Messages from the Office of the Provost
Jan. 13, 2022 – COVID-19 updates for faculty
Jan. 14, 2022—Dear Vanderbilt faculty, As we approach the start of classes next week, I wanted to share some updates and reminders—including important reminders about faculty testing below. First, I am especially grateful to those of you who are preparing to teach classes, this spring—I know this is a busy time as you gear up for the...
Dec. 20, 2021 – A COVID-19 update for faculty ahead of winter break
Dec. 20, 2021—Dear faculty colleagues, As we look ahead to the holidays, we are carefully monitoring the data and metrics about all COVID-19 variants. We will continue to meticulously assess the situation throughout the winter break, working closely with trusted experts and our colleagues at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Please stay safe over winter break and continue...
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—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 – 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...
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. 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. 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. 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 (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. 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. 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 – 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....