August 28, 2025 Update
| by Colleen Norden
Here’s an update from Staff Council for the start of the academic year.
On Thursday, August 28, Middlebury announced that the MIIS graduate programs would be concluded in 2027. It will be a two-year phased process with the first round of position terminations in January 2026. This news impacts our MIIS colleagues and many of us here in Vermont as well, and we want to encourage all staff to be sensitive to what others might be going through as ramifications of this announcement become clearer. Staff Council has two MIIS-based representatives who will help us advocate for MIIS staff through this process.
Here in Vermont, we want to acknowledge an excellent summer full of programs, student experiences, and projects. Thank you to everyone involved in the VT big flip, New Student Orientation, and Move-In Day this coming Monday.
You can find also updates at go.middlebury.edu/staffcouncil.
Retirements and Transitions
Friday, 8/29 marks the end date for many VT staff who took the retirement incentive. We’re grateful for our colleagues who are retiring. For those who are filling in during this transition time, please reach out to your representative or staffcouncil@middlebury.edu with impacts so we can best represent you.
Backyard Party for Employees and Families (VT)
Saturday, September 6, 5-7 pm at 3 South Street. Ian and Wendy Baucom invite employees and their families to come as they are for live music, games, drinks, food, and good conversation. Rain location is the Mahaney Arts Center.
Apple Picking for Employees and Families (VT)
Saturday, September 13, 10:30 am-2 pm at Sunrise Orchard 1333 North Bingham Street, Cornwall VT. Employees and families can stop by the Middlebury HR table to grab a half-peck bag to fill and enjoy some cider and donuts. Rain date September 14.
Strength in Motion (VT)—Sign up now
Mondays and Thursdays, September 13 to November 15, 7-7:50 a.m. in the Peterson Athletics Complex. For employees new to strength training. Registration required by contacting Rebecca.Schubert@gmhec.org.
Employee Meal Plans (VT)—Sign up by 9/8
Sign up by September 8th to get the biggest discount on the employee meal plans (swipes and/or declining balance). See the August 18 email sent by Dan Detora for full details and a sign-up form. Choose from one of three plans:
- 10 dining hall meal swipes and $25 in declining balance for $110
- 25 dining hall meal swipes and $50 in declining balance for $235
- $225 in declining balance for $200.
Save the Date: Staff Council’s Fall Clothing Swap
Tuesday, October 28, 3-5:30 pm in the Axinn Winter Garden (text on the calendar here)
