Vanderbilt Interest Project

The VIP program was established on the basis of a recommendation by the Upperclass Experience Committee appointed by the Provost Fall 2008. This initiative will permit groups of five to ten students to live together in Vanderbilt/Barnard Hall and study a topic of interest outside of the classroom while working with faculty or staff adviser of their choice. Groups are not restricted to one gender. Successful applicants will be expected to construct and participate in a year long planned, structured learning experience.

The goals of VIP include:

• topic exploration
• peer to peer learning
• faculty involvement
• individual and group reflection on experiences
• integration of those experiences into future research and action

We also expect VIPs to educate others in the campus community about the group's topic in a variety of ways throughout the academic year.

Successful applicants will participate in a fall orientation session, work with the faculty or staff adviser throughout the year, and participate in a weekly dining experience with the members of their project. Groups will also participate in VIP programs organized to benefit the projects and the campus as a whole and submit monthly progress reports to the Graduate Assistant Project Coordinators.

How To Apply

Applications will be available no later than January and are due in February (see application for specific deadline). Decisions will be made by late February. You can get a paper application by visiting the Office of Housing and Residential Education, or you can download a printable version here:

Vanderbilt Interest Project Application

How Participants are Selected

Each spring, a selection committee consisting of faculty members, staff from the Office of the Dean of Students, and student leaders representing Vanderbilt Student Government and Residential Education will review the application packets submitted by each group. Completed and thorough application packets will be evaluated by the committee and decisions will be made from the written materials. The Screening Committee may request to meet with applicants if clarification is needed regarding their project.

Questions & Assistance

If you have questions please contact Associate Director Traci R. Ray in the Office of Housing and Residential Education.