Community Messages
June 11, 2020 – Details of Research Ramp-Up Phase 2 Process
Jun. 11, 2020—Dear colleagues, Now that we have completed our preparations for transitioning to Phase 2, I am writing to follow up with you as promised in my June 5 email. We have developed our Phase 2 process with deep engagement by all those in the Vanderbilt University Multi-phase Research Ramp-up Working Group, and with the goal...
June 5, 2020 – Transition to Phase 2 of Research Ramp-Up Plan Begins Next Week
Jun. 5, 2020—Dear colleagues, As I’m sure you all have seen, the university will begin transitioning into Phase 2 of the Return to Campus Plan on Monday, June 8. Thanks in large part to the responsibility and care around COVID-19 protections demonstrated by our pioneering researchers in Phase 1 of our research ramp-up and to the incredible...
June 5, 2020 – Transition to Vanderbilt Phase 2 of Return to Campus Plan begins June 8
Jun. 5, 2020—Vanderbilt University will begin transitioning to Phase 2 of its Return to Campus Plan on Monday, June 8. The Return to Campus Plan is tailored to Vanderbilt’s own unique density, operations and other considerations as a residential education institution. The first phase of the Return to Campus Plan began Monday, May 18, and operations that resumed were on-campus research...
June 3, 2020 – Deadline extended to decline off-campus housing authorization
Jun. 3, 2020—Dear student, Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through our plans for the resumption of on-campus classes for fall. These plans include adjustments we are making to housing to follow the best public health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We know many of you have questions and concerns. Several...
May 28, 2020 – Streamlined process for faculty accommodation requests due to COVID-19
May. 28, 2020—Dear faculty colleagues, Informed and creative teaching is central to the mission of Vanderbilt University, and faculty and staff across campus are working hard to ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission during these challenging times. We all are eager to return to the classroom, but we must do so in a thoughtful and...
May 22, 2020 – A message to the Class of 2020: Celebrating together next May
May. 22, 2020—Dear graduates and families of the Class of 2020, I am writing you today with great news. The date for your on-campus Commencement and graduation festivities has been set for the weekend of May 1–2, 2021. Please mark your calendars! These dates were selected based on the careful evaluation and recommendations of the Commencement 2020...
May 21, 2020 – Vanderbilt Phase 1 of Return to Campus Plan remains in place as Nashville reopens further
May. 21, 2020—While Nashville will enter the second phase of its Roadmap for Reopening beginning Monday, May 25, Vanderbilt University will continue to follow its own Return to Campus Plan, which is currently in Vanderbilt Phase 1. The Return to Campus Plan is tailored to Vanderbilt’s own unique density, operations and other considerations as a residential education...
May 18, 2020 – Working toward our goals for the fall
May. 18, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students and families, Wherever this note finds you, I hope that you are doing well. At times like these, our Vanderbilt values of open inquiry, equality, compassion and excellence in all endeavors are more important than ever. Please know that I am thinking about all of our undergraduate community, including our newest members,...
May 15, 2020 – Fall 2020 Study Abroad Suspended
May. 15, 2020—Dear prospective fall study abroad students, I write to inform you that Vanderbilt has made the difficult decision to suspend participation in all Global Education Office study abroad programs for Fall 2020. Many factors make study abroad challenging at this time, including not only the logistics of travel between countries but also the difficulty of...
May 14, 2020 – Take Action: Returning to retrieve your belongings currently in storage
May. 14, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Student, You are receiving this message because we have identified that you have items that were moved to campus storage as we made your residence hall available to VUMC staff. We understand that some of you are anxious to retrieve your belongings, and we have a plan and procedures that will allow students...
May 14, 2020 – Take Action: Returning to retrieve your belongings from your space
May. 14, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Student, You are receiving this message because we have identified that you still have belongings in your residence hall space. We understand that you are anxious to retrieve your belongings, and we have a plan and procedures that will allow students to return to campus to pick up items in a safe and...
May 13, 2020 – VIEW: Virtual Town Hall Presentation Slides
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May 12, 2020 – Planning for the fall semester
May. 12, 2020—Dear faculty colleagues, In the typical cycle of our academic calendar, the end of the annual Commencement week celebrations marks a pivot point for many of our efforts—moving from reflection on the prior year to strategic planning and visioning for the next academic year and sessions. The upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that planning...
May 8, 2020 – Ramping up on-campus research activities
May. 8, 2020—Dear colleagues, As you all know, on-campus research activities were ramped down in mid-March as part of efforts to protect our community and curb the spread of COVID-19. Over the past two months, and with guidance from the Public Health Advisory Task Force, leaders across the university have been working to develop a phased and...
May 7, 2020 – Next steps for Vanderbilt campus as Nashville enters Phase 1 of reopening
May. 7, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, Today Mayor John Cooper announced that on Monday, May 11, Nashville will begin Phase 1 in his Roadmap for Reopening Nashville. I encourage all of you, particularly those who are residents of Nashville, to read and familiarize yourselves with the city’s Phase 1 plans. Most importantly, I want you to know that...
May 6, 2020 – Update on remote work for staff
May. 6, 2020—Dear colleagues, The university normally enters a time of transition at this time of year—Commencement on May 8 marks the end of the academic year and begins summer break for many staff who work a partial-year schedule. This is, of course, not a normal year—this week also marked the conclusion of the Voluntary Staff Departure...
May 4, 2020 – Open Mind: Taking a moment to celebrate
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May 1, 2020 – Information forthcoming on returning for belongings
May. 1, 2020—Dear Campus Residents, We know many of you are eager to make plans to retrieve your belongings. We are currently finalizing a plan for return visits and will communicate that plan in the coming days. At this time, the Nashville Mayor has extended the Stay-At-Home order until May 8. While the Governor of Tennessee has...
April 30, 2020 – Introducing the Campus Connection Program
Apr. 30, 2020—Dear undergraduate students, I hope you are all well. I am writing to check in as the spring semester comes to a close and we begin looking towards next fall. While there are still many unknowns at this time regarding what next semester may bring, one thing we do know: We’re fully committed to supporting...
Apr. 27, 2020 – Open Mind: Learning from the unexpected
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Apr. 24, 2020 – Remote work for staff extended to May 8
Apr. 24, 2020—Dear colleagues, As the end of April rapidly approaches, and as we begin to look ahead to our next chapter as a university, we write to update you on next steps regarding potential changes to the “stay at home” orders for our Vanderbilt community. Many questions remain, however it is possible that Vanderbilt’s first phase...
Apr. 17, 2020 – A Message from Interim Chancellor Susan R. Wente: The Economic Impact of COVID-19
Apr. 17, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt colleagues, This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us, but through it all, I am proud of how our Vanderbilt community has come together to ensure that our education and research mission can continue. Faculty and staff all across Vanderbilt have responded with volumes of outstanding work in response to the...
Apr. 16, 2020 – Vanderbilt to use $2.8 million in CARES Act funding to support students affected by COVID-19
Apr. 16, 2020—Vanderbilt University will use $2.8 million it receives as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to directly support students who have demonstrated need and are facing significant financial challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The disbursement, from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the CARES Act...
Apr. 13, 2020 – Open Mind: What comes next
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Apr. 7, 2020 – Vanderbilt University prepares to assist VUMC; Housing to send students updates
Apr. 7, 2020—Dear Undergraduate Students, I sincerely hope this message finds you healthy and well as you continue your studies remotely. I wanted to share some updates on activity in the residence halls, spaces we know are your homes at Vanderbilt University. First, in consultation with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the university has decided to use...
Apr. 6, 2020 – Open Mind: VU and VUMC—stronger together
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Apr. 3, 2020 – Remote work period extended through April 30
Apr. 3, 2020—Dear colleagues, As we near the end of our third full week of remote work for many staff members, we want to thank you again for your ongoing efforts, flexibility and ingenuity as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances. In response to current guidance from public health experts and in alignment with local, state and federal...
Mar. 29, 2020 – Message from the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence
Mar. 30, 2020—Many in our community are likely experiencing moments of anxiety and concern given the unprecedented times we are living in as a result of COVID-19. We also acknowledge that an unfortunate reality has emerged in communities around the world—an increase in expressions of xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiments, especially targeting the Chinese community. Please know that...
Mar. 26, 2020 – Summer 2020 schedule of undergraduate classes and registration
Mar. 29, 2020—Dear Students, We are sending this communication with an update about the Summer 2020 Schedule of Classes and registration. All undergraduate classes for Summer 2020, including those offered in Maymester, will be offered through online instruction. We are updating the summer class schedule to reflect this information and any other changes to class offerings for...
Mar. 26, 2020 – Important updates regarding university housing
Mar. 26, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Students, We appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate uncharted territory as a result of COVID-19. We are making decisions based on the best information we have at any given time, and our staff is working around the clock to provide student support and assist with getting each student’s belongings back to...
Mar. 25, 2020 – Vanderbilt Community: Update on Commencement
Mar. 25, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, The historic circumstances of the last few weeks have brought about unprecedented challenges and some of the most difficult decisions that university leaders across the country have ever had to face. Earlier today, I shared one of the most personally painful decisions to date with our students planning to graduate in May...
Mar. 25, 2020 – Graduating Students and Families: Update on Commencement
Mar. 24, 2020—Dear graduating students and families, The historic circumstances of the last few weeks have required some of the most difficult decisions university leaders across the country have ever faced—and have brought about unprecedented challenges for graduating students and their families. Today, I write to you with one of the most painful decisions of all, and...
Mar. 22, 2020 – Remote work for faculty following Nashville Safer at Home Order
Mar. 22, 2020—Dear colleagues, As you have likely seen, the university is further reinforcing its remote work policy in light of the new Safer at Home Order issued by the Nashville Metro Public Health Department on March 22, which goes into effect Monday, March 23. Given this, please note that remote teaching on campus is not an...
Mar. 22, 2020 – Vanderbilt reinforces remote work protocol as Metro Public Health issues Safer at Home Order
Mar. 22, 2020—Vanderbilt University is further reinforcing remote work protocols following the Safer at Home Order issued by the Nashville Metro Public Health Department on March 22. Vanderbilt instituted a remote work period for university staff on March 13, except for those whose work was deemed to be essential to on-campus operations; the remote work period currently goes through April...
Mar. 20, 2020 – Room and Board adjustments launching; University invests $1 million in new Student Hardship Fund
Mar. 20, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt students and families, As we continue to respond and adapt to the evolving impact of the global coronavirus pandemic, Vanderbilt University remains steadfast in our commitment to our community and our teaching and research mission. The well-being and success of our students and community is our top priority. With that in mind, I...
Mar. 20, 2020 – Remote work for staff extended through April 11
Mar. 20, 2020—Dear colleagues, As Interim Chancellor Wente noted in her Open Mind column on Monday, “Day-to-day life at Vanderbilt looks significantly different today than it did last Monday.” Of course, one significant difference is the fact that students have, for the most part, moved out; another is that our research laboratories are ramping down; another is...
Mar. 19, 2020 – Message for tenure-track faculty
Mar. 19, 2020—Dear tenure-track faculty member: We are reaching out to reassure you that you have Vanderbilt’s full support during these challenging times with the coronavirus outbreak as we carry out our mission as a leading research university. The successful move to online courses and alternative education—one of several steps the university has taken to protect the...
Mar. 17, 2020 – Pass/Fail option extended to all undergraduate classes
Mar. 17, 2020—Dear undergraduate students, In light of the extraordinary circumstances under which you will be completing your spring semester, the deans of the Blair School of Music, the College of Arts and Science, Peabody College of education and human development, and the School of Engineering have agreed to extend the deadline for students to change their...
Mar. 17, 2020 – A message to alumni: Your Vanderbilt family is thinking of you
Mar. 17, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt alumni community, We are writing during this time of great uncertainty to express our concern and support for you and your families. As a member of our alumni community, you are top of mind for us, along with our students, faculty and staff. We have all been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You...
Mar. 17, 2020 – Several student COVID-19 cases confirmed, Vanderbilt further urges university community to take precautions
Mar. 17, 2020—As positive tests for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 have now been confirmed for several undergraduate students, Vanderbilt University advises the university community to further heed public health and safety recommendations. In order to protect the health and safety of our community during this unprecedented public health challenge, Vanderbilt has taken a number of...
Mar. 15, 2020 – On-campus research laboratories ramping down
Mar. 15, 2020—Update: Phase II of Remote Work in place until April 11 Dear colleagues, The rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic requires Vanderbilt University to accelerate its response to this unprecedented challenge. In order to protect the health and safety of our community, all on-campus research laboratories will be restricted to only essential activities by close...
Mar. 15, 2020 – VandyRides services suspended; on-call medical transportation service continues
Mar. 15, 2020—Due to the current status of the University concerning the COVID-19 virus, the VandyRides service is suspended as of March 14, 2020. The health and safety of our students is our top priority; therefore, VUPS will continue to provide an on-call medical transportation service. If you are feeling ill, contact Student Health at (615) 322-2427. If...
Mar. 15, 2020 – Recommending study abroad students return home
Mar. 15, 2020—We are recommending students return to their homes. This recommendation is based on the unpredictable nature of the global COVID-19 pandemic, where cases can spike quickly in any region, as described by the World Health Organization and within the CDC Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice. This unpredictability also puts stress on existing health systems in regions...
Mar. 14, 2020 – Update re: campus services
Mar. 14, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Students, Below we are sharing information on remote access to campus services for the remainder of the semester. As you may know, many of our campus support staff will be working remotely for the next couple of weeks, which necessitates changes in how we will work to meet the needs of students. Student...
Mar. 14, 2020 – Update re: Parties and Gatherings
Mar. 14, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Students, I am following up with a health and safety reminder in light of the news today that an non-residential, undergraduate Vanderbilt student has tested positive for COVID-19. The Tennessee Department of Health recommends that in order to decrease the spread of COVID-19, students should avoid sharing drinks, cups or utensils. Students should also avoid...
Mar. 14, 2020 – New Campus Dining safety protocols
Mar. 14, 2020—The Division of Administration announced new safety protocols to promote social distancing for all dining facilities on campus. Campus Dining has implemented the following changes: Campus Dining facilities are open only to current Vanderbilt students, essential campus staff, residential faculty and the immediate family of residential faculty. All dining facilities have moved to boxed meals...
Mar. 14, 2020 – Positive COVID-19 case on campus
Mar. 14, 2020—A non-residential undergraduate student who has been on campus during the past week has tested positive for coronavirus disease, COVID-19, and is currently self-isolating off campus. The university is working with public health officials to follow up with those who have been potentially exposed. If a member of the Vanderbilt community is on campus and...
Mar. 14, 2020 – Changes to VandyRide
Mar. 14, 2020—Beginning Monday, March 16, VandyRide will move to using small, open-air vehicles to provide safety escorts for students, faculty and staff. This is a temporary measure that will provide social distancing for both our riders and drivers and reduce potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This service will be available 24/7 and will provide transport...
Mar. 13, 2020 – Remote work for staff March 16-March 27
Mar. 13, 2020—IMPORTANT UPDATE: On March 20, the university extended the remote work period through April 11. Read more. Dear colleagues, In order to protect the health and safety of our community during this unprecedented public health challenge, Vanderbilt University is instituting an initial remote work period beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Individual remote work decisions...
Mar. 13, 2020 – Information on Zoom conferencing software for online and alternative education
Mar. 13, 2020—As Vanderbilt transitions to online and alternative education for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, the university has made Zoom online conferencing software available for all students, faculty and staff. Zoom may be used by Vanderbilt faculty and students for participating in classes, video conferencing, web conferencing, virtual meetings and more. Students can access...
Mar. 12, 2020 – A message to graduating students
Mar. 12, 2020—Dear graduating students, the Class of 2020, This spring, your last semester on our campus, is a time I know you and your families have been anticipating for many years. For some, you will be earning your undergraduate degrees; for others, this will mark the culmination of your graduate and professional degrees. For all of...
Mar. 12, 2020 – Further information about move out
Mar. 12, 2020—As Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente shared on Wednesday, Vanderbilt is moving fully to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the semester starting Monday, March 16. Given that, along with university efforts to decrease density in student housing, all undergraduate residential students should make plans to move out of on-campus housing...
Mar. 12, 2020 – Athletics competition suspended
Mar. 12, 2020—Update: All Athletics events are suspended for the remainder of the spring season. Dear Vanderbilt Community, Due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southeastern Conference today canceled the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville. In addition, and effective immediately, regular season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well as...
Mar. 12, 2020 – Updates on travel policies for Faculty, Staff, Graduate and Professional Students and Postdocs
Mar. 12, 2020—Due to the recent Presidential Proclamation on international travel, we are reminding you of our existing policies and also providing some updates to continue being pro-active in our COVID-19 prevention measures for our community. All university-sponsored international travel, including travel to Canada and Mexico, is restricted (effective March 10). Travel to State Department Level 4 countries...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to study abroad participants regarding presidential proclamation
Mar. 12, 2020—You are likely aware of this evening’s announcement that the federal government is restricting travel from Europe to the United States for the foreseeable future, starting Friday, March 13. Like you, we are also working to understand the details of the announcement. It appears this development does not apply to United States citizens or legal permanent...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to undergraduate campus residents
Mar. 11, 2020—Dear Undergraduate Campus Resident, As Chancellor Wente announced earlier today, we will move fully to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the semester. All undergraduate campus residents should make plans to move out no later than Sunday, March 15. Classes will resume using online and alternative learning March 16. We are asking all campus residents to complete...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to staff about alternative education for remainder of semester
Mar. 11, 2020—Dear colleagues, As Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente shared today, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has informed us that a VUMC health care worker has tested positive for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and based on public health recommendations and best practices, we are moving fully to online and alternative learning for...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to faculty about alternative education for remainder of semester
Mar. 11, 2020—Dear colleagues, I am following up on the message Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente sent earlier today about the university’s decision to move fully to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the semester. I fully appreciate what this decision means for all of you, and I thank you in advance for...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to community about alternative education for remainder of semester
Mar. 11, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt community, Today, we received notice from Vanderbilt University Medical Center that a VUMC health care worker has tested positive for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and based on public health recommendations and best practices, we will move fully to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the semester. Given that,...
Mar. 11, 2020 – Resources for students, others on campus through March 30
Mar. 11, 2020—Per Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente’s March 9 message about the suspension of in-person classes, all university-sponsored, non-Athletics events and gatherings are suspended through April 30, including events sponsored by registered student organizations. Students are asked to avoid informal gatherings on or off campus. The actions that each of us takes to minimize the spread...
Mar. 10, 2020 – Important information about university’s response to COVID-19
Mar. 10, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt Community, Much has happened in the last 24 hours regarding the preventive measures we are taking on Vanderbilt’s campus to limit any potential impact of COVID-19. I want you to know that my top priority as the university’s leader is to ensure the well-being of all members of our community. We are rapidly...
Mar. 9, 2020 – Update for staff
Mar. 9, 2020—Dear colleagues, As you may be aware and will read below, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente shared tonight that classes are cancelled for the remainder of this week, and students will be moving to alternative learning options from March 16 through March 30. This is based on the university’s desire to protect the...
Mar. 9, 2020 – International Travel Restrictions Update
Mar. 9, 2020—Dear Vanderbilt colleagues, We write to alert you to a change in Vanderbilt’s travel policy in response to concerns around the spread of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the health and safety of our community and the most vulnerable among us, Vanderbilt is restricting university-sponsored international travel to any country...