Students walking down outdoor staircase in winter

Every year, UVM honors the early academic success of members of our first-year class. In a typical year, we recognize these students with an in-person gathering and an evening of speakers and student testimonials. As this academic year (20-21) is slightly different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we're celebrating here - with videos and resource referrals that showcase many of the impactful engagement opportunities at the University of Vermont. 

 

Hey Catamounts!

We applaud you! You had an outstanding start to your college career. Now we want you to build on your momentum and make the most of your time at the University of Vermont. We know that students are more likely to flourish when they participate in meaningful interactions with faculty/staff and when they collaborate with others from a diversity of backgrounds.  Read on to receive some well-deserved recognition for your accomplishments and to hear from important members of our community who care about your success.

Message of Congratulations (and Encouragement!)

You’re in demand! In light of your stellar debut semester here at UVM, campus offices and departments want to get your attention. We’re passing along messages and information to highlight opportunities you can seize now (or in the future!) to take your experience at UVM to the next level.

To begin, Provost and Senior Vice President, Patricia A. Prelock, offers her congratulations to members of the Class of 2024.

 

Involvement Opportunities

Involvement can take many forms. We are so excited to see how you embrace the myriad of opportunities UVM has to offer. Here, we’re highlighting just a few ways that you can be engaged on campus. As you look to your sophomore year at UVM, think about how you want to leave your mark!

  • Leadership applications for positions like Orientation Leaders (OLs), AdvoCats, Resident Advisors (RAs), UPB, etc. are typically made available in the spring. Be in touch with these campus offices to learn more:
  • Office of Admissions (OLs, AdvoCats)
  • Residential Life (RAs)
  • Student Life (UPB, Alternative Spring Break, etc.)

 

Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, & Undergraduate Research (FOUR)

Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research (FOUR) offers an array of valuable resources for all UVM students. With FOUR’s help you can pursue competitive fellowships, learn about internship opportunities and get started on a research project.  Stay tuned for a brochure from FOUR that will be sent to your home address soon! (For those on campus, the package will come to your res hall address.) This brochure further outlines the many incredible services available to students like you.

Visit FOUR’s website to explore, connect and engage.

The Honors College

Consider joining the Honors College - you’d be a great fit! This video from Britt Chase, Assistant Dean at the Honors College, will introduce you to what the College has to offer and explain how you can apply for sophomore admission. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore your academic interests in greater depth, build meaningful relationships with faculty and prepare for life beyond your undergraduate program.

Honors College Application: accepted between 3/15 and 4/16.

Accelerated Master’s Programs

Given your success this semester, maybe you’re already thinking about your next degree. It’s never too early to plan ahead - especially when you can start working towards your master’s degree as an undergraduate! Have you reviewed all the Accelerated Entry into Master’s Programs offered at UVM? Check out the message below from Cynthia Forehand, Dean of the Graduate College, to learn more.

Of course, that’s just a sampling of all the programs the Graduate College has to offer! Explore today.

Student Leader Experiences:

We’ve asked three upper level students to share about their early experiences at UVM. How did they go about getting involved? What was the process for choosing their major/minor? How do they approach advisors and faculty members when they have questions?

Headshot of Maya Benson-MerronMaya Benson-Merron (she/her)

Hi! My name's Maya. I am from Sausalito, California and I am a sophomore studying Nursing with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I am also an AdvoCat and I like to dance with the club Dance Force here at UVM. Learn more from Maya here.

Headshot of Adrian Pastor

Adrian Pastor (he/him)

I am a junior in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences majoring in Public Communication with a minor in Film & Television Studies. At UVM I have been involved in many student organizations, some of which include the UVM Program Board (UPB), Alianza Latinx (ALX), and New Student Programs as a virtual Orientation Leader. Congratulations to you! Keep up this momentum! Learn more from Adrian here.

Headshot of Zyakkiriah RhodenZyakkiriah Rhoden (she/her)

I am a third-year student in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences studying Health Sciences with a minor in Community Entrepreneurship. At UVM I am involved in the Black Student Union (BSU), Student Government Association (SGA), AdvoCats and with New Student Programs as an Orientation Leader. I hope you're all well and feel free to reach out anytime. I am always happy to help. Learn more from Zyakkiriah here.

 

Catamount, it's time to get out there and explore!

There are so many opportunities and resources available to you. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to your advisor or a Student Services Team member in your college/school, browse Handshake or peruse the clubs and organizations list. Just get started!

Contact: Sarah Warrington, Coordinator of Strategic Retention: swarring@uvm.edu