A presentation on new initiatives for student success was one of the highlights of the University of Vermont Board of Trustees’ annual spring meeting on May 15 at the Dudley H. Davis Center, along with crucial discussions of UVM’s enrollment and budget picture for fiscal year 2027, as the University prepared for a celebratory Commencement Weekend recognizing more than 2,600 new graduates.
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Student Success Jennifer Dickinson delivered the presentation during the Educational Policy and Institutional Resources portion of the meeting. Dickinson focused primarily on three areas:
STEM Scholars is a signature initiative aimed at attracting and developing high-achieving students poised to lead in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As one of a select group of institutions chosen by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to build a Success in Science program, UVM is designing an experience that blends academic rigor with real-world exposure. Participants begin with lab internships, industry visits, and coursework in intercultural dialogue, helping them cultivate technical expertise alongside teamwork, self-awareness, and a clear sense of purpose.
StudyCATS focuses on unlocking the potential of students who may need additional academic support early in their college careers. Funded by the Davis Educational Foundation, this program helps students better understand campus resources, develop effective study and time-management strategies, and build confidence in their ability to succeed at UVM.
Ask UVM strengthens the student support ecosystem by making it easier for students to navigate campus resources and get help when they need it. Located in the Davis Center, this initiative serves as a welcoming first point of contact, where trained Student Guides assist peers in identifying next steps, connecting with services, scheduling appointments, and overcoming barriers to access.
President Marlene Tromp opened her report to the Board with an acknowledgement of the university’s upcoming Commencement on Saturday, calling it her favorite day of the year. Dr. Tromp then discussed the anticipated enrollment decline for Fall 2026, citing multiple contributing factors such as changing perceptions of the value of higher education, increased competition from other top institutions, and the arrival of the long-anticipated demographic cliff. Dr. Tromp was joined by Vice President for Enrollment Management Jay Jacobs, who gave a brief presentation on national admissions trends and the numerous steps UVM is taking to bolster its admissions process and create clearer pathways to the university for prospective students.
The Board received a project update on the Multipurpose Center from Dr. Tromp and Athletic Director Jeff Schulman, reviewing the completed elements of the project’s first phases, now fully complete, and updating the board on progress to identify funding to complete the pivotal campus project. The Board’s Budget, Finance and Investment committee received a related report that the university is reconstituting the project team for pre-construction planning that will include cost refinement, design review and related readiness work.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Alicia Estey and University Budget Director Shari Bergquist presented the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget planning assumptions to the BFI committee. Estey and the committee discussed the administration’s proposed approach to executing a 3.25% reduction in general fund budgets to account for the projected revenue decrease related to enrollment decline.
The Board approved the FY27 general fund operating expense budget for the University of $457,328,289, and trustees offered their support for a deliberate reduction in expenses and encouragement that the university prioritize strategies to expand mission-aligned revenue streams and attract new students.
The Board received reports from leaders of the university’s governance bodies, including Staff Council President Jennifer Jorgenson; Student Government Association President Kennedy Connors; outgoing Graduate Student Senate President Saba Rafiei; Alumni Association President Deb Mignucci; and Faculty Senate President Abigail McGowan.
Other Board action included a series of approvals recommended by the Educational Policy and Institutional Resources Committee aimed at expanding academic offerings across multiple colleges. The Board authorized the creation of several new undergraduate minors, including Exercise Science in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, as well as Emergency Management and One Health in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
At the graduate level, the Board approved a portfolio of new credentials including a Certificate of Graduate Study in Specialized Literacy Studies offered through the Graduate College in collaboration with the College of Education & Social Services, along with multiple micro-certificates spanning Biomedical Innovation, Sustainability Reporting, and Biomedical Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with the College of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences, the Grossman School of Business, and the Larner College of Medicine, respectively. The Board also approved a micro-certificate in Whole-Person Health for Healthcare Practitioners and approved the termination of the Physical Education B.S. Ed. program in the College of Education & Social Services, aligning academic offerings with evolving demand and strategic priorities.