Sharon Scott, staff member, told trustees on Aug. 25 that Vermont State University enrollment as of Aug. 20 was about 1.9% off the prior year. "Enrollment as of August 20 was about 1.9% off from the prior year," Scott said, adding that in‑state enrollment was slightly higher and out‑of‑state enrollment slightly lower.

Scott said national trends — including recent changes in international student visa policy — have affected the university and that it will take several weeks to understand the full impact. She said the shortfall will be a negative hit to the university's budget and that President Berg and his team are working to assess the current landscape and make appropriate adjustments.

Scott told trustees that the timing of the board retreat in November follows the Oct. 15 enrollment snapshot, which will allow staff to present a fuller enrollment and revenue pro forma for the fiscal year. She said current actions will include internal cost‑control measures and that staff anticipate possibly recommending use of funds that were set aside in January 2023 for a tuition change to address this year’s shortfall.

Trustee questions confirmed that the 1.9% figure applies to Vermont State University only; the community college enrollment cycle had not concluded at the time of the meeting. President Judy commented that her institution expected a "strong, fall" and that their semester starts after VTSU’s.

The committee received the update as informational; staff will return with more detailed enrollment and revenue figures following the Oct. 15 snapshot and ahead of the November retreat.