How do I accept the offer to join the Catamount Experience?
Complete the form available through a link in your invitation email and pay your acceptance fee (within 5 business days).
What will my student status be?
As a Catamount Experience student you will hold non-degree student status. Upon successful completion of the Catamount Experience Program, beginning with Sophomore year your status will change to undergraduate student.
Where will I live?
You’ll live at Spinner Place, a suite-style student apartment building, in Winooski with fellow Catamount Experience students, as well as students from other area colleges. UVM Residential Life staff will be on-site at Spinner Place to facilitate the residential experience.
How will I get to campus?
All Catamount Experience students will have access to our local Green Mountain Transit (GMT) system to get to the main campus for class, campus clubs, events and more. All GMT is unlimited access and fare-free with your valid UVM ID. There is a dedicated Spinner Place stop on the GMT route.
Spinner Place is approximately 1.2 miles from campus and many people regularly walk the pedestrian-friendly route from main campus to Winooski.
When will we move-in?
Wednesday, August 24, 2022, will be the move in day for Catamount Experience students. Orientation will begin later that day.
Can I bring a car?
Students are not permitted to bring cars and would not be able to park at Spinner or on campus.
Catamount Experience students living at Spinner Place are prohibited from registering a vehicle for campus parking.
There are many options for getting to and from locations near and far. Please click below for more information.
Student Commuter Benefit Programs
What will my dining options be?
You can purchase a meal plan to access on-campus dining. Alternatively, you can eat at any of the great local restaurants in Winooski or purchase groceries and cook in Spinner Place.
Will I be able to join clubs?
Yes, you will be encouraged to engage in all things UVM, including joining fellow students in our 250+ clubs and organizations.
What supports and resources will be available?
You will be assigned an Academic Coach and Advisor and will have access to all the academic support resources available to UVM Students.
Can I apply for financial aid?
During your Catamount Experience year you will not be eligible for Federal or University financial aid. You may be eligible for private education loans. Vermont residents may be eligible to apply for an Advancement Grant through VSAC and out-of-state residents can check with their state grant agency.
What are my payment options?
UVM offers a monthly payment plan option for the fall and spring semesters, allowing you to spread payment over up to 5 payments per semester. Learn more about payment options available at UVM.
Are there scholarships available?
Catamount Experience program students are not eligible for institutional scholarships. We encourage you to begin looking at our outside scholarship resources webpage. Though many outside scholarships may not be available until you enter into your undergraduate degree program after successful completion of the Catamount Experience program, it is a good idea to get familiar with those for which you would like to apply and their respective processes and deadlines
When will my bill be available?
Your bill will be available online around July 13 and will be due on August 19, 2022 by 4:30 PM (EDT), for the fall semester. Spring bills will be available around December 1. Billing notifications will be sent to your UVM email once they are ready to view online. Your bill will include tuition and fees as well as your housing at Spinner Place. You can learn more about billing, including how to view your bill and respond to your bill on the Student Financial Services billing and payment due dates page. Meal plans are purchased separately directly from Dining Services.
How can I give someone access to view my bill?
If you will be giving someone access to view your bill we encourage you to set them up with Proxy Access. By providing them with account & billing access you authorize Student Financial Services to speak with that person about your bill.
Will there be an orientation?
Yes, you will participate in the fall orientation with other new UVM students. Orientation will begin on Wednesday, August 24th at 3:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday August 28 in the evening, and is mandatory for all new students
Can I choose my classes?
Catamount Experience program students will follow a first-year curriculum of required courses.
Will all the courses count toward my program?
Yes, all successfully completed Catamount Experience courses will count toward completion of your degree.
What happens if I need to drop a course or withdraw from all of my courses?
If you drop or withdraw from a course or courses, UVM will follow this tuition refund schedule.
Tuition and fee charges are based on the number of enrolled credits, so it is important that you understand how changes in enrollment can impact those costs. If you drop or withdraw from a course or courses, UVM will follow the tuition refund for PACE students. The Catamount Experience program is designed to keep you on track for completion of your program in four years, if you are unable to maintain full-time status (30 credits) this may impact your time to completion.
Will I have an advisor?
Yes, you will have an Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Will I need to reapply when I complete the program?
You will not need to reapply. Your status will change to a full-time undergraduate student if you satisfy the program requirements at the end of the year by successfully completing all courses and maintaining a 2.8 GPA.
How do I activate my UVM Netid?
Please follow this link (https://account.uvm.edu/netid-setup) to activate your UVM Net ID. Once activated, you can access Student Financial Services, E-mail and other important information through your myUVM portal.
