“We are committed to ensuring that educational opportunities are available at all Vermont State College campuses in the fall.
“Students are making decisions now about their fall plans, as best as one can in these uncertain times, and we want them to know that there will be opportunities in Lyndon, Johnson, and Randolph for them to build a stronger future for themselves.
“Two weeks ago, we called on the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees to delay their vote on the closure of campuses in order to give time to analyze the economic impact of those closures on these rural areas of our state, to develop a transitional plan and one-year bridge funding for the 2020-21 academic year, and to establish a multi- institution working group to consider options for a vibrant higher education system beyond 2021. We appreciate their delay of the vote and the subsequent withdrawal of the proposal to close campuses. Vermont State Colleges plays a critical role in strengthening the economic and human development of Vermont and Vermonters, and a measured, thoughtful transition will prevent a devastating vacuum of educational opportunities and jobs in significant rural areas of the state.
“We are making progress on the steps we outlined and are gathering the financial and operational information needed to be able to fund a transition plan for this year. This summer and fall, we will focus attention on creating a 21st century higher education system that meets the needs of Vermonters, our communities and our workforce.”
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