Community Messages

March 3, 2021: Staff Return to Campus Update

Mar. 3, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard update The COVID-19 asymptomatic positivity rate for the week of Feb. 21–27 is 0.41 percent. This is a slight uptick from previous weeks, and we strongly encourage the Vanderbilt community to remain vigilant in following protocols. We continue to conduct contact tracing with each case to determine close contacts and monitor areas...

March 3, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

March 3, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

March 3, 2021 – Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

March 3, 2021 – Undergraduate student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 24, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update

Feb. 24, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard update The COVID-19 testing center at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center has reopened and is fully operational. Due to the inclement weather, the testing center was closed Feb. 15-20; thus, a lower volume of asymptomatic testing was conducted last week. As a result, asymptomatic testing data for the prior...

Feb. 24, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

Feb. 24, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Feb. 24, 2021 – Graduate and professional Return to Campus Update

Feb. 24, 2021 – Undergraduate Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard update Over the past week (Feb. 7-13), the asymptomatic positive rate was low—0.22 percent. We applaud your efforts to follow health and safety protocols during the early weeks of the spring semester and beyond. Keep up the excellent work, especially in your interactions off campus. The dashboard will be updated every Wednesday. ...

Feb. 17, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021 – Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021 – Undergraduate Return to Campus Update

Feb. 17, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard update Over the past week (Feb. 7-13), the asymptomatic positive rate was low—0.22 percent. We applaud your efforts to follow health and safety protocols through the Commodores Care period and beyond. Keep up the excellent work, especially in your interactions off campus. The dashboard will be updated every Wednesday. Each week’s numbers...

Feb. 10, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update

Feb. 10, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard: Regular testing program begins This week’s spring COVID-19 public dashboard reflects the start of our regular testing program. Over the past week, the asymptomatic positive rate was low—0.25 percent for the total population enrolled in the testing program. Let’s keep up the good work and be especially diligent in observing safety and...

Feb. 10, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

Feb. 10, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Feb. 10, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard: Regular testing program begins This week’s spring COVID-19 public dashboard reflects the start of our regular testing program. Over the past week, the asymptomatic positive rate was low—0.25 percent. Let’s keep up the good work and be especially diligent in observing safety and physical distancing protocols when participating in off-campus activities. The...

Feb. 10, 2021 – Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 10, 2021—Recreation Center hosts club sports, intramurals, fitness challenges for spring The David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center is offering limited outdoor programming for the spring semester for undergraduate, graduate and professional students participating in in-person classes, informed by guidance from public health officials and experts at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Club sports teams will...

Feb. 10, 2021 – Undergraduate student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 3, 2021- Faculty Return to Campus Update

Feb. 3, 2021—COVID-19 public dashboard launches today The spring COVID-19 public dashboard has launched and includes the results of our arrival testing program for students from Jan. 10 to Jan. 30, 2021. Dashboard will be updated every Wednesday. Each week’s numbers will include tests and results from Sunday to Saturday of the previous week. COVID-19 testing app...

Feb. 3, 2021- Staff Return to Campus Update

Feb. 3, 2021- Undergraduate student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 3, 2021—COVID-19 testing app now available The free Safer Community app is now available for download. While it is not required, we recommend using it for a quicker check-in process at the Testing Center. Expedites testing center check-in and viewing of test results. Use your Vanderbilt email address when registering. You will be guided to the...

Feb. 3, 2021- Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

Feb. 3, 2021—COVID-19 testing app now available The free Safer Community app is now available for download. While it is not required, we recommend using it for a quicker check-in process. It will expedite testing center check-in and viewing of test results. Use your Vanderbilt email address when registering. You will be guided to the university’s single...

Feb. 3, 2021- Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021—As we begin another semester, we want to keep you informed of important changes, new offerings and other information to help you have a successful spring. Lessons learned from the fall semester In her Open Dore newsletter, Provost Susan R. Wente shared lessons learned from the fall semester that we will carry forward as a...

Jan. 27, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021—As we begin another semester, we want to share the most relevant and recent updates with you to keep you informed of important changes, new offerings and other information to help you have a successful spring. Lessons learned from the fall semester In her Open Dore newsletter, Provost Wente shared lessons learned from the fall...

Jan. 27, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021 – Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021—Welcome back to campus! As we begin another semester, we want to keep you informed of important changes, new offerings and other information to help you have a successful spring. Lessons learned from the fall semester In her Open Dore newsletter, Provost Susan R. Wente shared lessons learned from the fall semester that we will...

Jan. 27, 2021 – Undergraduate student Return to Campus Update

Jan. 27, 2021—Welcome back to campus! As we begin another semester, we want to keep you informed of important changes, new offerings and other information to help you have a successful spring. Important reminders about the Commodores Care period You received an email from the dean of students on Saturday alerting you to a cluster outbreak of...

Jan. 27, 2021 – Class of 2020 Commencement Update

Jan. 27, 2021—Dear 2020 graduates and families, Your class demonstrated tremendous resilience as you faced unique disappointments, positively adapted to new challenges and entered the professional world in a time like no other in our society. We hope you are continuing to draw from the enduring skills and supportive community you built here. We are all looking...

Jan. 27, 2021 – Class of 2021 Commencement Update

Jan. 27, 2021—Dear Class of 2021 students and families, You have embarked on one of the most special semesters of your academic careers—and your last as a class at Vanderbilt. Your final year coincided with a historic time around the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives in unprecedented ways. You have demonstrated tremendous resilience, creativity...

Jan. 23, 2021 – Cluster outbreak due to shelter-in-place violation

Jan. 23, 2021—Dear undergraduate students, Based upon the results of rapid-cycle testing and contact tracing, we identified a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases linked to students who did not follow the arrival shelter-in-place rules. As a consequence, the university has required all members of two student organizations, except those who have not yet traveled back to Nashville...

Jan. 20, 2021 – Undergraduate student Return to Campus Update

Jan. 20, 2021—We look forward to welcoming you back to campus! We are working hard, getting ready to help you have as healthy and safe a semester as possible. We recognize the challenges and struggles you are continuing to face in a time full of unknowns. As we near the one-year mark since the pandemic began, we...

Jan. 20, 2021 – Faculty Return to Campus Update

Jan. 20, 2021—As we prepare to welcome students back to campus for the spring semester, we want to share some updates and reminders about our plans to bolster community safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In response to requests, we are streamlining our Return to Campus Update messages. This message is specifically curated for information that is most...

Jan. 20, 2021 – Graduate and professional student Return to Campus Update

Jan. 20, 2021—Many of you may have returned to campus already, or even remained in Nashville over the winter break. We hope you had time to rest and recharge before returning to campus for the new year and spring semester. We want to share updates and reminders about our spring semester plans to support our community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In recent...

Jan. 20, 2021 – Postdoc Return to Campus Update

Jan. 20, 2021—As we prepare to welcome more members of our community back to campus for the spring semester, we want to share some updates and reminders about our plans to support our community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, new infection rates were rising sharply in Nashville and across the U.S. There is hope on the...

Jan. 20, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update

Jan. 20, 2021—As we prepare to welcome more students back to campus for the spring semester in the coming days, we want to share some updates and reminders about our plans to continue supporting our community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, new infection rates were rising sharply in Nashville and across the U.S. There is hope on the horizon, though,...

Jan. 11, 2021 -Virtual town hall Jan. 13; spring semester updates

Jan. 11, 2021—Dear undergraduate students, We look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon for the spring semester. We are writing today to invite you and your families to attend a virtual town hall on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. Central time, where we will share important details about the spring semester. The town hall will cover several topics, including what you...

Jan. 8, 2021 – Your Spring Semester Arrival, Launch of Commodores Care

Jan. 8, 2021—Dear undergraduate students, As we prepare for another semester, I think back to all that was accomplished last fall. It was difficult and we faced many challenges, but you were resilient and you persevered. Though we still have a way to go, progress is being made to eradicate the virus that causes COVID-19. As we...

Jan. 7, 2021 – Update on COVID-19 vaccines

Jan. 7, 2021—Dear members of the Vanderbilt community, Yesterday’s horrific assault on the U.S. Capitol and on our democracy continues to send shock waves across our country and around the world. These deeply disturbing events are in stark contrast to the progress and much-needed hope many of us are feeling this new year with the rollout of new vaccines designed...

Dec. 15, 2020 – Staff: An update on our spring semester COVID-19 testing

Dec. 15, 2020—Dear colleagues, We want to thank you again for a successful fall semester—one that could not have happened without your willingness to follow health and safety protocols and your dedicated support of our mission. Your voluntary participation in our rigorous testing program, as well as physical distancing, mask wearing, following our gatherings policy, washing hands...

Dec. 15, 2020 – Graduate and professional students: An update on our spring semester COVID-19 testing

Dec. 15, 2020—Dear graduate and professional students, We want to thank you again for a successful fall semester—one that could not have happened without your willingness to follow health and safety protocols. Your participation in our rigorous testing program, as well as physical distancing, mask wearing, following our gatherings policy, washing hands and more helped us slow...

Dec. 15, 2020 – Undergraduate students: an update on our spring semester COVID-19 testing

Dec. 15, 2020—Dear undergraduate students, We want to thank you again for a successful fall semester—one that could not have happened without your willingness to follow health and safety protocols. Your participation in our rigorous testing program, as well as physical distancing, mask wearing, following our gatherings policy, washing hands and more helped us slow the spread...

Dec. 15, 2020 – Postdocs: An update on our spring semester COVID-19 testing

Dec. 15, 2020 – Faculty: an update on our spring semester COVID-19 testing

Dec. 15, 2020—Dear colleagues, We want to thank you again for a successful fall semester—one that could not have happened without your willingness to follow health and safety protocols and your dedication to continuing the meaningful education of our students. Your voluntary participation in our rigorous testing program, as well as physical distancing, mask wearing, following our...

Dec. 4, 2020 – An update on spring reading days

Dec. 4, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, As we near the end of a semester like no other in Vanderbilt’s history, we could not be prouder of our students’ persistence, creativity and strength. In the classroom and beyond—and whether engaging remotely or in person—you have each stepped up to the challenges of this extraordinary time. Looking ahead to the...

Nov. 20, 2020 – Updates to gathering size requirements effective Monday

Nov. 20, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, Nashville officials announced yesterday that the city would not allow gatherings of more than eight people in both public and private settings starting Monday, Nov. 23. We are writing to share that we will be updating our university protocols to limit gatherings to eight people starting Monday, when the city’s new order goes...

Nov. 16, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Nov. 16, 2020—It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, the university embarked on the challenge of bringing in-person research, scholarship and residential education back to life during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic continues, we have shown as a campus community that in-person discovery and learning not only are possible, but also can...

Nov. 9, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Nov. 9, 2020—We have had an exciting couple of weeks, with activities across campus bringing our community together in new ways, and we have much to look forward to in the days ahead to finish the semester strong with classes and activities. Many also are making personal plans for our annual Thanksgiving week academic break. This is...

Nov. 7, 2020 – Increase in positive cases/a reminder about gatherings

Nov. 7, 2020—Dear students, We are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases due to election-related gatherings where there was a lack of mask-wearing and physical distancing. As you continue discussions regarding the election, please be sure to follow the university’s gathering policies – no gatherings in residence hall rooms, no gatherings over 10 people, and proper mask-wearing...

Nov. 6, 2020 – Spring semester return to campus update

Nov. 6, 2020—Dear students, We wanted to share some information with you as you think about your return to campus for the spring semester. We recognize this is an extraordinarily stressful time and are committed to providing you with information to help you make plans as soon as it is possible to do so. While the situation...

Nov. 5, 2020 – COVID-19 Travel Reminders

Nov. 5, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Students, As we approach the end of the semester, I wanted to share some reminders as some of you think about your departure from campus later this month. We are just over two weeks away from the last day of in-person classes on Friday, Nov. 20. It is extremely important that during this...

Nov. 2, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Nov. 2, 2020—The Vanderbilt community continues to Anchor Down and Step Up to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In a letter sent on Friday, Provost Wente thanked undergraduate students for how seriously they are working to help one another and the entire Vanderbilt community. As shown on the university’s public dashboard updated this morning, the undergraduate students’ efforts...

Oct. 30, 2020 – Staying strong as we head into Halloween

Oct. 31, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, Last week, I shared with you the troubling news that we had seen a rise in COVID-19 cases among our undergraduate students. I sincerely appreciate how seriously you are working to help one another and our Vanderbilt community. I write today to let you know that we are seeing some progress in...

Oct. 29, 2020 – Exercise your right to vote

Oct. 29, 2020—Dear Students, As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 3, I wanted to join Chancellor Diermeier and Vanderbilt’s “Let’s Vote” project in encouraging every eligible member in our community to exercise your right to vote – and to do so as safely as possible. Voter participation in Tennessee, and across the nation, has declined precipitously in...

Oct. 26, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Oct. 26, 2020—Stay strong to stay together. This message is more important than ever as the end of in-person classes on Nov. 20 approaches. The Vanderbilt community has made a huge effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we are seeing worrying signs that our resolve is slackening, particularly among undergraduate students. We must continue to stay...

Oct. 23, 2020: URGENT: Increase in student positive cases

Oct. 23, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, Since Wednesday, we have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases among students, primarily due to informal social interactions, especially in the past week and last weekend. This rise includes both on-campus and off-campus students. We expect to see continued increased numbers over the next three to five days due to close contact...

Oct. 19, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Oct. 19, 2020—For the first time in months, Nashville has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 positive cases, beginning on Oct. 4. Public health officials are concerned that Nashville is in a position similar to the one it faced in mid-June, just before a surge that led to the city’s highest levels of positive cases. The university...

Oct. 12, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Oct. 12, 2020—As announced to the campus community last Wednesday, Vanderbilt will continue to offer in-person, on-campus classes—governed by current safety protocols—during the 2021 spring semester. The requirements for requesting remote study via virtual/alternative platforms in the spring semester also have been released on the Return to Campus website. The academic calendar for the spring semester was...

Oct. 10, 2020 – Information about on-campus housing during the winter break

Oct. 10, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, We understand there is some confusion regarding prior communications and want to further clarify the on-campus housing options during the winter break. As announced in June, in order to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and forecasts regarding the winter flu season, we must close housing on November 22, after which undergraduate in-person classes and...

Oct. 8, 2020 – On-campus housing for winter break

Oct. 8, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, We have received questions regarding the university’s plans to accommodate students who will need to remain on campus after the university closes on Nov. 22 for winter break. Please know the university always supports residential students with demonstrated financial need. We will provide support through our normal mechanisms (financial aid, waivers, hardship...

Oct. 7, 2020 – Our Plan for the Spring Semester (Faculty and Postdocs)

Oct. 7, 2020—Dear faculty colleagues, We are writing today to share the university’s plans for the spring semester academic calendar. Based on the consultative process across the schools and colleges, we will continue to offer in-person, on-campus classes, as well as a remote study option through virtual/alternative platforms, as we have done this fall semester, governed by our...

Oct. 7, 2020 – Our Plan for the Spring Semester (Staff)

Oct. 7, 2020—Dear colleagues, At the beginning of the academic year, we asked all members of the Vanderbilt community to work diligently to protect one another’s safety, to uphold Vanderbilt’s mission, and to keep the long-term view in mind. We asked everyone to Anchor Down, Step Up and put the well-being of our community first. With determination,...

Oct. 7, 2020 – Our Plan for the Spring Semester (Graduate and Professional Students)

Oct. 7, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students, At the beginning of the academic year, we asked all students—whether studying on campus or remotely—to work diligently to protect one another’s safety, to uphold Vanderbilt’s mission, and to keep the long-term view in mind. We asked you to Anchor Down, Step Up, and put the Vanderbilt community first. And you have...

Oct. 7, 2020 – Our Plan for the Spring Semester (Undergraduate Students and Families)

Oct. 7, 2020—UPDATE: All undergraduate students will automatically be defaulted to in-person learning for the spring semester. UPDATE: University housing for the fall semester will close on November 22. Various categories of students, such as student-athletes in competition, international students, homeless students and Peabody College students pursuing teaching licensure, may apply to remain in housing over the break by applying...

Oct. 5, 2020 – Update on Vault testing notifications

Oct. 5, 2020—On Saturday, Sept. 26, a small number of Vanderbilt community members were notified that their COVID-19 test results had been adjusted, changing their positive test result to negative. Vault, the company administering the university’s testing program, determined an isolated error affected this particular group of tests. Per Vault’s protocols, the test data had been flagged...

Oct. 5, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Oct. 5, 2020—We have reached the halfway point of the semester. The hardest work, both academically and personally, of this fall is now ahead of us. We have had so many successes to celebrate thus far, but we also know there are issues to address to ensure the rest of the semester continues successfully and that our plans for...

Oct. 2, 2020 – READ: Critical COVID-19 update for students

Oct. 3, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Students, We have reached the halfway point of the semester. The hardest work, both academically and personally, of this fall is now ahead of us. We have had so many successes to celebrate thus far, but we also know there are gaps to address to ensure the rest of the semester continues successfully...

Oct. 1, 2020 – Vanderbilt Phase 2+ of Return to Campus Plan remains in place as Nashville moves to Phase 3

Oct. 1, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, Thank you for the resilience, determination and personal responsibility you have shown in adhering to Vanderbilt’s COVID-19 protocols throughout the fall semester. Our efforts are working, but we must be steadfast and commit to continuing to follow the practices we set forth to protect the most vulnerable and prevent the spread in...

Sept. 28, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Sep. 28, 2020—Fall is officially here. While the weather and scenery are changing, the university’s policies and guidelines currently in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 will stay the same. The university will remain in Phase 2+ of the Vanderbilt Return to Campus Plan as the city of Nashville plans to transition to phase 3 of its...

Sept. 23 – Staying Strong

Sep. 23, 2020—Dear faculty colleagues, As hard as it is to believe, we are already one-third of the way through our fall semester. We have made it this far thanks to your flexibility and adaptability and the sheer hard work you have contributed during the past six months of this pandemic. You, the faculty of this great...

Sept. 21, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Sep. 21, 2020—As the fifth week of classes begins from the August 24th semester start, progress is being made across the university to ensure students, whether on campus or studying remotely, are continuing to build connections and create meaningful experiences while following campus protocols and guidelines. As Chancellor Diermeier and Provost Wente discussed in their Friday message to students, this progress is a...

Sept. 21, 2020 – Staying Strong

Sep. 21, 2020—Dear colleagues, As hard as it is to believe, we are already one-third of the way through our fall semester schedule. Whether you have been working on campus or remotely, none of this has been easy. But our staff members’ commitment and sustained effort have made the start of the year a great success. You...

Sept. 18, 2020 – Stay Strong

Sep. 18, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, As hard as it is to believe, we are already one-third of the way through our fall semester schedule. Those on campus have been wearing face masks, physically distancing, limiting gathering sizes, checking for symptoms, getting tested, and quarantining and isolating when needed. We asked you to Anchor Down and Step Up....

Sept. 18, 2020 – A reminder about student quarantine and isolation policies

Sep. 18, 2020—Dear Students, Our office has received inquiries regarding our quarantine and isolation policies. We are sending this message to remind students that these policies are in place to help protect the health and safety of the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities. The university will not grant individualized exceptions to our quarantine and isolation policies; public health...

Sept. 14, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Sep. 14, 2020—As the Vanderbilt community moves another week forward with fall semester classes, we should all take a moment to reflect on the tremendous efforts of everyone to get us to this point. Students, faculty and staff are making immense efforts to keep each other as safe as possible and continuing to focus on campus protocols...

Sept. 7, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Sep. 7, 2020—The new routines for the fall semester are rapidly becoming the “new normal.” Students, faculty and staff are adapting to the current reality of campus life during the COVID-19 pandemic—and learning to thrive and support each other while doing so. From following health and safety guidelines for in-person experiences to finding new ways to...

Sept. 4, 2020 – Message to Parents

Sep. 4, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt families, We have now completed our second week of in-person, on-campus classes for the fall semester. Despite our new guidelines, many things appeared as they normally do this time of year. Students immersed themselves in learning and class schedules, while making new friends and re-connecting with those they haven’t seen in months. Not...

Aug. 31, 2020 – Return to Campus Update

Aug. 31, 2020—Last week was a week of firsts. As Chancellor Diermeier said in his video message on Friday, not one of us has ever attended college, or worked together on campus, during a global pandemic. But as a community, as One Vanderbilt, we are rising to the challenge, every day, and will continue to do so...

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