Saint Michael's College: A Holistic Educational Experience
Saint Michael's College, located in Colchester, Vermont, offers a distinctive educational experience characterized by purposeful learning, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to social responsibility. Nestled minutes from downtown Burlington, the 440-acre campus provides a beautiful setting for a diverse student body of around 1,400 students from 21 states and 15 countries. With a faculty where 83% hold the highest degree in their fields, Saint Michael's is dedicated to providing a robust academic and well-rounded experience.
Academics: Discovering Passions and Developing Skills
Purposeful learning is central to the educational experience at Saint Michael's College. Students are encouraged to discover their passions, develop essential skills, and find meaning and connection both inside and outside the classroom. The college offers over 40 major and minor programs, with highly regarded schools of education, biology, and religion. Additional popular tracks include criminology, environmental science, and journalism. Pre-law, ROTC, and pre-medical professional programs are also available, preparing students for specialized fields.
Saint Michael's College actively engages students with ideas from various world civilizations and emerging disciplines, fostering the creation of new understandings. The college encourages the development of empathy and respect for diverse views, derived from different histories, statuses, or philosophical or religious beliefs.
Saint Michael's College is committed to preparing students "not only to succeed in their career field, but [in] bettering the world as well.” The Career Education and Alumni Engagement Center provides resources such as interview coaching to help students explore careers and plan for jobs, internships, and graduate school. The St. Mike's Career Launch Program assists students in choosing, preparing for, and transitioning into a post-graduation career.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Saint Michael's College offers over 100 study abroad programs in locations such as Argentina, China, and England, providing students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and gain international experience.
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Campus Life: A Fully Residential Community
Saint Michael's College distinguishes itself as a fully residential campus, with students living on-site for all four years of their undergraduate experience. This creates a strong sense of community and ensures that activities and social connections are readily available. The Bergeron Wellness Center and Edmundite Campus Ministry contribute to the well-being of students' minds, bodies, and souls.
With over 40 student-led organizations and a thriving athletic program, including an Alpine Racing Club, students have a wide array of options for engagement. The college's location between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains provides opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and snowboarding, with easy access to ski areas such as Smugglers' Notch, Sugarbush, Stowe, Bolton Valley, and Mad River.
Student life at St. Mike's includes studying in the library, relaxing on the lawn, joining clubs, and participating in intramural sports.
A Commitment to Faith and Service
Saint Michael's College has a "faith in action" foundation, encouraging students to participate in faith-based services alongside their academic curriculum to realize their full potential. The college is committed to the moral and spiritual development of each individual, employing the Catholic intellectual tradition that sees no conflict between belief and reason. Nearly all students participate in at least one service project during their four years, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Saint Michael's College is a multicultural community that values each individual, celebrates diversity, encourages high ethical standards, instills a passion for justice, and shapes a campus-wide environment of responsibility and compassion. While some students self-identify as "upper-middle class, and environmentally and politically aware," others note the diversity of religions, races, sexual orientations, and genders on campus. Saint Michael's College is a Catholic institution known for its inclusivity, welcoming students from diverse faith backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
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Sustainability
Saint Michael's College is a sustainable campus that encourages eco-friendly behaviors through the use of natural resources and supplemental educational programs for students. Most students are concerned about the environment and social justice.
Visiting Saint Michael's College
Saint Michael's College is easily accessible via Burlington International Airport (BTV) and Amtrak stations in Essex Junction or downtown Burlington, all within a 10-minute drive from campus. The Greyhound Bus station is located in the Burlington International Airport, and MegaBus provides service to Downtown Burlington. Airlines servicing Burlington International Airport include American, JetBlue, United, and Delta.
Directions to Saint Michael's College:
- From Boston Area: Take Interstate 93 or Route 3 and 93 north to Interstate 89 (Concord, NH).
- From New York City/New Jersey: N.Y.
- From Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: Most direct: N.Y. State Thruway 90 east to Route 8, east (Utica) to Route 9N, north to Ticonderoga. Cross Bridge at Crown Point, NY to Route 17 north to Route 22A, north to Route 7 (Vergennes).
- From Exit 15, Interstate 89 (Northbound): Bear right off of exit onto Route 15 east for approximately 2/10s of a mile. The College is on left. Stay in right lane and follow Rte. 15 through two lights. After second light bear right into jug handle and go through intersection to the campus.
- From Exit 16, Interstate 89 (Southbound): Turn right onto Rte. 7 south. Go to the center of Winooski, turn left on Rte. 15 East. Follow Rte. 15 for approximately 1 mile. The College is on left after the overpass. Stay in right lane and follow Rte. 15 through two lights. After second light bear right into jug handle and go through intersection to the campus.
Local hotels and motels near campus include:
- Preferred Hotel & Athletic Sponsor: The Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn and Conference Center (Exit 14E, Interstate 89, 802-863-1125)
- Delta by Marriott (Exit 14E, Interstate 89, 802-658-0250)
- Alternate Choice Hotels: Holiday Inn (Exit 14E, Interstate 89, 802-863-6363)
- The Residence Inn (Exit 12, Interstate 89, 802-878-2001)
- The Essex Resort and Spa* (Exit 10, Interstate 289, 70 Essex Way, Essex Jct., 802-878-1100)
- Comfort Inn & Suites* (Exit 14E, Interstate 89, 802-863-5541)
- Courtyard Burlington Harbor (Exit 14W, Interstate 89, 25 Cherry Street, Burlington, 802-864-4700)
- Courtyard by Marriott (Exit 12, Interstate 89, 177 Hurricane Lane, Williston, 802-879-0100)
- Fairfield Inn (Exit 12, I-89, 2844 St.
*Accommodations which may offer discounts for Saint Michael's admission visits - Make sure to mention Saint Michael's College to receive the discount.
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