Northern Vermont University Faculty Assemblies met at 5:00 PM yesterday, April 18, over a Zoom call to discuss a vote of “No Confidence” in Vermont State College System (VSCS) Chancellor Jeb Spaulding. This meeting and vote was spurred after Spaulding announced a proposal Friday, April 17, at noon to close both Northern Vermont University campuses and Vermont Technical Center in Randolph, VT.
The vote occurred shortly after 5:30 PM as professors from both campuses expressed concern over the proposal. The vote was unanimous across the boards. The formal document was released this morning, signed by NVU-Johnson professor Tyrone Shaw and NVU-Lyndon professor Daniel Daley, the Chairs of their respected campus Faculty Assemblies, on behalf of all other faculty. In the formal letter to the VSCS Board of Trustees announcing this vote, the Faculty Assemblies listed reasons why they believe Chancellor Spaulding has violated the missions of the Vermont State College System.
Additionally, the combined Northern Vermont University Faculty Assemblies released a formal letter of rejection to the VSCS Board of Trustees, asking them to reject Spaulding’s proposal to close NVU and VTC in Randolph.
“This [proposal] is not a bold visionary solution. It is a shortsighted massacre with lasting and irrevocable consequences.”
Northern Vermont University Faculty Assemblies are not the only ones fighting this fight. Both Alumni Councils voted in “No Confidence” of the Chancellor over the weekend, also unanimously. The Critic is still waiting for their official statements.
A student petition, started by NVU-Lyndon sophomore Patrick Wikckstrom, was also created Wednesday night and has since gotten nearly 25,000 signatures to keep the campuses open. Those interested can visit the petition here.
Mary Price
NO do not close. A lot of people will be out of work. And A lot of students are counting on going to these colleges. It is stupid to think they can all go to Castelton. We need these colleges to stay open