Spring 2021 in-class reading days

Dear graduate students,

Though we have faced many challenges this year, you have collectively responded with great resilience and tenacity. I am proud of your commitment to yourself and to the Vanderbilt community as we navigate these unusual times.

As you know, I strongly believe in the importance of supporting mental health and well-being. To facilitate that, we have incorporated four new in-class reading days into the spring semester to offer brief respites and opportunity to focus on personal wellness.

These periods will take place on February 23-34 and April 7-8, and will occur in addition to the regular reading days at the final exam period scheduled for the end of the semester. During these dates, Vanderbilt does not intend to hold any extracurricular required programming, and classes will still meet on these in-class reading days.

We have asked faculty teaching Graduate School classes to refrain from scheduling exams or major assignment due dates on these days or immediately following these periods.  We are also asking students not to travel outside the greater Nashville area at any time during the semester, including during any of these reading days. 

For additional details on the spring reading days, please refer to today’s message from the Office of the Provost.

As always, I highly encourage you to take advantage of the many campus resources available to help you manage your well-being and mental health. Whether it’s virtually connecting with others through cultural and identity groups, staying on top of your physical health, or participating in a workshop through the University Counseling Center, there are plenty of opportunities to empower yourself for success.

Be well, and thank you for your ongoing dedication.

Sincerely,
Bunmi

Bunmi Olatunji
Interim Dean of the Graduate School

A list of all messages from Interim Dean Bunmi Olatunji is available on the Graduate School website.

Need assistance?  Send us an email if you need support or would like guidance on identifying available university resources.

Visit the Graduate School website and follow us:

^{Stay informed:  visit the Return to Campus website, FAQ page for graduate students,  Research@Vanderbilt and the COVID-19 Dashboard for current updates on the Vanderbilt community. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19—learn more at Anchor Down, Step Up.}