Student Life

Student life at Sterling College consists of a great variety of activities, on-campus events, excursions, celebrations (both big and small), and outdoor recreation. While some students may curl up with a good book or participate in an impromptu jam session on a Saturday afternoon, an equal number like to stay more active—from outdoor pursuits to activism. The great thing about student life at Sterling College is that individuals can feel free to be individualistic. It’s not about doing “what’s in”; it’s about doing what you enjoy. Sterling’s social vibe tends to be open and accepting.

Community plays an important part in Sterling’s day-to-day life. Faculty, staff, their families, and students interact on a daily basis. Whether it’s at dinner or breakfast, working together at the farm, solving problems in the classroom, or meeting to discuss community issues, everyone at Sterling College spends a lot of time together. We take pride in the close friendships formed at Sterling College and in the daily interactions that help forge those relationships.

Community Meetings
There are many benefits of attending a small college – and Sterling’s weekly Community Meetings exemplify this. Sterling students, faculty, and staff meet as a community every Wednesday after lunch in order to share stories, announce upcoming events, and discuss issues of importance or interest to the whole community.

Ask students about student life at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Student Activities Committee 

The Student Activities Committee seeks to provide a high standard of quality for student life at Sterling College, by coordinating events, activities, and entertainment for the community. On campus events such as guest lecturers, concerts, contra dances, Earth Day, etc., are scheduled throughout the year. Students can also plan off campus trips such as climbing, hiking, or visits to other towns and cities. The Student Activity fee provides a budget for the Student Activities Committee.

Diversity Committee
The Student Run Diversity Committee facilitated by the Dean of Students meets each week to discuss issues of diversity on campus and beyond.

Sterling College Diversity Commitment
We believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and that our community is strengthened through differences. Sterling College is committed to creating and maintaining an environment and a community that:

Student Union
Student Union is an organization designed to work out any issues that should arise with Student Life on campus. There are six student representatives all elected at the same time for a one-year term, two first year students, two second year students and two upperclassmen as this we believe reflects the population of the College. Since its inception the Student Union has given the Sterling Community a new and efficient way to work out its issues while including the voices of all Students.

Woodsman Team

This team, forming when there is enough interest, learns competitive skills using traditional logging and camping practices. Training is focused on a spring inter-collegiate competition.

Pick-up Games?Students are often found playing pick-up games of ultimate Frisbee or soccer on the common, or on the soccer field by the lower student residences. There is also a sand volleyball court located behind Merlin and Madison House.

Dancing Goat Café and College Store
The Dancing Goat Café is located in the Sterling College Store. This is a student run operation that serves tea and snacks, and sells class supplies, Sterling College apparel, and toiletries. The Dancing Goat Café has hosted student art shows and provides an informal and quiet and space for members of the Sterling College community to visit with one another.

Stardust Books
College texts are purchased locally at the local cozy café and bookstore, Stardust Books.

Fitness Center
Free weights, a treadmill, and an indoor rowing machine are also available in the fitness room in the ground floor of Simpson Hall.

Student Lounges
The main student lounge, known as "The Barn" is located in Dunbar Hall and is open 24 hours a day. A full surround sound theater with custom installed projector and screen, a piano, games, and puzzles are available for student use. The Barn is heated with a clean-burning wood-pellet stove. Lounges are also located on each floor of Merlin Residence.

Camping
Camping on college property, for short periods of time, is encouraged at the lean-tos and tent platform. 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 are happy to suggest some areas.

Transportation
As public transportation in the area is limited, all Sterling students are allowed to have personal vehicles on campus, provided that they follow stated parking guidelines. Sterling vans are often used for transportation for events such as contra dances, area performances, and outdoor trips.

Bus, rail and limited air transportation are available in Montpelier, forty miles from Craftsbury Common, or Stowe/Waterbury, at about the same distance. There is also bus and extensive air service in Burlington, seventy miles from the campus. The College will run a shuttle to these terminals at the start and end of all semesters.

Dean of Students
John Zaber, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 800-648-3591 ext. 165
The Dean of Students is responsible for promoting and cultivating a safe, productive, and supportive social environment on the Sterling College Campus. Dean Zaber also handles requests for off-campus living, addresses housing-related issues, and works in collaboration with the Residential Life Committee. The Dean also works with the Student Union to promote student leadership on campus and elicit student input on campus life and College-wide issues.