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FAQ's

Below you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Also, for detailed information, please be sure to check out our student handbook.

FAQ Sections:

Residential Life

Q: When will I find out my housing assignment?
A: You'll usually receive your housing assignment in mid to late August. It is a good idea to contact your roommate before the start of school to discuss items you plan on bringing to avoid duplication. Over the summer, you will receive three booklets in the mail that will detail everything you need to do and know before you arrive on campus, including information on important dates, mailing addresses and phone information.

Q: If I am living on campus, may I have a car?
A: If you live on campus, you are not permitted to have a car. In Burlington, everything you need is within walking distance, including theaters, movies, art galleries, clothing stores, shopping malls, coffee houses, banks, restaurants, a grocery store and pharmacy. Getting to and from home for the holidays is easy: Champlain College is a 10-minute drive from the Burlington International Airport, and the Greyhound bus station is just down the hill from campus. There is an Amtrak station in nearby Essex Junction. In addition, it's a good bet that other college students who live close to your hometown and would give you a ride. If you need to have a car for an off-campus job or an internship, see the parking Web site for more information.

Q: If I like to snowboard or ski, where is the closest mountain and how can I get there?
A: Champlain College offers a shuttle to Bolton Valley, about 20 minutes away, during the week in the evenings. Occasionally on the weekends, a free shuttle bus takes students to Stowe and Sugarbush, about an hour's drive from campus. Other ski areas within driving distance are Jay Peak, Waterbury, Burke, Killington and Mad River Valley.

Academics

Q: Does Champlain College accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits or college credits from other institutions?
A: Yes, if a student earns a 4 or better on the AP exam, Champlain College will award three credits for each exam. If a student earns a "C" or better at another institution, credit will be awarded. Champlain must receive notification of the AP score or the final transcript from the college (you must request that they send it to us) in order to grant the credits.

Q: Where can I find course descriptions?
A: See our complete listing of course descriptions at the following link:
http://classlist.champlain.edu/

Q: When do I choose my schedule and am I guaranteed to get the classes I need?
A: In your first semester, you are automatically assigned a schedule, which guarantees you the classes you need. To plan your subsequent semesters you will meet with your academic advisor to select your classes. You will be mailed more information about your schedule near the end of the summer.

Q: What kinds of tutoring services are available?
A: Champlain College has peer tutors (trained students) who staff our labs. Visit the campus Web page for more information on our services and see the drop-down bar for "Offices & Labs."
https://my.champlain.edu/

Q: When and where can I purchase my books?
A: Once you have your final schedule you may order your textbooks online for fall courses and have them waiting for you when you arrive on campus. Visit the bookstore Web site at http://www.champlain.bkstr.com and follow the instructions using the course abbreviations on your schedule to select each department, course number and section number. Even if you plan to buy your books at the store once you arrive on campus you can get an idea of how much they will cost beforehand. Call the Bookstore at (802) 863-8961 for more information.

Q: If I am interested in studying abroad, what should I do?
A: There is no better time than when you're in college to spend a semester or a year in a foreign country and earn college credit. The key to studying abroad is meeting with an advisor early on to let him or her know your intentions. That way, he or she can help you plan your schedule to incorporate a study abroad semester into your four-year plan. For more on studying abroad and to learn about our existing programs, use the following link:
http://www.champlain.edu/Office-of-International-Education/Champlain-Abroad.html

Q: Whom should I contact if I have questions about my major or changing my major?
A: Direct any questions you have about your major to your program director; find links to contact them by clicking on your major on the link below.
http://www.champlain.edu/Academic-Affairs---Provost/Deans-and-Directors.html

If you have questions about changing your major, you may contact an admission counselor at (802) 860-2727 to discuss your options.

Finances

Q: Am I eligible for a scholarship?
A: Any student who applies by January 31 may be considered for a merit scholarship. There is no additional application. The admissions committee awards scholarships based on academic merit demonstrated by high school course level, grades, test scores and leadership. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded in March. You will likely find out your admission decision before you find out if you have been awarded a scholarship. Therefore, it is not necessary to call the admissions office to find out if you have been awarded a scholarship. For more information check the following link:
http://www.champlain.edu/Undergraduate-Studies/Tuition-and-Aid/Financial-Aid/Scholarships.html

For information on financial aid, use the following link:
http://www.champlain.edu/Undergraduate-Studies/Tuition-and-Aid/Financial-Aid.html

Once the forms for school year 2011-2012 are available, you may complete financial aid paperwork. We will send you the forms if you indicate "yes" to financial aid on the admissions application. You will need to fill out two forms: the FAFSA and the Champlain College financial aid form. Both forms are for the Financial Aid Office to award a financial aid package to a student. If you would like, you may submit the FAFSA online. Also, you may print the Champlain College financial aid form and mail it in rather than waiting for us to mail it to you.

Q: When is my deposit due?
A: Deposits are due May 1 and are fully refundable until that date. Applications have increased significantly. If a student is on the housing waiting list, we will send newly-accepted students instructions on how to proceed.

Q: I'd like to set up a bank account in Burlington. Which banks are close to campus?
A: Banks within walking distance to campus (and their Web sites) are listed below:

Champlain College has a CC Cash Card that functions as a debit card and is accepted by merchants on- and off-campus. Check the following link for more information.
http://www.champlain.edu/CC-Cash-Card.html

Q: I was told that as a student I could purchase an Apple Computer and get a discount. What steps do I need to take?
A: Find out more about this program by clicking here.

Campus Life

Q: Where will I find an academic calendar that shows the day school begins and the holiday breaks?
A: Find the academic calendar at this link:
http://www.champlain.edu/News-and-Events/Academic-Calendar.html

Q: What is the food on campus like?
A: A new state-of-the-art dining facility opened in the fall of 2004 in the IDX Student Life Complex. Not only does it have a great view of Lake Champlain, but the food is delicious! You'll always find a fresh salad bar, baked goods, cereal, desserts, fresh fruit and several main entrees, along with a healthy, tasty side dish. Vegetarian options are always available.

Q: Do I have to purchase health insurance? Where do I go if I get sick?
A: Champlain College offers a health insurance plan for students who do not have outside insurance. We have an on-campus health services that is staffed by a nurse and a physician, who has regular clinic hours. Check the following link for more about our health services:
http://www.champlain.edu/Undergraduate-Studies/Student-Life/Health-Services.html

Q: Can you talk a bit about campus safety?
A: Campus security is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All residence halls are locked; only residents have access cards. Burlington, Vermont in general is a very safe town. The same is true of our campus, but we encourage people to be smart. All residence halls are hard-wired to the Burlington Fire Department, which is two minutes from campus.
http://www.champlain.edu/Public-Safety.html

Burlington, VT, USA
Phone: 802-860-2700 or 800-570-5858
Campus Safety & Security: 802-865-6465