Dear Graduate School Community,
Over the past week, our community faced significant winter storms that disrupted routines and posed real challenges for many of our graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff. As we move forward, I encourage you to take advantage of the university resources available to support your academic progress, well-being, and day-to-day needs.
I am pleased to highlight the upcoming Career Colloquium, taking place Monday, February 16 - Friday, February 20. This week-long program offers opportunities to explore various career pathways and connect with alumni and professionals across academia and industry. Through keynote talks, panels, workshops, and networking events, you will gain valuable insight on translating your graduate training into meaningful careers.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to the 65 graduate students selected to participate in Write ON! Your selection reflects a strong commitment to strengthening your scholarly writing and communication skills.
We remain committed to supporting you at every stage of your graduate journey. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities.
Sincerely,
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C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
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| Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
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- February 22: Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Spring
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Spring Career Colloquium
Save the date and join us for our Spring Career Colloquium! See the schedule of events below:
- Keynote Speaker: Connecting Research to Policy: Monday, February 16, from 12 - 1 p.m. in Alumni Hall Reading Room (206)
- Harnessing your Strengths Toward Career Success: Tuesday, February 17, from 2 - 3 p.m. in Kissam C210 MPR
- Professional Headshots: Wednesday, February 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
- Putting Your Ph.D. to Work: Career Paths in Diverse Fields: Wednesday, February 18, from 12 - 1 p.m. in Alumni Hall Reading Room (206)
- Resume Drop-In Hours: Wednesday, February 18, from 2 - 3 p.m., in Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
- Innovation and Impact of VU Research: A PechaKucha Style Event: Thursday, February 19, from 4 - 5:30 p.m in Kissam Center MPR and Classroom
- Decoding your Story: Networking and Interviewing Success: Friday, February 20, from 4 - 6 p.m. in The Pub at Overcup Oak (Rand)
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Midweek Mixers!
- Wednesday, February 4, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100) featuring Baked on 8th!
- Tuesday, February 24, from 3 - 4 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge, featuring Bubble Love Boba!
- Tuesday, March 24, from 3 - 4 p.m. Midweek Mixer Comes to You featuring Baby Cakes Bakery! More information on locations to come.
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Collab & Connect: Research-Focused Speed Friending
Join us on Monday, February 23, from 4 - 5 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100) to meet with potential collaborators, discuss your research, and brainstorm interdisciplinary project ideas! Snacks will be provided. Register today!
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Free Tax Workshop with Dr. Emily Roberts
The Graduate School and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, supported by the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training, are offering three tax return preparation workshops for the 2025 tax year with Dr. Emily Roberts of Personal Finance for PhDs.
How to Complete Your Grad Student or Postdoc Tax Return (and Understand It, Too!) is offered in three tailored versions for:
- Graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or residents for tax purposes
- Postdoc non-employees (scholars, trainees, or research fellow trainees) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or residents for tax purposes
- Graduate students and postdocs who are nonresidents or international students in the U.S.
After registering, you’ll receive login details by email and gain access to pre-recorded modules, worksheets, and Q&A opportunities. Registration is limited to the first 250 participants. Questions about accessing the workshops may be directed to Annie Eyre, Deputy Director of Operations in the Graduate School. Questions regarding workshop content may be directed here.
*Disclaimer: These workshops are for educational purposes only and do not constitute individual tax or legal advice. Participants should consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to their situation.*
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Follow A Dore: Student Instagram Feature!
Our student features are back with a new name: Follow a Dore! This series highlights the many paths, passions, and perspectives of Vanderbilt graduate students. Students will be featured on our Instagram, sharing their research, routines, and real-life moments. Interested? Sign up today to participate! Features will begin this month.
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Graduate and Postdoc Career Success (GPCS) Program
- Drop-In Sessions: Weekly drop-in hours: virtual on Mondays from 10 - 11 a.m. and in-person on Wednesdays from 2 - 3 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100). Check Handshake for Zoom links.
- One-on-One Consultations: Book personalized sessions with Dr. Keeton via Handshake.
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Upcoming Event:
- Save the date for the Virtual Career Expo: co-sponsored by the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program and the Vanderbilt Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Success (GPCS) program on Wednesday, March 4, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) Program
Co-Working Space for Graduate Students and Postdocs: GPAS will host a co-working space every Thursday until April 23, from 1 - 3 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100). Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided! *Please note: Co-Working Space will not take place on Thursday, February 19*
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Catalyzing Advocacy in Science & Engineering (CASE) Workshop
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will host the CASE Workshop in Washington, D.C., April 12 - 15, for students in STEM and social science disciplines. The workshop introduces participants to science policy, the structure of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations process, and effective science communication and civic engagement through interactive seminars.
Sponsored by the Graduate School, the BRET ASPIRE program, and the Office of Federal Relations, up to four Vanderbilt Graduate School students will be selected to attend. More details and the application link are forthcoming.
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| Vanderbilt Community Events
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2026 Black History Month Events
Join the Black Cultural Center and campus partners for a month filled with events for Black History Month, including the inaugural Black Futures Symposium, Buy Black Vandy, 2026 Murray Lecture, and more. Visit the Black History Month webpage for the full calendar!
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Vanderbilt’s Global Health Alliance Global Health Symposium
Vanderbilt’s Global Health Alliance is hosting its annual Global Health Symposium on Tuesday, April 7, from 4 - 6 p.m. in Alumni Hall Memorial Room (202). This year’s event will celebrate 20 years of impact and showcase innovative research and initiatives in global health. All Vanderbilt students are encouraged to submit abstracts related to global health, due by Monday, February 23.
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The Annual Student Care Network Wellbeing Fair
Save the date for the Student Care Network's Wellbeing Fair on Wednesday, March 25, from 12:30 - 3 p.m. on Alumni Lawn. This year’s retro-inspired theme, Back to Balance, encourages students to pause, reflect, and reconnect with simple, time-honored practices that support wellbeing through moments of presence, play, creativity, and connection.
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Off-Campus Housing Resources Office Hours & Events
- Join Kayla Austin, Program Manager for Housing and Relocation, every first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall Lounge (100) for information on off-campus housing.
Upcoming Webinars:
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The James Lawson Institute Events
- 3rd Annual Sports & Activism Symposium (Virtual): Wednesday, February 11, from 12 - 3 p.m. - This virtual symposium explores the intersection of sports and activism. Panels address the legacy of Dr. Harry Edwards, sportswashing, and race, gender, and economics in college athletics.
- Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. Memoir Book Launch (In Person): Wednesday, February 18, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Woolworth Theatre - Celebrate the release of Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s memoir with musical performances, conversation with Judge John Lawson and co-author Emily Yellin, and reflections on Lawson’s enduring legacy of nonviolence and justice. The first 200 attendees will receive a free copy of the memoir.
- We Live Here: Community Power and the Struggle for Environmental Justice (in-person): Tuesday, February 24, from 4 - 5:30p.m. at Vanderbilt Divinity School Room 124 - A conversation on environmental racism and community-led resistance in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley featuring Sharon and Shamyra Lavigne of RISE St. James, highlighting grassroots organizing and the fight for health equity and dignity.
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Point of VU Film Festival
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Center for Social Ventures Annual Summit
- Hult Prize Competition
Join the Hult Prize competition on Saturday, February 14, from 12:30 - 4 p.m. at Owen Graduate School of Management, Room 110. The Hult Prize Competition is the world’s largest student startup challenge, and students can compete for a chance to win! Register today!
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9th Annual First-Generation Graduate and Professional Student Symposium
- Registration is now open for the 9th Annual First-Generation Graduate and Professional Student Symposium, which will take place on Friday, February 20. Registration will close on Monday, February 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
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The Writing Studio
- The Writing Studio offers weekly writing groups for graduate students and postdocs during the on Tuesdays from 2 - 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. To join, complete the registration form.
- Spring Writer's Retreat The Writing Studio’s annual Dissertation Writers’ Retreat series provides dissertating graduate students with time to work individually in a quiet, collegial atmosphere. Learn more.
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BRET: ASPIRE Program Events
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Creative Writing Vanderbilt
Reading Series
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English Language Center Individual Language Coaching
- The English Language Center (ELC) offers cost-free EAP courses and Individual Language Coaching for VU students, faculty, staff, and scholars. Registration is open and space is limited.
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The First-Generation, Low-Income Group Book Club
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Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Info Session and Q&A with the Fellowships Team
- A representative from Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Stanford’s flagship fellowship supporting postgraduate study, will visit campus on Monday, February 2 at 6 p.m. in Buttrick 102 for a Q&A info session.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program funds up to three years of graduate or professional study at Stanford, with a focus on interdisciplinary education, leadership development, and an inclusive global community.
Interested students and alumni may also request 1:1 or small-group chats with the KHS representative Monday afternoon from 4:20 - 5:40 p.m. in Vanderbilt Career Center (SLC 220). For more infomation, contact the fellowships team.
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| Apply for Funding/Fellowships
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