The academics at UVM are great! The UVM medical program is where it's at though. The pre-med students are some of the smartest and driven people at this University, and why not? With such a prestigious medical center as Fletcher Allen, they should be. I am not a medical student, however UVM has offered me some of the best Plant and Soil Science academics on the east coast aside from Cornell. I have recently picked up an undergraduate research project at the UVM Horticulture Research Farm, or Hort Farm as it is more commonly known. UVM has pushed me academically and has given me the confidence to reach for more and encouraged me to look for a graduate program.
My major is Athletic Training, which is in the College of Nursing and Health sciences. Because this major only has room for 18 students each class and the standards to remain in our college and major are high (but not unattainable), it is extremely competitive. I've found that in these classes students participate more than in some of my general education classes because they are so involved in the human body and movement etc. However, this can differ from teacher to teacher. In smaller classes participation counts as part of your grade so the teacher constantly prompts the class to participate, whereas in bigger lecture classes the student participation mainly comes in the form of a misunderstanding/question or afterclass visits with the teacher. I, myself, have attended many office hours with my teachers to re-take tests or get extra help - every teacher offers out of class time where they offer extra help to their students, something I think is extremely important. As many of my classes were smaller in student count almost all of my teachers knew me by name by mid-semester. I love my athletic training classes, my favorite being the labs, and their teachers as well my advisor and although I don't spend a ton of time with them outside of class, when we happen to run into each other it is always with a warm and sincere greeting. I often spend time outside of class with other students in my college so our conversation frequently encompasses material we've learned or are learning or about our fields of study. My least favorite class was one which was required. I feel like it covered so much material that we didn't really focus on learning it to remember it but rather learning it for our quizzes and tests (which were online so they were easy to cheat and work with multiple students on) and the teacher seemed extremely unpassionate about the subjects which resulted in her seeming to not care about involving herself with and helping her students understand the subjects. Aside from that one class, I try really hard to do well in the classes for my major because I know that they are geared towards getting me my dream job.
It all depends on what classes you take and what professors you have. If you are admitted to UVM and think the academics will be overwhelming, look up your professors on ratemyprofessors.com and, if you see that you're able to take the same class with an easier professor, you can switch your classes around so that you have your ideal schedule. Something that is good to do at any school is to make sure the professor knows who you are. Whether you speak up a lot in class, go to office hours, or just go up to your professor at the end of one of the first classes and introduce yourself, it will be to your benefit. Think of it this way - it's harder for a teacher to give a bad grade to a student they are familiar with than one who they've never even spoken to at all throughout the term. Although I knew I would be a business major since high school, I have no problem with the general education requirements at UVM. They're not too harsh, and give you a good background that employers like to see when you apply for jobs. It's also very useful when considering minors.
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I started off in Arts and Sciences my first year and then transferred to Business Administration, and I found that the Business school is definitely a much better academic environment. The school has it's own Student Services office with advisors there at all times to accept walk-ins, and you also have your own concentration-specific advisor, as well as a special Business school study abroad and career services advisor. They're really helpful. I also found that the Business school classes were a much better learning environment, with classes of only around 20-40 students. Some of the classes are better than others, but I've had some really fun and interactive classes. My classes outside of the Business school were generally large lectures where no one really paid attention or participated. Teachers often encourage students to go to guest speakers and events held by the University with extra credit incentives, and I've wound up going to some really cool events because of it, and gotten to spend time talking to the Dean and other important people at our school. You definitely have to put more time and effort into your schoolwork, but it's much more applicable to real life. The business students are particularly motivated and career-driven from the beginning. I had friends who started an Entrepreneurship Club, and other friends who used the knowledge from their finance classes to make a lot of money from investing in stocks, and everyone is really motivated to find internships and jobs after college.
I cannot speak for the whole school, but I can speak for the departments that I am majoring in. As I mentioned earlier, UVM is what you want it to be. If you are a competitive student there are LOTS of opportunities for you at UVM and it will not go unnoticed by the faculty, which is definitely a plus. But it is also not super competitive like other universities or the ivy leagues, which is nice because you can gage how academic you want to be. That being said, you cannot "slack off" at UVM and expect to pass. While UVM is definitely fun, that environment can suck you in and make school seem less important. No one will teach this lesson for you, and no one will help you fix it, so academic success is largely up to you. Students definitely participate a lot in my classes, and professors are always available outside of class during their office hours or if you make an appointment with them. All the professors and programs here consider what lies beyond college and always help you to fix your academic studies to fit your future plans. Because everyone majors in something that they are interested in, and UVM is a very politically aware campus, students have intellectual conversations outside of class even if it does not have to do with what they are majoring in. At UVM, I also found that people really tend to pick out professors to "rave" about outside of class, so that is definitely cool.
I cannot speak for the whole school, but I can speak for the departments that I am majoring in. As I mentioned earlier, UVM is what you want it to be. If you are a competitive student there are LOTS of opportunities for you at UVM and it will not go unnoticed by the faculty, which is definitely a plus. But it is also not super competitive like other universities or the ivy leagues, which is nice because you can gage how academic you want to be. That being said, you cannot "slack off" at UVM and expect to pass. While UVM is definitely fun, that environment can suck you in and make school seem less important. No one will teach this lesson for you, and no one will help you fix it, so academic success is largely up to you. Students definitely participate a lot in my classes, and professors are always availably outside of class during their office hours or if you make an appointment with them. All the professors and programs here consider what lies beyond college and always help you to fix your academic studies to fit your future plans. Because everyone majors in something that they are interested in, and UVM is a very politically aware campus, students have intellectual conversations outside of class even if it does not have to do with what they are majoring in. At UVM, I also found that people really tend to pick out professors to "rave" about outside of class, so that is definitely cool.
The University of Vermont provides an incredible number of academic opportunities. In cooperation with the neighboring Fletcher Allen hospital, UVM offers a top-notch medical science program. Engineering, art history, foreign languages, and agricultural science are just a few of the many programs offered by the school. As for me, I am a double-major in natural resources and fisheries within the unique Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. I cannot speak for all departments at UVM, but my experience at UVM with a variety of courses has been amazing. Outside of a few introductory courses, the student to professor ratio is at an optimal size that allows students to establish connections with their instructors and not feel lost in the crowd. Personally, I have established close relationships with many professors within the Rubenstein School that I feel have helped me to achieve my greatest academic potential. To this point, I have yet to take a class at UVM that I did not at least mildly enjoy; my courses have been intellectually stimulating and kept me engaged. As with any university, there are basic requirements in language, social science, art, and physical science. However, once completed, students have the academic freedom of choosing the most interesting electives in addition to the core requirements of his/her major. Speaking from the standpoint of the Rubenstein School, I have been fortunate to take some amazing classes in ecology, wildlife biology, and resource management. UVM also provides an excellent environment for pursuing studies, with multiple libraries and a spacious student center available for finding that perfect setting for hitting the books. The school is not without social events, but from a purely academic perspective, UVM is an excellent setting for pursuing higher learning and taking the next step, no matter what interests you wish to follow.
The academics really just depend on what you major in. For instance, I'm elementary education so my academics are all based on my professors observing me teaching and then writing reflections through that experience. Compare that to my roommate who is a civil engineering major who has spent upwards of 3 hours on one problem. It's not that one is easier than the other, they are just difficult in their own respects.
The school is the using its past reputaton of being one of the public "ivies". The academics at UVM have gone down hill over the past 20 years to the point that UVM is barely rated in the top 100 colleges and universities.
I had a great academic experience here. In 4 years I probably had only one or two professors I did not like. I certainly have had a couple that really changed my life. I was a double major.... I had a couple of outstanding polisci professors that really taught us so many interesting things and really pushed you to work hard and think critically. I have continued to try to learn more and read related materials to these classes because it was just so interesting to me. The education at UVM is pretty much what you make of it....you can do well here without applying yourself too hard if you have an easy major, or you can really get a lot out of it.
The teachers in general do get to know your names but you have to make yourself known if its a lecture hall. Well in my program (medical laboratory science) my teachers know my name, i try to make myself known. The professors are actually willing to spend a lot of their time to help you out with what ever you need. Yea students are particularly competitive when it comes to academics. The weird thing is the students who don't look like they care about their academics are the ones who have the highest averages. The education at UVM is geared towards getting their students a job right after they leave.
I think there need to be more required classes that deal with minorities be it sexual,racial,ethnic,religious etc.
Professors will definitely know your name atleast by the middle of the semester if you introduce yourself when you ask a question at the end of class. Professors are always, and i mean always available during their office hours, and if not you can make an appointment with them through an email and most of the time it will work with them. All the professors are very friendly, and they want you to do well. I personally think that business classes the best. Also psychology classes are a good time because a interesting discussion is always stirred up.
The academics are about average. There are great professors, but there are also terrible ones. My best piece of advice would be to look at ratemyprofessors.com before registering for classes. It gives you a good idea of what kind of professor you will be dealing with, and you can decide whether you want to stick with them or not. Other than that, it helps to get to know them, they will be much more willing to help you out if they know who you are.
If you make the attempt to know your professors they will know you by name and always have office hours at which you can attend them and show you care. Favorite class was listed by the diversity requirement SOC (sociology) 19 with Thomas Macias (a mexican american) the class covered race relations in the United States. Students study constantly, you can have saturday off no doubt, but the library is pretty full on SUNDAY! Yes there are intellectual conversations. Students are competitive in the science majors specifically biology!
The academics are nice too. I learned a lot during my freshman year, and every professor I had seemed really passionate about their field, and you could tell they wanted to teach. As for the music department, where I am most of the time, it's great. There are so many musical opportunities, and I learned a lot. I wish they had more musical theater though!
Academics can be both good or bad, although I found I liked more classes more than I disliked them. I really enjoyed my Poli Sci classes (espeically any Middle East class with Prof. Gause). The Natrual Resources class were very good as well most of the time. There are a lot of interesting alternative energy classes and a lot of students are getting heavily involved in that whole movement which is exciting. Music classes are alright. I didnt find students to be very competitive. Although students regularly held intellectual conversations, sometimes related to course work outside of school (even at the bars ironically).
The academics at UVM are great. The professors really are there for the students and it's rare if they don't know your name. Classes are hands on, and usually you can always go to the professors for help when needed. I'm a double major (History & Anthropology) with a double minor in Music & Archaeology, and if I can say anything about the academics at UVM is that they are so diverse and stimulating, that you can't help but really feel the need to get involved 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.
Other than intro level classes and courses with lots of kids required to take them. I find the academics to be challenging - involved, but definitely managable. I've had great experiences with my professors, other than one art teacher who is on a never ending ego trip. There is a lot to be learned from the the courses and the people you take them with at this school.
There are a lot of large classes freshman year, but I had some smaller ones as well. Overall I had the perfect mix of class sizes. Some classes were harder and others were easier, but overall the academics at UVM are pretty challenging. To be honest, I did not think the academics would be as challenging. You need to study hard, but it is not overwhelming.
UVM classes are not massive and even in the larger classes, the professors really try to engage you. Granted, some classes are not as integrated but for the most part the professors are helpful and want to get to know their students. I have found that the sociology classes have been so engrossing and entertaining that I actually don't want to miss a class. I loved Professor Sarah Turner, her classes are fabulous, really thought provoking and engaging. Professor Kathy Fox is fantastic in the sociology department as well. I would stay away from Professor Dan Baker in the CDAE department, he is rather pretentious and uses his TA's to do all of his work. I mean ALL of his work. It's absurd.
Academics are fantastic at this University. My professors have been quite personable, perhaps because I am an Anthropology and Studio Art major. I have had conversations outside of class with them. The Art History department terrifies me yet presents a challenge for memorization. At this school, you have the kids who barely get by, the kids who sort of seem to care, and then the over achievers who sometimes lack social skills or any knowledge of what they're talking about. You may sometimes come across informed induviduals with reovlutionary opinions. Education at UVM is geared towards learning, unless you're in the buisiness school.
Apart from the gigantic classes in the introductory science classes, such as geology, biology, and chemistry, my experience with my professors has been quite positive. There does seem to be an awful lot of turnover with professors. One of my favorite profs was recently "un-hired" (not invited back for next year) and the way the administration did that was really awful--she didn't find out until she was checking her course schedule for next fall and saw that there were no classes for her to teach. On the plus side, I have gotten to know several professors from classes that have been truly exceptional--like Environmental History, which has totally changed the way I look at environmentalism, and Geography of the Modern Middle East. I love class discussion and participate all the time. I often feel like I'm the only one who feels this way. I usually lead the way in class discussions. Sometimes people follow, sometimes it fizzles.
THe classes are great, the profs are really dynamic. You always have the opportunity to go to office hours, and if you make that small step to show the professor that you really are interested, it will pay off hugely. If you get to know a professor early on in your four years, they can be a great advocate for you, and you will end up hanging out with them outside of class. It is not competitive, students show off thier smarts in more laid back ways that grade competitions. People definately have intellectual conversations outside of class, but it is because they are interested in the material that they are learning, not because they are showing off to freshman girls- although obviously that happens too, I could name a few Nikon-toting culprits- and that leads us to the indie-hipster scene. Pretty causal for a hipster scene as those go, so don't be intimidated by the people chainsmoking marlborough reds and american spirits outside the bar, they recycle too.
Academics here are great. All my teachers know my name, including my lecture professors. Don't take Geography 60, avoid it at all costs. Students are competitive.
Most professors are nice...some are straigh-out boring. Business classes are allright until you get to higher levels where you get to learn what you actually want to know. I find it to be the best time in class because I'm awake and interested. There is a lot of participation in most classes but it's great for discussions. Studying is a must for all classes (unless you're an english major ha ha) and it can be tough especially in final exam time.
Professors do know your name most of the time. I'm a business school student, so our class sizes tend to be smaller than, say a psychology class. UVM students tend not to engage in intellectual conversations outside of class. It is common, however, to spend time with professors outside of class. I've found the business professors to be very accessible. UVM's academic requirements are solid. By that I mean that they encourage a very broad learning experience and build a solid base, especially for students coming in undecided. I'd say, however, that the overall education is geared more toward learning for its own sake than toward getting a job. Then again, I think it's appropriate for individuals to figure that out on their own.
The academic scene at UVM are pretty ideal. The basic idea is simple: If you want to be challenged and work hard, do. If you want to slack off and sit in the back of the classroom, do. Although both approaches will get you through school, the more interested you are, the more you will get out of it. If the class is below forty people and your professor isn't a space case (not many have been in my experience), and you participate your teacher will know who you are by the end of the semester. Most professors are very approachable and have office hours, which few people attend. Since few people attend them, it is a good way to gain brownie points by visiting and picking their brains.
I'm in the school of agriculture, and my department is really into serving the community outside of the classroom. My classes had me working with a local non-profit for over a year, and now I'm going to working there as an employee. This service-learning aspect of UVM's curriculum changed everything for me; now I know what I want to accomplish and what will be fulfilling when I enter the workplace after graduation.
The professors are amazing at UVM. If you aren't in a huge lecture class, they will get to know your name, but sometimes they do anyways. They are really approachable and I personally love to go to their office hours because then you can really get to know them as a person. Students are not competitive here, so you won't have anyone reading over your shoulder to see what grades you get, but it can sometimes be annoying because there are a few people who get mad about others scoring well and "ruining the curve for the rest of [them]." There are classes focused on learning for its own sake, but also there are programs like the business school which are excellent at preparing students for jobs. Professors and advisers will do everything they can to help which is great.
I love my classes here. Most favorite has been my polisci class where my professor rants freely about current issues with our government and the lazy kids in his intro class that don't do work. Least favorite class is my race and ethnicity class. UVM has this ridiculous race and ethnicity requirement that everyone must fulfill. Basically, our school is almost completely white, yet we carry on with this attitude of 'we are so diverse it is great!' To make us feel even better about ourselves, we all take a class on racism. Basically, it is 150 white students, 2 minority students, and a white professor from rural Vermont that discuss white privilege and racism and so on....just to make us feel like we are diverse.
The professors are very friendly and personable. They take their jobs seriously and go out of their way to help students.
If you have to take organic Chemistry take it with Sandy!! Generally the teachers are great and even in big lectures you have the opportunity to become close with your professors.
Academically UVM is a great learning experience. At UVM professors, believe it or not, are actually here to help you succeed. Professors do their very best to remember all the names of their students, whether it is a lecture hall or a small classroom, just to ensure a more personal setting for their students. They give office hours is questions arise, SI sessions which is an extra study group, as well as the opportunity to have a separate private meeting if need be. The idea is to ensure as much academic support so that each and every student has the ability to progress, learn and eventually succeed.
Our teachers are great, depending on who you get. Students are encouraged to participate in class and form relationships with teachers. Its gotten fairly difficult to get into UVM, which only means the degree means more.
Most classes here are pretty intimate. However there are some pretty large lectures. I go from sitting in a 20 person class to a 200 person lecture each day. But in most cases you will only have one large lecture if any. Except for the large lectures all of my teacher know my name. Class participation is very common. In my spanish class I spoke alot more then my professor did. Students are not competative with eachother at all. It is very common to stumble across study group and debates. As an engineer i have a very rigerous schedule but I think it's definatley do-able. The requirements are pretty set in stone so you can't get around required course you don't want to take. But it's almost too easy to get any kind of help you need from teachers , assistants or other students.
Academics are good if you are in the right department. Business, Med-School, Environmental are all very very good. The other departments it just seems the school doesn't care about. little funding, inadequate staff and shitty courses, unless your in one of their "main" majors. As for coming undecided there is little choice of good majors and transferring between college is a drag and you lose a lot of requirements and often a lot of time.
The professors are the best part of UVM. For the most part they are extremely helpful and dedicated individuals. They will do their best to make sure you succeed. I had a class lwith over 150 students in it last semester, and the professor says "hello" to me when I pass her on the street.
I have some professors that learn everyones names, which is good. Some classes are just too big for that. I do find a lot of the time in my classes that a lot of people don't speak up. they just sit there, text message, and then leave. Even though a lot of the professors encourage participation, it feels like a lot of class time gets wasted because the same people get tired of answering over and over again. I know a few people who have gotten good jobs straight out of Uvm, but I do think that you need to go to grad school on top of it to get most jobs. and I also thinks its bunk that you HAVE to take 5 courses a semester to graduate. why can't they just make the courses worth more credit? I know other schools that do. the one my sister attends, every course is 4 credits or more, there is a reason they are called 4 year colleges. its because you are supposed to be able to finish in 4 years at a reasonable pace. some people have to work and go to class, they shouldn't make it completely impossible.
Yeah. Dirty Business, Andrew Jones. It's all about the sociological aspects of environmental degradation throughout many years. A good amount, people are mostly responsible. For the most part, sometimes people are just dead. All the time. Not really. NR 1 with Larry Forcier, you go out in the woods, mountains, bogs, farms,and all of the good Vermont grub like cheddar, apples, etc. Environmental Studies is sweet, Rubenstein really care about their students. Yeah, you learn a lot more. They're alright. Both with a great balance.
Almost all of my professors know their students on a first name basis. My favorite class was Dairy Cattle Judging. It was a nice "hands-on" break from some of the more rigorous classes. My least favorite was Decision Making for Entrepreneurs. This class had a great teacher, but I'd already learned 3/4 of the material before I transferred to UVM, so it was incredibly boring until the last 2 months. Most students don't study for more than an hour a night, but they readily participate in class. I have intellectual conversations with my peers almost every night and I think that that tends to help almost as much as real studying. We tend to be fairly competitive. The most unique class I've taken was Welding & Metal Fabrication. My major (Animal Science with an emphasis on Dairy Production) is very small. Most of the ansci majors have an emphasis in equine or pre vet. The professors are great, but we don't get much support from the administration. I spend some time with my professors outside of class, mostly in student clubs. Honestly, I feel that UVM's biggest emphasis is learning for the sake of learning. It is possible to get a job-oriented degree, but most majors don't seem to encourage that.
Academics are awesome. Challenging classes but you learn A LOT
Most professors will learn your name pretty quickly but there are always a few classes that you are nothing more than a student and they just dont care. My favorite class was Housing and Interiors 2 years ago. It was small, hand-on and interesting. I hated a history class and an economics class mostly becuase of the size but alos because the prof are just hard, mean and not interesting. Most students spend a good portion of time studying and writing countless papers for classes that only base the grades off of assignments instead of participation.
My professors know my name, my favorite class here has been African American History with Harvey Whitfield [best professor every] Least favorite are some new poly sci professors. Serious students are in the library a few times a week, non serious have never been inside, class participation is encouraged and people care about what you have to say. Intellectual conversations are completely common at parties, which I think is unusual but love.
Although its easy to slack and melt into the woodwork, if you fend for yourself UVM can challenge and engage. Most professors won't hold your hand, but, then, there will be no one holding your hand once you hit the job market either.
I'd say half of my professors have know my name but all have made an effort. My favorite classes ahve been English classes mostly because I do well in them but the professors are really interesting. My least favorite class was Math 51 with Professor Taras Lakoba, he was hard to understand and no help outside of the classroom. Kids study pretty much every weeknight (thursdays optional). I think there are too many diversity requirements for a school with so little diversity.
Professors will know your name if you go up and introduce yourself in class, ask questions one-on-one, or go to office hours for help or just to talk. Everyone studies and makes an effort to do well in their classes. There are competitive students, but it is not a race to be the best in the class. GPA's range from 1.9's to 4.0's. The most unique class i have taken is Women and Gender Studies where we discuss all the stereotypes and issues that men, women, and homosexual people encounter, and how to change them. I am a business student. I have yet to take a class that I enjoy or am interested in as I am just finishing my general ed business courses. The school makes an effort to help you maintain a good GPA or help you improve it. The education in business is made to help you get a job, prepare you for the basic needs of certain professions, and connects you with companies.
Depending on how large my class is, usually my professors know my name. I have been in classes before with up to 200 people, and there is no way the professor knew who I was. On the other hand though, I have been in other classes with about 16 people, classes where the professor will adress everyone by name at least once per session. My absolute favorite class was Advanced Creative Writing with David Huddle. It was a workshop seminar with only 15 people. Writing is my passion, and I struggled at first, having my ego shattered before managing to churn out some of my best work yet as a result of our professor, who is an amazing teacher. My least favorite class was a 200 person biology class I was required to take as an Arts and Sciences student. The professor was extremely boring an unpersonable, and no matter how long and hard I studied, the exams were impossible. Then our exam grades were posted online, adding to insult. My friends and I study an enormous amount. Depending on our particular course loads, it isn't unusual for a group of us to go to the library for at least 4 or 5 hours on Saturdays and just getting a load of work done. Somehow though, the studying never gets in the way of my social life because we always manage to reward ourselves with coffee or dinner after hours at the library. Class participation varies depending on which class it is. Some classes are more discussion-based, wheras others are lecture-based. Some of my classes are uncomfortably silent with a lack of participants, though in others people struggle to be heard over one another. I wouldn't say that students are competitive. We all do the best we can. Since most of us have different interests, it wouldn't make sense to compare or compete. I am an English major. I have taken a lot of really great courses, along with some duds. I find that I fit in best with other English students, and definitely always have dynamic conversations with them after class based on the material, and occasionally mocking the professor. There are so many great resources for English majors here at UVM. We have two on-campus newspapers and a literary magazine open to anyone who wants to participate. I love my major and would never switch to anything else. At the time I was filling the requirements for an A&S student, I did begrudingly so. However, now that it is behind me I have to say that I am really thankful that we are required to study so many different things. I am studying abroad in the UK right now and students here tell me they are envious of our opportunity to study different subject areas in addition to our major. In fact, I would never have minored in Theatre if I had never take Intro to Theatre as a fulfillment of a Fine Arts requirement. I think that UVM is geared towards learning for its own sake and leaves all of its students with the ability to use their knowledge to be successful after they graduate.
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