Dear Vanderbilt families,

My name is Melissa Gresalfi, and I am the dean of residential colleges and residential education and dean of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt University. I am also a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. I have been a part of the Vanderbilt community for 13 years, joining as a professor in 2012, and I have been the dean since 2019. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Commodore community. 

Deadlines and Reminders

All month:

Move-In packages can be shipped to campus

Family Weekend registration is open

Aug. 6: Meeting link: Transfer Student Orientation Overview, noon–1 p.m. CT

Aug. 13: International Student Move-In

Aug. 15: Transfer Student Move-In

Aug. 31: Tuition/Vandy Plan Due

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Move-In Programming

The Move-In and orientation schedules for domestic and international transfer students are available. We hope to see you at the programming open to parents and families on Move-In Day!

- International Family Welcome Reception | Thursday, Aug. 14, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Wyatt Rotunda

- Transfer Parent and Family Reception | Friday, Aug. 15, 8-9 p.m. | Engineering and Science Building Lobby

- Transfer Student Orientation | Saturday, Aug. 16, 1–3:30 p.m. | Student Life Center Ballroom

- University Resources and Services Fair | Saturday, Aug. 16, 4–5:15 p.m. | The Commons Center, Second Floor

- Parents and Family Orientation and Reception | Saturday, Aug. 16, 5:30–8 p.m. | Langford Auditorium -This session will be livestreamed and recorded for those who wish to watch it virtually or at another time.

Summer webinar opportunities for students and their families

Transfer Student Orientation Overview | Aug. 6, noon–1 p.m. CT

Presented by Director of Upper-Division Engagement for Residential Colleges Roshaunda Ross-Orta. This webinar will be recorded.

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Volunteers needed for Family Weekend 2025

Joining us for Family Weekend? Volunteering with us is a fun way to get more involved in the Vanderbilt community and meet other families!

Volunteers help with check-in, greeting guests and more. Complete our volunteer sign-up form below, and we will reach out with more information.

Package Pickup on Move-In Day

Students will receive an email for each package received on campus before Move-In Day. Packages will be available for pickup at designated areas on campus. Packages that arrive on campus before Aug. 7 may be placed in students’ rooms before Move-In.

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Transfer Student Orientation

Transfer Student Orientation is designed to offer students a robust introduction to life at Vanderbilt, including information sessions and small-group discussions to help students navigate their academic program, campus resources, extracurricular activities and student life on Vanderbilt’s campus. Through orientation, they will also connect with Transfer Student Leaders (juniors and seniors who transferred to Vanderbilt themselves) and other incoming transfer students. Transfer Student Leaders will serve as a guide throughout students’ first semester at Vanderbilt.

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Transfer Connect

Transfer Connect is the student organization that oversees the 20+ Transfer Student Leaders. These leaders work collaboratively with International Orientation Leaders and student VUceptors to welcome new students to Vanderbilt each year. Moreover, the mission of Transfer Connect is to offer support, guidance and community to incoming transfer students throughout their transition to academic and student life at Vanderbilt. This mission is accomplished through the facilitation of transfer group meetings during Transfer Student Orientation and through ongoing social programming open to all transfer students.

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Dining

Student meal plans start on Aug. 13. The first few weeks of the fall semester will be a transition period for students and Campus Dining, and this may result in busier dining halls with longer wait times. This will improve as students settle into routines. Please encourage your student to use Campus Dining’s online platform, which lists hours and menus for all campus locations.

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