University of Vermont Top Questions

What are the academics like at University of Vermont?

Paige

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.

Kelly

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.

Jillian

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.

Liz

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.

valkyrie

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.

Lorie

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.

Chris

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.

Irena

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.

Troy

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.

Pearse

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.