Engaging Our Community on Current Social Issues 

As the federal landscape in higher education has shifted during the last year,  accompanied by dramatic changes in immigration enforcement tactics, the University of Vermont (UVM), has moved through a period of reflection, assessment, and adaptation to develop, implement, and advance sustainable, mission-aligned ways to support our campus community. These efforts align with and draw on UVM’s Our Common Ground values, which help to define who we are as a community and how we are with one another. 

Our students, staff, and faculty experience the effects of local and national policies, practices, and social realities in their individual and community experiences. These realities impact learning, working, and living environments and underscore the importance of fostering connection, dialogue, and shared responsibility. 

As a campus community, we can strengthen our collective capacity for conversation and civic engagement to respond constructively during this challenging moment. Through this set of programming efforts, we aim to build knowledge, connect as a community, and strengthen our partnerships across UVM and the City of Burlington. 

Spring 2026 Events

Street Smarts & Poetry  

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:00pm | Mosaic Intercultural Center 

This two-part event will address safety and navigating the current climate. Part I will include a presentation by UVM Safety and Compliance followed by Q&A. Part II offers time to decompress with the community over dinner. Please bring poetry that is empowering or meaningful to you. This event is sponsored by the Mosaic Intercultural Center.  

Listening Session for International & Immigrant Faculty & Staff  

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 12:00 – 1:00 pm | John Dewey Lounge, Old Mill and Teams  

Come and share your experiences and concerns with senior leadership. This session is intended for faculty and staff to share their concerns and open to all in the UVM community. Hosted by UVM Global and the Division of Intercultural Excellence.  

Listening Session for International & Immigrant Students  

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Waterman Memorial Lounge in the Waterman Building and Teams  

Come and share your experiences and concerns with senior leadership. This session is intended for students to share their concerns and open to all in the UVM community. Hosted by UVM Global and the Division of Intercultural Excellence. 

Dinner & Dialogue – Borders, Bystanders, and De-Escalation: Staying Safe in Uncertain Moments  

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Gathering Hall, Interfaith Center, 400 S. Prospect St. 

Join us to explore how to stay grounded, aware, and safe during moments of uncertainty on and around campus. The evening will include guidance and conversation with guest speakers from the Division of Safety and Compliance and the Office of International Education, focusing on awareness, support, and practical next steps. Bring your reflections, experiences, and questions. This event is sponsored by the Interfaith Center.  

Supporting Our Immigrant Campus Community and Neighbors 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 12:00–1:30pm | Gathering Hall, Interfaith Center, 400 S. Prospect St.  

As staff and faculty, we show up every day for each other and our students, advancing research and teaching, and sustaining the work that keeps our institution moving forward. At the same time, we are not insulated from the broader social and political realities shaping our campus, our cities, and the lives of our students and colleagues. 

This session will offer space for staff and faculty to reflect, learn, and connect as we explore our roles as educators, mentors, and advocates both within and beyond the university. Speakers will provide context on the history and current experiences of immigrant communities at UVM and across Vermont, share practical ways to support immigrant students and colleagues, and offer guidance on opportunities for civic engagement outside the university for those who may be interested. 

This is a brown-bag event; please bring your own lunch if desired. 

Empowerment & Safety: Safety When Navigating the Current Climate 

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:00–5:30pm | L&L C170 

Join this special session with UVM Safety and Compliance to learn more about how you can keep yourself safe. Free snacks and resources! Everyone is welcome. This event is sponsored by WAGE and Prism@UVM.