informal academic assessments, academic and vocational counseling, and individual help with writing and study skills, such as managing time, reading textbooks, and note taking and testing.
Students with specific mental health concerns should contact the Dean of the College, who will assist them in locating appropriate community treatment resources.
Referrals for individual tutoring with professionals in specific courses are also available.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Prior to enrollment, students with any type of disability are encouraged to identify their disability to the Learning Skills Specialist to arrange necessary accommodations. Incoming Vermont Tech students with pre-existing mental illness should consider contacting the Learning Skills Specialist to discuss potential residential or academic accommodations.
Interviews and phone calls to address a particular concern are welcome at any time during the admissions process and while one is a student at Vermont Tech. All information regarding a disability is kept in strict confidence and is never entered in a student's academic record.
Available services include: academic counseling; student support group; classroom accommodations (which may include, but are not limited to extended time on tests, reduced course load, use of a tape recorder for lectures, and oral exams); and assistance in obtaining auxiliary aids such as taped texts or interpreters.
Career/Transfer Center
The Career/Transfer Center provides assistance with career and college transfer decision making and job placement; occupational information, including company literature, job postings, reference books, computer software, etc.; college information, including college catalogs, applications, transfer scholarship information, articulation agreements, etc.; and individual assistance and workshops on writing resumes, job hunting strategies, and job interviews.
Because Vermont Tech maintains close ties to industry through field trips, an annual career fair, mentoring, and guest speakers, spring is a busy recruiting season on campus.
The Learning Center
The Learning Center in Conant Hall provides a wide range of academic services, including tutoring, test review sessions, supplemental instruction, and study groups.
Tutoring, offered on a drop-in, on-call, and scheduled basis, is especially popular. Many students use the Learning Center when they need to ask quick questions in physics, review for a calculus final, enhance their understanding of DC circuits, or brush up on rusty computer skills, study with classmates, or work in a quiet place.
Writing and Communication Centers
The Writing & Communication Centers (WCC), located in Conant Hall on the Randolph campus and on the Williston campus, offers one-on-one tutoring for any Vermont Tech student who wants to strengthen reading, writing, oral presentation, or study skills. The WCC also provides access to a variety of assistive technology software programs and hardware designed to help students with scanning, editing, or dictating documents; having documents read aloud by the computer for editing or test-taking; and developing or organizing information. In addition, the English as a Second Language computer programs are housed in the WCCs, providing opportunities for students to study and practice vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Public Notice Designating Directory Information
Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of personally identifiable, directory-type information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Registrar's Office prior to the start of the third full week of classes. Forms requesting the withholding of "Directory Information" are available in the Registrar's Office.
Vermont Technical College assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of "Directory Information" indicates individual approval for disclosure.
Student Right-to-Know (SRK)
Students will receive graduation rate information during orientation. This information is available to prospective students upon request.
Student Records Review and Release
Annually, Vermont Technical College informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This Act was designated to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.
The Student Handbook explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the Act. The college has the policy of disclosing educational records to Vermont Tech and Vermont State College officials with a legitimate educational interest without prior consent. Questions concerning FERPA may be referred to the Registrar.
Transcripts
A transcript is a copy of a student's permanent record of attendance at the College and cannot be altered. Current or former students may request that the College issue an official transcript of his/her record to any school, employer, or other agency. There is no fee for transcripts. For each transcript, students must submit a written, signed request to the Registrar's Office.
Transcripts will be sent as soon as possible. Please allow a minimum of five days for normal processing and three weeks following the end of a term. Transcripts will not be sent for a student who has not satisfied financial obligations with the College.
Vermont State Colleges Enrollment Consortium Agreement
By agreement of the five Vermont State Colleges (Castleton, Lyndon, Johnson State Colleges, Vermont Tech, and the Community College of Vermont), students enrolled at any VSC institution may simultaneously enroll in courses at other VSC institution and receive full credit for those courses at their "home" institution. The agreement eliminates duplication of registration or other enrollment fees, and students receive financial aid based upon their total credit enrollment within the VSC. Course-specific fees of $100 or more are reimbursed by the student to the institution where those fees are incurred.
Students seeking to benefit by this agreement must ensure that course work will meet program requirements at the home institution prior to enrolling at the other VSC institution. Registration for courses at other VSC institutions will be through the home institution.
Students enrolled in the LPN program are not eligible for the VSC enrollment consortium because of the divergent calendar of the LPN program.
Students who desire to enroll exclusively at another VSC school other than their home institution may do so for a maximum of two terms. To be eligible for this, students must be matriculated at the home institution and must secure written permission in advance of their enrollment from the home institution.
Courses taken at any VSC institution will be included in GPA calculations at the home institution.
Students desiring to have previous VSC course work excluded from their Vermont Tech GPA after one term at Vermont Tech should review the Grade Amelioration Procedure.