System charts path forward that addresses financial challenges and secures the future
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) Interim Chancellor Sophie Zdatny today expressed sincere appreciation for a pledge of support issued over the weekend by House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe. The VSCS plans for all of its college campuses to open this fall ending weeks of uncertainty about the future of Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College’s Randolph campus.
The lawmakers statement said in part: “We are making progress on the steps we outlined and are gathering the financial and operational information needed to be able to fund a transition plan for this year.”
Like other private and public universities across the country, the VSCS has been affected by financial loses as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic that forced campuses to end in-person instruction and move to online learning in March. Zdatny welcomed the news that Legislative leaders have indicated a willingness to provide financial support to the System. VSCS leaders are urging new students to enroll, and returning students to continue their plans to attend.
“On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I want to extend my gratitude to lawmakers for their willingness to support the VSCS at this very difficult time,” Zdatny said. “We are working with lawmakers to ensure they have the information they need to develop sound plans to support us during this coming year. We are eager to move forward with plans to address our current financial challenges so that we can assure everyone in the VSCS family that we are open and secure now and well into the future.”
Zdatny said plans for charting a viable path forward are still being developed, but the process will be inclusive and transparent. Planning will involve elected officials, students, faculty and staff engagement, as well as community outreach.
“I want to thank everyone who has advocated so fiercely for our VSCS. We must harness that energy for good as we consider strategies to address our ongoing financial challenges and position ourselves for success in the long-run. The real work lies ahead as we ensure our campuses and academic offerings remain relevant and consistent with what our students and our economy require. We know we cannot continue as we have, however, if we work together, I know we can make changes that will strengthen the System for the benefit of our state,” Zdatny added.
Deadlines have been extended across Vermont and students can enroll through the summer at any of the Vermont State Colleges, including Vermont Tech, Northern Vermont University, Castleton University and CCV. They can enroll by using the Common App or visiting any VSCS institution website.
Zdatny concluded by congratulating students and reminding those who are interested in applying to do so right away. “This is the time of year when we celebrate our student transitions as they advance or graduate. We have a lot to be grateful for this year as we have adapted to a new way of learning and interacting and I want to congratulate everyone on their achievements. Our students at all levels are resilient and strong and they have demonstrated courage and commitment. We are very proud and we look forward to welcoming you through the summer and fall.”
For more information, visit: https://www.vsc.edu/academic-programs-initiatives/
Source: Montpelier, VT – Vermont State Colleges System 5.4.2020