I did it!

√ I finished the black book, have it printed out in, neatly in a box, in the pile of things in the office that must be packed for school.

√ I printed a large photograph of Dick Hathaway. Thanks to my husband who is helping me by picking it up from the vendor and getting it ready to ship to Vermont

√My culminating presentation is done


Now I have to get to the presentation for the TW Woods Gallery that I am presenting on Monday, October 30th.
Yesterday I judged a childrens art show, a yearly committment, but it took up half of my day. http//:www.cultureshapers.com

Then I guess I'll look at what is on the list after that. Just 4 days until I leave, I am sure I could use another day or two.
I took off of church this morning to get some more work done. Planning and teaching Sunday school was just too much for me to handle.

Breath... it is almost over.

You should see my office right now....

Trying to get through this black book my office is a mess. Piles of books and papers everywhere. Yet, here I am posting instead of working on it.

Finally- the second reader returned my black book.

I finally got my black book back from my second reader- 23 days after she received it. I should not complain. I think the thing to realize in the stress of culminating is that you can get that extension of 3 weeks. We all want to see something in our leather binders, but is it really worth the stress? I decided to work on it for one day and if I can get it done then I will proceed If not, I'll take the extension.

I have to say this, my second reader is a great proofreader. I am not sure if I should be happy or sad about that right now.

How to find forms?

Each student will be required to fill out different forms while at Vermont College. Most of these forms can be found on the Internet. If you would like to see them here is the process. Go to the Vermont College web site. http://www.tui.edu/, click on Current learners, click on undergraduate learners, click on Vermont College Undergraduate program. Here you will see,, Announcements, calendar, faculty staff, and yes forms, Click on Forms. Most forms are in both PDF and Microsoft Word. There are weekend forms but you are looking at cycle options. Preliminary study proposal (Form 439) is what you will use to put together something that must be turned in by Tuesday evening or before breakfast on Wednesday morning. After going through all of your exploratory meetings you will know how to narrow down your topic. Note this is where you have picked your top three advisors. Culminators usually get their top choice and everyone else is divided up. The cycle Option Study Plan (form 435) is something that you will fill out before residency is over. Please not that it asks for a preliminary bibliography.

When your semester is over you will fill out form Student Evaluation Form ( form 441). This really defines your study and lets the school know if you feel you achieved your goals. This will be signed by you and your advisor.

There are other forms like program and facility evaluations. Most of these are optional.

Once again I advise to have flash drive, these are little drives that are on necklaces and can hang around your neck. That way you can work on the forms in the library and download the information to your flash drive to save them. It will be a good place to put your bibliography as you work on it. They are cheap, running around 20. Even though I have my own computer I also use the flash drive. That way I can transfer things to print at the computer lab.

My nightmares- Hints for Future culminators

Last night I had a nightmare that I was trying to give a presentation and the chord was missing to the projector, or it did not go with my Mac setup. Perhaps it seeped into my subconscious and caused this nightmare/dream. I want to be sure the chord is long enough to reach from my computer to the projector so that I can stand in front of the room and see my screen, and the audience can see me. Calling the school tech department 802-828-8695, I spoke with Leandro. I have learned that the chord that they have is 6' not nearly long enough. I hope to purchase a 20' chord. By the way I also was told that Doris picks up the projectors and has them for the culminators. I’ll go to the computer lab and try this out before hand.

Contrary to my mother’s onions of me, I am a planner. I need to have everything worked out before hand. I have seen culminators put together their culminating presentation while at residency. That is just not me. Of course I have done quite a bit of public speaking. I feel comfortable with it. I just want to have my agenda together in advance. I think I like to sleep on it and mull it over. For those of you who are wondering about the details of a culminating presentation and some hints.

When you register for that last semester, for me it was about 3 weeks ago, Doris sends you a sheet and asks you to describe your presentation. This will be printed on the schedule that everyone receives when they arrive. You are also to pick some times that you would like to present and she asks is there is anyone that you don't want to be opposite when presenting? You will understand this question when you are at residency and your two favorite people or presentations are in opposite rooms at the same time!

I picked Saturday afternoon, just after the gallery opening. I don't know if I got that time slot, but I thought it would be appropriate to do it then—being it is an art presentation. I also will be doing it in the room next to the gallery. That way people don't have to leave the gallery and run across campus if they want to see the presentation. It may be a distraction as people have to walk through to get to the gallery, but that is fine with me.

HINT! I have seen numerous people scramble for projectors etc at the last minute. I did request the projector and screen and asked to be put in a spot where I could have everything up before hand, another one of those planning things. Many culminating speeches are booked right after something else in the same room. I like to spend time getting comfortable in the room that I will be speaking, if at all possible. Another reason to pick the Noble reading room, rarely does anyone use this room.

I do want to be sure all of the chords work, and that the presentation comes up on the screen before I begin my presentation. HINT! Anyone needing technical support will have to get it from either the tech guys at school, or most likely from other tech savvy students. Ignatius actually auctioned himself off last semester as tech guy for presenters. We will auction just about anything off at an auction! If Ignatius is at school he may be a good person to ask to help you, should you need it.

I’m ordering my chord now; maybe this will get out of my subconscious mind and leave my dreams to something else.

BLACK BOOK BLUES

I tried to get my black book in early. This is the way it happens. You write it, send it into your advisor and to a second reader. This seems strange to me anyway. Shouldn't a second reader read something after a first reader, but I digress.

By the way, you are not supposed to contact your second reader, this seems strange because my second reader was my instructor from last semester. I guess I have broken that rule and had my hand slapped.

I have 11 days until I leave and my second reader still has not finished the reading of my thesis. What can a student do? There does not appear to be much a student can do. Their seems to be no guidelines for second readers. For most people this might not bother them but I like to plan and stay ahead. I don't want to be working on changes on a black book while at school, though I have heard that the professors read these things during their lunch breaks at residency and can make changes up until the last day.

So does not having a black book done affect graduation? Technically no. You still go up and have your cap and gown and all of that stuff, but your little leather case is empty. Your diploma is sent to you in the mail. I am sorry, but that does not feel like graduation. ( see handbook page 27)

I guess this post is a little rant. Sorry. BE PREPARED FUTURE CULMINATORS!

Did you miss applying and want to get ahead?

If you want to get ahead in your education but have not enrolled, I strongly encourage you to look at taking CLEP tests. If you read my blog you will see that I have done this and I have a classmate that took several CLEP tests recently. My husband took a Spanish CLEP and received 12 credits. Easiest credit he ever received. I think Vermont College allows you to bring in up to 30 credits in CLEP. Do check with Doris or administration to be sure. To find out where to take a CLEP in your area go to http://www.CollegeBoard.com
FYI the phone number is 1800-257-9558.

On many of the test you only have to make a 50 to get the credit. To see recommended scores follow this link
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/scr_cgs.html

There are plenty of ways to study. I recommend you read my blog on my CLEPS. I have added links to resources.

I wondered what students with disabilities would do about testing? What if you were dyslexic or ADD and had a hard time with testing? I called the college board and found out that they do have guidelines for this. Go to the college board web site, click on clep tests, then on registration, then on information for candidates. Look on page three for accommodations for students with disabilities. They said much depends on each testing center, so I would call the testing centers in your area and ask them what their procedures are. I did this, and requested to be put in a room by myself so that I could talk out loud while taking the Analyzing and Interpreting Literature test. This really worked! Another facility sat me in a corner away from everyone and gave me headphones so that I would not have outside distractions.

This is a great way to get ahead if you are thinking of going to Vermont College, in fact most colleges. Just be sure your college will take CLEP tests.

Here is a check list of some things to do
1. Go to College board web site and find local testing centers in your area. You want open ones that let outsiders test.

2. Call them and get information like testing dates and other accommodations that you might need. Don't forget to ask them about the price. I believe most tests are under $100.00

3. Pick a test that you would like to study for and take. ( be sure you need this for your degree, for example don't take English if you are transferring in an English class) Set a goal and begin to study for that test.


Good Luck

How to get around.

Here is a map. It will come in your packet but until then here is one that I received and some information about the campus.Group pictures are taken on the steps of alumni hall.

To get downton you can go down east state street but I take the street that is next to dewey hall. There is a healthfood store in town. I'll try and get directions. Waling up college street to the left is a great walk. All walking off of campus is either up hill or downhill.

oh yes, everything you hand in, study things etc. are handed in at Frail house.

What to Expect?

Some more thoughts for newcomers

Your Schedule
Your schedule will feel grueling. There are many orientation meetings to attend. I can not think of one that I would even consider skipping. Don't skip the library orientation thinking that you have been to a library and know how to use their resources. I am still learning about resources that our library has. Unfortunately I won't have access to it as an Alumni, someone should change that rule. Introduce yourself to Larraby. She is the best librarian I have met and will be a godsend in your future research. SOMEONE GIVE HER A RAISE!

For the first part of your session there will be a few different type of meetings.

STUDY EXPLORATORY MEETINGS
You are expected to go to at least 3 meetings with 3 different professors. The list of professors will be posted on the bulletin board on the left hand side of the dorm building. This bulletin board will be something you look at quite a bit while at residency. Sign up for anyone you would like. My first semester I went to as many meetings as my schedule would allow. It was a great way for me to get to know the professors and students.

There will be 8-12 people in each of these meetings. Each will have a few minutes to talk about what they think they might like to study. This often changes between meetings, some people have different ideas that are best suited to different professors. The professor and some students will give you suggestions.

FACULTY LECTURES
Each faculty member has a lecture on a variety of different topics. Once again this is a good way to get to know the faculty as well as other students. I am always so impressed with my fellow students and their comments. Everyone seems so intellectual. I think it is because we are all so excited about what we learned or what we are learning.

RETURNING GROUP MEETINGS
Take a break. Newcomers don't have to go to these, though you are welcome to slip into them. Returning students talk about what they learned and present sometimes these meetings are closed. These Returning group presentations are posted on the board so you know who is presenting what. IF it says "closed" next to the persons name you can not attend. They are fun to see and you get to hear about how a study progresses.

CULMINATING PRESENTATIONS that is what we call those who are graduating
These will be listed in your schedule that you receive when you arrive. Each person that is graduating presents about he culminating semester. I'd like to extend a personal invitation to attend mine. It is impossible to attend all of these and often there is a schedule conflict. Some people present at the same time at different areas of the school.

Believe it or not by Tuesday evening you will know what you want to study and be handing in study forms with bibliographies. Wednesday is when everything changes. The culminators are graduating and so the atmosphere is charged. I often say culminators vibrate at a very high level.

Wednesday the professors get together and decide who works with whom. They will post this- on the bulletin board. I told you you would spend a lot of time at that bulletin board.

GRADUATION
You don't want to miss this. It is incredible! It is Wednesday evening.

Thursday the culminators are gone and the atmosphere changes one more time. You settle into your study groups, get to know each other and prepare to do this incredible thing that you have set out to do. FYI I try to go to the library and get at least one book. I fly in and on the way home I can pretty much read one book on my bibliography making me feel like I am already ahead of the game. Books are mailed back to the library when you are finished.

Saturday everyone is packing up to leave. People post on the bulletin board if they want to share rides to the airport.

OTHER MEETINGS
Registration- that happens Saturday morning. They will let you know if you owe and how to take care of things. You will also receive your student ID, great for getting discounts at the movies.

Picture- We try to take a group picture though not everyone remembers to come. You can purchase them for I think 7.00 at registration. They take checks and the picture is mailed to you.


Art show-There are other things that you attend during residency
There is an art show that opens on Saturday evening ( it is hung Saturday morning between registration and picture taking). Bring something to show if you like. It is open to all students.

Auction- There is an auction that used to be done by our beloved professor Dick Hathaway. I am doing a sculpture of him and you can read about the man at www.dickhathaway.blogspot.com . It is a fun thing to attend. Be sure to bring something for the auction, if you can.

Ragu is on Thursday evening- Kind of a coffee house type atmosphere. People read poetry, or their writings, their are performances, skits, we have had belly dancers and popping, a monk that performs rap, a man who dances with a banana and many more. Bring whatever you like and be sure to attend. It is a relaxing and fun time after the bustle of the first part of the week. Unfortunately the culminators will have left. I will miss ragu this year.

You may also have individual meetings with those in administration to help you plan your study. Other than that I think I have covered it all.

Sure helps me to know what to expect. Hope it helps you as well.

More questions about Vermont College

Here are some questions that others have asked me.

Question- Thanks for such a nice email. I'd love to have dinner with people on Thursday
evening. I'm going to be driving onto campus, do you know what the parking
situation is?
Answer- During the day you can park across from Dewey Hall, in the evenings there is parking across campus. I can show you that Thursday evening, or just ask security when you get your key.

Question- How many hours a week would you say you spend on school work? Is it possible to work
a 9-5 job M-F and manage school at the same time?
Answer- I think there is some calculation as to how much time you should spend. It is definitely talked about in orientation. Many people work a 9-5 job and some even have children, they seem to do it. I am sure you can as well. I have worked full time and am a full time student, plus I did lots of extras like CLEP and EXCEL. The great thing about Vermont College is that because you design your study it does not feel like "school work"” You are studying what motivates you. It is a great idea. Great question it was one of mine as well.

Question-The 20 books, what if you have no idea what you want to study?

Answer-Don'’t worry if you don'’t know. That is the beauty of the entire process. There is a saying at school "“Trust the process"” it is true, if you trust the process it works. You will know what you are supposed to study as you begin to talk to others and go to the exploratory meetings. It is also quite alright to go into an exploratory meeting and say, “I have know idea what to study.” Some people come prepared to study one thing and then change to something totally different.

Question-How do they go about forming the exact books for the bibliography?

Answer-When you begin to talk about your study in the exploratory meetings people may suggest books. Then you will spend time in the library or in the computer lab looking up things that pertain to your study. You can also look up black books. These are thesis that other Vermont College students have done. You might find some that go with your study and all come with bibliographies.

Welcome New VCU students!!!!!!!!

About 2-3 weeks before school begins I anxiously await a large envelope from Vermont College that comes in the mail. I have learned that everything in the envelope is pretty much the same from semester to semester. There is, however, the roster for the up and coming semester. I pull that out and begin to call every new person on the list. Then I e-mail them. WHY? Because I felt so alone after registering my first semester. I wanted someone to talk to. I also know of one person who got to the dorms and felt so strange, she turned around and left. She did eventually come backk and graduated.


Here is the e mail that I sent the newcomers.

WELCOME
This is an unofficial welcome to Vermont College. My name is Bridgette Mongeon and I will be one of your fellow students at Vermont College, at least for part of the week. I graduate on Wednesday.

Welcome dinner?
Just a note to welcome you to the group and see if there are any questions. I also want to invite you to come to Sadducees on Thursday evening. The food is great and prices start at about $6 or $8. We will probably leave around 5 or 6 to walk down there. If you can’t walk I am sure someone will have a car. Please let me know if you will be attending. I may need to make reservations for a big group. Sadducees is a tradition, and a great way for the newcomers and the old timers to get together and meet.

How to get to school?
If you fly in and want to share a cab call Doris Pierce, in the office. She often hooks people up to share rides. Her email is Doris.Pierce@tui.edu I will need to share a cab and I come in about 1:10 on Thursday so if you are coming in about that time e-mail me. The cost is about $70. So it is nice to spilt the cost. I have used Gabes taxi. 802-238-2723 http://www.gabestaxi.com/ and find they are wonderful. There are also cabs waiting outside of the airport.

Please note that the school information says you can take the bus, but from town to school is all uphill and very difficult to maneuver with suitcases. I would not recommend it.

What to do first?
Your information packet that you may or may not have received already says to use the phone inside the dorm to call security when you arrive at Dewey Hall. Security will give you your room key. The dorms feel lonely and abandoned at that time of the semester, but they will soon be bustling with excitement. When you get into the dorms or at least by Friday there will be white envelopes that will have your schedule and a roster. Feel free to look up my room number on the roster and put a post it on my door to say hi, or to ask questions. Typically they give me the same room and I am hoping I get it this time. It is on the first floor and down the hall from the office where you will be getting your key on the left hand side of the hall, about 3rd or 4th door from the window. I’ll put my name on the door.

(FYI, your white envelopes will also have a list of the teachers and their bio’s it is a great thing to read through. Your first exposure to them.)

You will love this experience. It is a great way to learn. The schedule is tight so please be prepared. I would suggest not rushing in on Friday, because once you start your schedule it does not stop until you leave. If you take vitamins, boost yourself up.
If ever you feel overwhelmed or confused, please feel free to find me and talk, at least until Wednesday. After graduation I will be leaving campus, but there will designate student advisor and they will let you know who they are at Round Robin on Friday evening. I’m not sure that is what they call them, but they are always there for the students, though I don't think the school does a great job of communicating exactly what they do. Round Robin is the only time we are all together as a student body, unless this changes, which we had hoped it would. It is also where you will first get to meet the instructors. One student referred to it as Harry Potters hat sorting. LOL

An Invite
I also want to invite you to my presentations.
I have a culminating presentation that will be on your schedule. I would love for you to come.

I will also be doing a separate presentation with the TW Woods Gallery downstairs in College Hall. It is scheduled for Monday at 7:00 p.m. They are two different presentations.

I have a blog about my experience at Vermont College you can find it at http://www.perpetuallearner.blogspot.com/

I began it in April of 2005 so if you want to see what to experience, then read forward from that date. Going back to the posts I found this one. I remember how lonely I felt not having anyone to talk to about the experience that I was about to go on. That is why I have made myself the unofficial welcome person, and started the blog. Here is the post.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Is there someone to talk to?

I wish Vermont College would give you some sort of way to talk with other students before arriving. A forum, or e-mail…. Something. I suppose I want to be inspired, ask question, and find things out.

When you begin to read the blog and see last semesters entry - Monday April 16th 2006 note the post about the first day. See the clock in the background in the picture of us waiting upstairs in the lobby? It says 10 minutes after midnight. I felt compelled to wait up for the last of the newcomers to arrive. I will be checking all of you off of my list on Thursday.

Now for some things to bring.
Someplace there is a list, I think they send it to you in your packet. I might have even added a list to my blog, if not I should. Here are a few things to note.
* They give you sheets but they are stiff
* You receive two towels, if you like more than that bring them with you.
* You have one blanket, but you can control your own heat in your room.
* There is no guarantee that there will be hangers in your closet, bring some.
* There is washer and dryer, but it takes quarters (you can get change in the library, if you remember) and you might want to bring a little detergent
* Bring a flash drive to download your documents
The dorms are supposed to be wireless, though I had a difficulty getting connected and had to work out in the hall. There is a computer lab and the library. Computer lab is open late and can be opened by security, but there is something about coming back to your room and kicking back and working in you pj’s.
I dress in layers because I find the heat indoors to be stifling. Everything is casual, unless you want to dress up for graduation.
The food downstairs is pretty good. Though the cafeteria hours are exact, and meetings often run late. I find keeping snacks in my room helpful. Ah, I can’t wait to get some of the Vermont Cheese!
there is a refrigerator and microwave on each floor
no glass cups are to be brought up from the cafeteria so if you like to have a cup of coffee or tea while you dress in the morning, best bring a cup to put it in. One friend brought a small pot with her.
bring flip flops to protect your feet while in the shower.
I share a humidifier with a friend because I find the heated air too dry, but we may be extreme.

If I think of anything more I’ll let you know.


Academics
The only required book I have ever seen is Hackers Writers reference. Your professors will let you know. Any book that has information on citations is helpful.
I often suggest for people to bring a list of books that you have been wanting to read or that have been on your shelf that you never have read. You will have to read 20 books each semester and will be required to put together a bibliography before Wednesday. Your books usually go with your study, but some people know what they want to study and it can’t hurt to have a list of books. While at school be sure to ask other students who have studied what you might want to study for a copy of their bibliography or if they can recommend a book. Your professors and others in the exploratory meetings may also recommend some. Keep notes!

I have lots of other suggestions on the blog if you read through it. Introduce yourself to Larraby at the library, she is really great and very helpful, ask her about Google Scholar! Also, when you get home, this website is great to get your citations correct http://citationmachine.net/.

Well I think I have given you enough information, but I am sure there is something that I am forgetting and if you are like me and just want to hear a human voice to know that all of this is real. If so give me a call.

It is a great experience, see you on Thursday!

Bridgette my phone number can be found on my website http://www.creativesculpture.com

Cap and gown

Yesterday I received an e-mail form the school about cap and gown. It must be happening. I found chris' , my daughter, cap and gown from her high school graduation in the attic and plan on using that. the tag says, "no dry cleaning or washing." I hope I can iron it. Very carefully.

Our fellow student who was supposed to be our MC at our graduation is no longer with Vermont College. I hope he is well. We will miss you Greg. Lack of communication between students is the thing I dislike about Vermont College. It is about the only thing that I dislike.


I finished my culminating presentation yesterday. Yes, there are a few tweaks to be done, but for all intended purposes that is one presentation down and one to go. Once again I am thankful I have two presentations. They are so very different. Now on to the TW Woods presentation.

26 DAYS UNTIL GRADUATION!