Academic Resources
UVM has many resources to help students succeed academically.
Center for Academic Success: The Center for Academic Success is located in the Davis Center and helps answer basic questions about student life and academics. The peer advisors there can also direct students to additional resources on campus.
Student Accessibility Services: Student Accessibility Services offers help to students with documented disabilities. Accommodations available include extra time on exams and note-taking services.
Tutoring: The Tutoring Center offers a variety of tutoring programs for students. It offers one-on-one tutoring and group tutoring sessions. The Tutoring Center also offers workshops on study skills to help you study smarter, not harder. Additionally, the CS-CREW, the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Physics departments all offer their own tutoring in computer science, mathematics and physics. Check out the departmental webpages for details.
Writing Centers: The Writing Centers offer services to help students improve their academic writing. The staff will not proofread or edit your papers but they will identify repeated mistakes and offer suggestions on how to make your writing stronger and clearer. Students can make a one-time appointment or they can sign up for a writing tutor who will work with them on a regular basis.
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL): CTL has tips for success for international and multilingual students. Check them out here.
Artistic Resources
UVM offers many resources for students who are interested in art, dance, music, theater and other fine arts. Some opportunities are part of a class and others are not part of a class.
Art: UVM offers a variety of art courses to students. In Living/Learning there is also a pottery studio and a photography darkroom which students may use for a small fee. The Fleming Art Museum is located on campus and general admission is free for students.
Dance: UVM has student-run dance ensembles for several different types of dance, including Bollywood, hip-hop and salsa. Contact information is available on the Student Government Association’s Directory of Clubs. Dance masterclasses and performances are occasionally hosted by UVM’s Dance Program.
Music: Students can join music ensembles such as orchestras or choirs. See the Department of Music and Dance’s website for information about music ensembles and classes. See the Student Government Association’s Directory of Clubs for music ensembles that are not part of a class. Students are also able to use music practice rooms in the Music Building. Some of the residence halls also have pianos available for student use. Student music ensembles have performances throughout the academic year. See the Department of Music and Dance’s website for a partial listing. Additional performances may be listed on UVM Bored. UVM also hosts many professional musicians through the Lane Series.
Theater: The UVM Department of Theatre stages several productions each year. Auditions are generally open to all students. Tickets to these performances are available at a reduced price for UVM students.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation offers many different ways for students to exercise on campus. Access to most of the gyms and athletic facilities on campus is free for students. Campus Recreation also offers students the opportunity to sign up for sports teams and non-credit exercise classes. Some of the sports teams and non-credit exercise classes have an additional cost.
Career Services
At the Career Center, career counselors are available to speak with students and alumni about goals related to major, career, work, grad school, how to gain experiences to support you for your next steps and much more. Stop by for a quick drop-in chat at the HUB or make an appointment (802-656-3450) for a longer conversation.
The Career Center also has workshops and events just for international students. Example workshops include US Resume Writing, Interview Skills in the USA, and internship search tools. Check out the calendar for dates and details.
Can’t wait and want information now? Find information about the job search in the US, strategies, resumes and cover letters, interviewing, the 4 Year Plan, and resources for your job search.
Catamount Cultural Connections
Catamount Cultural Connections has two different programs to connect international students to other people on campus—a buddy program and a mentor program. Catamount Cultural Connections has two different programs to connect international students to other people on campus—a buddy program and a mentor program.
Computer Depot
The UVM Computer Depot is located in the Davis Center. It is part of the UVM Bookstore and offers students discounts on new computers and computer accessories. The staff at the Computer Depot can also help repair computers, tablets, phones and other computing devices.
Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS) works with students on a variety of concerns. American culture recognizes the importance of a person’s overall wellbeing and supports seeking out counseling. Some cultures may believe that counseling is only for extreme concerns, however counseling support can be beneficial to explore concerns that may come up in your life at UVM. Some of the topics that students discuss at CAPS include academic stress, financial stress, homesickness and relationship issues.
CAPS offers individual appointments and group sessions. Appointments are available at two locations on campus.
Living Well
Living Well is located in the Davis Center but it is part of the Center for Health & Wellbeing. It provides information and programming to help students make healthy choices. Some of the offerings that Living Well has include:
- Movement classes like yoga or pilates
- Mindfulness practices like meditation
- Educational speakers on a variety of topics
- Programs to stop smoking
- Safer sex supplies like condoms
Mosaic Center for Students of Color
The Mosaic Center for Students of Color (MCSC) is a space where students who identify as African, Latino/Latina, Asian and Native American or as biracial or multiracial can connect with students of similar backgrounds. Many of the students who use the MCSC have spent part or all of their lives in the US but international students are welcome too.
Office of International Education (OIE)
The Office of International Education (OIE) is the only office on campus that can advise on immigration-related issues. The International Student Services team at the OIE can answer questions about visas, gaining student status, maintaining student status and work options related to student status. International student advisors are available during walk-in hours or by appointment.
The OIE hosts International Student Orientation three times per year (January, May and August). It also has workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics such as driver’s licenses and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Staff at the OIE organize special trips and events for international students during the school year. See the OIE calendar for upcoming trips and events.
The Education Abroad team helps UVM students who are interested in studying abroad. International students are welcome to apply for study abroad programs. Additional information about the application process is available on the OIE website.
Prism Center (LGBTQA+)
The Prism Center at UVM provides a space for students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning or Advocates (LGBTQA) to connect. It also has a variety of events to support students during their time at UVM.
Spiritual and Religious Life
Some students come to Burlington and wish to be involved in a religious group. Burlington and the neighboring towns have many options for worship that include Buddhist centers, Christian churches, a Hindu temple, an Islamic society and Jewish temples. UVM’s Interfaith Center maintains a list of contact information for many houses of worship. UVM’s Interfaith Center maintains a list of contact information for many houses of worship. The Interfaith Center also hosts many events each semester to help people explore faith and spirituality. Visit the Interfaith Center online or in person to learn more.
UVM supports students’ rights to practice a religion of their choice. It encourages faculty and staff to be thoughtful about scheduling special events on religious holidays and provides accommodation for students who need to miss class or exams because of religious observance. Please see the Office of the Registrar’s website for additional information.
Student Health Services (SHS)
Student Health Services (SHS) is the first place you go when you need to talk to a doctor. Students MUST schedule an appointment to see a doctor. Appointments can be scheduled in person or over the phone. Staff at SHS can help students with general well-being, prescription medicine maintenance, birth control and emergency contraception and other health concerns.
SHS has staff to help students with some special health concerns. The staff includes a nutritionist who can help students with dietary concerns and allergies. It also includes a compliance coordinator who can help students understand their health insurance plan and any medical bills that they receive.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association is a group of students who are elected to help govern the university. It has several different committees focused on various types of decisions. International students are welcome to run for a position on the SGA.
The SGA also maintains a list of clubs on campus.
UVM Bored
UVM Bored is an online calendar of events happening on or near campus. It’s a great way to find things to do to meet other people or to take a break from your studies.