Section: Student Life

Welcome to Vermont Tech’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Hub.

In collaboration with the Hartness Library, we have developed an organized and robust list of resources that will help you learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether you are looking to develop your own knowledge base, require information for an academic assignment or are interested in developing your professional practices we have a resource to help you get started. Please note that this page is organized into Headings and subheadings that will provide you with direct links to articles, books, videos or webinars, links to outside state and national organizations or to resources within the VSCS and Vermont Tech. Links and resources will be updated so please be sure to save links that you want to refer back to for easy access.

Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information that is presented to you is as accessible for our community members.  If you find that a document, information, or resource that is not accessible, please email Kathleen Mason, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion so we can take steps to correct or adjust the materials appropriately.

Student Identity Resources:

Updating your First/Chosen Name, Pronoun and Gender at Vermont Tech

Upcoming Events

 

Reference & Background

Racism

• Systematic Racism Explained in under five minutes
• Hartness Library Racial Justice & Antiracism Resources
• Racism, bias, and discrimination resources: What is racism?
• TED Talks to help you understand racism in America
• Action and Allyship Guide from Vermont Office on Racial Equity
• Kimberle Crenshaw on the urgency of intersectionality
• Dafina-Lazarus Stewart on the difference between diversity and inclusion rhetoric versus transformative change in higher education
• Further reading from Racial Equity Tools

Sexism

• Start here: “Sexism” from Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health
• The STEM gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
• The role of benevolent sexism in gender inequality
• Everyday sexism TED Talk.  See also: Everyday sexism project
• Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
• Everyday Sexism

Ableism

• Start here: Ableism 101
• Interacting with people with disabilities
• Guidelines for nonhandicapping language in APA journals
• Why you need to stop using these words and phrases  
• Universal Design for Learning
• Disability Visibility Project

Gender Identity

• Trans + Gender Identity 101 from The Trevor Project
• Understanding gender identity
• Understanding non-binary people: How to be respectful and supportive
• Is Gender Fluid?

Sexual Orientation

• Glossary of Terms from the Human Rights Campaign
• Bisexual Resource Center
• London School of Economics and Political Science LGBT Collections
• Pride Center of Vermont

Religious Discrimination

• Start here: Your Right to Religious Freedom from the ACLU
• The New Religious Intolerance

Socioeconomic

• Disability & socioeconomic status
• Ethnic and Racial Minorities & Socioeconomic Status

DEI in Higher Education

DEI in Curricula

Mathematics

• Six ways mathematics instructors can support diversity and inclusion
• Posts in INCLUSIVITY
• Empowering who? The challenge of diversifying the mathematical community
• Inclusive classrooms

Engineering

• Achieving diversity and inclusion in college STEM
• Equity, inclusion and diversity in engineering: Why they matter

Health Sciences

• UNC Medical College J.E.D.I. Toolkit
• “The decolonization of nursing education”

Vermont Tech offers workshops, events and speakers that will help us better understand our diverse and interconnected Vermont community.

Honoring our Diverse Vermont is our theme for the 2021-22 Academic year at Vermont Tech.

Please check back to this page often as we update all the events and opportunities that we have scheduled. To access the zoom links or to inquire about a recording of these events please contact Kathleen Mason at kmason2@vtc.vsc.edu.

2022 Events

Identity and Implicit Bias: March 9, 3:30-4:30 pm

This introductory conversation begins with identifying different types of social identities. Then we use our knowledge of social identities to understand what is implicit bias and how implicit bias impacts our everyday life; potentially leading to unfair or exclusionary practices.  Finally, we end with suggestions to raise our awareness of our own implicit biases and what we can do to better control for, and interrupt the implicit biases we hold.

Words Matter: March 11, 12-1 pm

We engage in an introductory conversation about expressions and words that are stereotyping, bias and sometimes, racist.  Some words and expressions that we use every day can stereotype or oppress/marginalize groups of people like the expression: I was gyped!  We examine some of these expressions and words to help us understand how these expressions started, what their original meaning was and why using them perpetuates stereotypes that contribute to bias, micro-aggressions and exclusion.

Interrupting Bias and Racist Incidents: March 16, 4-5 pm OR March 18, 12-1 pm

Have you ever experienced a situation when someone said something biased or racist and you didn’t know what to say?  In this introductory workshop we will review foundational terms such as: social identity, implicit bias, microaggressions and stereotyping.  Using that foundational knowledge, we will discuss strategies and use a decision-making framework to help you better respond to biased or racist incidents you may encounter in the future.  This is an introductory conversation.

Engaging in Challenging Conversations: March 22, 3-4 pm OR March 25, 12-1 pm

Do you have a friend, family member, colleague, or boss who has said something that has left you troubled, upset or down right horrified?  Have you been hesitant to talk to them about what is bothering you because of possible repercussions for either your personal or professional relationship?  Today we will review why it is so challenging to engage in these conversations and learn some strategies that can help you enter into these challenging conversations in a productive and intentional way.  This is an introductory conversation.

Becoming an Ally: March 30, 3-4 pm OR April 1, 12-1 pm

Over the past few weeks, we as a VTC community have been introduced to key diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice concepts and vocabulary to help us build a stronger, more inclusive community.  This week we will discuss how to use our skills to become an ALLY to those in our community who are marginalized, oppressed and harmed by biased, prejudiced or racist incidents. This is an introductory conversation.

An Introduction to Inclusive Excellence: Universal Design for Equity in General Education: April 12, 2-3 pm

This session will provide an overview of the principles of inclusive excellence, with a focus on how these principles can be applied in general education courses. Attendees will leave the session with a basic knowledge of the principles of universal design for learning and an understanding of how these principles can support faculty who are looking forward to teaching diversity-focused content in their general education courses.

10 Easy Things: Making Your General Education Classrooms More Inclusive: April 21, 11:30 am-12:30pm

If you’re interested in creating a more inclusive classroom environment, but are unsure where to start, this session is for you! Attendees will learn simple strategies for creating classrooms that are more welcoming to all students. The session will focus on general education courses, but the strategies we discuss will be applicable to courses at all levels.

Facilitating Difficult Dialogues in the Post-2020 General Education Classroom: April 27, 4-5 pm

In recent years, classroom discussions have been challenged by an increasingly contentious political atmosphere. This session will provide participants with the tools to recognize when classroom conversations might be heading “off the rails, ” and strategies for managing the classroom environment when things do get heated. Our work will be focused on topics that might arise in the general education curriculum, but the strategies we discuss will be applicable to courses at all levels.

We recognize that developing a more inclusive and equitable community requires an on-going commitment to learn, grow and engage in actionable change.

At Vermont Tech we have a standing Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. Please see below for opportunities to get involved in the following committee work.

Equitable hiring practices and onboarding resource development

This committee is examining our hiring practices to ensure that we control for implicit biases that may impact our hiring practices. This committee is also developing resources for new students, faculty and staff who may be unfamiliar with Vermont.  It is hoped that these resources and information will help ease the transition into our community and help to develop a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Inclusive language and best practice guide development

This committee is examining the language we use in written communications and policies to ensure that we are inclusive of our diverse identities.  We are also developing several guides to support inclusive and equitable practices for faculty, staff and students.

Educational programming and Speaker Series

This committee develops and organizes workshops, events and speakers that engage our community throughout the academic year.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource development

This committee curates resources to support our understanding of diverse identities, inclusive practices and increase our intercultural understanding.  Resources include:  literature, video, audio, webinars, podcasts and more.

Your dining experience is more than great food. It is community experience centered on culinary expertise, fresh local ingredients, healthy options and a shared sense of environmental and social responsibility.

Our Sodexo Team at Vermont Tech is committed to creating the best possible dining experience. Join us to experience the comfort, convenience, outstanding and inviting atmosphere designed especially for you.

Morey Dining Hall

The dining hall is located inside of Morey Hall, one of our dining halls on the Randolph Center campus.

Dining Hall Hours for Fall 2021

Monday-Friday

• Hot Breakfast: 7-9 am
• Lunch: 11 am-1 pm
• Dinner: 4:30-7 pm

Saturday & Sunday

• Continental: 7-9 am
• Brunch: 10 am-1 pm
• Dinner: 4:30-7 pm

Food may be taken out of the dining hall at any meal. Please ask your server for to-go containers.

Snack Bar

The Student Center has a large screen TV, comfortable seating, and a great view with patio seating outside (weather permitting). The snack bar sells beverages, Grab and Go items, snacks, and quick meals. It offers the Vermont Tech community a place to meet, socialize, or study.

Due to staff shortage, food service at the snack bar will not be open for business Fall 2021. Check back for an update for Spring 2022.

Vermont Tech offers a unique learning experience dedicated to focused, hands-on, applied learning taught by faculty who are experts in their field.

Classes are small here (just 14 students on average), with a low student-teacher ratio of 12:1. This means every student is known as an individual by his or her professors and peers, and every student’s ambitions are supported in full by our faculty, staff, and community. We also encourage you to pursue your personal interests through our clubs, athletics and other nonacademic activities.

The Vermont Tech Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at 211 Lawrence Place on the Williston Campus of Vermont Technical College located in Blair Park in Williston, VT.

Get customized directions on Google Maps

Traveling North on I-89

Exit 12 – right turn onto US Route 2A.  Continue on RT 2A through 2 traffic lights toward the Taft Corners intersection at the 3rd light.  (Friendly’s will be on your right and a Mobil station on your left).  Continue straight through intersection and take the first left turn which is Helena Drive.  Take the first right, which is Lawrence Place, and the Dental Hygiene Building will be directly in front of you.  Our building faces RT 2 and the Citizen’s Bank.

Traveling South on I-89

Exit 12 – left turn onto US Route 2A.  At the first light continue on RT 2A through 2 more traffic lights toward the Taft Corners intersection at the 3rd light.  (Friendly’s will be on your right and a Mobil station on your left).  Continue straight through intersection and take the first left turn which is Helena Drive.  Take the first right, which is Lawrence Place, and the Dental Hygiene Building will be directly in front of you.  Our building faces RT 2 and the Citizen’s Bank.

From Burlington – Williston Road, Traveling East

Take Williston Road (RT 2) toward the Taft Corners intersection in Williston.  Shortly before the intersection you will see Ashley Furniture Store and the Superstore on the left side of the road.  Immediately after, turn left onto Helena Drive (just before the Citizen’s Bank).  Take the immediate left hand turn, which is Lawrence Place, and the Dental Hygiene Building will be directly in front of you.

Please be respectful of neighboring businesses and park in designated Vermont Tech parking areas only

Thank you for scheduling your appointment at the Vermont Technical College Dental Hygiene Clinic.  Here is some important information about our clinic.

Comprehensive dental hygiene services are provided to you by dental hygiene students in an educational setting.  These services include: a thorough evaluation of your medical/dental history, taking of vital signs (pulse, respiration and blood pressure), comprehensive assessment of your oral health status as it relates to dental hygiene, oral hygiene education, and removal of hard and soft deposits from your teeth. Fluoride treatments, dental sealants and dental x-rays are also provided, if necessary.  Dental hygiene services only are available at the Vermont Technical College Dental Hygiene Clinic. While a supervising dentist is available on the clinic floor, evaluation of your overall oral health status by a private dentist is always recommended and the appropriate referrals can be made at the completion of your dental hygiene care.

Because the care provided is very comprehensive and the students are monitored closely by their faculty, appointments last longer than what you would experience in a traditional dental office. You should plan on a 2 to 3 hour appointment per visit and in most cases more than one appointment is required to complete your dental hygiene care. Your treatment will be performed in our “open” style clinic. We make every effort to maintain patient privacy.  We understand if you are not comfortable with this type of teaching atmosphere and choose to seek your treatment at a regular dental office.

In exchange for your time, we provide dental hygiene services at very nominal fees. We appreciate your willingness to have your dental hygiene care provided by our students.  We are confident that the experience will be a rewarding one for you and the student.

Payment

We only accept cash or check for payment of services.  We do not accept credit or debit cards.  We expect payment at the time of service.

Cancellations & Changes

Because students lose valuable experience when patients do not honor their appointment, re-scheduling following “no show” appointments or multiple cancellations may be denied. PLEASE call us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment at (802) 879-5643.

Infectious Disease policy

The policy of the Vermont Technical College Dental Hygiene Department is to not discriminate on the basis that an individual has a chronic communicable disease. The curriculum provides thorough instruction in the most current principles regarding infection control and the U.S. Center for Disease Control Guidelines. All students and employees are expected to understand and adhere to these guidelines.

Unattended Children

We believe that you will find our clinic to be a pleasant and comfortable surrounding; however, it does present some hazards to unattended children.  Therefore, we respectfully request that parents refrain from bringing children to the clinic except when those children are receiving dental hygiene care.

One complete treatment per year

In order to serve the largest number of patients we will only be able to see you in our clinic one time per year.  We recommend that you see your general dentist on a yearly basis.

Dental X-Rays

If you have had dental x-rays in another office within the last 2-3 years please contact that office and have them e-mail the films to us at dhygiene@vtc.edu prior to your appointment.

Medicaid

We now accept Medicaid insurance for those of you who have dental coverage.  If you have this coverage please let us know BEFORE your first appointment here so that we can be sure everything is in place for us to bill Medicaid insurance for your dental services.  This is the only dental insurance for which we bill the company for the patient.

Medical History Form

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the history form.  If you have a heart valve replacement, history of infective endocarditis or any total joint replacements, please contact your physician and ask him to provide us with written medical clearance to treat you with or without antibiotic prophylaxis.

Whether you’re an athlete in training or you want to maintain good health practices, Vermont Tech’s SHAPE (Student Health And Physical Education) facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and fitness facilities for the Vermont Tech and surrounding community. As the home of our Athletic and Intramural Departments, SHAPE is the campus hub for physical activities.

Launch 2021 Shape (Randolph Center)

Originally built in 1990, the existing SHAPE complex now includes one gymnasium; a spacious and well equipped weight room complete with free weights and BodyMaster equipment, an aerobic fitness area with stair climbers, Concept II rowing machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills, spinning bikes, stair steppers; a 26-foot climbing wall; two racquetball courts, one squash court; a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool and complete locker rooms for men, women and families.

Updated SHAPE Use Information

For updated SHAPE use hours and restrictions, please visit the athletic information page.

COVID Restrictions

We are open to VTC students, faculty, staff, SHAPE members, and non-members/guests; masks are optional at this time for vaccinated people. Please follow these rules:

1. Stay home if you are sick
2. Ensure 6 foot spaces
3. Practice good hand hygiene
4. Think before you travel

To view an up-to-date SHAPE calendar of events, visit our master calendar filter by athletics, fitness, and recreation.

Contact shape@vtc.edu for call (802) 728-1384 for further information or to make a rental reservation.