VCIH’s New Distance Learning Option FAQ
Is VCIH becoming an online school?
Yes and No. We’re committed to continuing to offer in-person and on-the-land experiences at VCIH on the beautiful Goddard College campus. But, being in-person is no longer required for our Family and Clinical programs. We use a “low-residency” model, which means a significant portion of the curriculum is offered online, via live Zoom classes, and about a quarter of the curriculum is offered in-person for those who can travel. So, students can come and join us in “residence” during our 3 intensives each year, or they can attend these intensives virtually, in real time, via hybrid classroom technology.
Our Herbal Roots Apprenticeship will continue to be offered in person (with a few online classes in early spring and late fall to accommodate colder weather while the pandemic continues).
Is the low-residency model permanent or is it just being offered during the pandemic?
Our plan is to offer this option for the foreseeable future.
Are the intensives really required? Do I have to travel to Vermont 3 times a year?
Attendance at three 6-day intensives each year is an important part of each program and is required. But, you don’t have to attend them in person; you can take advantage of our hybrid option and attend remotely in real time. You can also choose to attend some intensives in person and some virtually.
We understand that the expense of travel and housing during intensives, in addition to taking extra time off work or extending childcare, even when attending remotely, adds to the expense of the programs. This is, in part, why we don’t require folks to attend in person, so that they can minimize added expenses, as needed. We also include the intensives in the base tuition.
Where will students stay during residential intensives?
There are numerous housing options in the Montpelier area (AirBnB, campgrounds, hotels) and our local student community is often generous in hosting visitors. Students are responsible for locating housing during intensives and housing expenses are not included in tuition.
We are working on making it possible for students to stay in the dorms on the Goddard campus (where our school is also located), however that is not a guaranteed option yet. This would also be an additional cost not included in tuition.
What kind of virtual learning platform do you use?
We use Zoom for Education, an expanded-capacity and more secure version of Zoom, coupled with GSuite for Education (aka Google Workspace), which we have been using for the past 10 years to host student email, a robust online classroom platform, school calendar, student forum and document storage.
All classes will be offered as synchronous, interactive, live content and will also be recorded and provided to students for review or make up. All classes are closed captioned, as well.
Will student clinic be virtual, too?
Yes. We’ve adjusted our format to allow for students to see clients and receive supervision while remaining in their home communities and working with clients in any location.
Intensives during the clinical year will offer an opportunity to see clients in-person, get in-person supervision and observation/partnering hours (though, this will obviously depend on public health at the time).
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes! See our Tuition Reduction page for all the details!
Do you accept applications past the deadline?
Once our application deadline has passed, new applications will be placed on a wait list and you will be contacted if an interview slot becomes available.