On the men’s team Doug Childs and Brad Drysdale were recognized for being named to the “All Conference Second Team”. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  You both deserved the recognition and honor.

The Plan, which was first offered for freshmen entering the Fall 2009 semester, holds the tuition constant for all four years for undergraduate students who earn acceptance to the college, continue as full-time students through four continuous years without interruption, remain in good academic standing, and postmark their deposit no later than May 1, 2010.

College of St. Joseph President Frank Miglorie described the Plan as yet another way the school has worked to make college affordable and accessible to more students, “We are already the most affordable private residential college in Vermont and one of the most affordable private colleges in all of New England, but the college administrators and members of the Board wanted to take the guesswork out of financial planning for college-bound students and their families as well during uncertain economic times.”

Miglorie went on to explain that many people have the misconception that a private college education is too expensive, but many private schools are actually very reasonably priced.  Beginning Fall 2010, the CSJ tuition will be $17,900 per year plus fees, room, and board.  Students qualifying for the Tuition Guarantee Plan would also be eligible for the full range of financial aid for which they qualify.

Only a handful of colleges nationwide, and no other Vermont college, have instituted such a tuition guarantee. Last year, 87% of College of St. Joseph students received need-based aid and more than half of 2009 incoming freshmen took advantage of the Tuition Guarantee Plan.

Miglorie also added, “Unfortunately, many students who were interested in the Tuition Guarantee Plan did not make their college decision until after the May 1 deadline, so they could not participate.  We are strongly encouraging students to accelerate their college selection process so they will not miss this opportunity.”

CSJ Dean of Admissions, Susan Englese, noted that last year’s recession increased concern for many families about college costs and out of necessity they have become savvy college consumers, “Parents are concerned not only about the cost for the freshman year, but also realize that costs at most schools increase significantly each year, making planning and budgeting difficult.”   Costs at private colleges across the United States have increased at an annual average rate of 6% and tuition rates at public institutions have increased more than 9% per year on average.

Board Chair Norman Lash described the CSJ Board of Trustee’s reasoning behind the Tuition Guarantee Plan, “Members of the Board recognized how such a plan could help students realize their college dreams in very difficult economic times.  We hope that families will take an extra look at CSJ as we offer an affordable and predictable solution to the high cost of college.”

For further information about the Tuition Guarantee Plan, contact the college via email at admissons@csj.edu, call (802) 776-5286, or write College of St. Joseph Admissions Office, 71 Clement Rd., Rutland, VT 05701.  The college accepts applications on a rolling basis, but in order to qualify for the Tuition Guarantee Plan, the completed application and deposit must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2010.

Vermonters can be part of history by filling out their census questionnaires

Census 2010 is coming! The 2010 Census questionnaire will be delivered or mailed to households across Vermont in March. You can make history by filling out and returning it as soon as you receive it. Watch for your questionnaire!  If you don’t return it, a census worker will have to visit your home to collect the information.

Every person living in the United States must be counted in the 2010 Census – including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Your participation is vital and helps to provide a new portrait of Vermont and the rest of America – illustrating our changing population and demographics.

2010 Census: Why It’s Important

• By completing and returning your census form you are performing an important civic duty while helping to better define the future – for you, your community and our state.
• Every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state and local governments based on census data.
• Census data guide local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child-care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.
• Census data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation. 
• Many businesses, social-services agencies and non-profit organizations use census data to make critical decisions that affect communities everywhere. 

Easy. Important. Safe.

Participating in the census is easy, important and safe. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in history and takes about 10 minutes to complete. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

[Name of organization] asks for your participation in 2010. Look for your 2010 Census form in March and return it upon receipt. Join us in helping to make our community a better place by participating in the 2010 Census.  For more information visit www.2010.census.gov or call Helen Simon at the U.S. Census Bureau in Williston, Vt., at (802) 264-0856.

Assistant to the President

President’s Office

College of St. Joseph

71 Clement Road

Rutland, VT 05701

or email: mwest@csj.edu

As the President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation, which is based in Middlebury Vermont, he provides the leadership of a statewide community foundation that manages over 500 philanthropic funds.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Comstock-Gay served as the Director of Demos, where he worked to reduce barriers to political participation.  During his career, he also worked as the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland.

A  Harvard University,  Kennedy School of Government graduate with a degree in Master of Public Administration, Mr. Comstock-Gay  has numerous publications in the areas of civic engagement, justice and peace, and community foundations on public policy.  He has also delivered a number of speeches and made presentations on the topics of election reform, campaign finance and community foundations and public policy.

The presentation, which featured a three-person panel of state officials, was intended as an opportunity for citizens to learn the “facts and the fiscal liabilities from the people that administer the laws passed by our elected representatives,” according to Jim Eckhardt of the RCPBC.

State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding spoke about retirement fund liabilities, Commissioner of Taxes Richard Westman talked about property tax issues, and Commissioner of Labor Patricia Moulton Powden spoke about the unemployment and worker’s compensation fund. The presentation was followed by an energetic question and answer session.

The event was free, nonpartisan, and open to the public. Dr. Frank Miglorie, CSJ president, served as moderator.

The faculty, staff, and trustees of College of St. Joseph are committed to the STEPS project on every level. College President, Dr. Frank Miglorie, who developed plans for the program said, “CSJ administrators, faculty, and I saw a clear connection between helping Vermont foster youth transition to higher education and the College’s mission.” Miglorie continued by saying, “Without CSJ taking a role in helping these young people, they might otherwise have little hope of pursuing a college education or developing a worthwhile career path. The STEPS program can truly make a difference in their lives.”

The College is grateful to the John Merck Fund for recognizing the importance of this program and for the philanthropic support they have provided to the STEPS program at College of St. Joseph. These funds, along with a challenge grant from the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation, the Vermont Country Store Foundation, and the Jane B. Cook 1983 Charitable Trust will help keep this important program thriving. The STEPS program at CSJ is the first of its kind in New England and the hope is, with its success, other states will recognize it as a model on which to base other programs to better serve the needs of foster youth throughout the nation.