Key Takeaways from UVM Trustees Meeting: Strategic Planning Insights, Rubenstein School Achievements, and 2026-27 Tuition Updates

The University of Vermont recently held its Fall 2025 Board of Trustees meeting, marking a significant moment as it was the first for President Marlene Tromp. The meeting centered on UVM’s future and included updates on strategic planning and a highlight of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Chair Cindy Barnhart welcomed Tromp and acknowledged the hard work that went into the recent presidential installation events. Dean Peter Newman discussed the Rubenstein School, noting its impressive growth. Since 2015, undergraduate enrollment has doubled, reaching over 1,285 students. The school attracted $15.8 million in research funding this past fiscal year, a remarkable 277% increase since 2015. This growth reflects UVM’s commitment to sustainability and practical learning.

Trustees also approved new tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year. In-state tuition will increase by 2%, bringing it to $16,606, while out-of-state tuition will rise by 4.5% to $44,647. Room and board costs will increase by 3.5%. Vice President for Finance and Administration, Alicia Estey, emphasized UVM’s commitment to affordability, especially through the UVM Promise Program. This program, now in its fourth year, allows Vermont families earning up to $100,000 to attend tuition-free, supporting over 200 students each year.

The Educational Policy Committee shared insights on how UVM is addressing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Interim Provost Linda Schadler and Professor Susanmarie Harrington discussed the ongoing work of the AI Task Force, which updates academic integrity guidelines and supports faculty in integrating AI into their teaching. By the end of the fall semester, over 50 workshops on AI in instruction will have been held.

Katie Shepherd, Dean of the College of Education and Social Services, presented on strategic planning efforts. UVM has hosted over 20 listening sessions to gather input from the university community, with plans for about two dozen more. The draft plan, aimed to enhance student success and research, will be ready for Board approval in February.

In addition to tuition approvals, the board discussed UVM’s Enterprise Risk Management program and made several key decisions, including:

• Approving a new Ph.D. program in Computational Studies of Culture and Society.
• Updating the Larner College of Medicine Faculty Handbook.
• Expressing gratitude to Ron Lumbra for his 11 years of service on the board.

This meeting marked a pivotal step in UVM’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community engagement as it looks toward the future.

For further insights and data on higher education trends, you can check the National Center for Education Statistics here.

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