UVM News

Applications Due June 1 for Nurses Seeking UVM Bachelor of Science Degrees

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Registered nurses seeking a bachelor of science can apply now through June 1, 2013 to the online RN-BS Program at the University of Vermont. Designed for working nurses to increase job satisfaction, professional knowledge, and higher earning potential, the RN-BS Program is primarily offered online and is enhanced through the cohort community experience learning model.

Registered nurses with similar interests and expertise are placed together as an online classroom community to enable collaboration throughout the nine courses (eight online, plus one week, on-campus simulation laboratory). The RN-BS Program is typically completed in three years — one course taken each semester (including summer). The distance learning component offers the flexibility of accessing the program from home, while the cohort provides a personalized student community able to connect with each other through a variety of Web 2.0 tools and social media, in both asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

The Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing Report calls for increasing the percentage of nurses holding a BSN degree or higher to 80 percent by 2020. Additionally, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the American Nurses’ Association recommend a baccalaureate degree for professional nursing practice.

A partnership between the UVM Department of Nursing and Continuing Education, the UVM RN-BS Program has been in existence for more than twenty years with a distance learning option available since 2004. Inquire or apply online at UVM.

Fixing a Broken Food System: UVM to Host Second Annual Food Systems Summit

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Major leaders in food systems and sustainability will convene at the University of Vermont this summer to offer solutions and engage in discussion about the ways that we can remedy our broken food system. Academics, organizational leaders, farmers, food producers and the public will have the opportunity to examine closely the recent food systems innovations that have resulted in economic, environmental, health and societal benefit.

Titled “Leading the Necessary [r]Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems,” the Summit seeks to answer the pivotal question: “How can we create regional food systems that are viable alternatives to the conventional one that exists now?” Among the food experts and leaders at the conference will be Sandor Katz, author of The Art of Fermentation, Gary Paul Nabhan, author of The Pleasures and Politics of Local Foods, Tanya Fields, Executive Director of Bronx-based BLK ProjeK, and Karen Washington, a NYC-based community activist and recipient of Ebony magazine's 100 Influential African Americans.

The summit consists of two key events:

The Necessary [r]Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems Conference – On June 27, the public is invited to participate in a conference that highlights innovative ideas and initiatives for transforming the food system. This important event will inspire, focus, and strengthen individual and collective action for a sustainable food system. Topics covered will include food sovereignty, regional food systems, resilience, health, advocacy and more. To register or learn more, visit the public conference website. This event costs $25 per person and is open to the public; registration is required as this event sells out quickly.

Breakthrough Leaders Certificate Program for Sustainable Food Systems – A three-week long certificate program for emerging food leaders to learn about systemic issues and how to effect change on an individual and organizational level. This program includes online learning between June 10-22 and a week-long residential session on-campus June 23-28. Participants will also engage with a broad base of stakeholders through a public conference on June 27, and meet in a small group for deep dialogue with influential thought leaders on June 28. To apply or learn more, visit the Breakthrough Leaders website.

The summit is part of UVM’s Food Systems Initiative. The stated vision of the Food Systems Initiative is to develop solutions to pressing problems in food systems through world-class research, teaching and outreach. UVM’s approach integrates four central domains: 1) food, culture and health; 2) energy and food; 3) policy, ecology and land use; and 4) regional food chains. These domains reflect current
research and outreach strengths within the University. A recent survey of UVM research projects identified 149 food-systems-related projects.

The University of Vermont has a history of innovative solutions to building and maintaining sustainable food systems – and is itself situated within a state with a proven model of sustainable food systems. "Vermont and UVM are uniquely positioned to host The Food Systems Summit," said UVM President Tom Sullivan. "Vermont always has been a leader in innovative methods of natural food production and delivery systems, especially in the areas of farms to consumers. At UVM, our world-class academic community is actively engaged in aligning research in the classroom with a new generation of farmers who are rediscovering the benefits of local sustainable farming. As scholars and as practitioners, we know that local means healthy fresh food for all segments of our community."

In addition to the Food Systems Summit, the University of Vermont offers a Farmer Training Program, an entrepreneurial approach to small-scale farming; Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture courses for undergraduates and graduates; and a Masters of Science degree in Food Systems. Additionally, Summer University offers more than two dozen courses centered on food systems through UVM
Continuing Education.

To register for the University of Vermont Food Systems Summit programs, conference, or general course information, please visit learn.uvm.edu/foodsystems.

Connect with UVM Food Systems on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health Now Offered at UVM

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

American healthcare system redesign and adjustment demands new requirements for accountability, collaborative healthcare networks, and population-based medical practice. Designed to address these fundamental changes, the University of Vermont Graduate College, in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Continuing Education, is launching the much anticipated online certificate of graduate study in public health. Beginning in summer 2013, medical and graduate students, health practitioners, public health professionals, and healthcare researchers can enroll in the 18-credit, online graduate program which navigates current public health and health policy issues. Students will gain a strong foundation in population health sciences including epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health.

Applications are now being accepted, and students can begin public health graduate certificate coursework as early as summer 2013. The 18-credit, one-year online series includes five required courses/one elective and offers individualized academic advising. Learn more about eligibility, prerequisites and the application process.

Public health is a dynamic and challenging, multidisciplinary field blending public policy, research, and population health sciences. The focus of public health is on promoting healthy practices and preventing disease among entire populations, rather than on treating individual illness.

“With the many changes in health care and new models of population-based medical practice, it is more important than ever for medical and public health practitioners to develop the skills needed to evaluate and promote health for a wide variety of populations,” says Dr. Jan Carney, associate dean for public health and professor of medicine at UVM College of Medicine and co-developer of UVM’s online certificate for graduate study in public health. “This new program is aimed at helping individuals develop those skills and providing a broad ethical framework for decision making, leadership and advocacy.”

Trained across the field of population health sciences, faculty will challenge students to explore public health and policy issues while developing the skills and foundation to advance in the fluctuating healthcare system. The UVM online certificate of graduate study in public health faculty hail from UVM’s College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Vermont Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Information: call (802) 656-2085, or visit the College of Medicine's website.

UVM Continuing Education Hosts 22nd Annual Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference, Oct. 8-10

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The University of Vermont Continuing Education hosted its premiere three-day conference on higher education law and student affairs called “Legal Issues in Higher Education” Oct. 8-10. Going into its twenty-third year, the conference is one of only two of its nature hosted nationwide and provides attendees with access to expert leaders on far-ranging topics of concern in higher education.

The 2012 conference brought together the nation’s leading experts in the field and professionals, including attorneys as well as student affairs administrators, who manage study abroad, student conduct, student housing and student counseling. In total, 330 professionals from 46 different states were in attendance.

Holiday Hart McKiernan, principal at the Lumina Group, gave the keynote address.

Hart McKiernan spoke on the topic of new business models for higher education. She stressed the need for greater access to higher education in the United States for purposes of competitiveness in the global economy. “It’s about learning and ensuring that learning enables employment, mobility and civic participation,” she said.

Conference presenters comprised leaders from colleges and universities, including Bowdoin College, City University of Seattle, Columbia University, Indiana University, Oklahoma State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, State University of New York, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California and Washington University. Experts from law firms, higher education organizations and consulting groups also presented.

Key figures from the University of Vermont community included Lucy A. Singer, senior associate counsel at the University of Vermont, and Gary Margolis, managing partner at Margolis, Healy & Associates, LLC. Margolis is former chief of police at the University.

Panel discussions included Title IV investigations, current topics in hazing, and presidential and congressional priorities for higher education. Campus safety was also a consistent theme throughout the conference, with sessions on topics such as protecting minors on campus and bullying.

In response to the demand for continuing education in this area, University of Vermont Continuing Education will offer monthly webinars, starting in 2013. Learn more about the webinars.

The 23^rd Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference will take place Oct. 14-16, 2013. For updates, please subscribe to our email newsletter, follow @UVMHigherEdLaw on Twitter, or email us directly at legalissues@uvm.edu.

The Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference provides a comprehensive picture of the diverse legal issues shaping all aspects of higher education. Presenters help participants acquire practical, hands-on methods to implement best practices, policies, programs and ideas. CLE credit is available. Sponsors of the 2012 conference included ACPA, ASCA, and URMIA.

About University of Vermont Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CE) helps thousands of non-traditional students continue their education at the University of Vermont. Through collaborations with the various colleges and schools, CE offers courses and programs to help students explore their options to advance or change their careers. Visit us online http://learn.uvm.edu/.

Fixing a Broken Food Systems: University of Vermont to Host Food Systems Summit

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Burlington, VT – Our broken food system is creating economic, environmental, health, and societal problems, many experts say. The result: the agricultural landscape in the U.S. is under threat, seriously challenging the sustainable production of food.

To address these pressing issues, the University of Vermont will host its first-ever Food Systems Summit during the summer of 2012.

Titled “Leading the Necessary (r)Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems,” the Summit seeks to answer the pivotal question: “How can we create regional food systems that are viable alternatives to the conventional one that exists now?”

The Summit consists of the following programs:

Breakthrough Leaders Program for Sustainable Food Systems – A two-week program for emerging food leaders to learn about systemic issues and how to effect change on an individual and organizational level. There will be online and on-campus components. The week-long online portion starts on June 18, and is followed by a one-week residential learning experience from June 24-29. Participants will engage with a broad base of stakeholders through a public conference on June 28, and meet in a small group for deep dialogue with influential thought leaders on June 29. To apply or learn more, visit learn.uvm.edu/foodleaders. Cost: $1,195.

The Necessary (r)Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems Conference – On June 28, the public is invited to participate in a conference that highlights innovative ideas and initiatives for transforming the food system. This important event will inspire, focus, and strengthen individual and collective action for a sustainable food system. Topics covered will include food safety, regional food systems and food-related businesses. To register or learn more, visit bit.ly/uvmfoodsystems. This event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

Food Systems Programs and Courses – University of Vermont Continuing Education is offering a number of courses in Food Systems throughout the summer. For a full course list, visit bit.ly/food-courses. Cost range: $1,398-$3,483.

Cultivating the next generation of food leaders and empowering the local community is at the heart of the Summit.

“Change is challenging,” said John Bramley, interim president at UVM and a food systems scholar “Through our Breakthrough Leaders Program, we hope to empower the people passionate about impacting positive change in our food system by providing them with the knowledge and practical skills they need to take their vision and make it a reality. With UVM as their partner, they can make a difference in our world.”

The Summit is part of UVM’s Food Systems Spire of Excellence, one of three areas of focus in the university’s Transdisciplinary Research Initiative. The stated vision of the Food Systems Spire, which was formed in May 2011, is to develop solutions to pressing problems in food systems through world-class research, teaching and outreach. UVM’s approach integrates four central domains: 1) food, culture and health; 2) energy and food; 3) policy, ecology and land use; and 4) regional food chains. These domains reflect current research and outreach strengths within the University. A recent survey of UVM research projects identified 149 food-systems-related projects.

“The combination of our place and our people make UVM a natural for hosting the Food Systems Summit,” said Jane Knodell, provost and senior vice president at UVM, who co-directs the Transdisciplinary Research Initiative with Domenico Grasso, vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College. “Vermont is a test-bed for exploring alternatives to the current food system. We lead the nation in per capita direct-market sales from farms to consumers. And demand for local, sustainable, and fair trade food production continues to rise. Given this culture, it’s not surprising that the university has built an impressive community of world class scholars interested in promoting a new vision for how we grow, distribute, market, and consume food.”

In addition to the Food Systems Summit, the University of Vermont offers a Farmer Training Program, an entrepreneurial approach to small-scale farming; Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture courses for undergraduates and graduates; and a Masters Degree in Food Systems, set to launch in Fall 2012.

To register for the University of Vermont Food Systems Summit programs, conference, or general course information, please visit learn.uvm.edu/foodsystems.

About University of Vermont Continuing Education

Dispatches from the Food Movement: University of Vermont Edition

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Burlington, VT – Regional food systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and that encourage healthy communities were at the epicenter of conversation at the University of Vermont’s first-ever food systems summit with a public conference titled “The Necessary (r)Evolution for Sustainable Food Systems Amplified,” held on June 28, 2012, to a packed house and a digital audience from around the country.

The conference highlighted innovative ideas and initiatives for transforming the food system from 15 food movement experts. The event was also livestreamed. Institutions and organizations participating in the livestream included Emory University, Wilson College, Cal Poly Pomona, New England Culinary Institute, Sterling College, Vermont Fresh Network, and Chelsea Green Publishing.

Of the many takeaways from the TEDx-style event, five key points became common threads that wove together into one overarching idea: change the way you see food to understand the change that needs to take place. Those threads included:

1. What’s on Your Plate? UVM unveiled a new illustrated video challenging viewers to see and think differently about the food they eat. In the simple story of one woman’s gnawing questions about food, UVM encourages the SEED way of seeing: that means considering social, economic, environmental, and diet and heath factors. Watch the video at http://youtu.be/AQIG710-mdw.

2. Less Vertical More Horizontal. Vertical systems concentrate power and only benefit the few – in the food world, that’s large companies. Horizontal systems reach outward, consider the human scale, and mutually beneficial relationships. Take seafood for example. Long ignored, the industry suffers the same issues, including domination by a few big companies. Thanks to organizations like the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, there are now 30 community-supported fisheries in the US. Boston recently lifted its ban on fisherman selling at farmers markets.

3. Food industry = Food insecurity. Think about the people who make our food. Did you know that they use SNAP (the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program) at twice the rate of other US workers? That 75% of the world’s poor live in rural areas? We largely turn a blind eye to labor issues. Irit Tamir of Oxfam US asked us to start looking and start changing those statistics. The Equitable Food Initiative (http://www.equitablefood.net/) is just one way of doing so.

4. “It’s easier to raise healthy kids, than to fix broken men.” So said Stephen Ritz, a South Bronx teacher, who with the help of an extended student and community family has grown more than 25,000 pounds of vegetables in the Bronx while generating extraordinary academic performance (Check out Green Bronx Machine on Facebook). LaDonna Redmond, senior program associate at the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy, described that it was easier to find semiautomatic weapons in her community (in Detroit) than tomatoes. So she started growing food for her community. Transformation starts with simply planting seeds.

5. Short term is easy; Long term is hard. Sustainability advocates know that short-term thinking erodes the evolution of long-term change. That idea is just as relevant in the realm of food systems – and on a very human scale. Corie Pierce, a Vermont farmer, discussed the short-term trials, but long-term joys of farming. We need to invest in long-term solutions not only in our food systems, but also for our food systems advocates, rebels and change agents – the next generation. That’s how we ensure long-term change and success. UVM’s Breakthrough Leaders Program, a two-week program that took place around the conference is one such investment.

Near the end of the summit, Governor Peter Shumlin of Vermont, took the stage to deliver a speech in which he stated that “Our best agricultural days are ahead of us, not behind us.” The audience agreed.

And that’s just one serving of knowledge – but this is a feast with multiple servings of compelling ideas. Watch the presentations from the conference on UVM's YouTube channel. To join the food systems conversation, read the UVM Food Feed blog, follow @UVMFoodFeed on Twitter and Pinterest, and watch our video “What’s On Your Plate?” You may also read a curated conversation of the public conference on Storify.

To register for the University of Vermont Food Systems Summit programs for 2013, please visit learn.uvm.edu/foodsystems.

In addition to the Food Systems Public Conference, the University of Vermont offers a Breakthrough Leaders Program for Sustainable Food Systems, an intensive summer program with a week-long residential session for emerging food leaders to learn about systemic issues and how to effect change on an individual and organizational level; a Farmer Training Program, an entrepreneurial approach to small-scale farming; Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture courses for undergraduates and graduates; and a Masters Degree in Food Systems.

About University of Vermont Continuing Education
Continuing Education (CE) helps thousands of non-traditional students continue their education at the University of Vermont. Through collaborations with the various colleges and schools, CE offers courses and programs to help students explore their options to advance or change their careers. Visit us online http://learn.uvm.edu/.