by Suresh V Garimella I’ve heard this criticism of higher education inside Vermont and out: University leaders are using the pandemic as an excuse to implement large budget cuts they were planning to make anyway. I don’t agree, at least in the case of the University of Vermont, but perhaps not for the reasons you might think.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University’s John and Mary Frances Patton Peace & War Center will host the second Peace and War Summit, which will address the escalating US-China rivalry in 11 virtual sessions held over seven weeks from March 3 to April 21. The summit will highlight military/security, economic, cyber and technological challenges and follows Norwich’s tradition of hosting leading scholars and policy experts to examine significant international issues.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Friday announced a welcomed update to the state’s travel quarantine policy. This change represents an important turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective Tuesday, February 23rd, people who are fully vaccinated and at least 14 days out from their final vaccine dose can travel to and from Vermont without quarantine restrictions. In addition, a fully-vaccinated person who comes in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition is pleased to partner with the Vermont Access Network, the State Treasurer’s office, and Front Porch Forum to announce an original video contest for youth, with the goal to help them better understand the importance of managing money responsibly. This year’s theme: “Save for a Rainy Day” is a follow-up to last year’s contest theme “Making Money Means Making Decisions.” 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 97 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths, which are holding at 193. Governor Scott announced at his weekly press briefing Friday that those who have been vaccinated with both doses may travel in and out of the state without quarantining after two weeks past the second dose. They also do not need to quarantine if they've come into contact with someone who is positive. This new guidance still requires those people to follow all the other health guidance, including not gathering with anyone outside your household and wearing a mask in public places. Also, long-term care facilities that have no COVID-19 outbreaks will be encouraged to use full vaccination status as a factor in planning for things such as eating together and participating in other group activities within guidelines. The guidance will also include considerations for safe physical contact and indoor visits.