All you need to know about getting ready for Vanderbilt classes
All you need to know about getting ready for Vanderbilt classes
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Vanderbilt University
Commodore Connection | May 2023
Dear Vanderbilt families,
Welcome to Vanderbilt! Having been a part of the Vanderbilt community as a professor for more than 17 years, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on becoming members of our Commodore community. 
In my role as vice provost for undergraduate education, I oversee the educational experience for undergraduate students, and I coordinate with the four undergraduate schools and colleges in those efforts. My Office of Undergraduate Education also oversees experiential learning inside and outside of the classroom, including two of the cornerstones of a Vanderbilt education: residential colleges and Immersion Vanderbilt. As you begin your journey, I’d like to offer more insight into these key experiences that your student will enjoy.
If you’ve visited our campus recently, you may have noticed that we are building new residential colleges. We are deeply committed to the educational model of these living-learning communities, because we understand the positive impact they have on the student experience. In addition to the deep learning that occurs in the classroom, we also know that intellectual and social growth takes place when students, faculty and staff gather to share a meal, socialize over a game, discuss a book or study together in a shared space in the residential colleges. Core to these interactions is our commitment to freedom of expression and civil discourse. This year, we are launching new programming to teach students to engage in thoughtful and productive discussions from a place of curiosity and a desire to learn, rather than a place of polarization and a rush to uninformed judgment. This focus on civil discourse will encourage students to remain open to new ideas to bring forth deeper understandings.  
First-year students live in one of 10 houses on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, each house anchored by its unique identity. After the first year, students may apply to move to a residential college for their sophomore year and beyond. Led by faculty members who live on-site with their families, our residential colleges are designed to foster a mutually beneficial educational experience that allows students to pursue their goals within a supportive community. From the design of the physical spaces to the thoughtfully planned events and activities throughout the year, the residential colleges create environments for spontaneous and structured interactions among peers and mentors across campus.
We also believe in the positive effects of experiential learning. As a degree requirement, Immersion Vanderbilt gives every student the opportunity to indulge their intellectual curiosity through immersive experiences that are as creative and unique as the students themselves. Immersion Vanderbilt ensures that every student has the chance to integrate what they are learning inside the classroom with unique experiences that take them outside of the classroom, off campus or even around the globe. Guided by professional advisers and faculty mentors, students may explore an interest in the areas of research, community and civic engagement, professional development and engagement, innovation, design, creativity and study abroad. To learn more, please visit the Immersion Vanderbilt website.
The Office of Undergraduate Education also provides opportunities for fellowships, scholarships and community engagement, along with a wide range of academic services to our students. At Vanderbilt, we believe in a holistic approach to education, recognizing and celebrating students’ personal identities, caring for their well-being and encouraging their interests as we develop new programming and resources to support personal and academic success.
Again, welcome to the Vanderbilt family. We look forward to all that is to come for your student.
Sincerely, 
Tiffiny A. Tung
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in Social and Natural Sciences; Professor of Anthropology

Summer webinar opportunities for students and their families

There are a variety of webinars available this summer for new families and international students.
Welcome to the Vanderbilt Family | May 24, 6–7 p.m. CT 
Life on The Ingram Commons | July 19, 6–7 p.m. CT
Welcome International Students | May 31, 8–9 a.m. CT 
Preparing for International Student Orientation | July 12, 8–9 a.m. CT 
International Meet & Greet | July 26, 8–9 a.m. CT
Learn More and Register

Connect with residential colleges on Instagram

InforMAYtional Series  
Join the residential colleges staff throughout the month of May for key inforMAYtion that benefits all new students.
The More VU Know Series
Beginning this summer, residential colleges will share video shorts covering a variety of helpful topics. This series will continue throughout the school year and introduce students and families to offices, programs and resources on Vanderbilt’s campus.
Learn More

Welcome Website – Everything you need to know

Visit the Welcome website for incoming students to explore important dates, plan to-do lists, pre-arrival programs and so much more! In addition, your student will receive emails to their Vanderbilt email (VU Gmail) throughout the summer for important dates and information. 
The following messages have been sent to incoming matriculated students: 
Domestic First-Year Students: Planning Ahead
International First-Year Students: Planning Ahead 
Learn More

Families Supporting First-Generation Students Meet-up in English and Spanish
Thursday, June 8, 6–7 p.m. CT

We invite families who are supporting their first-generation student(s) to join us for a virtual meet-up. If your student is the first in your family to attend college, join this virtual gathering hosted by current VU parents and school counselors, Alonso and Lilia Ramirez. Learn tips and tricks to navigate the Vanderbilt University experience, ask questions and meet other incoming Vanderbilt families.
This meet-up will be offered both in Spanish and English.
Register Here/Regístrese Aquí

Academic resources 

There are many resources available on campus and within each school to help your student succeed. These include Tutoring Services, The Writing Studio, the Center for Student Wellbeing, the Career Center, Library Services and many more.  
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Academic advising 

Academic advising is offered through the school or college in which your student is enrolled. In late May or early June, students will receive a registration packet with detailed instructions about the registration process and academic advising. We strongly encourage you to allow your students to take ownership in this process as it sets the stage for their academic experience. 

Immersion Vanderbilt

Immersion Vanderbilt is a degree requirement for all Vanderbilt undergraduate students. Immersive experiences and culminating projects are as creative and unique as the students who pursue them. All students are supported by a faculty or staff adviser as they progress through their Vanderbilt Immersion journey. During your student’s first year at Vanderbilt, they will brainstorm and then start the planning process during their second year. 
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Registration open enrollment period (July 19–Sept. 5) 

The registration system opens July 19 so students can adjust their schedules. The last day to add/drop a class is Sept. 5. 
For additional information, please click on the appropriate college or school below.  

Student Accounts e-billing

Vanderbilt student billing notifications are sent electronically to the student’s Vanderbilt email account. Students are responsible for granting access to parents, guardians and other payers.
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Tuition payment options

VANDY Plan, available through Higher One, offers an interest-free monthly tuition payment option. The payment plan is available for a small enrollment fee and includes personal account service, automated account information 24 hours/day and access to your account through their website. Enrollment for the fall opens on May 1–Aug. 31. Payments can begin starting May 15.
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Textbooks

Ordering textbooks

Students can access their list of required textbooks through their YES account after registering for classes. The Vanderbilt Bookstore offers books in a variety of formats, from new and used to digital and custom books. Returns can be made during the first week of classes for any reason and during the drop/add period if your student drops a course.

Reasonable accommodations 

Vanderbilt University aims to provide an accessible educational experience for all students. Student Access provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who encounter barriers to their educational experience.
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Family Weekend

Join us for Family Weekend festivities on campus, Oct. 13–15! Your family is part of ours, and we want to celebrate that with you. Plan to arrive early, as many activities begin on that Friday. Registration will open this summer. We hope you will join us in Nashville for this special weekend to have fun and make memories!  
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Commodore Launch

Commodore Launch 

Be on the lookout for a Commodore Launch near you this summer! Commodore Launches are a decades-long tradition focused on welcoming incoming students and families to the Vanderbilt community. Join fellow students, families and alumni as we welcome our newest Commodores and launch their Vanderbilt experience. 
Learn More
Important Links headline

Parents and Family Programs
PMB 401627 | 2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 7240-1627
Parent Information Line: (877) 887 2736 | parents@vanderbilt.edu

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