The University of Vermont

Student Government Association

Skip Main Content Area
UVMer's Guide

A UVMer's Guide to UVM

A guide written for students, by students.


Click on the topic for more information.



ALANA Student Center

Submitted 4/13/09 by Kofi Mensah, Class of 2011 

The ALANA Student Center is a great resource for students of color and bi/multi-racial students on the UVM campus. Located in the Blundell House on Redstone Campus, the ALANA Student Center (which stands for African, Latino(a), Asian, and Native American) is a center where students can go to for help for basically anything, whether it's help with classes, someone to talk to, a place to hang out, or to cook some “homey” food. It's an excellent resource. Being a person of color on a predominately white campus can seem overwhelming at first, but with time and involvement with other students from the ALANA community and the Student Center, you can feel comfortable on the University Campus. The center offers many services such as a computer lab, a peer-mentoring programs, a summer program for incoming first-year students, and much. The center also provides support for the multi-cultural organizations on campus such as the Asian American Student Union and the Black Student Union. Even though the center was created as a support network for students of color it is still open to all students on campus and warmly invited community members to come out to events such as the weekly Friday Breakfast (at the student center) or the yearly awards banquet.



Being a Student Leader

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

A great leader once said, “The world is run by those that show up.” Truer words have never been spoken. Student Leaders have the potential to affect so much on campus, from what gets served at the Marketplace to leading a club to fame and glory. It’s not hard to become a Student Leader: just show up! Attend a club meeting, run for Student Government, or start a club of your own! Look almost anywhere on campus, and you will see posters with information about various events. Jump in head first! Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so use your leadership to the best effect possible. With help from people like you, UVM will remain the great place that it is today.



The Counseling Center at UVM

Submitted 4/21/09 by Anonymous 

The Counseling Center at UVM is incredible; I wouldn't still be at UVM if it weren't for the support I got from the Counseling Center. The counselors there are confidential resources, which means that you can feel comfortable sharing things with them that you wouldn't necessarily share with an RA or member of Residential Life staff, since they have defined reporting lines. There are specific situations where they will not maintain confidentiality, however only under very special circumstances (such as the life of you or another person was in danger). If you're worried about confidentiality then just ask them, but I'm sure you'll be satisfied with their answer. The confidentiality piece is really important, at least it was for me, because I was able to share things I have never shared with another person. Clearly past or current drug use, past or current sexual abuse, and other serious life influences have a role in shaping who you are (at least they did for me) and being able to openly and safely discuss that with an objective person has been so valuable. Discussing the things we typically don't discuss openly (as a society or family for example) allows you to look at them as you maybe didn't when you internalized them, and working with the counselors at the Counseling Center is an excellent way to do that. The Counseling Center provides many resources. Because there are some times for some people where they just can't wait until their appointment to talk to someone, the Counseling Center offers an afterhours Counselor-On-Call service, accessible through the Police Services dispatcher at 656-3473. Individual sessions, group support sessions in various topics, prescription services, help explaining your situation to teachers should you need it, drug and alcohol counseling, victim support services, stress support, eating or other bodily disorder, depression/anxiety, and other issues are the kinds of things people I know have utilized the Counseling Center for. Their phone number is 656-3340 and their website is http://www.uvm.edu/~chwb/counseling/ I have heard that people who have been "institutionalized" for a mental or psychological disorder are not served by the Counseling Center, but there is also UVM Psychiatry, which has certified psychiatrists to visit with.



Being a Victim at UVM

Submitted 4/22/09 by Anonymous 

Clearly there are different ways that one can be a victim...I'm going to focus specifically on being a victim of sexual violence. Other situations that might make you a victim (you were beaten up, your room was broken into, your iPod was stolen...etc) are handled by UVM's Police Services who you can call at 656-FIRE (or 656-3473) unless they have to do with any kind of discrimination. That is handled by the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity. You can find them online using UVM's A-to-Z listing. 

I was a victim of sexual violence before I came to UVM and didn't really begin to process it until my junior year. First I scheduled an appointment with the Counseling Center because I didn't want to experience what I thought would be shame and embarrassment associated with reporting the crime. I also wasn't sure it was even a crime... it just didn't sit well with me and wanted to talk about it with someone who couldn't tell anyone else about it (counselors have to maintain confidentiality unless it is to prevent someone from getting hurt). I talked with a counselor and it made me feel like I wasn't alone, which is what I was feeling before. I went away for break and thought about it a lot, deciding that it was worth going through the process of reporting to ensure that the perpetrator was not able to hurt others as they had hurt me. When I came back from break I told the counselor that I was ready to report and they suggested that before I do anything I talk about the process with the Victim's Advocate. UVM employs a Victim's Advocate whose mission is to provide information about the reporting process to those considering reporting, as well as provide all sorts of support to those who are victims of sexual violence, whether or not you choose to report. The Victim's Advocate is also a confidential resource. She explained the process, what might be really difficult for me, and that sort of thing. Because the crime occurred sort of far away from UVM, I had to call the police in that area to report. However the Victim's Advocate helped me set it up so that I could work with the local Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations rather than have to travel to give my statements and stuff. She even came with me when I went down to their Burlington office to give my statement. It has been difficult at times but I feel like I did the right thing for myself and can finally move on. I do know people who have found that same peace with themselves and been able to move on without reporting...but that part is entirely up to you! Throughout the whole process I continued to visit with my counselor and was even referred to a UVM psychiatrist who I also saw during the same period. Knowing that I had that net of support at UVM that I had never even known existed made me feel really safe and comfortable with the process. 

Whether you talk to someone at the Counseling Center, the Victim's Advocate, someone in the Women's Center, or just report by calling UVM Police, there are resources for you at UVM. I know of several people who have been the victims of sexual violence while at UVM and have met with either a counselor or the Victim's Advocate. Whether it happened while at UVM or long before, it never should have happened to you and I feel like you owe it to yourself to talk to someone about it, whether or not you want to go through with reporting. That is the beauty of the confidential resources. You can trust that no one you don't want to find out will find out, without feeling like you have to keep it bottled up inside of you. In my experience, once I shared with the counselor and then the Victim's Advocate, I was able to share with a couple of very close friends and even my family. I told my mom first, which was incredibly difficult at first but was incredibly rewarding, and then told the rest of my family. I thought they wouldn't understand and would even be mad at me for some reason, but the only thing that has come from telling them has been us all growing closer and me feeling like I have more support than I ever could have imagined. 

You don't have to bear the burden on your own; you don't have to feel alone. It is so awful that this stuff happens, but sometimes it does and there are people at UVM to help you through it. 

The Counseling Center: 656-3340 

Police Services: 656-3473 

The Victim's Advocate: 656-9538 

The Women's Center: 656-7892 

Burlington Women's Rape Crisis Center: 863-1236



Being Gay at UVM

Submitted 4/16/09 by Anonymous 

UVM is a really great place to be an LGBTQA student. As a whole, the campus is a very accepting and fun place. There are great resources like LGBTQA services in the Allen house. There are also great events like the queer (and ally) prom. All in all, UVM is great place to be a LGBTQA student.



Being Politically Active at UVM

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

There are many opportunities to be active in politics at UVM. For Democrats, the College Democrats are a dynamic political organization focusing on campaigns, trainings, events, and issue-based advocacy. They meet Wednesdays at 7:30 in the John Dewey Lounge in Old Mill. The College Republicans provide a similar role for Republicans. For those of the more Radical persuasion, the International Socialist Organization is there for you. All in all, there is something for everyone!



Best Food Off-Campus

Submitted 4/12/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

So it really depends on what you're into... but there are dozens of incredible restaurants downtown and around town. This is really a short list; there are so many more places. My top three if someone else is buying: American Flatbread, The Kitchen Table and Leunigs. My top three if you're buying: Ahli Ba-Ba's, City Market, and Burlington Bay. 

Sakura Bana (right across from Barnes and Noble at the top of Church Street) is my favorite. I like going in there on a quiet night and sitting at the sushi bar, chatting it up with the nice folks with the knives, but I've also been there with large groups and it's been just as awesome. 

Asiana House (Corner of Winooski and Pearl): Also good sushi, but a little pricier and in my opinion, not as nice an atmosphere though. 

India House (Corner of East Ave and Colchester Ave, Right across from Trinity): This place rocks and, for some reason, is rarely busy. Very reasonable prices and if you like Indian food (or don't know whether or not you do) definitely check it out. 

Leunigs (Corner of Church Street and College Street): This place is very pricey and you should have your parents take you UNLESS you hit up the Early Bird or Night Owl specials. For the Early Bird, which is one of the sweetest deals in town, each meal is $15 if you place your order before 5:45 p.m. any night. The Night Owl is for orders placed after 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. every night but is new, and might go away after the markets return. Regardless of price, this is one of the nicest spots in town. 

Ahli Ba-Ba's (Main Street, just past Church Street): This is one of my favorite spots, and it's pretty cheap too. They have gyro, steak, falafel, chicken, pork, and sometimes special pitas. They've also got sweet potato fries and a few other treats. It's very fast and not the ideal place for a sit-down meal or a meal you hope will be easy to eat, but you'll walk away having eaten a solid and delicious meal. Yummy! 

City Market (S. Winooski Avenue between the Roxy and the marketplace parking garage): Think this is just a grocery store? City Market makes the best sandwich in town, but their sandwich counter closes at 8:00 p.m. every day so you need to get there before then. They have prepared food that also closes (I think) at 8:00 p.m. but their deli counter doesn't close until 10:00 p.m. and you can get chicken salad, potato salad, egg salad, and that sort of thing there. There are prepared sandwiches and sushi rolls in a big cooler in that same section of the store. Can't go wrong! 

American Flatbread a.k.a. Burlington Hearth (On St. Paul b/t Main and College): Hands down the best pizza in Burlington. Not the cheapest pizza in Burlington, but definitely the best. If you can drink, they also have locally famous beers there brewed in their own brewery. They've also got this salad that rocks my world. 

Daily Planet (On this little side alley between Bueno E Sano and the marketplace parking garage, it's called Center Street): This place is great because you can get a solid meal even if you get there at 10:30 p.m. They close the dining room but the bar area, which doesn't get too rowdy, stays open late and the bar menu is just as delicious. Planet Burger is always a safe bet, but don't miss Maura's Fabulous Salad, which rocks my world similarly to American Flatbread's salad. 

The Kitchen Table (Richmond, VT just off the Richmond exit of Hwy 89): This is my favorite restaurant ever. It's pricey (have someone take you there) but even if you order something funky like Trout you'll have an awesome meal. Be sure to try their soups and then after dinner try their homemade sorbet. 

Sweetwater’s (Right by Leunigs at the corner of Church Street and College): So this isn't my favorite, but I've never had a bad meal at Sweetwater’s. Not as pricey as Leunigs but certainly not cheap and also not as good as Leunigs. Still a cool spot and one to hit before you graduate. 

Burlington Bay (Corner of College and Battery Streets): I consider this the funnest restaurant in Burlington. It's less of a restaurant and more of a really really really nice deli/market hybrid. Their deck and outdoor seating area overlooks the Burlington marina, Waterfront Park, and Echo Center. On a beautiful afternoon there is no better place to be than sitting on the deck, enjoying a maple BLT and a cold beer along with magnificent views. If you're just looking for a bit of ice cream (especially a soft-serve "creamy" as they're called up here) then this is also your place.



Best Food On-Campus

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

It’s all a matter of taste. Nothing beats a Thai Chicken Burrito from New World Tortilla, but there are many people that swear on the subs from the Simpson Store. The Marketplace in the Davis Center has something for everyone, from Indian to Sushi, and from Salad to Pizza. In terms of choice, the Davis Center is great! The Marche has some great things too, however. Look at the menus at http://uds.uvm.edu/locations.html.



The Campus Master Plan

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

This is the ongoing plan for future development of buildings and infrastructure on campus. Put together by Campus Planning Services and a larger committee, this strategic plan sets out goals for Residence Halls, Classrooms, Parking Spaces, and Open Space, among other things.



Campus Programs

Submitted 4/16/09 by Amanda Adams, Class of 2011 

So here's the deal, fun stuff happens on campus. University Program Board (UPB) plans this fun stuff and finding out what UPB is doing lets you know what fun stuff you can do on campus. Some of the weekly events are Wicked Wednesdays, Games, and Saturday Night Movies. Other events happen including, concerts, comedians, dance parties, international film and food, and SO MUCH MORE!!! To find out what's happening check out www.uvm.edu/upb or look for posters, become a fan on facebook and e-mail announcements (there's a UPB listserve you can join, or features in ThisWeek@uvm). Or ask UPBers, they are most noticeable wearing black tees with green people on them.



The Catholic Center

Submitted 4/9/09 by Diana Giunta, Class of 2012 

The Catholic Center at UVM offers many different opportunities to grow in faith and friendship in a college environment. It is a great place for first year students to feel at home and make new friends while adjusting to college life. 

Mass is offered daily Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. On Fridays, Mass is offered at 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is offered at 10 am, 7 pomp and 9 p.m. 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m. 

Reconciliation is available one-half hour before each Mass. 

The Catholic Center is also a great place to get involved with many service opportunities and social events. Community service at the Catholic Center includes many opportunities to travel to Montreal to assist Mother Teresa’s Sisters in their ministry to the homeless. There are also many service opportunities within the greater Burlington area. Socially, the Catholic Center offers monthly home-cooked dinners followed by talks connected to the Catholic faith. Besides the monthly dinners, there are social events going on all the time at the Catholic Center, including many especially dedicated to welcoming first year students. 

For those interested in learning more about Catholicism, or in becoming Catholic through the reception of the sacraments, the Catholic Center offers a once a week class called Catholicism 101 (or RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). It is an informal meeting that offers an opportunity to ask questions, make new friends and gain a deeper understanding of the faith. RCIA is much more than information about Catholicism: it is an incredible way to grow spiritually along with other students. 

The Catholic Center also offers a comfortable, quiet study place equipped with wireless internet. Tea and coffee are always available to help with studying. FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students) is an organization of missionaries who work to offer many events with the Catholic Center. 

The FOCUS missionaries on campus lead Bible studies, offer support to students, and organize social events. 

The Catholic Center is truly a home away from home, welcoming all students and helping them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings at college. The Catholic Center can make the difficult transition to college a bit easier and help students to grow as individuals while growing in faith. 

The Catholic Center is located along the Redstone Path near the water towers. It is visible from the Davis Center.



CCTA Bus

Submitted 4/13/09 by Kae Crowley, Class of 2009 

How to Use CCTA Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) buses are FREE for UVM students. This includes the link express buses to Middlebury, Montpelier, and St. Albans. The website www.cctaride.org has schedules and maps to help you get around. 

The drivers are generally helpful and if you aren't sure what bus to get on, just ask as you get on and they should be able to help! 

Route 1- Umall/Airport may be the route most used by UVM students. The bus stops on Main Street by L/L (and across the street if you’re going downtown). On the schedule this is listed as Main & Univ. Hgts, stop #2. You can find the schedule by clicking on Schedule Information online. To read the schedule look down the column beneath Main & UHeights to see the times the bus stops there. If the column to the right is Umall, that is where the bus stops next, and you can see what time it stops there. To head to Umall, you need to wait on the L/L side of the street. To get downtown on this route, you need to wait on the Davis Center side of the street and look at the times on the chart where Cherry Street is listed immediately to the right of the Main & Univ Hgts column. 

Cherry Street is the main station, and you can transfer routes here- for example, you could take the Umall/Airport bus to get there, and then hop on the Shelburne Road Bus to go grocery shopping at Price Chopper. To get to Williston, you transfer at Umall. 

Not all stops are listed on the schedule. If you stand where there is a bus stop sign along a route, the driver should see you and pick you up. You can estimate the time by estimating it will be somewhere between the stops before and after it that are on the schedule. To get off at a stop (and this may be possible in some places even where there isn't a sign), just pull on the string/push the strip and the driver will accommodate you. Be sure to thank the driver when you get off!



Choosing Electives

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

When choosing classes to fill up your schedule outside of your mandatory classes, just remember to pick classes that interest and challenge you. If you always wanted to learn about Archeology, pick up an Anthropology class! Just remember these classes do affect your GPA just like any other class, so if within the Add/Drop period you discover you have bit off more than you can chew pick a new class and leave the old one behind. It’s up to you!



Getting around town without a car

Submitted 5/28/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

So you may already know that you can use any CCTA bus for free by swiping your UVM CatCard when you board. As great as the bus is, however, it doesn’t always take you where you need to go or when you need to go. 

If you haven’t heard of CarShare Vermont you should check it out. CarShare Vermont is a local car-sharing service with a network of cars parked around town (including two parked right up on campus by the Royal Tyler Theater bus stop). These cars are available to members to use 24/7 for as little as 30 minutes or as long as they want to go anywhere. 

As a student at UVM, you’ve got the free bus access, biking around town, and CarShare Vermont as options to get around town without owning a car. So give up those extra responsibilities of owning a car (and save a lot of money while you’re at it). Then, when you need a car, as we all sometimes do, you can use one of ours! You only have to be 18 to join and with low rates that include gas, insurance, and parking, you save both money and time. CarShare Vermont is easy, fun, and affordable, and it’s great for the environment, too! 

If you’re from a big city you’ve probably heard of ZipCar.com or another for-profit car service. One of the things that it cool about CarShare Vermont is that it is a non-profit community based car sharing service that has partners in several other cities. 

You only have to be 18 to be a member, so join now! Even if you don’t plan to use it very often it’s still a sweet option. I actually own a car and have the CarShare membership for those times when my car is in the shop or something, but I am now thinking about getting rid of my car and relying more on CarShare vehicles. 

When you are using a CarShare Vermont car you’ll get free gas, low rates, freedom from the hassles of owning a car, and the knowledge that you are doing something good – for yourself, and your community! Visit www.carsharevt.org/campus-programs to apply or to find more information including the rates.



Greek Life on Campus

Submitted 4/13/09 by Alex Mallea, Class of 2011 

For students interested in joining a Greek letter organization at UVM, UVM offers a variety of choices. For women, we have four panhellenic recognized sororities; Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Pi Beta Phi, and Delta Delta Delta. Our community also offers two non-panhellenic recognized sororities; Kappa Beta Gamma and the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha. For the men’s organizations we have Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Phi Society. Whichever chapter you chose, our Greek community works together to create an atmosphere that students can thrive in. Many members of our Greek community are student leaders on campus in a wide range of organizations and on athletic teams. Members diligently work on giving back to not only the greater Burlington area but to national organizations through community service and philanthropic endeavors. 

Submitted 4/16/09 by Anonymous 

UVM Greek Life is a great thing to get involved in. It really helps provide a home away from home and a support system. Our Greek Community strives to provide values based programming and innovative opportunities that contribute to the development of academic success, lifelong friendships, multicultural awareness, citizenship and leadership in an inclusive environment



Grocery Shopping On-Campus

Submitted 4/4/09 by Katie Rifken, Class of 2012 

Grocery shopping in the residence halls is difficult and you’ll find out quickly that if you’re not paying with cash for groceries, you’ll run out of meal points very quickly. You can buy groceries either at Simpson Store (on Redstone Campus), or the Marché (Athletic Campus), as well as some things are offered in Cat’s Pause. I had the most experience shopping at the Marché, which has a decent selection of cheeses, drinks, and soups. You can also buy eggs and fruit there. However a lot of the on-campus grocery items are overpriced. A lot of students end up going downtown to grocery shop, as these items are cheaper and there is a much wider selection. 

You can check out the different places offering food at http://uds.uvm.edu/locations.html



Grocery Shopping Off-Campus

Submitted 4/6/09 by Megan Benay, Class of 2010 

Ohhh grocery shopping. Living in Burlington (not SOUTH Burlington) kind of puts grocery shopping between a rock and a hard place. Right downtown off of College Street is City Market. This is an amazing local version of a typical Whole Foods market. If you like organic free range eggs for $5 a carton, this is the place for you. The food is amazing, but it's pricey. They do have a selection of "typical" grocery items (think roman noodles and cheerios), but they too are expensive. Shelburne road is about a 10 minute drive and has a Shaw's and Price Chopper. Dorset Street, aka the University Mall, there's a Hannaford and another Whole Foods market called Healthy Living. These too are about 10-15 minutes away by car. So the short story is, find a friend with a car if you want to save some money or buy generic college food, or walk your butt downtown and get more organic food for a slightly higher price. I've recently found out though that if you buy food from the bulk section at City Market, it is a pretty good deal! 

Submitted 4/12/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

Two words: City Market. City Market isn't going to be your cheapest option, but hear me out. While you don't have to be a member to shop there, City Market is part of the Onion River Co-Op. Join it! It costs $15 per year to be in the co-op, but once you've paid in $200 you don't have to pay more. Additionally, when you move away from Burlington or decide you don't want to be in the co-op anymore, you can get this back with no problem. 

Why join the Co-Op? The benefits of being a co-op member are numerous. For starters, you can fill containers with schmancy water from their reverse-osmosis water filtration machine for free (I keep a cooler with a spigot in my fridge and just fill water bottles and glasses from there). When you make a purchase at City Market you either slide your card or have the cashier look up your membership number so they can track your purchases. At the end of each year, if the co-op generated a profit it is distributed back to the members of the co-op based on their spending. Hence, the more you spend in a profitable year for CM, the more you get back in your "Patronage Refund" check. Also, since the membership isn't an individual membership but rather a "household" membership, you can give your extra CM cards to your "roommates" and they'll get the benefit of your discount, while you'll get the benefit of their spending counting towards your patronage check. I think that's called a symbiotic relationship... 

Co-Op Benefits: Here's where the co-op gets really cool though: I work 4 hours a month stocking shelves and I get 12% off of EVERYTHING (except alcohol) and there are many jobs to work a few hours besides stocking shelves. It's called member-work, and if you do 2 hours per month you get a 7% discount for the following month. You can bank a bunch of hours in one month, and then draw from them over the next couple of months. For example, if you're really busy during the school year but would have time to work in the summer, you could work 36 hours over the course of the summer and bank enough hours to enjoy your 12% discount the whole next year. While people criticize City Market for being expensive (I've even heard it called Shitty Mark-up), 12% and even 7% off everything makes a huge difference and (at least for me) makes it cheaper than Hannaford, Price Chopper, or Shaw’s. Definitely cheaper than Healthy Living or Whole Foods. 

City Market Bulk Section: This is awesome. If you eat pasta, drink coffee or tea, enjoy granola, baking, or eating cereal, or have dogs or cats, check out the City Market bulk section. You'll find the same things you'd find on the shelf, just cheaper and in whatever quantity you'd like them in. 

City Market Daily Deals, Weekly Winners, and other special discounts: Every day City Market has specific items that are on sale for only that day. For example, on Thursdays those 8oz blocks of Cabot cheese are marked down from their regular $2.99 to $1.99. This is a sweeeet deal. There are Daily Deals every day, and there are also Weekly Winners, which are essentially the same thing except they're on sale for the whole week. When you walk into City Market look for the Weekly Winner and Daily Deal board at about your 10 o'clock (right above where you pick up the shopping baskets). 

In Short... Join the City Market Co-Op, do member-work (at least 2 hours per month to receive a discount) and do all of your shopping there. Look for coupons on campus (I've found some good ones), buy in the bulk section for as much as you can, and look for Weekly Winners and Daily Deals because they rock. Besides all of this, City Market is an incredible social partner in the Burlington Community and also supports hundreds of local businesses by stocking their products. Buy local!



The Gucciardi Fitness Center (Patrick Gym)

Submitted 4/6/09 by Megan Benay, Class of 2010 

Working out is probably the greatest past time for most UVM students. UVMers take being in-shape very seriously, and as such, they gym is perpetually crowded. There are a couple ways to ensure your workout and make sure you don't get frustrated and give up entirely (there's no better way to beat the Freshman 15 than working out!) Certain times are obviously more busy then others. Surprisingly, 7am-8:30, 9 are pretty busy as many people like to do their workouts before class. Similarly, 4:00 until 9:00 are very busy because many people like to do their workouts right after class. Therefore, middle of the day is the prime time to get your run on. If you can't make time during the day, then I suggest going to the gym an hour before you really want to work out. You can sign up for your time slot and the exact machine you want. Bring some homework, and you'll have a guaranteed hour of uninterrupted study time. Also, if you want to warm up or workout without worrying about signing up for a machine, the indoor track is open at the same time the gym is, and usually isn't very crowded. There are also plenty of other ways to get some exercise, like the tennis courts, racquetball courts, etc.



Hit Paws

Submitted 4/17/09 by Jackie Buttolph, Class of 2010 

The Hit Paws are UVM’s one and only co-ed a cappella group. They are a loving family of singers, spreading excitement and fun on college campuses all across the Northeast. Performing everything from classic rock, pop, Motown, and soul, The Hit Paws are always on the lookout for their next great musical experience. In addition to their traditional performances, The Hit Paws also participate in benefits, community service, and singing on Church St in downtown Burlington. For more information visit uvm.edu/~hitpaws



How the Administration Works

Submitted 4/23/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

The UVM administration is organized into different divisions. Academic divisions are called Colleges or Schools, and are headed up by a Dean. Each school or college is made up of a group of departments, each headed up by a department Chair that reports to the Dean. The Deans report to the Provost, who reports to the Board of Trustees and the President. For example, a teacher in the English department would report to the Chair of the English department (who is another faculty member). The Chair of the English department then reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences reports to the Provost. Another relationship exists on the academic side between the Provost and the Faculty Senate. If the Provost were to say "hey Faculty, all of you have to format your syllabi in a certain way, here is the template that every syllabus at UVM is going to follow" it would need approval from the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate also has a major say in setting curriculum, adjusting the academic calendar, and other academic policies. 

Non-academic divisions are called...well divisions. Each of these is headed up by a Vice President. Each division is made up of several departments, led by a department Director. Some departments are larger than others and some departments are more hierarchical than others...but this basic structure remains the same. In Residential Life, for example, if you are an Assistant Residence Director you report to the Residence Director. Then they report to the Assistant Director for that part of campus, who reports to the Director of the Residential Life. The director of Residential Life then reports to the Vice President of their division, which in the case of Residential Life, Student Life, the Learning Co-op, Athletics, University Communications, the Dean of Students Office, and Dining Services, is the Vice President for Student and Campus Life. If you worked at UVM and worked in a smaller department, you might report directly to the Director of your department and they might report directly to the Vice President. With more people in a department, the need for a larger administration to organize the different people and functions arises. With more departments in a division, the need for a larger administration and/or assistant or associate Vice Presidents to oversee the entire division organize different people and functions, and continually review the effectiveness of the department arises. 

Most Vice Presidents report to the Provost who, besides being Provost, is also the Senior Vice President. Some Vice Presidents report directly to the President. The Vice President for Finance and Administration is one of these who reports directly to the President. Ultimately the President is responsible for everything that happens, however clearly the President can't maintain the 200+ departments and 3,000-4,000 people that the University employs at any given time by themselves. That is why reporting lines have been developed with Chairs and Directors reporting to Deans and Vice Presidents, who then report up the Chain. 

The Board of Trustees (which includes 2 students) is responsible for setting the guiding principles by which the administration is to run the school. The BOT hires and fires UVM Presidents. Budget figures, fee increases, restructuring or major University changes all must be approved by the BOT, and they meet 3 times a year as a full board but many more times than that in sub-committee meetings. Many of these meetings include the Governance leaders and representatives from governance groups. For example, the SGA President reports to the BOT during their full-board meetings, and every one of their sub-committees has at least one student representative. 

The University Organizational Chart can be found at the link below. Use the legend and color schemes to figure out who reports to President and who reports to Provost. 

http://www.uvm.edu/~isis/org.html



The Inter-Residence Association

Submitted 3/26/2009 by Bob Just, Class of 2011 

The Inter-Residence Association (IRA) is the second largest student run organization at UVM. We put together large campus programs, such as PostSecret and Bingo, as well as advocate for students, like our support for a Gender-Blind housing at UVM. IRA is the student voice to Residential Life. We work with administrators and other student organizations to create positive change around campus. There is a General Body composed of people who are elected by the Hall Councils. There are 11 Hall Councils that represent all the Residence Halls on campus who put on small programs in your hall and buy things like DVDs and air hockey tables. Whenever you have an issue with Residential Life, tell IRA through our online web comment form. We work to try and address common problems to make your living experience on campus the best years of your life!



Living in a Residence Hall

Submitted 4/10/09 by Jeff Whitmore, Class of 2011 

At UVM students are required to live on campus in residential housing for four consecutive semesters. Although this two-year period may seem like an extensive time, living as a student on campus certainly has its perks. As an on-campus student you will more than likely have a meal plan, which eliminates the necessity of going grocery shopping or spending that precious cash on food. Additionally, you do not have to commute nearly as far during the cold winter months and have the privilege of using the Campus Area Transportation System (CATS). However, a few pieces of advice may assist you in ensuring that you have a smooth, worry-free and enjoyable tenure on campus. Establish a relationship with your resident advisor; you don’t need to become best friends with him/her, but being acquainted will serve to your benefit. Get involved; joining a committee, council or team will allow you to meet new people and develop a better understanding and appreciation for your school. Respect other people’s space, whether it is your roommate or people in your hall, giving people their space in a densely populated area will gain you the appreciation of your peers. Lastly, make the most of every situation so that you are able to enjoy as much of your college experience as possible – it goes by extremely quickly.



Living in Jeanne Mance

Submitted 4/13/09 by Claire Chevrier, Class of 2011 

When I first heard that I was to be placed in Jeanne Mance I immediately looked at the campus map. Then after 30 minutes of trying to locate it, I nearly started to cry. Yes it is that dorm that is practically off-campus and no the on-campus bus does not stop anywhere near it (the off-campus bus does, but only after 6:30pm.) It also happens to be the best community on campus. All other res halls are surrounded by other res halls, and are normally much larger than Jeanne Mance. Because everyone else has access to people outside of their res hall, they often do not spend a significant time in their rooms. It is cold in Vermont (shocker), and it can be a legitimate up-hill hike in the snow to see any non Jeanne Mancer, which causes everyone in the building to know each other’s names. After being forced to stay inside when the winter starts entirely too early, every person lucky enough to have been placed in Jeanne Mance finds themselves becoming best friends with people they normally would not have talked to, which is very helpful if you are interested in Jeanne roMances. It is also the only res hall on campus that has only one RA on duty (take that as you may.) It is also the only res hall that is right next to Church Street and most off campus parties. Jeanne Mancers have been referred to as the “best kept secret” for years now. Jeanne Mance sometimes gets a bad rap, but only by those who do not know what or where it is…and I hope it stays that way.



Living on Athletic Campus

Submitted 4/16/09 by Katie Rifken, Class of 2012 

Athletic Campus is, in my opinion, one of the best places to live on-campus. Athletic Campus is made up of Living and Learning (called L and L), Marsh/Austin/Tupper (aka MAT), Harris and Millis, University Heights North (where the Honors College is normally hosted), and University Heights South (where the Greenhouse is normally hosted).

First of all, living on Athletic means you have amazing dining opportunities at your fingertips. Walking to the Davis center to go to Brennan's or New World Tortilla is quite an easy distance from Athletic Campus. You also have the Marche and Harris-Millis Dining Hall right outside your front door. When it comes to be wintertime, this is an excellent location. The same goes for classes. There are usually not many classes on Redstone Campus (music classes mostly), so you have a much shorter walk to either your classes at Living and Learning or on Central Campus. 

Athletic Campus also has the amphitheater between MAT and Harris-Millis. This is a great spot in nice whether to hang out or eat lunch. Oftentimes you'll also see classes brought into the amphitheater to enjoy the great weather!



Living on Redstone (MSHCR, CWPS, WDW)

Submitted 3/26/09 by Bob Just, Class of 2011 

While it seems every sophomore wants to live on this campus, it certainly is a hot spot but it comes at a cost. This is definitely the furthest walk from central campus, so have your walking shoes! If you live in WDW you have a bus that is docked right at the front door which you can take to class. Luckily, WDW is the first to get on the bus so you are almost always guaranteed a ride to central during those very chilly winter days. The green is very big and is often littered with students when the weather is nice. If it is 35 degrees and sunny, expect to see people outside. It is definitely true that Redstone is very active and students like to be socializing or doing some sort of outdoor activity.



Living Substance Free at UVM

Submitted 3/10/09 by Jess Cobb, Class of 2009 

If you choose to have a substance-free lifestyle (you do not smoke, drink, or use any illegal drugs), there are options on campus for you. Located on Redstone Campus is Redstone Hall, a beautiful restored mansion which houses students electing to live a "sub-free" lifestyle. It houses about 30 (co-ed) students including the RA, and also is home to the MSHCR Residence Director. This is a tight-knit community that often facilitates trips to the movies and other fun events, and puts on a haunted house each October with canned donations going to charity. Students come from all different backgrounds, majors, ethnicities, etc. It is a very supportive environment and residents often choose to remain in the program until graduation (rather than moving off campus after sophomore year). For more information or to apply to this program look up Redstone Hall SAFE program on the Residential Life website. 

Redstone Hall information: http://www.uvm.edu/~rlweb/?Page=reslife_halls/redstone/redstone.html&SM=reslife_halls/reslife_halls_sm.html 

SAFE Information: http://www.uvm.edu/~rlweb/?Page=students/living_on_campus/safe.html&SM=students/living_on_campus/living_sm.html 

Submitted 4/13/09 by Kae Crowley, Class of 2009 

Get involved with activities on and off campus that keep you busy! If you're spending Saturday night on top of Mt. Mansfield with the Outing Club, you'll have much more to talk about than if you go to a party and forget what happened. Read Seven Days (which comes out every Wednesday) either in print (for free and available on campus in the Davis Center and Library) or online at www.sevendaysvt.com to find out about things going on in the community- movies, concerts, art shows, and special events. Personally, my favorite sub-free fun is contra dancing (folk dances taught to live music) and these events can be found in Seven Days as well. 

Rally your friends for a game of frisbee, sledding on the golf course (just over the fence behind WDW), or a movie night. Finding other friends who share a substance-free lifestyle can make it easier, but if you’re substance-using friends see how much fun your having living sub-free, they might take a night off to join in on the fun! Join the ResHall Council in your dorm and help plan super cool sub-free events! 

The Substance and Alcohol Free Environment (SAFE) program in Redstone Hall offers a unique opportunity for like-minded students to live together. An application process is required and more information can be found on the reslife website. 

Be proud of your lifestyle! You don't need any excuses and not drinking is nothing to be ashamed of. Know that there are other UVMers out there who choose not to drink, and it's just a matter of time before you meet them.



The McCauley Fitness Center

Submitted 4/21/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

The McCauley fitness center will be brand new for the 2009-2019 academic year. It is part of the renovation to McCauley hall, converting it into a residence hall. Operated much like the Wright fitness center, the McCauley fitness center will be operated by the department of residential life and will cost an additional fee (likely $75). It is also possible that a Wright fitness center membership will function as a McCauley fitness center membership (and vice versa) but the details are still being worked out for the fitness center. Look for more information on the Residential Life website at uvm.edu/reslife



Parking on Athletic Campus

Submitted 4/6/09 by Megan Benay, Class of 2010 

If you are part of the lucky few who are able to have a car on campus, here are a few tips to keep you parking happy! There are three main places students with parking permits can park on Athletic campus. If you live in U Heights or L&L, there is a parking lot located directly behind those buildings. However, there is limited parking, I'd say under 50 spots. This is deceiving as there is a 2nd parking lot RIGHT NEXT TO THE STUDENT LOT, but this lot is for faculty only. It's almost like they purposefully prey on unsuspecting students who don't take the time to read the actual parking signs! DON'T even think about parking there during the day, they will get you, I promise. After 6pm it's fine, but if you live on campus you better be reading to get up by 6am and move your car, aka zero fun. Weekends in the faculty lot are just fine though. If you live in MAT or Harris Millis, there's a lot for students in the back of those buildings just for students! There's also the Gutterson parking garage, also known as the "Gut." Any floors on this are fine for those with permits, but don't bother trying to park in the little side lot closer to the gym entrance. That's VIP and/or handicapped parking and the parking people will get you there too, I promise.



Parking on Central Campus

Submitted 4/16/09 by Eddie Foster, Class of 2010 

The lots on Central Campus include CBWC Lot, the lot behind Billings, and the Ag-Engineering lot behind the Davis Center and the new Plant and Soil Science Building. The CBWC Lot is awesome for the people that live on Central, and is monitored for cars without permits much later into the night than other lots. The Billings lot is intended for faculty, and is also monitored. If you need to drive to campus after 3:30, the best place to park is the Ag-Engineering Lot. It becomes open to all parkers every weekend and every day after 3:30, with lots of room!



Parking on Redstone Campus

Submitted 4/6/09 by Claire Howard, Class of 2011 

So you want to park on Redstone? As much as it sucks you need to invest in a parking pass specifically for Redstone Campus...if you don't have one of these expect a very expensive parking ticket (except for your first offense, you'll only receive a warning!). Also, all UVM lots don't ticket for the weekends, any car can park in any lot on Saturday and Sunday. Depending on which dorm you live in usually decides which lot you would park in. Coolidge, Mason/Simpson/Hamilton usually use the lot behind the flying diaper or the one by the gym, WDW uses the 2 lots closest to their dorm and Christie/Wright/Patterson has a lot behind them which is also close to Slade. If you're leaving during the day you shouldn't have an issue finding parking when you get back...but it gets tougher as the day carries on. I've spent many late nights at the library with my car parked on Central Campus, and then returning to Redstone not able to find a parking spot anywhere close to my dorm. Ticket fees vary depending on the location and how many past offenses you have. Make sure not to receive more than 3 tickets from UVM, after that 3rd they tack on an extra charge for every ticket...that'll hurt, don't do it. If for any reason you feel there may be a chance for you to receive a ticket...move your car!!! I've seen the UVM Transportation Services truck driving around from parking lot to parking lot as late as 11:30pm on a FRIDAY NIGHT...don't chance it! The Gutterson Garage by the gym and Harris Millis is free to park in except from 7:30am to 3:30pm during the week. Basically, know where you can and cannot park...read the signs, they're outside every lot and will tell you all the information you need to know. 

Some other facts to remember: 

-Parked in a metered spot without paying the meter? $10 

-Parked in a regular space without the right permit? $50 

-Parked in a Fire Lane or Handicap space? $80 plus cost of a tow (make sure not to have your car stay overnight or they charge a holding charge that is pretty hefty) 

Still have questions? Visit their website http://www.uvm.edu/~tpswww/ 

Happy Parking!



Parking Tickets/Policies at UVM

Submitted 3/09/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

For starters, the first time you get a parking ticket it will be a warning (unless you parked in a tow-away zone… good luck with that). UVM does not ticket on Saturday or Sunday, and very rarely on University holidays. Tickets vary in cost depending on where you parked and how many tickets you've had before. If you've gotten more than 4 tickets from UVM, you'll be considered a Habitual Offender and fined an extra $60 for each ticket. If you think your vehicle won't be tracked to your student account... you're wrong. I had a bunch of parking tickets my first year and I thought they'd never be tracked to me. Sure enough, they were. A hold was placed on my account and I couldn't sign up for a room or register for classes until they were paid off. I have heard rumors that they won't track you until the 3rd ticket, though that has not been my experience and I would suggest playing it safe. You can park in the Gutterson Garage before 7:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. but like all other parking lots at UVM, read the signs as you enter the lot. They've got the key information. 

Parked in a metered spot without paying the meter? $10* 

Parked in a regular space without the right permit? $50* 

Parked in an area that isn't a parking space? $30* 

Parked in a Fire Lane or Handicap space? $80* + cost of a tow 

* (Add the $60 for Habitual Offender if it applies) The Department at UVM that does all ticketing and handles parking permit issues is Transportation and Parking Services. If you're interested in viewing the full parking and permit policies, you can find them at the websites below: 

T+PS Home: http://www.uvm.edu/~tpswww/ 

Parking regulations and parking ticket info: http://www.uvm.edu/tps/parking/?Page=rules.html&SM=subpi.html 

Submitted 3/10/09 by Kiah Palumbo, Class of 2010 

After a certain time of day, you don't need to put money in some of the parking meters. Some of them are “enforced” 24/7 and you can be ticketed anytime but others don't require payment after a certain time. Be sure to check the individual meter that you've parked at, it will state the hours during which the meter is enforced.



Places to listen to music in Burlington

Submitted 4/4/09 by Thomas Ford-Hutchinson, Class of 2010 

Burlington has a great music scene with a lot of stuff going on. A good easy way to keep up on what's going on in town is to check out www.burlingtonunderground.com and www.ticktick.org as well as www.highergroundmusic.com/calendar/view. Tick tick is a great local company set up that puts on some great shows at random locations round town. If you look around you can also find the silk screen posters they make for their shows. Here's a list of some good music venues around Burlington: 

* Radio Bean: Live music just about every night of the week. Check out www.radiobean.com for their schedule. 

* The Monkey House: Great place in Winooski with some good live shows. Check out www.monkeybarmusic.com. 

* Nectar's/Metronome: Live shows play here a lot. Check out www.liveatnectars.com. 

* Higher Ground: The main local concert venue.

* Flynn Theater: Shows/ sometimes bands. 

* Memorial Auditorium/ Shelburne Museum: Alternate venues for big shows that come through. 

* Red Square: Bar (21+). www.redsquarevt.com. 

* Half Lounge: Bar/lounge (21+) Good place on Thursdays for Salsa and on Fridays for DJ's. 

* Green Room: Bar/Lounge (21+) DJ's on Saturdays. 

* UVM/St. Mike's: Know people at these schools to find out what bands they are getting in. 

* Skinny Pancake: The occasional local band plays here and the food is delicious. 

Submitted Monday, April 6th by Shiren Chan, Class of 

If you are wondering about where the JAMS are at, you can find them in your residential hall. All jokes aside, res halls are homes of the budding rockers, as they jam to Guitar Hero or sing to Karaoke. At WDW, it is known as the music building of residential halls. If you go outside, or open your window in the spring, you are likely to hear a string of tune that has your eyes and ears wondering. In some res halls like U Heights South, there are open mike days, sometimes every week in the first floor lounge room, next to the RA's front desk. In Redstone, we house the Music Building, Southwick Music Complex, where you can practice your skills on an instrument, belt your heart out with a voice instructor or even watch famous troupes or concerts from the famous and our very own talented UVM students. 

At Brennan’s, we host comedians, but we also host musicians. Downtown, the best place to find some local talent is at Nectar's, but you need to be 18? 21? To go in and enjoy the music and grub. Higher Ground is our mecca for artists, local and not so local. My first concert ever, was at Higher Ground to enjoy Secondhand Serenade, White Tie Affair, Rookie of the Year and Meg & Dia. THEY WERE AMAZING! Go to highergroundmusic.com for the latest events hosted. Prices are not too bad and is more intimate than other venues.



Racquetball at UVM

Submitted 4/21/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

UVM has 7 Racquetball Courts in the Athletic Complex (PFG). They are located in the hallway between the men's and women's locker rooms and the fitness center. Two of these courts were recently renovated and have recessed lights (resulting in fewer replayed points necessary) and much better lighting. Because there are 7 courts, you can almost always find one open but sometimes you have to wait for a few minutes. When you play you have to bring your UVM id (CatCard) and place it in the window of court when you're playing. Using your CatCard you can sign out rackets and eyewear for free at the Campus Rec desk by the fitness center and climbing wall (however they'll try to sell you balls so you might consider bringing your own or the $2-3 that it costs to buy balls at the desk). 

UVM has a brand new Racquetball Club that offers several services to all members of the UVM community. You can sign up for their GameFinder (which is basically a spreadsheet with contact info, experience level, and desired times to play for rqtballers such as yourself) and you can also join their campus-wide ladder system (an automated ladder in which UVMers can challenge fellow UVMers and compete for ladder rank). Periodically the club will host cash tournaments as a fundraiser, where all contestants pay an entry fee and the winner (or winners) take half (the club will take the other half). Additionally, students who are members of the club itself can use the UVM-Racquetball Club's equipment (including balls!), compete with the travelling team, purchase heavily discounted equipment, enter cash tournaments for a discounted rate, and receive other benefits. 

Currently the Racquetball Club meets to play Sundays at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. at the rqtball courts. 

To join the GameFinder, get on the campus-wide ladder, ask for more information, or join the Racquetball Club, contact uvm.racquetball@gmail.com - The UVM Racquetball Club



Recycling

Submitted 4/4/09 by Mikayla McDonald, Class of 2010 

Recycling is the simplest and most effective single thing you can do to help protect the environment and human health. UVM Recycling and Waste Management takes in all recyclables through the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) in an "All-in-One" waste stream. This means that at UVM and everywhere in Chittenden County, CSWD takes all recyclables in one bin! Now you have no excuse not to recycle- it's too easy not to! You should recycle ALL of the following in the "All-in-one" bins (for a full list go to http://www.uvm.edu/~recycle/?Page=Guide/guide.html): 

* All plastics #1-7. If you can't find the number, recycle it anyway. Better safe than sorry. 

* Metal cans and glass containers. 

* All papers, including office paper (staples okay), newspaper, wrapping paper, magazines, all envelopes, junk-mail, shredded paper, etc. 

* Cardboards including boxes, soda/beer cartons, and pizza boxes 

Recycle electronic materials in the special "Techno-Trash" bins in various places around campus. There should be one in every dorm, and several in the Davis Center (for a full list of what can be disposed of in techno-trash bins, go to http://www.uvm.edu/%7Erecycle/?Page=Guide/technotrash.html). Techno-trash includes: 

* Batteries 

* Cell-phones, PDAs, iPods, etc. 

* Unbroken CFL light-bulbs 

* CDs, DVDs, tapes, floppy disks, ink cartridges, etc.



Reserving Campus Facilities and Using the R25

Submitted 4/12/09 by Kate Ash, Class of 2010 

Instructions on R25 : A How-To In order to reserve a space on campus, there are many factors to consider. To begin, the size of an event space is critically important to the type of event being planned, as well as the expected number of guests and audience members. Typically, if having a small audience for a visiting lecturer or speaker, using a smaller conference room is suggested in order to maximize the amount of space used, as well as to give the speaker an advantage when addressing the audience. A second factor to consider is the accessibility of a space, as well as the location of the space for visitors who may not be familiar with the University campus. Thirdly, it is important to consider the type of event you will be holding and the policies that surround it, which often vary when working in different university buildings. In many occasions food and outside catering is popular for university events, although many buildings require vendor permits and contracts with outside entities, thus it is important to research these policies before deciding on a specific location. 

Once these factors have been considered the directions to submitting an R25 Space Request Form are: 

1. Visit http://www.uvm.edu/conferences/?Page=guidelines.html. Here, a tutorial on how to use this form may be found, as well as common FAQs about the reservation process, a full list of reservation policies, specifics surrounding banner displays, outdoor events and issues surrounding the Freedom of Speech and Expression. 

2. To reserve a space, select Request Form on R25 Webviewer - where a second window should display access to campus space availabilities. 

3. Once here, the program is defaulted to the Davis Center, which displays the room availabilities and details of events being held there. The program is separated by building and by residential complex; these other areas may be accessed by visiting the right column - where you may select specific areas or browse all campus meeting spaces. 

4. Also in the right column is a calendar which can be changed by selecting the desired date of your event. Here, you may browse available dates while also looking at the space you have selected to check availability. 

5. If the desired location and date are available (determined by the multicolored blocks on the webviewer), select the time and continue to the R25 form. 

6. Once selected, you will be prompted to enter the event details, including a departmental chartstring for budgeting purposes. Once this process is completed, be sure to enter additional details - including if on-site staff members are needed and if a pre-event meeting with Conference and Event Services is necessary to discuss event details. 

7. You will then be asked to confirm your event details. Be sure that all details are correct, and if there are any changes it is important to contact Conference and Event Services as soon as possible. When prompted for the start and end date of the event, it is important to allow ample time for both set-up and break down. 

8. If catering is a part of your event, you must also receive an outside Catering Request Form, also available on the home website of the R25 Webviewer and Request Form. If you would like to place a catering request with University Dining Services and Sodexho visit http://uds.uvm.edu/catering_home.html 

9. After being submitted, your submitted R25 request may be reviewed and revised by visiting Pending Requests or Approved, where all recent requests will be displayed. If there are further questions, all requests will be assigned a reference person whose name will appear next to the request and who may be contacted at any time before your event. 

10. In order to cancel an event or R25 request, it is highly recommended to send an email to this contact person, and to also keep a copy of the email and original R25 request as documentation if questions arise. 

11. To confirm that your event has been scheduled, revisit the R25 Webviewer and visit the proper date and location of your event by the options at the right. Here, you should see a multicolored row with your event name and details. This process may take several days. 

If further question arise contact the Office of Conference and Event Services directly at 802-656-5665 or conferences@uvm.edu. If your event is being held within the Dudley H. Davis Center, visit the Davis Center website or contact he office managers on the Davis Center third floor. 

For events such as these John Dewey Lounge, as well as various spaces within Waterman and University Heights are suggested. 

Your chartstring may be accessed by speaking to a club advisor, club signer, or department head. 

A meeting with Conference & Event Services of Davis Center Staff is highly encouraged.



Rides to Ski Areas

Submitted 4/13/09 by Kae Crowley, Class of 2009 

The ski and snowboard club runs weekly buses to many ski areas http://www.uvmssc.com/. The schedule can be found at. Also check out www.uvm.edu/rideshare to look for carpooling to the mountain and elsewhere. If all else fails, get a CarShare VT membership (this will take some advance planning) http://www.carsharevt.org/ and split the cost of using a car for the day with some friends! It's way cheaper than having your own car on campus.



RideShare

Submitted 4/1 by Marshall Ambros, Class of 2010 

Need a ride? Looking for someone to split gas money? Check out the UVM RIDEshare board at: http://www.uvm.edu/~dos/rideshare/ Many people who go to UVM originate from the East Coast, so visiting family on the weekends is a possibility. There are rides regularly traveling within state, and to Mass., Conn., NH, NY, and even beyond. (Some rides go as far as California for Winter Break.) To use this board you need to be a UVM student or faculty member. So get on there, and use this exclusive tool to build the UVM community, visit friends and family, and save a buck!



The Student Government Association

Submitted 4/12/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

The Student Government Association is the largest student organization at UVM. The SGA budget is made up of the $$s generated by the Student Activities Fee that every undergraduate student pays each semester. The SGA serves multiple functions. The SGA Senate if the official governance group of the students at UVM, and the SGA President is a part of the Board of Trustees Executive Committee, reports to the Board of Trustees at each BOT meeting, and is a part of many senior administrative functions. (For more on this see University Governance Structures (SGA, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Alumni Council, Board of Trustees)) The SGA is also responsible for placing students on dozens of campus committees, so if you're interested in being on a campus committee contact the SGA at uvmsga@uvm.edu Many different University departments and offices have advisory boards or other kinds of committees, and all Dean/Provost/President/Vice-President and many Department Director searches have students on them. (For more on this see Campus Appointments) In addition to serving as the representative and governance body of the students, the SGA recognizes, funds, and oversees many incredible student clubs and organizations, over 140 of them. Clubs apply for budgets in the spring of each year for the following year, and the SGA's Treasurer and Finance Committee allocate the vast majority of the SGA budget to the clubs at this time. Additionally, clubs can apply for "Supplemental Funding." SGA has all kinds of awesome clubs. Many of them have office space in the Davis Center. Among these, UVMtv has their own space adjacent to the Davis Center Atrium, WRUV radio has their own space down that same hall, and just past them The Vermont Cynic has their own space. You'll often see SGA clubs tabling all over campus, and if you head down towards the Davis Center tunnel you'll see FeelGood on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. (For more on this see SGA Clubs) 

Check out the SGA website: uvm.edu/sga 

Check out The Lynx, the site used by all of our clubs: uvm.edu/clubs



SGA Clubs

Submitted Thursday, April 9th by Drew Sander, Class of 2009 

UVM’s 140+ SGA recognized clubs focus on a variety of issues, activities and interests. They range from academic fields, to cultural clubs, to club sports, religious organizations, interest based groups, issue focused advocacy organizations, media production clubs, performance based organizations, and political clubs. Some examples of these are the Chinese literature and language club, the Urban Flava Step Team, the Catayak White Water Kayaking Club, Hillel and the Intervasity Christian Fellowship, the Students for True Animal rights, the SAE Mini Baja Team, UVMtv and the Vermont Cynic, The Hoop Dancing Club, College Democrats, and even UVM rescue, one of the only student-run first response Ambulance teams in the country. With such a great number and variety of organizations, serving thousands of students, it is easy to get involved at UVM and enrich your experience here. 

You can browse the clubs, become a prospective member, or keep up to date on clubs you're in by visiting uvm.edu/clubs. 

Submitted Monday, April 13th by Kofi Mensah, Class of 2011 

With the amount of student activity on campus you really can't say that you have nothing to do. The Student Government Association has over 120 recognized student clubs. There are many different types of clubs, such as multicultural like the Black Student Union and Alianza Latina to Media/Expression like the UVM Cynic and UVM TV, to clubs sport such as field hockey and soccer. There is plenty of ways to get active within the clubs, whether as a regular member or holding an executive board position you'll be sure to have a blast. Just keep a look out for the club fair during the first week weeks of school, you'll be sure to find something that grabs your attention, and if for some whatever reason you don't there is always the option of creating your own club. It's as simple as getting a few people together who are interested and creating a clear goal as to what you want to achieve and your own way!!



Study Spaces on Campus

Submitted April 10th, 2009 by Jeff Whitmore, Class of 2011 

UVM’s Bailey/Howe Library may often seem overcrowded with people and distractions, and it usually is. However, there are several other opportune places to complete your schoolwork around campus. Dorm lounges are a hit or miss location as there are times when they may be absolutely silent while on other occasions it seems as if everyone in your dorm is hanging out and conversing. The Dana Medical Library is always a great place to study if you are the sort of person who desires absolute silence when completing your schoolwork. However, this library is not for those who study casually; the medical students in their white coats expect that your phone is off and your mouth is closed. The Billings Round Room is an additional place that is great to study during the day or night as it is usually quiet, assuming that there is not an event taking place in the other room. When the weather is nice, consider venturing out onto the campus green or quad with a blanket to lay out while you soak up the rays as well as the knowledge. An untapped resource is your own classrooms. Once classes are completed for the day, the lecture halls and rooms are left unlocked until the buildings close. This is ideal for evening group study sessions or quiet reading.



Study Spaces off Campus

Submitted April 10th, 2009 by Jeff Whitmore, Class of 2011 

If you desire to leave the UVM campus and wish to do a little work while you are at it, there are several places around Burlington that are great for studying. The public library is a great change of scenery and offers many of the same things that you will find at Bailey/Howe. Visit one of the many coffee shops and cafés that are settled around the Church Street area, where you can browse the internet or get lost in a book with a hot cup of coffee. Your house or that of a friend’s, can provide a quiet and distraction free environment that is ideal for studying. Or, if the weather is nice, the Burlington Parks are a relaxing place conducive to learning.



Switching a Major

Submitted 4/12/09 by Jeremy Baras, Class of 2010 

When deciding on a major and/or minor, the most important part is that you choose something that you are particularly interested in. There are countless stories of people who start off in one college or major, then end up switching multiple times until they get settled in. While it may take a while for you to find the right fit, it will be worth it in the end. 

The link below details every major offered here at the University of Vermont: 

http://www.uvm.edu/academics/?Page=programs_degrees.php 

Whether it be Business Administration, Engineering or Education, the only person who should decide what to major in is you. Your time here at the University is one in which you will grow, both physically and emotionally, and part of this maturation process is the understanding of what you want, both out of your college experience and, ultimately, out of life. Your major will dictate your future, as the classes that you take will primarily focus on the particular major that you choose, and when you graduate, you will take those skills that you learned into the real world and have to use that major to find jobs within the marketplace. Whether you go through ten majors, or just stick with one throughout your entire college tenure, it is crucial that you find the one that clicks with your interests, goals and values, and upon doing so, it will just enhance your experience here even more.



Thrift Stores

Submitted 4/4/09 by Thomas Ford-Hutchinson, Class of 2010 

Thrift Stores are a great way to get clothes for cheap and cool things to deck out your pad. The local stores are also a great way to get designer clothes as cash strapped college kid’s sells stuff, and alternatively are a great way to sell stuff yourself. Here's a List of some of the best local thrift stores: 

* Recycle North (Pine St.): They've got cheap shot glasses, glassware, furniture, appliances, etc. 

* Battery Street Jeans (Marble Av.): Hands down the best place to get nice clothes/Halloween Costumes, cool things for your room. 

* The Catholic Sisterhood thrift store at the Christ the King Rectory‎ Church open Tuesdays and Thursday is rumored to have good clothing. (Pine St. at Flynn Av.)

* Clothing Line (Cherry St.): Good place round Halloween for cheap costumes. 

* Bobbin' (North Winooski St.): Good place for buttons, woman's clothing 

* Junktiques (North Winooski St.): Old Electronics, random things 

* Salvation Army (North Winooski St.): Cheap Stuff 

* Green Closet (Winooski): A bit pricey for those who are picky and just want vintage outfits. 

* Plato's Closet: (Williston): Never Been, but I hear they have lots of clothing



University Governance Structures

Submitted 4/21/09 by Jay Taylor, Class of 2010 

The University governance structure is carefully organized and each member of the UVM community is (technically) represented by a governance group. The Presidents and Vice-Presidents are included in President Fogel's monthly Campus Leadership Forum meetings, and Presidents of these groups are included in the Board of Trustee Executive Committee meetings, as well as report to the board on the state of the University and their respective constituencies at all Full Board meetings. Additionally, governance leaders are included in various University functions and are included in policy formation and regular policy reviews. The President's Campus Leadership Forums include the President, the Provost, the Chief of Staff, several Vice-Presidents (generally including the VP for Finance and Administration, the VP for Enrollment Management who oversees Admissions and Financial Aid among other offices, the VP for Federal, State, and Community Relations, the VP for Student and Campus Life), as well as representatives from the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Graduate Student Senate, and Alumni Association. Agenda items can be added by any of those attending, including governance leaders, and is a great opportunity for governance leaders to keep others updated and/or seek their input on issues in their realm. These meetings generally begin with a report from the President and an update on enrollment figures and the budget. 

The Faculty Senate is the governance group representing the faculty, with roughly 1,300 members. Robyn Warhol-Down, President of the Faculty Senate 2007-2009, writes: "the constituency of the Faculty Senate is made up of the whole UVM faculty, including part-timers, lecturers, tenure track and tenured faculty of the entire university, including the College of Medicine. Department chairs are also constituents of the Faculty Senate. Administrators who also have faculty appointments (such as Deans and the Provost) are not constituents of the Senate. All constituents can vote in elections of the Senate President & Vice President; individual colleges hold elections for representatives on Faculty Senate committees; and departments elect Faculty Senators." To learn more about the Faculty Senate visit their page: http://www.uvm.edu/~facsen/ 

The Staff Council is the governance group representing the staff at UVM. The total number of staff members at UVM, including temporary staff and administrators, is 3,315 and these individuals receive regular communications from the Staff Council. Of these 3,315 only 2,302 are permanent non-administrator staff members. From that 2,302 many staff members are part of the Staff Council constituency. Jeff Bukowski, Council Administrator for the Staff Council, writes: "There are 1,954 staff members (not including senior administrators or temporary employees) at UVM who are eligible to participate on Staff Council and vote in our elections. While this does include staff in the College of Medicine, it does not include members of [United Electric] who are ineligible to participate on Staff Council and its Committees at the request of their union. However, UE members remain permitted to participate in Staff Council sponsored events such as bus trips to Boston or Golf Outings and to receive communications like the Staffline newsletter. Staff Council Representatives are elected annually in April and represent staff from all corners of the University Of Vermont (UVM). Using UVM’s Organization Chart (*See link below), Staff Council has established 17 Units which include all colleges and major divisions. Representation in these areas is determined annually by a staff census performed through Human Resource Services in accordance with Staff Council bylaws. Elected Representatives must be permanent full time or part time employees who have successfully completed their probationary period. UE members are ineligible to participate on Staff Council and its Committees at the request of their union. The Council’s representation for the Fall 2008-Spring 2009 year is 44." http://www.uvm.edu/~isis/org.html 

The Alumni Association is the governance group representing the alumni of UVM. 

The Student Government Association is the governance group representing the students at UVM. The SGA itself is made up of the undergraduate students, though the President and Vice-President of the SGA work closely with the leaders of the Graduate Student Senate in representing the views of their graduate student constituents. This governance group is by far the largest (though technically there are more alumni than current students, though most are not active in the organization). Because of the size both the SGA as well as the differing needs of graduate and undergraduate constituents, the GSS is seeking its own recognition as a governance group. 

The SGA Senate is made up of 42 undergraduate students. It is broken down by residence status (on-campus or off-campus) with 21 off-campus Senators and 21 on-campus Senators. Elections are held each spring to elect the Senate for the following year, except 5 spots are held for first-year students. The first-year Senate election takes place during the first couple weeks of each school-year. When vacancies are created they are generally filled by appointment, which any undergraduate student can apply for on the SGA website. The SGA Vice-President is in charge of that appointment process. If enough vacancies exist at the start of the spring semester, a mid-term election is held. SGA elections are conducted using The Lynx (uvm.edu/clubs), which provides a secure paper-less ballot and voting system. 

The SGA Senate is made up of 7 committees and one of the 42 Senators is elected by the Senate to be the Speaker of the Senate, who runs the meetings, maintains order, and organizes/distributes legislation and other business of the Senate. The 7 committees are the Finance Committee, Student Action Committee, Student Activities Committee, Committee on Legislative Action, Committee on Diversity, Environment, and Environmental Ethics, Academic Affairs Committee, and the Public Relations Committee. Each committee has a chairperson appointed by the President and Vice-President. The 7 committee chairs, the Speaker of the Senate, and the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer make up the 11 person SGA Executive Committee, which is chaired by the SGA President. 

The SGA is included in many University functions and processes, and also appoints students to various campus committees. The SGA Vice-President manages that process, and if you’re interested in serving on some sort of campus committee contact the SGA Vice President. 

On the web: uvm.edu/sga 

From your webmail: uvmsga@uvm.edu 

From your telephone: 802-656-2053 

The Graduate Student Senate is currently an advisory body to the Graduate College that is closely consulted by the SGA, administration, and the Board of Trustees as the GSS President gives a report to the Board of Trustees just like the other governance leaders. 

Clint Jasperson, President of the GSS from 2008 to 2009 writes: “the Graduate Student Senate (or GSS) is anticipating being recognized as a governing body representing all graduate students at UVM. The graduate student body is very diverse, including part-time, full-time, medical, post-doc, and professional degree seeking students. In addition, a majority of UVM's international students are graduate students. The GSS body is comprised of an executive council (President, Vice President, Public Relations, Outreach, Secretary, and Ombudsperson) and the senate. Senators are elected each year by receiving nominations and votes from fellow graduate students in the same academic program. One senator seat is provided for every 25 graduate students that are enrolled in a program, and only students from that program may run for that seat. Executive officers and senators help author governing policies that support the graduate student experience, in addition to being involved in numerous activities throughout the year. Some of these include coordinating graduate student orientation, facilitating Research Day, managing the Mini-Grant Program, and planning social activities to foster stronger graduate student fellowship.” 

More information about the graduate student senate, including our meeting times, constitution, by-laws, and events can be found at our website: www.uvm.edu/~gss 

The Unions: 

United Academics is the faculty union at UVM. United Academics represents Research, Extension, Clinical, Library, and Instructional faculty in both the full-time and part-time bargaining units. Those in the full-time unit have a .75 or higher faculty appointment (those who are at least three-quarter-time employees) in all the colleges except the College of Medicine, which is not part of the bargaining unit. Department Chairs are not part of the bargaining unit, and are considered "administration" under the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Union. Those faculty in the part-time unit have appointments of less than three-quarter time. There are approximately 700 faculty in the full-time bargaining unit and 160 faculty in the part-time unit. The Union represents all of these faculty in salary negotiations, grievance matters, and everything else related to the terms and conditions of their employment, whether or not they have chosen to join the Union. The full-time faculty contract lasts until June 2011 and the part-time contract is currently under negotiation. David Shiman, currently the Director of the Center for World Education and a professor of Education, is the President of the United Academics until 2011. To find more information about the UA you can check out their website at unitedacademics.org 

*Special note on the relationship between the UA and the Faculty Senate: 

While all faculty and department chairs are constituents of the Senate, the Union does not include those who are chairs or and faculty in the College of Medicine. Some Faculty Senators and members of the Senate committees are active in the Union, and some are not. Aside from the fact that all UA members are also constituents of the Senate, there is no formal link between the two organizations. 

United Electric, the labor union representing roughly 350 permanent staff members at UVM, is (like the United Academics) not a governance group. It includes many of the workers in Physical Plant.



Utilizing Advisors

Submitted Saturday, April 4th by Katie Rifken, Class of 2012 

Your advisor will be assigned to you your freshmen year. If you do not know who your advisor is, you can view it online at www.uvm.edu/studentlogin under “Student Records.” You will also have an advisor assigned to you at orientation; this may or may not be your advisor for the year. Your advisor is usually in your field of study so as to best advise you on courses to take and requirements you need to fill. In some colleges, there is also a professional advisor (someone who has been trained strictly in advising) if you have more personal questions. The great thing about advising at UVM is if you don’t like your advisor or if your advisor isn’t in your field of study, you can easily switch! Just talk to your advisor and they will be able to connect you with someone better suited to your needs. Also if you are coming into UVM as an undecided student, talk to your advisor (who will be randomly assigned to you) about finding someone in a field you’re interested in.



Utilizing the Registrar’s Office

Submitted 4/5/09 by Katie Rifken, Class of 2012 

The Registrar’s Office website (http://www.uvm.edu/~rgweb/), has a wealth of information you may use throughout the year. It has the UVM Academic Calendar (all the way up to 2010-2011) with important dates, information about registering for classes and information about auditing. You can also access your grades and transcript through the registrar’s office, which is essential for resumes or transferring schools. If needed, there is also a list of forms to change your address, changing your major/minor, Pass/No Pass forms, and lots of other great stuff!



What's Open and When

Submitted 4/16/09 by Katie Rifken 

There are so many buildings on campus and each of them close at different times! For some help, I've given you a list of some basic websites where you can access hours for different things on campus. 

Fleming Museum: To see some great art! Follow this link to see the office hours: http://www.uvm.edu/~fleming/index.php?category=visiting&page=hours 

Places to Eat On Campus: Provides a full list of all the places to eat and their hours, as well as a short description of each. http://uds.uvm.edu/locations.html 

Patrick Gym Fitness Center Hours: Monday-Friday: 6am-11pm Saturday: 10am-8pm Sunday: 10am-10pm 

Open Patrick Gym Time: Weekly schedule of different areas of the Patrick Gym, including open ice on the hockey rink: http://www.uvm.edu/~recspts/?Page=facilities/hours.html&SM=facilitiesmenu.html 

Stores in the Davis Center: Includes Davis Center Hours as well as different stores and shops within the Davis center. http://www.uvm.edu/~davis/?Page=errands.html 

UVM Library Hours: Hours for library as well as cyber cafe and other specific sections of the library. http://library.uvm.edu/hours/



Where to Park for Free

Submitted 4/13/09 by Jessica McCarthy, Class of 

Off Campus Parking (Main Streets):

Bradley Street 

Buell Street 

College Street ? above South Willard, below there are meters 

Green Street 

Hickock Place 

Isham Street 

Loomis Street 

Maple Street 

North Street 

North Willard 

Pearl Street - above South Willard, below there are parking meters 

South Willard 

South Williams 

University Place, BUT beware of the Vendor Parking spots 

You can also visit this website for more information: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/parking/ 

Meters... You can park at a meter for FREE from 6 PM to 8 AM Monday through Saturday. You can park at a meter for FREE anytime on Sunday. Parking garages are also free all day on Sunday. 

Parking Bans? A message will be sent to your Webmail if a parking ban is going to be in effect. You can park free in the parking garages from 10 PM to 8 AM. If you go over the 8 AM a regular charge does not take place, instead you will be charged $8. 

ON CAMPUS Visitors... If your friend is coming to visit and needs a place to park on campus go to this website (http://www.uvm.edu/tps/parking/?Page=visitors.html&SM=subpi.html) and you can obtain a VISITOR'S PASS.



The Wright Fitness Center

Submitted 4/6/09 by Bob Just, Class of 2011 

Looking for a gym that is less frequented than our UVM gym? This is definitely the best gym on campus if you like to work out with only a few people around, or sometimes no one else around. The gym is a great location for all people living on Redstone and isn't used very often because it costs $75 per semester to be a part of. It has great equipment and up-to-date machines. The staff there is composed of work-study students who just check to make sure you have a membership. Again, if you don't like working out with a ton of people around, this is a great gym for you!



Last modified November 12 2009 04:15 PM

Contact UVM © 2009 The University of Vermont - Burlington, VT 05405 - (802) 656-3131