Non-Degree Courses

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Summer Sessions at VLGS

Environmental Law Center Summer Session
The Environmental Law Center (ELC) assembles an exciting group of scholars, students, and distinguished visitors to study environmental law and policy during the most glorious time of year in northern New England.

In addition to VLGS students, our Summer Session is open to students from other schools and lifelong learners. We welcome students enrolled at other law schools and graduate institutions nationally and internationally, practicing attorneys, planners, state and federal agency personnel, upper-level undergraduate students (with the director’s permission), teachers, journalists, citizen advocates, and more.

Courses are taught by faculty from VLGS and other schools, international law scholars, leaders of non-profit advocacy groups, and private practitioners. Whether a student is interested in a specific area of study—such as energy law, international environmental law, water law, land use law, animal law, or agricultural law—or wishes to pursue a multidisciplinary approach, the summer program offers a wide array of options.

VLGS campus is located on the banks of the scenic White River in South Royalton, Vermont. Students enjoy world-class hiking, biking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding hills and mountains, while nearby towns like Montpelier, Burlington, and Woodstock feature fine dining, arts, and entertainment.

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Summer at the Center for Justice Reform
The Center for Justice Reform (CJR) is excited to welcome students, lawyers, professionals from across other disciplines, and interested community members to learn about restorative justice during our Summer Session.

Restorative justice invites a different approach to harm and conflict, one that focuses on healing and repair. While as complex and unique as truly every human, a restorative process is equally as flexible and adaptable across situations and systems. Its adaptability offers tremendous hope for overcoming broken relationships, harm caused, and adversarial systems, while building deeper connection and understanding in all communities, personal and professional.

The Summer Session is a time to explore your interest in restorative justice and is open to students from other graduate schools, nationally and internationally, as well as non-degree students and professionals. Whether you are focusing on core required classes, exploring an area of interest through an elective, or working toward a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice, our Summer Session offers a variety of options to meet your needs and interests.

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Graduate Certificate Offerings

Vermont Law and Graduate School currently offers Graduate Certificates in Restorative Justice (online), Animal Protection Policy (online, on campus, or hybrid), and Food and Agricultural Policy (online, on campus, or hybrid). To obtain a certificate, a student must earn a minimum of 9 credits through enrollment in at least three courses.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Essays as described below
• One (1) letter of recommendation (second recommendation is optional)
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• All applicants whose native language is not English and have not lived or studied in an English-speaking country for at least two years must submit TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo scores

Required Essay

• Goals Essay (500-word limit) – In essay format, describe the goals that are motivating you to pursue a graduate program. How do you think the skills and experience you will gain at Vermont Law and Graduate School will help you achieve these goals?

Optional Essays

• Optional Statement 1 (300-word limit) – Vermont Law and Graduate School’s motto is Law for the Community and the World. In what ways would you contribute to and/or support VLGS’s commitment to communities?
• Optional Statement 2 (300-word limit) – How have you tried to make a difference in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?

Letters of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required for certificate applications; a second recommendation is optional. It is preferred that the letter of recommendation be academic in nature. If an applicant has been out of school for a number of years, a professional letter of recommendation will be accepted.

Recommenders should upload their letter through the secure link they receive via email. This email is sent to recommenders after the applicant successfully submits the application form. Recommenders experiencing issues uploading their letter may email their letter directly to admiss@vermontlaw.edu. Letters received directly from applicants will not be accepted.

Transcripts

Vermont Law and Graduate School requires an official bachelor’s transcript to be on file before an admitted student can begin class. For the purposes of application review, unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Unofficial Transcript: A transcript is considered unofficial when:
  • the transcript is uploaded to the application portal
  • the transcript is sent by the applicant via email
  • the transcript is sent by the applicant via mail in an envelope that no longer contains the unbroken seal placed by the degree granting institution’s registrar
• Official Transcript: A transcript is considered official when it is received directly from the degree granting institution’s registrar or authorized third-party vendor (i.e. Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse) by email (preferred) or mail (in the original sealed envelope). Alternatively, an applicant is permitted to mail their transcript to the VLGS Office of Admissions if the transcript is in the original envelope sealed by the degree granting institution’s registrar.

Email (Preferred): admiss@vermontlaw.edu

Mail:
Office of Admissions
Vermont Law and Graduate School
164 Chelsea St.
South Royalton, Vermont 05068

*Offers of Admission extended to applicants whose bachelor’s degree has not yet been conferred are extended on a conditional basis, contingent upon the applicant successfully completing their bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, such applicants are required to arrange for an official transcript from the degree-granting institution to be sent to the VLGS Office of Admissions electronically or by mail. Official transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office prior to the first day of classes.

Direct any questions regarding transcripts to the Office of Admissions at admiss@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1239.

International Applicants

International certificate applicants will need to include the additional English proficiency requirements and transcript evaluations described on the VLGS international admissions page.

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Non-Degree Students

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers several options for students to experience our curriculum without enrolling in a degree program.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter of good standing/approval *required if taking courses for credit
• Transcripts from current, most recent, or undergraduate degrees *required if taking courses for credit

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Alumni Class Auditing

VLGS alumni are able to audit classes at a discounted rate. To learn more, please contact the Admissions Office or apply now.