More than 5,200 Vanderbilt parents and families gathered on campus to celebrate Family Weekend 2025. This year’s festivities, held Sept. 19–21, broke records by achieving the highest attendance ever recorded for the event.

Vanderbilt’s passion for thriving interdisciplinary research, teaching and mentoring across 11 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools—and numerous pathbreaking centers and institutes—makes Vanderbilt a dynamic home for more than 1,800 faculty members. Some of  Vanderbilt’s newest faculty members  explain what sparked their enthusiasm about making Vanderbilt their new academic home. 

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a milestone or just want to surprise your student, VandyCakes are the perfect way to share a sweet moment on campus. 

Ordering is available online for parents, friends and others outside of Vanderbilt at vu.edu/vandycakes—simply click “Order as Guest” to send a personalized cake to your student. 

Thursday, Nov. 13  

Join fellow Vanderbilt parents, alumni and friends on Thursday, Nov. 13, for the twelfth annual Vanderbilt University Networking Night, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the strength of the Vanderbilt network! Hosted in more than 35 Vanderbilt Chapter cities, this signature event is a prime opportunity to build meaningful connections, expand your professional and personal network, and actively engage with your local Commodore community. 

Details and registration information for each city will be provided soon.

Free flu shots are now available at the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center recommends that all students get an influenza vaccination this fall—getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. 

The best time to get the flu vaccine is September or October, before the spread of the virus begins. Encourage your student to stop by the Student Health Center for their free flu shot, with no appointment needed Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just bring a student ID. 

For more information, including influenza FAQs, visit vumc.org/student-health/influenza. 

Questions? Email studenthealth@vumc.org. 

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt University helps adults over 50 build friendships and community through stimulating intellectual and cultural noncredit courses, programs and trips. From memoir writing to the exploration of iconic movies, OLLI at Vanderbilt is offering an exciting lineup of fall courses. Registration for fall classes is open until Sept. 28. Classes will start on Oct. 2.  

Parents and families are invited to attend Vanderbilt Chapter and regional events. Come out and meet fellow Vanderbilt families, alumni and friends in your area.

Sept. 28: Charlotte, NC | Party in the Park at the Mint Museum 

Oct. 2: London, U.K. | London Chapter Happy Hour 

Oct. 4: Tuscaloosa, AL |  Vanderbilt at Alabama | Commodore Headquarters 

Oct. 28: Nashville, TN | Night at the Archives 

Nov. 1: Austin, TX |  Vanderbilt at Texas | Tailgate 

$11.25M gift will propel efforts in national security research and neurodiverse innovation

A visionary building for the future: Garland Hall opens its doors after transformative renovation, addition

Transformational $20 million gift elevates Center for Entrepreneurship

Provost’s Faculty Immersion Grant empowers student and faculty collaborations 

Parent and Family Programs

Academic Calendar

Athletics

Bookstore 

Career Center

Commodore Card

Give to Vanderbilt 

Housing and Residential Experience

Project Safe

Student Accounts

Student Health Center