Schedule of Events 2023

Thursday Events

  • Thursday, October 12, 2023

    7 p.m. Buttrick 101

    Vanderbilt's Visiting Writers Series

    Coming into town early? Join other Vanderbilt and Nashville community members at Vanderbilt's Visiting Writer's Series. This series brings several professional writers to campus to read from their works and visit classes. This unique and extraordinary program gives our community a chance to meet and talk with some of the best writers of our day.

    Learn more about the program and Jamil here .

Friday Events

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Student Life Center, Board of Trust Room

    Check-In and Registration

    Make the Student Life Center Board of Trust Room your first stop! Name tags, the weekend schedule, and more will be available. Check-in closes promptly at 6 p.m. and reopens at pre-game tailgate 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff on Field 2.

    Note: Name tags are required for entry into all Family Weekend events.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Central Library

    Jean and Alexander Heard Central Library Special Exhibitions

    “Vanderbilt University: The First Fifty Years”
    Location: Central Library, fourth-floor lobby

    As part of the sesquicentennial series, this exhibit will feature documents, images and memorabilia from the founding of the university to 1930s and bring to life the earliest years of life on campus.

    -----------------------------------------------

    “Vanderbilt University: What a Decade, 1905-1915”
    Location: Special Collections Library, 2nd Floor of Central Library

    The Buchanan Fellows program students take a look at what life was like on campus one decade at a time. This Fall they delve into the pre-WWI years.

  • Friday, October 13,2023

    10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Student Life Center

    Resource Fair

    Stop by and meet staff from various campus partners:

    10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

               Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center

    10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

    • Center for Student Wellbeing,

    • Office of LGBTQI Life

    • Vanderbilt Business

    10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

    • Alumni Association Travel Program

    • Black Cultural Center

    • Career Center

    • Global Education Office

    • Next Steps at Vanderbilt

    • Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt

    • Office of Religious Life

    • Project Safe

    • The Wond'ry: Innovation Center

    • Vanderbilt Athletics

    • Vanderbilt University Library

    • VUPS

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    10:30 a.m.- 11 a.m. Community Event Space (CES), Community 108 MPR

    Vanderbilt Parent Ambassadors: How to Get Involved

    Our parent community is a vibrant and critical part of Vanderbilt's story and success. By being a Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador, parents can be involved where and when they want. We have opportunities in your local area, virtually, and on campus. Come learn about this program and how you can be an active member of the Vanderbilt parent community. 


    Q&A portion to follow presentation

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    11 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Rand Terrace

    Architectural Tour

    This tour will depart from Rand Terrace and is led by Cathy Bartlett and Hans Mooy of Campus Planning.

    Rand Terrace is outside of the Rand Dining Center entrance. This area is across from Neely Auditorium.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Alumni Hall, Alumni Memorial Room

    Career Center Conversations

    This program addresses parents' questions and concerns regarding their student's career journey. Career Center leaders will lead a panel-style talk that will walk through pivotal moments in the college experience, describing ways your child(ren) can make productive, career-related choices while supporting them to become independent decision-makers. Additionally, the Career Center will share professional/employer insights, continuing education opportunities, including fellowships, and ways parents/caregivers and alumni can engage and support students. 

  • Friday October 13, 2023

    11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    Admissions Information Session and Tour

    New to campus or have someone in your family starting the college search process? Join us for a 30-minute presentation from an admissions counselor, who will give you key insights into the admissions process, financial aid and scholarships, and more, followed by a question-and-answer session. Afterward, a student tour guide will lead a one-hour, 1.5-mile walking tour across our beautiful 340-acre, park-like campus detailing the academic and social life on campus and in Music City from a student’s perspective.

    Additional registration is required for this tour ahead of time.

    https://myappvu.vanderbilt.edu/portal/informationsession

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    11:15 a.m.- 12 p.m. Medical Center Drive, off 21st Avenue, at Guardian Spirit sculpture

    Art Sculpture Tour

    This tour is led by student leaders and  highlights artwork around the science and medical buildings, beginning at Medical Center North and finishing outside the Sarah Stevenson Science and Engineering Library. This tour features many abstract sculptures and places more emphasis on visual analysis and artist information. Works of interest include an abstract sculpture by musician and visual artist Herb Alpert.

  • Friday, October 13,2023

    11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Sarratt Student Center, Sarratt Cinema

    Student Life - 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.

  • Friday, October 13,2023

    11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Community Event Space (CES), Community 108 MPR

    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. 

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    12 p.m.- 12:30 p.m. Cohen Memorial Hall, Fine Arts Gallery

    Fine Arts Gallery Tour

    Come explore the Fine Arts Gallery. Curator of engagement Mary Anne Caton leads tours of Amie Esslinger’s installation Holding Impact in Cohen Hall Atrium. We’ll discuss our multi-disciplinary programs, recent collection acquisitions, and how we are making an 8,000+ object collection more accessible to all. Come learn how you and your student can be involved.

    The gallery is open Friday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. for self-led viewing as well.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    12 p.m.- 2 p.m. Engineering Science Building rooms 331, 335, & 339

    School of Engineering - Vanderbilt CREATE Open House

    Join students, faculty, and staff to learn more about the research done in the Center for Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology. Participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations to explore the science of human movement, prosthetics, exoskeletons, wearable sensors, and more.

    Dare to Grow through Discovery Vanderbilt 
    By investing in research, discovery and creative expression, visionary philanthropists can catalyze vital work across our labs, archives and studios, enriching our partnerships as part of the innovation ecosystem that spans Nashville and beyond.  

    Dr. Karl Zelik is the faculty lead for the Center for Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology. He was one of three faculty awarded a Discovery Vanderbilt investment for his HeroWear startup that helps to improve lives with exosuits. 

    Learn more about Dare to Grow. 

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. Central Library, 418A

    Library Resources for Students Presentation

    In addition to the thousands of electronically available books and journals, Vanderbilt librarians teach students a range of skills from critical thinking to how to create an engaging presentation. In this session, you will learn about the latest services and resources available from the Vanderbilt Libraries. We'll share strategies for ensuring your students' academic success as well as provide tips for getting the most out of the libraries' spaces, people and collections. 

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 1:50 p.m. Alumni Hall, Memorial Room

    College of Arts & Science - VandyLit: Stories & Poems by Vanderbilt University's Graduate Creative Writing Program

    Meet the next generation of writers!

    Dare to Grow through Destination Vanderbilt
    By investing in our students and faculty, we will strengthen Vanderbilt’s reputation around the world, making our university a destination of choice for more of the best and brightest.  

    Learn more about Dare to Grow

     

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Plaza between Alumni Hall & Kirkland Hall

    Historical Tour

    This tour will depart from Kirkland Hall and is led by Kathy Smith of Special Collections.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Mayborn Building, Gallery 117

    Anchor Down with HOD: Student panelists share stories about the HOD undergraduate coursework and capstone experiences

    Are you curious about the academic HOD Capstone experience? Please join us for a brief presentation and Q&A. You will hear more about the broad range of capstone options and speak with the capstone team.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 2 p.m. McGugin Athletic Center entrance

    Vanderbilt Athletics Venue Tour

    Join members of the Vanderbilt athletic department's fan engagement and hospitality unit for a fun and engaging tour of many of the department's venues. From the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center to the historic Memorial Gymnasium, it's a tour you won't want to miss!

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. 2414 Highland Ave., ESB Plaza

    Discover the Wond'ry: Vanderbilt's Innovation Center

    Come meet the Wond'ry team and some of its most exciting innovators during this informal showcase. The Wond'ry, Vanderbilt University's Innovation Center, is a space designed to inspire and the home for creative collisions where all of Vanderbilt's 10 schools and colleges gather. Explore the resources available to the Vanderbilt community to foster making, design thinking, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Alumni Hall

Alumni Parent Pick-Me-Up

Friday, October 13, 2023

Time: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall, Alumni Lounge

Meet up and connect with other alumni parents! Reminisce about your time at Vandy and grab a little pick-me-up for the afternoon.  

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Black Cultural Center

    Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center Open House

    Meet the staff of the Black Cultural Center, tour the beautiful center and learn more about the wonderful programs offered at the Center.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1 p.m.- 3 p.m. 1107 18th Ave S.

    International Student & Scholar Services Open House

    Meet the staff of ISSS to learn about the many services available on campus.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1:30 p.m.- 2:15 p.m. Rand Terrace

    Architectural Tour

    This tour will depart from Rand Terrace and is led by Erin Fry of Campus Planning.

    Rand Terrace is outside of the Rand Dining Center entrance. This area is across from Neely Auditorium.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. 1211 Stevenson Center lane

    Center for Student Wellbeing Open House & Smoothie Party

    Stop by to meet our staff and learn more about the Center for Student Wellbeing. Come discover the services and programs offered to cultivate lifelong wellbeing practices in Vanderbilt students. Take a tour of the Center, including the peaceful meditation room and the Vanderbilt Recovery Support (VRS) Collegiate Recovery Program meeting space. A smoothie station with fresh fruit smoothies blended to order will be available. 

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Owen Graduate School of Management, Management Hall - Ingram Great Room, 401 21st Avenue South

    Vanderbilt Business® Open House

    New Dean + New Management Hall

    Celebrating an Exciting Future of Growth & Opportunities

    When you enter our newly renovated space, you'll notice something different about our school. We provide world-class business education on a personal scale­–from the admissions process to alumni career resources, we care about the success of each student we serve. Join faculty, staff, and current students from the Owen Graduate School of Management and the Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program to learn more about programs designed to help students from all majors succeed in business–ranging from a summer business immersion to a business minor to one-year specialized masters in accounting, marketing, or finance, plus our traditional MBA and VU2MBA programs. Discover what makes the Vanderbilt Business Experience. Drop by to enjoy a delicious dessert bar, receive a special gift, and connect one-on-one with representatives from each program.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2 p.m.- 2:50 p.m. Sarratt Cinema

    Student Life - Finding Community on Campus Panel

    Join Associate Dean of Students for Student Engagement and Leadership, Traci R. Ray, andVanderbilt student leaders to learn and discuss how students can connect with other students on Vanderbilt’s campus through engagement opportunities. With more than 475 studentorganizations, 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.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    Admissions Information Session and Tour

    New to campus or have someone in your family starting the college search process? Join us for a 30-minute presentation from an admissions counselor, who will give you key insights into the admissions process, financial aid and scholarships, and more, followed by a question-and-answer session. Afterward, a student tour guide will lead a one-hour, 1.5-mile walking tour across our beautiful 340-acre, park-like campus detailing the academic and social life on campus and in Music City from a student’s perspective.

    Additional registration is required for this tour ahead of time.

    https://myappvu.vanderbilt.edu/portal/informationsession

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Student Life Center, Suite 109

    Office of Experiential Learning & Immersion Vanderbilt Open House

    Join the Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt staff to learn about exciting experiential learning opportunities and Immersion Vanderbilt - an undergraduate degree requirement. Experiential learning opportunities include internships, study away, community engagement, and civic involvement.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2 p.m.- 4 p.m. KC Potter Center, 2304E Vanderbilt Place

    KC Potter Center Open House

    The KC Potter Center is a space and resource center dedicated to all LGBTQIA+ communities and allies. Visitors can get a tour of the center and its educational, social, and wellness resources, grab some tea and chat with our staff, or just check out the campus's most comfortable couches. All are welcome.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center

    Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center Open House

    The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is an affirming space for women and for all members of the Vanderbilt community that actively resists sexism and all forms of oppression by providing resources and educational programming. Visitors can tour the Center, view the portraits in the newly unveiled Women at Vanderbilt Portrait Project, have a snack, and chat with our staff. All are welcome!

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    2:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. Cohen Memorial Hall, Fine Arts Gallery

    Fine Arts Gallery Tour

    Come explore the Fine Arts Gallery. Curator of engagement Mary Anne Caton leads tours of Amie Esslinger’s installation Holding Impact in Cohen Hall Atrium. We’ll discuss our multi-disciplinary programs, recent collection acquisitions, and how we are making an 8,000+ object collection more accessible to all. Come learn how you and your student can be involved.

    The gallery is open Friday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. for self-led viewing.

question and answer session at family weekend

Conversation with the Chancellor

Time: 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: Student Life Center, Ballroom

Join Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost C. Cybele Raver, and other university leaders for a conversation about the university with opportunities to ask questions and gain a greater understanding of Vanderbilt's priorities.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    3:40 p.m.- 5:10 p.m. Blair School of Music, Ingram Hall

    Blair School of Music - Vanderbilt Wind Symphony – “Carnival” Open Rehearsal

    Want a sneak peek into the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony’s performance conducted by Thomas Verrier with guest artists the Barcelona Clarinet Players? Come watch dress rehearsal for the performance at 8:00 p.m. in Ingram Hall. A free concert event that is open to the public.

    Dare to Grow through Destination Vanderbilt
    Through support during the Dare to Grow campaign, the Blair Community Scholars program secured $5 million in funding for the pilot phase of a comprehensive scholarship program that recruits highly talented students from underrepresented and vulnerable backgrounds. The Blair Community Scholars program covers tuition, room and board, and all expenses of earning a music degree – such as travel to auditions, instrument purchases including repair and maintenance, and more.  

    Learn more about Dare to Grow. 

group photo of family

Grandparents Social and Tea

Time: 4 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Location: E. Bronson Ingram Hall, Great Room

Meet and greet other grandparents while enjoying afternoon tea. Be sure to pick up your special gift for attending this event.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 110 Magnolia Circle, The Susan Gray School entrance is on the right side

    Peabody College - Susan Gray School Tour

    Join the Director of the Susan Gray School on Peabody's campus for a tour and to learn about our inclusive model and student research opportunities. The Susan Gray School has the distinction of being the first nationally recognized inclusive preschool where typically developing children learn alongside children with disabilities in an educational setting. The school partners closely with faculty in the Departments of Special Education, Psychology and Human Development, Pediatrics, Speech and Hearing, and Teaching and Learning to support both faculty and student research projects. 

    Dare to Grow through One Vanderbilt 
    We believe radical collaboration sets us apart, enabling us to transcend boundaries and have greater impact in everything we do. 

    Susan Gray School is a prime example of collaboration among multiple departments and research opportunities for our students. 

    Learn more about Dare to Grow. 

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    4:30 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. 111 23rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 (parking lot behind the center)

    The Rohr Chabad & Lubeck Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt Family Meet and Greet + New Center Tour

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    5 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Cohen Memorial Hall, Fine Arts Gallery

    Fine Arts Gallery Tour

    Gallery curators and faculty collaborate on many kinds of student projects. Join History of Art and Architecture faculty Professor Susan Dine for a 5pm tour showcasing some of the gallery’s Asian art collections.  Learn how faculty teach with objects and train the next generation of museum curators and educators. Tour includes details about ritual in East Asian art and how students work with gallery collections. Professor Dine also shares how her history of art graduate students use collections. Works include early Japanese prints, Nigerian contemporary work by Bruce Onobrakpea and two Renaissance Madonnas from the Kress Collection.

Fall for the Arts

Fall for the Arts

Time: 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Location: Peabody Lawn (in front of Peabody Library)

Join us for an outdoor festival of the arts, including an evening of student performances and opportunities to explore your creative abilities with arts and crafts. The celebration boasts a mouth-watering, chef-crafted menu designed to highlight the colorful flavors of fall. The festival brings the "creative campus" to life with a special program, including musical and dance performances from the main stage. This event has something for the whole family.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    5:30 p.m. Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life, 2421 Vanderbilt Place

    Hillel Shabbat Open House Dinner

    Join Hillel for an open house reception in celebration of Shabbat. Services begin at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    6 p.m. 111 23rd Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203 (parking lot behind the center)

    Rohr Chabad & Lubeck Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt Family Shabbat Service & Dinner

    6 p.m. service, 7 p.m. dinner

  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    8 p.m. Blair School of Music, Ingram Hall

    Vanderbilt Wind Symphony - "Carnival"

    Blair School of Music presents the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony, directed by Thomas Verrier, with guest artists the Barcelona Clarinet Players. This is a free concert event, open to the public.

    This event is not part of the Cornelius' Quest scavenger hunt 

Saturday Events

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023

    8:30 a.m. Field 2

    Check-in and Registration

    If you haven't already checked in to pick up your name tags, you can during the pre-game tailgate on Field 2.

    Note: Name tags are required for entry into all Family Weekend events.

family playing connect four

Pregame Tailgate Picnic

  • Time: 8:30 a.m.
  • Location: Field 2

Enjoy food, music, face painting, games, and more! Mr. C and the Spirit of Gold Marching Band will make a special appearance. Even if you are not going to the game, come and have fun with us at the biggest event of the weekend.

Other Pregame Events

  • Saturday, October 15, 2023

    9 a.m.- 11 a.m. outdoor track and field complex, off Natchez Trace

    Kids' Zone

    Let your kids have some fun with inflatables, face painting and more! All Kids' Zone activities are free to enjoy!

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023

    9 a.m. Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life

    Hillel Tailgate

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023

    10 a.m. See Below

    Star Walk

    Star Walk will occur by the football practice fields. The team will exit out of the back of McGugin and walk towards the soccer/lacrosse complex. Access to the Star Walk space will begin 1 hour prior to kick off, with Star Walk occurring approximately 47 minutes prior to kick off.

    Star Walk Map

Football

Vanderbilt vs. Georgia

  • Time: 11 a.m. kickoff 
  • Location: FirstBank Stadium

Entrance into FirstBank will be dependent on your ticketed section:

  • Sections A-G: Frist Family Gate 
  • Sections P-V: Enter through Memorial Gym 

FirstBank Stadium Policies

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023

    6 p.m.- 8 p.m. The Commons Center, Multipurpose Room

    FirstVU Meet-N-Greet

    FirstVU will host a meet-n-greet for first-generation students and their families. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided during the general body meeting where first-generation students will share their unique experiences and challenges on campus. Come discover how you can help your student thrive at Vanderbilt. 

     

Sunday Events

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023

    9 a.m.

    Reminder

    Name tags are required for entry into all Family Weekend events.

Farewell Breakfast

Farewell Breakfast

Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Student Life Center, Ballrooms A, B, & C

Come have breakfast with us and other families before heading home! We will have a special performance by a student jazz trio.

Did you succeed in Cornelius' Quest? Make sure to stop by and claim your prize! 

Religious Services

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023

    9 a.m.- 11 a.m. 111 23rd Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203 (parking lot behind the center)

    Rohr Chobad and Lubeck Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt - Open House + Center Tour

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023

    9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Benton Chapel

    Episcopal Eucharist

    Service by St. Augstine's Episcopal Chapel 

    http://www.staugustineschapel.org/

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023

    10 a.m. Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life

    Hillel- Bagel Brunch

  • Sunday, October 15, 2023

    11:30 a.m. Benton Chapel

    Catholic Mass

    Service by University Catholic Vanderbilt 
    https://universitycatholic.org/about/ucat-at-vanderbilt/

    Please join University Catholic after the service for a reception in the Benton Chapel Courtyard. There will be cookies and lemonade to enjoy.

Cornelius' Quest

  • October 13-15, 2023

    Cornelius' Quest: Scavenger Hunt

    At check-in you will receive a scavenger hunt playing card with instructions and clues for the various events around campus you will need to attend in order to collect all the Cornelius' Quest stickers. Get the whole family involved! 

    If your family cracks all the clues and completes the quest, turn in your completed playing card at Farewell Breakfast for a prize!


The details of Family Weekend are subject to change at any time