Winter A Sense of Place (ASOP) is for students entering in the Spring semester.  You will jump right into the Sterling College community on Arrival Day. 

This is a course designed to help you develop a sense of place as you begin your Sterling college career. You will develop bonds with other incoming students and explore topics central to life at Sterling such as our local ecology and community. The course uses experiential learning to improve interpersonal communication, leadership skills, self-efficacy, and develop awareness as a member of the Sterling community.

Honoring Sterling’s approach to experiential education, WASOP will include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, crafting, an overnight in a cabin, community service for a local non-profit and activities that involve meeting the community. A snowy landscape will highlight discussions about community, local ecology, and campus and community life.

Topics will include essay writing, social justice, advising and academics, living in community and Sterling’s Work Program.

The WASOP classes are designed to help you explore and meet the following course objectives:

• Become familiar with the landscape, people, and natural world of northern Vermont
• Explore ways of relating to and engaging with the natural world and human communities that are intentional, sustainable, and resilient
• Become introduced to collegiate academic skills
• Build bonds of respect, common purpose, and fellowship among students, and faculty
• Initiate dialogue about living in and contributing to a diverse community
• Learn and practice winter outdoor travel skills
• Experience a positive social and academic integration as an incoming student
• Become introduced to Sterling’s commitment to work, service and learning in the local community
• The pace of the Intensive will be fast, free-time will be a minimum, and the days have a tendency to feel long. At the conclusion of Winter A Sense of Place you will walk away with a greater understanding of the natural and social communities of your new landscape and an appreciation for the role you can play within the Sterling College community.

Please read the the WASOP Packing List below very thoroughly. You are expected to arrive on campus with all of your gear and be prepared for a winter (cabin) overnight— including snowshoeing and field botany experiences.

Check out the Winter ASOP Packing List!