The University of Vermont Board of Trustees convened for its annual fall meeting October 16-17 at the Dudley H. Davis Center, receiving updates on the university's growing national research profile, new efforts to strengthen statewide engagement and economic development, and key investments that support UVM's long-term future. Trustees also approved tuition and fee rates for fiscal year 2028 and authorized additional pre-construction and design work for the university's Multipurpose Center project. 

In her report to the Committee of the Whole, President Marlene Tromp highlighted how UVM's strategic plan, Green, Gold, and Bold, continues to shape major accomplishments in research, innovation, and community engagement. 

The president’s report recapped a strong year for research funding at UVM. University researchers attracted $222.6 million in extramural research funding for fiscal year 2026 – an increase of roughly $15 million over the previous year.  

Drawing connections to the plan's "Study What Matters" pillar, President Tromp pointed to recent research milestones, including the launch of a $19 million national neuroscience observatory and a $38 million contract, the largest research award in university history, to support the development of an AI-powered digital twins for personalized medical treatment. Together, the initiatives underscore UVM's growing leadership in addressing complex scientific and health challenges through interdisciplinary research. 

The president also emphasized UVM's expanding role in driving economic opportunity across Vermont. Dr. Tromp announced the formation of a new Division of Statewide Economic Development, which will work alongside the Division of Research and Innovation to strengthen partnerships, advance innovation, and support economic growth across the state and region. 

As part of the university's commitment to civic engagement, Dr. Tromp highlighted the launch of Vermont Listens, a new statewide initiative designed to bring people together across differing backgrounds and perspectives. The program encourages participants to share their values and experiences through facilitated conversations that prioritize listening and understanding, with inaugural events planned in Bennington on Oct. 19 and on UVM’s campus on Nov. 4. 

Trustees Approve FY28 Tuition and Fee Rates 

The Board approved tuition, fee, housing, and dining rates for the 2027-28 academic year. Trustees also approved tuition rates for medical students, comprehensive fees, housing and dining rates, summer 2027 tuition, graduate student fees, and program fees in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Grossman School of Business, and College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. 

Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Alicia Estey noted that the proposed tuition increases balance affordability for Vermont students with the need to sustain academic quality, student services, and ongoing investments in the campus experience. The approved rates reflect a 2.0 percent increase for in-state undergraduate tuition and a 3.5 percent increase for out-of-state undergraduate tuition, while continuing UVM's efforts to manage costs and provide targeted financial aid. 

The Board also delegated authority to the provost, in consultation with the senior vice president for finance and administration, to establish tuition and fee rates for fully online undergraduate programs within parameters approved by the trustees. 

Multipurpose Center Project Advances 

Trustees authorized up to $10 million in enabling pre-construction activities for the university’s Multipurpose Center project and approved up to $800,000 for design development of the recreation and wellness components of the facility. 

These activities will support several critical early phases of the project work, including preparation and refinishing of previously fabricated structural steel, creation of temporary swing spaces, procurement of long-lead materials and equipment, site readiness activities, and verification of existing structural, utility, and site conditions from prior construction. 

The approvals allow the university to maintain project momentum while completing additional planning and preparatory work necessary for construction. 

Research, Academic, and Governance Updates 

Vice President for Research and Economic Development Kirk Dombrowski, Chief Information Officer Kellie Campbell, and Interim Provost and Senior Vice President Linda Schadler gave a presentation on Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom and Enterprise. They shared the recently developed principles and guidance for responsible AI use at UVM, highlighted the accomplishments and academic year 2026-27 goals of the six working groups of the university’s AI Taskforce, and described how UVM is partnering with and supporting the State of Vermont in its response to AI across the university and state. 

Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Erica Caloiero and Assistant Dean of Students Heather Pena gave a presentation on the UVM CARE Team and its evolution in response to an external review. The presentation highlighted training, management, and effectiveness improvements that have allowed the program to meet rising demand and better support students, resulting in a 2026 national award. The Educational Policy and Institutional Resources Committee also received a report from Interim Provost Schadler and heard an update from the Faculty Senate's Curricular Affairs Committee, delivered by co-chair Stephen Everse. 

Trustees also received a report on FY26 research activities from Dombrowski and approved resolutions extending affiliated organization status to the Addison County 4-H Foundation, Incorporated; the Rutland County 4-H Foundation, Incorporated; and the Vermont State 4-H Foundation, Incorporated. 

Dean Bill Falls gave a presentation about the College of Arts and Sciences, highlighting the English department’s upcoming bicentennial anniversary and showcasing the many ways the college helps prepare its students for career success beyond UVM. 

The Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee approved authorization of up to $11.3 million for renovation of the Harris-Millis Dining Hall, with funding to come from University Housing and Dining reserves. The project will modernize one of the university's primary dining facilities and support the long-term quality of the residential student experience. 

During the Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees also heard reports from Student Government Association President Kennedy Connors, Graduate Student Senate President Collin Coil, Alumni Association President Deb Mignucci, Faculty Senate President Abigail McGowan, and Staff Council President Jennifer Jorgenson. 

In other action, trustees approved amendments to the Presidential Performance Review Policy and the Presidential Compensation Policy and Guidelines.