火爆社区

Purposeful learning is the hallmark of the educational experience at Saint Michael鈥檚 College. Here, students are encouraged to 鈥渄iscover passions, develop skills, and find meaning and connection in and out of the classroom,鈥� much, in the same way, students are encouraged to engage with their religious beliefs at the predominately Catholic school (though undergrads of all denominations and cultural backgrounds are welcome). Saint Michael鈥檚 has a 鈥渇aith in action鈥� foundation where many enrollees participate in faith-based services in addition to their core academic curriculum 鈥渢o help students realize their full potential.鈥� Of the more than 40 major and minor programs offered, students have highly touted the schools of education, biology, and religion; criminology, environmental science, and journalism are additional tracks, while pre-law, ROTC, and pre-medical professional programs prepare undergrads for specialized fields. Saint Michael鈥檚 also offers 100-plus study abroad programs with opportunities in Argentina, China, and England, among others. Further setting the college apart is the fact that Saint Michael鈥檚 has a chapter of the academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa; it鈥檚 one of just four Northeast Catholic colleges with this distinction. Professors are highly regarded by students, who say, 鈥淩egardless of which class you鈥檙e in, you can tell that each professor鈥檚 #1 priority is that the students succeed.鈥� The small, 鈥渄iscussion-based鈥� class structure on campus also guarantees that 鈥測ou are not just another number in a lecture hall.鈥� Faculty are praised for 鈥渞eally helping me in beginning my career-setting up research studies in my field of interest, writing incredible letters of recommendation for grad school, or networking to get me internships.鈥�

While some students self-identify as 鈥渦pper-middle class, and environmentally and politically aware,鈥� others are quick to note that students 鈥渁re all different in regard to religions, races, sexual orientations, and genders.鈥� Saint Michael鈥檚 is a sustainable campus that encourages eco-friendly behaviors through the use of natural resources and supplemental educational programs for students. 鈥淢ost [students] are concerned about the environment and social justice.鈥� Community engagement is another tenet adopted by the student body where 鈥渕eaningful activity鈥� is a shared experience and 鈥渘early all students participate in at least one service project during their four years here.鈥� As one student shares, 鈥淚f you鈥檙e genuine and true to who you are, you鈥檙e bound to do well at St. Mike鈥檚.鈥�

Saint Michael鈥檚 College is distinct for being a fully residential campus where students live on-site for all four years of their undergrad experience. As such, the Vermont-based college has taken great strides to ensure activities and community fill everyday life for the students who call Saint Michael鈥檚 home. The Bergeron Wellness Center and Edmundite Campus Ministry are two facilities that help nourish undergrad鈥檚 minds, bodies, and souls. Forty-plus student-led organizations and an athletic program鈥攊ncluding an Alpine Racing Club鈥攁dd to the variety of options available. The school鈥檚 480 acres of 鈥渋ndoor-outdoor learning鈥� terrain, located between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, is attractive to students, especially those who love to ski, hike, and snowboard. 鈥淪aint Michael鈥檚 provides amazing ski pass deals and transportation to amazing ski resorts in the area.鈥� Located just a 10-minute bus ride away, the main hub of Burlington, Vermont, is another big draw, offering 鈥渟o much to do in such a small, convenient area.鈥� In particular, many students love the sprawling Church Street district that鈥檚 鈥渃rowded with unique shops, fantastic restaurants, and interesting people.鈥� The fact that the campus is also concentrated in a small radius is an advantage, particularly 鈥渋n the cold months of winter [when] five-minute walks to class are a godsend.鈥�

Saint Mike's staff, administrators, and professors above and beyond to prepare students 鈥渘ot only to succeed in their career field, but [in] bettering the world as well.鈥� Most students here 鈥渁re very focused on their career paths and academics,鈥� and take advantage of the university's excellent connections with local businesses for internships and job placement (the online SMC JobLink board is where students can peruse postings). The Career Education and Alumni Engagement Center offers the interview coaching and whole array of resources a student needs to explore a career or plan for jobs, internships, and grad school. St. Mike's Career Launch Program helps students choose, prepare, hone, and eventually transition into a post-graduation career.