Stay Informed

Stay Connected to What's Going On

The Commodore Connection is the primary vehicle of communications with our parent community. As a monthly e-newsletter, we strive to engage and inform parents of key campus resources and updates with additional consideration of highlighting strategic university priorities such as the residential experience, Opportunity Vanderbilt, Experience Vanderbilt, Student Care Network, and other university initiatives.

aerial photo of vanderbilt campus

Receive Our Newsletters

If you are not receiving our monthly Commodore Connection newsletters, please update your contact information here or email us at parents@vanderbilt.edu and we will add you to our distribution list.

Commodore Connection Archive

Incoming Student Email Series

As the parent or guardian of an incoming first-year student, you'll receive special monthly issues from May until Move-In Day in August. Featured topics include important deadline dates and introductions to helpful campus offices and resources. Once your student is on campus, you'll receive a regular monthly edition that is sent to all undergraduate parents and families.

Webinar Archive

  • "Introduction to Study Abroad for Parents and Families" - Webinar Hosted by Global Education Office

    Study abroad is a wonderful opportunity for Vanderbilt students to expand their horizons, develop their intercultural skills, and grow more independent.

    Join staff from the Global Education Office and the Office of Global Safety to learn more about study abroad, including how Vanderbilt supports students, funding and timelines, and how you can help your student maximize the value of their time abroad.

    WATCH HERE

  • "Cultivating Knowledge Through Experiential Learning" - Webinar Hosted With Immersion Vanderbilt

    Immersion Vanderbilt is a degree requirement for the class of 2023 and beyond. Through Immersion Vanderbilt, students transform ideas into action, explore their passions, and make a difference in the world. Join Carolyn Floyd, Senior Director, Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt to learn more about how you can support your student as they engage in their immersive experience and culminating project.

    WATCH HERE

  • "4 Years of College & Then What?" - Webinar Hosted With Owen Graduate School of Management

    Join Owen Graduate School of Management's career services staff and alumni from our specialized master programs for a career-focused panel discussion. Learn about ways your student can maximize their time in college and take advantage of opportunities that will help them successfully launch into their chosen career field. Topics will include experiences for a stand-out resume, career investigation techniques to prepare for life after college, and practical skills your student should be developing now. This event is hosted in conjunction with Vanderbilt Parents and Family Programs.

    WATCH HERE

  • "How to Help Your Student Get Ahead This Summer" - Webinar Hosted With Owen Graduate School of Management


    Join Cherrie Wilkerson, assistant dean for young professional programs at Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt undergraduate students, and current students from our specialized master's programs for a panel discussion. You will learn about many career-building opportunities available for students that will add to their college experience and prepare them for the future. It's never too early or too late to start planning for a fun and fruitful summer experience!

    WATCH HERE

Informational Session Archive

  • Family Weekend 2023: Conversation with the Chancellor

    Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost C. Cybele Raver and other university leaders provide an update on the state of the university and answer parent questions at the 2023 Family Weekend.

    WATCH HERE

  • Family Weekend 2023: Supporting Your "Big Fish" in Our "Big Pond"

    This panel-style presentation will discuss Princeton Review findings where Vanderbilt is consistently listed as having the happiest college students. Panelists will discuss the impact of the pressure to succeed at Vanderbilt and ways families can help students manage their stress. You will hear from staff members of the Center of Student Wellbeing and student mentors from the Vanderbilt Recovery Support program and Peer Guide program.

    WATCH HERE

  • Family Weekend 2023: Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt

    Meet the team who helps students connect their experiences outside of the classroom to the steps needed to complete their Immersion Vanderbilt requirement. Panelists include specialists in: study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, civic and community engagement, innovation, arts, design, creativity and leadership and professional development. Immersion Vanderbilt calls for each undergraduate student to demonstrate learning through the completion of a final culminating project that flows from a qualifying immersive experience.

    WATCH HERE

  • Family Weekend 2023: Finding Community on Campus Student Panel

    Join Associate Dean of Students for Student Engagement and Leadership, Traci R. Ray, and Vanderbilt student leaders to learn and discuss how students can connect with other students on Vanderbilt’s campus through engagement opportunities. With more than 475 student organizations, including Greek Life, performing arts groups, Vanderbilt Student Government, club sports, multicultural organizations, and more, students can find communities where they thrive and foster a sense of belonging. Hear directly from current student leaders about how their experiences in student organizations have shaped their Vanderbilt experience and will have impact on them long after their time on campus.

    WATCH HERE