This time of year at Vanderbilt is always busy; students prepare for final exams and the end of the semester, seniors treasure their last moments of collegiate life while finalizing plans for the next phase of their adventures, faculty impart last bits of wisdom before transitioning to summer research and plans and many staff prepare for important end-of-year celebrations and continue to ensure that the university operates at the highest level possible.

In addition to the usual bustle, the university reached several pivotal milestones. On April 9, Daniel Diermeier was formally installed as Vanderbilt’s ninth chancellor during a ceremony held at Langford Auditorium, and later that day the Vanderbilt community celebrated on Alumni Lawn with food, music and games. I encourage you to watch the ceremony and read more about the investiture. Shortly before that, Vanderbilt launched a refreshed visual identity, unveiling new wordmarks and logos that reflect the university’s forward momentum. View our new branding guidelines and participate in the phased rollout by taking initial steps like updating your email signature and using new presentation templates. Explore all resources here.

As we look ahead to Commencement, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all that everyone in our division has done thus far in the academic year. I especially want to thank everyone who assists in ensuring that these key celebratory moments for the university, such as the investiture and Commencement, take shape and unfold smoothly. Your collaboration and dedication to excellence do not go unnoticed and truly exemplify the Vanderbilt Way.

Sincerely,

Eric Kopstain,
Vice Chancellor for Administration

IN FOCUS SESSIONS

Approximately twenty staff members attended the April DofA In Focus Session, which was held in person. James Moore, the university landscape architect, led the group on a private tour of Vanderbilt’s arboretum, highlighting the beautiful trees in the historic core of campus.

We are taking a break in May, and In Focus Sessions will resume on June 15. This session will feature a presentation on athletic concessions and the West End Tower, two new operations in auxiliary services. Visit the In Focus Sessions webpage to register for this session.

DofA In Focus Sessions will be held every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. and feature topics of interest within our division. Have suggestions for topics for future sessions or feedback you want to share? Email divisionofadministration@vanderbilt.edu.

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN SURVEY

To help Metro Nashville and the mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee better understand the climate mitigation strategies that are most important to you, please take the Climate Action Plan survey. Community feedback from this survey will help determine next steps to address climate change in Nashville. Learn more in MyVU.

TRANSLATION SERVICES

The Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA) facilitates translations for any student, staff or faculty who may require oral or written translation or interpretation services. EOA can provide live interpreters for interviews, presentations or meetings, video content captions in several languages and written translations for signs, pamphlets or other materials. Submit all requests through EOA’s online request form.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

HR Employee Learning and Engagement Events

Design Thinking, Upskilling, & Experimenting for Career Growth
- May 4, 2 to 4 p.m. (virtual)
- Learn more and register in MyVU
Thought Leader Series: ‘Do I Belong Here? Recognizing and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome’
- May 5, 11 a.m. to noon (virtual)
- Learn more and register in MyVU

Staff WAVE Council is seeking new members

The Staff Women’s Advancement and Equity Council works to foster an environment of equity, opportunity, fulfillment and empowerment for all women at Vanderbilt University.
Learn more and apply by May 7.

Business of VU Program

The program offers the Vanderbilt community an educational opportunity to learn about the business operations of the university and the higher education landscape.
Learn more and apply by June 6.

DOFA NEWS

I Am Vanderbilt: Krystal Clark

Vanderbilt launches ‘Future of Work’ to elevate university staff experience

Meet the K-9 teams of VUPS

Rand Farmer’s Market returns for 2022

I Am Vanderbilt: Emily Suttle

HR offers ‘Compliance Fundamentals: Manager Responsibilities at Vanderbilt’

Registration for New Leader Orientation now open

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

Health and Safety Protocols

Wellbeing Campus & Community Resources

University Staff Advisory Council

Past Division of Administration Newsletters