Student Life

"Returning to a sense of place, community and local resilience is the next step in the environmental movement. Sterling is at the forefront of this movement; getting a college education here trains you how to be a leader through engaged practice in community living, work and celebration." - Allyson Makuch, '14

Community plays an important part in day-to-day life at Sterling College. Faculty, staff, their families, and students interact on a daily basis. Whether it’s at dinner or breakfast, working together on the Sterling 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.

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:

Community Meetings
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.

Student Activities Committee
The Student Activities Committee coordinates events, activities, and entertainment for the community. On campus events such as lectures, concerts, contra dances, intramural sports, and nature walks are scheduled throughout the year. Students 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. Visit the Student Activities Website.

Student Union
Student Union is an organization designed to work out any issues that should arise with Student Life on campus. Six student representatives are all elected at the same time for a one-year term, including two first year students, two second year students and two upperclassmen. 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.

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. In winter, students enjoy pond hockey and skiing at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center.

Fitness Center
Free weights, a treadmill, and an indoor rowing machine are 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
Jill Fineis, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Dean of Students is responsible for promoting and cultivating a safe, productive, and supportive social environment on the Sterling College Campus.

Director of Residence Life
Sydney Flowers, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Director of Residence Life works with the Student Union to promote student leadership on campus and elicit student input on campus life and College-wide issues.