The “Barn”
Books and Supplies
Business Office
Campus Security
Camping
Career Resource Center
Churches / Places of Worship
College Counselor
Community Meeting
Computers and Typing
Dancing Goat Café
Dean of Academics
Dean of Students
Employment
Equipment Rental
The Farm
Financial Aid Office
Health & Counseling Services
Hunting and Fishing
Laundry
Learning Support
Library
Mail and Fax
Married Students
Meals
Mediation
Motor Vehicles
Off-Campus Living
Pets
Private Property
Registrar’s Office
Residences
Smoking
Student Kitchen
Student Records
Telephones
Transportation
Wellness Center

Student Services &
Community Resources

The “Barn”

The Barn is located in Kane Hall. The Barn serves as a student lounge and is open 24 hours per day. Sleeping is not permitted in the Barn. Because the Barn is a facility for the Sterling Community, activities that exclude any others because of noise or space demands should be avoided. The Barn is heated with a clean-burning wood-pellet stove. Please see the Plant Manager if you want to learn how to run the stove. A TV and VCR/DVD are available for student use in this room.

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Books and Supplies

All books for Sterling College courses can be purchased at the Stardust Bookstore. Supplies and equipment needed for Sterling College courses, along with a selection of basic necessities, some clothing and some gifts, can be purchased at the Sterling College Store. Work credit will be applied only to the purchase of textbooks and items assigned by an instructor. Vouchers, representing work credit, will be given to students at the beginning of each semester for a $100 credit to be used at either store for books and required equipment.

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Business Office

Located on the second floor of Mager Hall, this is the place to go for a variety of services and information including the following: access to documents describing Sterling College's approval by various federal, state, and regional agencies; and questions about tuition and/or bills.

The Business Office will periodically bill students for outstanding library fines, room damages, parking tickets, guest meals, transportation fees, etc. and will collect payment for these bills. Checks can be cashed, up to a maximum of $50, if there are no outstanding bills.

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Campus Security

We are all encouraged to take responsibility for the safety of the community and its members and of our personal and college property. Although we work hard to maintain a safe campus environment, Sterling College cannot guarantee the safety of your possessions. Be prepared to lock up your bicycle and bring a locking box to store other valuables and prescription medications. Please do not leave valuable items where they might tempt the casual by-passer.

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Camping

Camping on college property, for short periods of time, is encouraged at the lean-tos and tent platform. Our chief concerns about camping in other areas are the impact on our neighbors and the danger from fire. Vermont state law and common courtesy require that you have the landowner's permission to camp on private land. If you want to camp nearby, we can suggest some areas. Please consult with Adrian Owens to ensure you are camping on Sterling College property. Long-term camping is discouraged.

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Career Resource Center

The Career Resource Center (commonly known as the CRC) is located on the second floor of Dunbar Hall (above the kitchen) and contains resources for students seeking off-campus work and study placements, information about international programs, and career information. The CRC also houses the Internship Program Office, which includes the Internship database of 3,000 + environmental opportunities and a student computer lab.

In addition to the management of the Internship Program, the CRC provides assistance to students and alumni seeking employment, career counseling, college transfer, and graduate school information. On file are college catalogs and directories, scholarship information, career books, GRE information, sources of summer and permanent jobs, educational travel opportunities, and alternative education programs.

The resource room of the CRC and the computer lab are open 24 hours a day for student use except when a class is in session. The staff maintains office hours, and students are encouraged to make an appointment or just drop in.

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Churches and other Places of Worship

Sunday worship services are held at the United Church on the Common at 10:00 a.m., the Presbyterian Church in East Craftsbury at 11:00 a.m., and Our Lady of Fatima in Craftsbury holds services at 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Craftsbury Friends Quaker Worship Group meets each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the reading room of the Brown Library. Other denominations and faiths are represented in neighboring towns.

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College Counselor

The College Counselor’s office is located on the second floor of Simpson. The Counselor is available during scheduled hours to provide support and counseling services to students. Referrals to outside resources will be made as needed. The counselor also provides participatory workshops on topics related to emotional health.

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Community Meeting

An important forum for discussing issues is the Sterling Community Meeting. Sterling meets as a community once a week in order to share stories, announce upcoming events, and discuss issues of importance or interest to the whole community. All members of the Sterling community are urged to attend.

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Computers and Typing

Sterling has a number of computers for student use within the curriculum. All computers are Microsoft Windows compatible. These computers are located in the Brown Library and in the Career Resource Center. An electric typewriter is located in the Career Resource Center and is available for student use.

1. General use student computers: Computers, which are located in the Library and also adjacent to the Career Resource Center, are available 24 hours per day. The Simpson 5 Computer Lab is open for classes and scheduled evening hours. Sterling's computers are for use by Sterling College students, faculty, and staff only and are not for use by the general public.
2. Software: Sterling provides Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Professional, and Microsoft Office Professional 2003 on all computers, as well as other applications for use in specific courses. Students with files prepared from a different software package should check with appropriate staff. There is always a possibility that the files can be converted for use on Sterling’s computers. Personal software may not be installed on Sterling's computers.
3. Internet: All computers are set up for access to the Internet. These connections are intended for student research. Students are asked to be considerate while “surfing” the web and yield to students who need access for academic projects. Instructions and policies are posted near the computers.
4. Etiquette:  Inappropriate use of the Sterling College computers can result in the student’s computer and email accounts being disabled.

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Dancing Goat Café

The Dancing Goat Café is located in the Sterling College Store. This is a student run operation that serves tea and snacks, as well as a variety of local and student produced goods – soaps, salves, and teas. The hours of operation are posted and students are encouraged to provide feedback in terms of items to sell and events of special notice. The Dancing Goat Café has hosted Magic Card nights, student art shows, and provides an informal and quiet and space for members of the Sterling College community to visit with one another.

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Dean of Academics

The office of the Dean of Academics is on the fist floor in Kane Hall. The Dean of Academics is responsible for academic programs and he can answer questions about independent study and self-designed study proposals, special topics classes, degree requirements, and special waivers of academic policies. The Dean of Academics works with faculty to plan and implement the curriculum.

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Dean of Students

The office of the Dean of Students is located on the second floor of Simpson Hall. The Dean of Students is responsible for promoting and cultivating a safe, productive, and supportive social environment on the Sterling College Campus. This includes ensuring that community guidelines are upheld. Using Social Probation, the Dean of Students works with students who have violated community guidelines to help them move forward while making any necessary reparations. The Dean of Students also handles requests for off-campus living, addresses housing-related issues, and works in collaboration with the Residential Life Committee. The Dean of Students also works with the Student Union to promote student leadership on campus and elicit student input on campus life and College-wide issues.

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Employment

Due to the intensive nature of Sterling's programs and our rural location, off-campus employment opportunities for full-time students are limited. However, each student must commit some time to work in exchange for credit on campus, both rotating chores and individually-assigned jobs. The Dean of Work makes chores assignments, and students find additional employment through this office. Students applying for a campus job must fill out a Job Voucher and must furnish proof of U.S. citizenship, e.g. passport, driver’s license, or other (1987 federal law).

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Equipment Rental

Rental of the college’s outdoor equipment is encouraged, with guidelines outlined below:

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The Farm

The Sterling College Farm has solar and wind-powered barns, pasture land, organic vegetable gardens and a small sugaring operation. Livestock include cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs, goats and draft horses. Anyone may visit the farm at any time, but we ask that visitors avoid feeding the animals, refrain from smoking, close gates behind them, and keep dogs on a leash. If visiting the gardens, please walk with care.

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Financial Aid Office

The Director and Associate Director of Financial Aid, located on the second floor of Kane Hall, are available for application information, questions about aid awards, information about refunds (should you withdraw from the program), and specific questions about Sterling College’s Financial Aid and Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

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Health and Counseling Services

The nurse and counselor are available at regular hours to consult on matters of general, physical, or mental health and to assist with insurance claim forms. There is a wealth of health resources in the area. See the nurse or counselor if you want help finding primary health care, support groups, or related programs.

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Hunting and Fishing

Those who hunt or fish must have a Vermont license. Hunting and fishing licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office in Craftsbury village. To purchase a hunting license you must show proof of having completed an approved hunter safety program or proof of having held a valid hunting license in another state (Vermont state law). You will qualify for a resident hunting and fishing license (cheaper) after completing two semesters at Sterling. You will need a statement from the Registrar to verify this. Owners of firearms must abide by the Firearm Policy outlined in the Sterling College Student Handbook.

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Laundry

Coin-operated washers and dryers are located in the basement of Madison Residence and on the first floor in Merlin Residence. As a courtesy to those who live above or near the machines, students are asked to respect the Student Residence’s quiet hours. Change is available at the Sterling College Store.

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Learning Support

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Library

The Brown Library at Sterling College is open 24 hours a day to students and staff. It operates on an honor system, which requires a total commitment to the needs of others and a spirit of cooperation.

The building was constructed in 1990 by student interns and alumni work crews under the direction of a college trustee. It has energy-efficient lighting, a heat-exchanger for ventilation, and a sub-floor heating system. Rooms include a comfortable reading room with a wonderful view of Mount Mansfield (great sunsets too), a periodical room, a map room, and a loft that contains private study carrels and computers. The walls of the library serve as an art gallery featuring Vermont artists. Exhibits change every six weeks, and each show begins with a Sunday afternoon artist’s reception.

The Brown Library’s extensive, specialized collection focuses on environmental and resource issues and supports the curriculum of the four majors: Circumpolar Studies, Conservation Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture, and Outdoor Education and Leadership. There are currently 11,000 books, 130 periodical titles, 400 videos and DVD’s, numerous pamphlets and newsletters, and a collection of maps. Materials are also available through an excellent interlibrary loan system. All computers in the library currently have Internet access. The library subscribes to five academic electronic periodical databases, which contain full-text journal articles and which can be accessed from any Internet computer, including student residences and home computers.

The Center for Northern Studies at Sterling College, located in nearby Wolcott, hosts a library on its second floor.  There are 3,000 books housed at this library, as well as 100 journal titles, various films, special collections, a map collection, an extensive herbarium, and a small faunal skeleton collection.  Online library resources can also be accessed from computers at the Center for Northern Studies library.

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Mail and Fax

Resident students who wish to receive mail while living on campus must purchase a Post Office box at the Craftsbury Common Post Office. A student’s address will read:

Mailbox fees are $20.00 per year and are paid directly to the post office. Post Office boxes must be renewed each September. Students are also assigned a box in Simpson Hall for campus mail. These boxes should be checked daily for returned assignments and notices. Students may send faxes through the main office. Charges per page are $.50 incoming, $1.00 outgoing, and $2.00 overseas.

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Married Students

Although Sterling College has no special facilities for married students, we do try to accommodate them if possible. If space is available, the spouse of a married student may choose to live on campus. Please contact the Dean of Students to work out an arrangement.

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Meals

Meals are served at the following times (summer meal times may be slightly different):

1. Food should not be taken out of the dining hall without permission of the kitchen staff.
2. When you invite guests to a meal, fill out a guest slip and pay the kitchen staff. 
 The meal rates are:
   
   • Breakfast - $5.00
   • Lunch - $7.00
   • Dinner - $9.00
3. A meal plan is available for students not living on campus. Commuting students may purchase one of the following:
   
   • Plan A: Five meals per week (75 meals total) for $500 per semester.
   • Plan B: Ten meals per week (150 meals total) for $950 per semester.
   • Lunch Ticket: Any Twenty Four (24) lunches only: $150
   

   All commuting students must indicate their preferred meal plan to the Registrar no later than the end of the add/drop period for a given semester. If no meal plan is purchased, meals will be available at guest rates (see #2 above).
4. Due to state health codes, shoes and shirts must be worn at meals. This includes kitchen and dining hall.
5. The kitchen is generally off-limits between meals, except during the 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. and 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. breaks when coffee or tea are available. Travel behind the posts is restricted.
6. If a student is unable to eat in the dining room because of illness, the nurse or a faculty member may arrange to have food delivered to the student’s room or the Wellness Center.
7. Several times each year, the kitchen staff may conduct meetings to provide an opportunity for all members of the community to make suggestions about the food service.

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Mediation

Faculty will be available to help students work out conflicts with peers or with faculty/staff members. Please use this resource to confront issues before they grow into major conflicts. The Senior Administrators and Residence Supervisors may refer cases to a mediator.

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Motor Vehicles

Students may have vehicles while enrolled at Sterling College as long as they follow Sterling College vehicle guidelines and drive responsible. Vehicle privileges may be revoked if these guidelines are violated:

1. To keep a vehicle on campus, all students (residential and commuter) must register the vehicle on Opening Day (or upon vehicle’s arrival on campus), pay an annual $10 fee, and display a Sterling College parking sticker. The vehicle fee pays for maintenance of student parking areas, including snow plowing. Only legally registered vehicles (per home state regulations) may register to park on campus.
2. Parking: student vehicles are to be parked only in the assigned student parking areas. Out of respect for residents of the town of Craftsbury, students should not park in the public spots around the Common or along the side of the street.
   • It must be understood that parking is at the student’s risk; Sterling cannot be responsible for providing "safe" parking lot.
   • Students are responsible for the safe and environmentally sound disposal of any automotive fluids or parts – such as motor oil, antifreeze, tires, or batteries.
   • Vehicles abandoned on the Sterling College campus are subject to towing and storage at the owner’s expense.

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Off-Campus Living

In general, first year students are required to live on campus. After their first year, students may petition the Dean of Students for permission to live off campus. The request must be made in writing at least 30 days before the start of the semester, and the student will need to fill out and submit an Off-Campus Living Application. Please note: The amount refunded for room and board does not reflect a full refund due to overhead expenses that the college incurs. Students living off campus are required to provide the Dean of Students with a mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail contact.

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Pets

Pets require intensive attention and increase wear and tear on facilities. Dogs, cats, and other large mammals are not permitted as oncampus pets. "Minimum impact pets" like fish may be acceptable. Students interested in bringing a pet to campus must first ask permission of their Residence Supervisor and complete a pet application form that needs to be approved by the Dean of Students. A pet’s presence in a residence hall must also be agreeable to other residents. This agreement must be renewed each semester. Pets of visitors and commuter students are not permitted in buildings and must be kept under the owner’s control while on campus. All are expected to clean up after their pets and assume responsibility for any damage to the campus and facilities.

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Private Property

Please respect private property. Accordingly, students are asked stay out of all houses, cabins, barns, etc. unless they have been invited. Leaves and twigs from trees growing on neighbors' lawns should not be collected for plant collections. Students are asked to learn which properties are Sterling's and which are not. This is a small town, and we hope our neighbors can enjoy our presence.

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Registrar’s Office

Located on the second floor of Kane Hall, the Registrar is the person to visit for course enrollment information, changes in course enrollment, and grades. The Registrar provides copies of official transcript or unofficial grade reports. Official transcripts must be sent directly to a receiving institution and must be requested in writing by filling out a transcript request form. Transcripts are free to currently enrolled students; the charge for graduates is $10 per transcript. Course sign up and scheduling are also handled by the Registrar.

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Residences

There are four student residences on campus, each with an attached apartment for a residence supervisor (usually a faculty member). Students help maintain their own residences as part of the College’s Work Program. See the Student Handbook for a more detailed explanation of residence living.

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Smoking

For reasons of health and fire protection, smoking is not permitted in any college building, in college vehicles, or in classes, whether indoors or outdoors. Smoking in any building, especially a residence room, could result in Social Probation or suspension.

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Student Kitchen

A student kitchen is located above the maintenance shop next to the Post Office. Basic cooking equipment is available, and students may feel free to contribute more or to improve the space. Students are responsible for cleaning the student kitchen. Cleaning supplies are provided. If the kitchen is not kept in a safe and healthy condition, it will be closed until it is cleaned. Please remember that this space adjoins private living quarters in North House.

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Student Records: Access and Release

Sterling maintains student academic and financial aid records. See the Registrar for access to academic records and the Director of Financial Aid for access to financial aid records.

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Telephones

A telephone is located in each residence. From these phones local calls can be made at no charge. Dial “9” then the seven-digit number. Long-distance calls must be call-collect or paid by phone card. For these calls, dial “9” then “0” then area code plus seven-digit number. Students are asked to provide their student residence phone number, not the Sterling College number, when giving out their phone number. Numbers for student residences are listed as follows:

• Merlin 802-586-2586
• Hamilton 802-586-2584
• Jefferson 802-586-2585
• Madison 802-586-2582

Students who want to install a private phone may do so at their own expense. Sterling will not maintain the line or jack. See the Plant Manager, who will do the required internal wiring at his convenience.

PHONES IN OFFICES ARE NOT FOR STUDENT USE.

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Transportation

Bus and rail transportation is available in Montpelier, forty miles from Craftsbury Common. Students traveling by rail should make their reservations to and from Montpelier. Bus and extensive air service is available in Burlington, seventy miles from the campus. The College will run a shuttle to these terminals at the start and end of each semester. To defray a portion of the cost of this service, there is a charge of $30 per person for each trip. Please note that this same service provided by private transportation companies costs $75; students should plan their travel wisely.

A student in need of this shuttle service should notify the Registrar as soon as reservations are made. Sterling assumes no responsibility for transporting students who have not given at least 48 hours notice (in writing or by phone).

Please note: To save time and fuel, only one shuttle is run. Because students arrive at all hours of the day, there may be a wait of several hours at the airport or station. Van pickups are made to accommodate the greatest number. Bring a good book!

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Wellness Center

The Wellness Center, located on the first floor of Mager Hall, is staffed during scheduled hours for consultation on matters of general, physical, or mental health. If a doctor’s examination is required, the Wellness Center staff will assist with appointments. Excellent facilities are available in Hardwick, 10 miles from campus, and at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, 20 miles away. Over-the-counter medications as well as other standard first-aid and health supplies are available on a walk-in basis.

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