Green Mountain College: FAQ

FAQ: Academics

Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit?
Yes. A student who has completed advanced work in one or more subjects in high school may be granted college credit on the basis of College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Examination Scores (AP). Academic credit is awarded for scores of three or above earned under any of the programs and examinations of the Advanced Placement Program. Note that students may not repeat for additional credit college courses for which they have received Advanced Placement credit.

What is your academic calendar like?
For students on the Poultney campus, the academic year consists of two 15-week semesters, beginning in August and ending in December for the fall, and beginning in January and ending in May in the spring. Students typically take five classes per semester.

To view the '07-'08 academic calendar, click here.

For students enrolled in the Resort & Hospitality Management Program at Killington, the academic year consists of three 13-week trimesters, beginning in August and ending in November for the fall, beginning in December and ending in March for the winter, and beginning in March and ending in June for the spring. During the fall and spring trimesters, students typically take five classes. During the winter trimester, students gain practical work experience in exciting co-ops. Due to the accelerated nature of the Resort & Hospitality Program, students graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years.

To view the '07-'08 for the Killington program, click here.

Am I required to have a computer?
No. Computer labs are located in Withey Hall and the library, and our 24-hour computer lab is in the library lobby. However, a computer is recommended and every student has high-speed internet access in their residence hall room.

Are there opportunities to travel?
Green Mountain College is a founding member of the Eco League, a consortium of five environmentally oriented colleges stretching from Maine to Alaska. Students in good academic standing can spend a semester in any one of the schools, while paying tuition to GMC. Almost no paperwork, no hassle, and you can live and learn at any one of these locations: Prescott College in Arizona, Northland College in Wisconsin, the College of the Atlantic in Maine, and Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, Alaska. Green Mountain also has many opportunities to travel and study abroad. Recent trips have sent student to Wales, China, Brazil, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina, Italy, and France. Green Mountain College believes that off-campus learning is a vital part of the undergraduate experience and encourages all students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. To learn more, see our travel page.

How will I be graded?
Most students receive mid-term and end-of-term letter grades for each of their classes. Depending on the course or the professor, you may be evaluated based on papers and presentations, class participation, exam scores, or all of the above. Independent studies, which are available to all students, tend to be more flexible in adapting to the learning style of the student; however they often require more work than a class because of their intensive, self-driven format. Students interested in self-directed learning may inquire about admission to the Progressive Education Program, an educational track that uses narrative evaluations and peer reviews as opposed to grades and distribution requirements.

What if I need extra help with a class?
It's not uncommon to get part-way into the semester and feel like you're in over your head in one of your courses. Don't worry. There is plenty of help available to you. Green Mountain College offers excellent academic support services through the Calhoun Learning Center in Griswold Library. Services include tutoring, writing and math workshops, study groups, and one-on-one support if needed. You'll never be without help, but you have to be sure to ask for it before it's too late. Remember, everyone here wants you to succeed and will work with you to make that happen.

Do you use teaching assistants?
100% of courses are taught by faculty. For one of the four core Environmental Liberal Arts courses, you may have an undergraduate teaching assistant, there to help with class work for those students who would prefer to be tutored by a peer, and to help facilitate in-class discussion alongside your professor.

How large are classes?
Classes are kept small enough so each professor can maintain personal relationships with his or her students. The average class size is 19 students. The smallest classes are independent studies, which are one-on-one with a faculty advisor, and seminars, which typically have fewer than 10 students in them. None of our classes are ever taught in the huge, impersonal lecture-hall style. For example, the largest class in the fall 2006 semester had 35 students.

Do you offer Internships?
Yes, Career Services will work with you to find an internship in your field of study or along the lines of your career goals. In fact, most majors require field experience and/or an internship taken for credit.