Philosophy

Accreditation

Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation covers all of the University's programs, including those offered through Vermont College.

Residencies & Semester Study

Students live and study with faculty during on-campus residencies, developing close working relationships and gaining insights that help them better shape their studies. Following the residency, students work one-on-one with faculty mentors throughout the ensuing term of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program, but rely on a variety of measures. We ask you to send transcripts from previous education, professional references, personal statements, and an essay detailing your life experience. For details of each program's admissions requirements, please see the Admissions Information section for the program in which you are interested.

The Campus

The first campus in the United States dedicated exclusively to brief-residency programs, Vermont College enrolls more than 1,000 students from around the world. Traveling from neighboring states, distant corners of America, and as far away as Moscow and Hong Kong, students spend from two days to two weeks on campus studying in a community of learners who share similar interests.

Just a five-minute walk from downtown Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, the campus is a beautiful collection of brick buildings, turn-of-the-century New England clapboard mansions, and a sprawling tree-lined common. In summer, students gather outside to talk and study or play softball and soccer. In winter, they find downhill skiing less than 30 minutes away, or cross country skiing and snow shoeing just off campus.

Less than three hours northwest of Boston and two hours south of Montreal, Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States, offering a pace of life both informal and sophisticated. Excellent restaurants, movie theaters, two bookstores and a variety of shops make it a great place to shop and relax. If students are inclined to enjoy outdoor activities, they can find excellent camping, biking, fishing and touring within minutes of downtown.