The University of Vermont Board of Trustees today adopted the university’s strategic imperatives statement, “Amplifying our Impact,” and approved zero tuition increases for both in-state and out-of-state students for the next academic year.

The visioning document sets the direction for ensuring the university’s future success by following three strategic imperatives: student success, with a focus on the quality of the whole student experience; expanding upon the university’s distinctive research strengths, for the benefit of the state of Vermont and beyond; and better realizing the institution’s land-grant mission by partnering with communities, businesses and state government.

“Today, the Board took important action,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “For almost 230 years, the University of Vermont has developed the potential of our students, generated research to improve our world, and served the interests of our state. By necessity, the COVID-19 pandemic is now consuming much of our energy. But it’s critical we also continue to refine and maintain focus on the strategic imperatives of our university, for the benefit of our students, our state, and, the nation.”

Prior to its adoption by the Board, the strategic visioning document was shared widely with the university community. Nearly 1,200 individuals responded to the call for feedback, with strong representation from undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff.

Read the full text of the “Amplifying our Impact” document.

The Board’s approval of the zero tuition increases for next year comes six months after Garimella first announced the university’s intention, and aligns with the visioning document’s focus on ensuring student success and access.

When Garimella spoke last fall about UVM tuition rates, he recognized the university’s efforts to keep tuition increases at modest levels in recent years, but noted that relying on tuition increases, even modest ones, was not a sustainable strategy.

Today Garimella said, “The university is facing significant challenges brought on by the pandemic. So are our students and their families. Today’s resolution to keep tuition frozen next year reinforces our commitment to ensuring that a UVM education remains affordable.”

The tuition freeze applies to new and returning in-state and out-of-state students enrolling at the university in the fall of 2020. It also applies to graduate and medical students.