FAQs

Course Schedule

Module 1 – Setting up our learning process, introducing Just Transitions and Agroecology Transformations
Module 2 – Scales, levels, and processes of transition
Module 3 – Approaches and methodologies of transitions
Module 4 – Group Led Country Case Studies

Student Assignments and Assesment

  1. Participation in weekly meetings, contributing to the learning community: 20%
  2. Territorial Transitions Analysis Assignment: 25%
  3. Book Review – Handbooks for facilitating transitions: 25%
  4. Country Case Studies
  5. Present and lead class discussion (group): 15%
  6. Reflective essay (individual): 15%

What is the time commitment per week?

Workload for this course, including readings and assignments typically amounts to 6-8 hours per week.

Research and Citation Help

For help selecting research topics, finding information, citing sources, and more, ask a librarian. The UVM Libraries are eager to help. You may ask questions by phone, e-mail, chat, or text, or make an appointment for an individual consultation with a librarian.

Howe Library: https://library.uvm.edu/askhowe
Dana Medical Library: https://dana.uvm.edu/help/ask
Silver Special Collections Library: https://specialcollections.uvm.edu/help/ask

Course Evaluation

All students are expected to complete an evaluation of the course at its conclusion. Evaluations will be anonymous and confidential, and that the information gained, including constructive criticisms, will be used to improve the course.

General statement regarding potential changes during the semester

The University of Vermont reserves the right to make changes in the course offerings, mode of delivery, degree requirements, charges, regulations, and procedures contained herein as educational, financial, and health, safety, and welfare considerations require, or as necessary to be compliant with governmental, accreditation, or public health directives. http://catalogue.uvm.edu/

Our Online Learning Platforms

We will be using a combination of MS Teams for the course. All interactive elements of the course, including messaging and our class meetings, will take place on MS Teams. We will also use MS Teams to take collective class notes (to be explained in the first weeks) and as a space for learners to write and submit their assignments. The static content — namely the course material (readings, videos, etc.) will also be available in the filing system on MS teams.

If you need support on getting set up on these platforms, please reach out. During the course we encourage you to support each other in making the most of these platforms and in troubleshooting as problems arise.

Intellectual Property Statement/Prohibition on Sharing Academic Materials

Students are prohibited from publicly sharing or selling academic materials that they did not author (for example: class syllabus, outlines or class presentations authored by the professor, practice questions, text from the textbook or other copyrighted class materials, etc.); and students are prohibited from sharing assessments (for example homework or a take-home examination).  Violations will be handled under UVM’s Intellectual Property policy and Code of Academic Integrity.

Technical support for students

Students, please read this technology check list to make sure you are ready for classes: https://www.uvm.edu/it/kb/student-technology-resources/.

Students should contact the Helpline (802-656-2604) for support with technical issues.

Do you offer student learning accommodations?

If you are a non-credit student seeking accessibility support, please email access@uvm.edu and the UVM Student Accessibility Services team will be able to assist. In your email, please include that you do not have a 95 number/NetID. 

What is the cost to take course as a non-credit student?

The program fee for non-credit students is $750.

What is the payment policy for this program?

To reserve your seat, you have the option of paying in full by credit card, or by making a minimum payment of $500 at registration. Note that the balance must be paid two weeks prior to the start of this offering and you will receive email reminders if you have a balance due. We do not offer payment plans for this program.

What is the refund policy for these courses?

If you need to cancel your attendance for this course, you must notify us via email at noncredit@uvm.edu at least three business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. If a medical condition necessitates cancellation/withdrawal (documentation provided), this will be reviewed by our Studies Committee for any type of refund.

Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?

Students who successfully complete the requirements for this course will receive a digital badge through Credly signifying they have achieved completion.

Policies and Resources

Religious Holidays
Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. If you need to miss class to observe a religious holiday, please submit the dates of your absence to me in writing by the end of the second full week of classes. You will be permitted to make up work within a mutually agreed-upon time. https://www.uvm.edu/registrar/religious-holidays

Academic Integrity
The policy addresses plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, and cheating.
https://www.uvm.edu/policies/student/acadintegrity.pdf

Grade Appeals
If you would like to contest a grade, please follow the procedures outlined in this policy:
https://www.uvm.edu/policies/student/gradeappeals.pdf

Grading
For information on grading and GPA calculation, go to: https://www.uvm.edu/registrar/grades

Code of Student Conduct
http://www.uvm.edu/policies/student/studentcode.pdf

FERPA Rights Disclosure
The purpose of this policy is to communicate the rights of students regarding access to, and privacy of their student educational records as provided for in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
http://catalogue.uvm.edu/undergraduate/academicinfo/ferparightsdisclosure/

Promoting Health & Safety
The University of Vermont’s number one priority is to support a healthy and safe community:

Center for Health and Wellbeing
https://www.uvm.edu/health

Counseling & Psychiatry Services (CAPS)
Phone: (802) 656-3340

C.A.R.E.  
If you are concerned about a UVM community member or are concerned about a specific event, we encourage you to contact the Dean of Students Office (802-656-3380).  If you would like to remain anonymous, you can report your concerns online by visiting the Dean of Students website at https://www.uvm.edu/studentaffairs

Alcohol and Cannabis Statement
The Division of Student Affairs has offered the following optional statement on alcohol and cannabis use that faculty may choose to include, or modify for inclusion, in their syllabus or Blackboard site:

Statement on Alcohol and Cannabis in the Academic Environment
As a faculty member, I want you to get the most you can out of this course. You play a crucial role in your education and in your readiness to learn and fully engage with the course material. It is important to note that alcohol and cannabis have no place in an academic environment. They can seriously impair your ability to learn and retain information not only in the moment you may be using, but up to 48 hours or more afterwards. In addition, alcohol and cannabis can:

  • Cause issues with attention, memory and concentration
  • Negatively impact the quality of how information is processed and ultimately stored
  • Affect sleep patterns, which interferes with long-term memory formation

It is my expectation that you will do everything you can to optimize your learning and to fully participate in this course.