Vermont State University Moves Forward with Restructuring Plan Amidst Controversy

Important Announcement Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, We would like to inform you that the board of the Vermont State Colleges has made the decision to proceed with a restructuring plan for Vermont State University. While we have received feedback and concerns from various stakeholders, including student government groups, we believe this plan is necessary to ensure the long-term financial stability of our institution. Under this plan, we will be discontinuing 11 programs and consolidating 16 others. Additionally, there will be a reduction of 20-33 full-time faculty positions out of the current 208. It is estimated that these changes will generate savings of $2.1 to $3.3 million over three years. We understand that some of you may have reservations about these changes. We want to assure you that this plan was developed with the goal of aligning Vermont State University with similar institutions and securing our financial future by Fiscal Year 2027. During a recent Zoom meeting, we listened to the concerns expressed by students and faculty. We acknowledge that there have been challenges in effectively engaging with our community during this process. Moving forward, we commit to improving communication and involving stakeholders in decision-making. We also recognize the importance of preserving high-demand programs in fields such as nursing, plumbing, electrical apprenticeships, mental health counseling, teaching, advanced manufacturing, and aviation. These programs will receive increased focus and support in the coming years. We appreciate the passion and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and communities. Your voices are crucial as we navigate this restructuring process. We will continue to work towards building a stronger and more sustainable institution that meets the needs of our students and the wider community. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time of change. We remain committed to providing a quality education and ensuring the future success of Vermont State University. Sincerely, [Your Name] Interim President, Vermont State University