Student representatives from each Vermont State Colleges System campus and Union leaders met this morning at 11:00 AM to discuss moving forward in fighting for the campuses. With over twenty attendees, one message was clear: students, faculty, staff, and community members need to stay united.
The Vermont State Colleges Student Association (VSCSA) called a meeting today to discuss what the next steps are in the fight to keep the VSCS campuses open. The first step was very clear–the community needs to put pressure on the legislature to fund $25 million to the VSCS as “bridge” funding for the next year. Adam Norton, a lobbyist for the unions, advised that these efforts should not let up until the bill for additional funding is signed. Pro Tempore Tim Ashe said that a decision on funding needs to be made in the upcoming weeks, which can confirm that the battle for funding is far from over.
Kate Gold, President of the VSC United Professionals, AFT Vermont, also vouched for the need for funding. With the lack of current funding, Vermont State Colleges have been relying on heightened tuition prices to fund the system. With more state funding, this wouldn’t be as necessary and more students could afford to attend the VSCS institutions.
To make the importance of these institutions clear to legislators and Vermont Governor Phil Scott, the VSCSA is asking that students email their personal stories. The numbers of financial need, economic impact, and campus statistics are in the hands of officials already, but these institutions are more than just numbers. Isabel Gogarty, a student trustee on the VSC Board of Trustees, said that the personal connection is what flipped the decision, and that state officials need to know the personal impact these future decisions will have.
At the same time, any messages sent to officials are advised to be polite and passionate. While the VSCSA understands that everyone is frustrated and emotional over the past few weeks’ worth of events, animosity and hostility will not aid in the fight. Memes, calls for resignation, and spiteful social media posts are not useful at this time. The group is asking that everyone is respectful as they continue to rally for funding.
The VSCSA will be looking for student lobbyists to share their stories with the media and testify for the Vermont State Colleges System. Whether students are comfortable speaking or writing, representation from all majors, demographics, and campuses is needed. Pete Cormier, a student representative of the NVU-Lyndon campus, encourages soft-spoken students to step up, as their voice is just as important as the others who may overshadow them in some cases. Any NVU-Lyndon students interested in lobbying for the school and the system are encouraged to contact Patrick Wickstrom and/or Pete Cormier.
The meeting concluded with a strong message that everyone must remain united. Turning on other Vermont State Colleges campuses and institutions will not end in a victory for the system. Protestors must remain united and fight for an additional $25 million at this time.
The VSCSA meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM. The next meeting time is in the works, but they expect to meet approximately weekly to check-in on progress.