Families of Transfer Students

Welcome! We're Glad You're Here!

Transfer students and families are an important part of Vanderbilt.

As the parent or family member of a transfer student, there's a lot you've already learned about what it means to support your student in their education journey. Vanderbilt recognizes that although transfer students and parents are not new to the college experience, they are new to our campus community. We want to make sure you have all the tools and information you need to help your student's transition be as seamless and successful as possible.

A good place to start: New Student Welcome website. There, you'll find a comprehensive source of information specifically curated for incoming first-year and transfer students. It outlines the requirements you must complete prior to your arrival on campus, important guidance about your transition into the university, and the many opportunities and resources Vanderbilt has to offer.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Transfer Parent Commodore Connection Newsletters

Over the summer, the Parents and Family office will send dedicated emails to transfer families, each with important information about your student's upcoming arrival on campus. Starting in September of your student's incoming year, you will receive a monthly newsletter that goes to all undergraduate parents until your student's graduation.

 

Parents of transfer students are in a unique position. Starting at a new school inevitably comes with uncertainty. Vanderbilt offered many resources to make the transition seamless and welcoming. Now she is thriving, and we enjoy being part of the Vanderbilt community.

Leslie Ilany,
Class of 2024 Transfer Parent

Transfer Student Webinar Series

Residential Colleges hosts webinars to discuss vital campus resources for incoming transfer students and their parents and families. All sessions are on Wednesdays at 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST. Attendees are invited to submit questions for each webinar in advance. All those who attend are entered into drawings for VU swag! For those unable to attend, sessions are recorded and linked below within one week of the live event.

Learn More

Webinar Recordings

  • July 24, 2024 | What I Wish I Knew as a VU Transfer Student

    Presented by Grace Hollis, Program Coordinator, Residential Colleges; Transfer Student Leader Panelists

    WATCH HERE

  • July 10, 2024 | Being YOU at VU: Exploring Your Identity on Campus

    Presented by Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Identity Center Leaders

    WATCH HERE

  • June 26, 2024 | Fellowship Opportunities for Transfer Students

    Presented by Elizabeth Harrington Lambert, Ph.D., Associate Director, Career Center

    WATCH HERE

  • June 12, 2024 | Welcome from Residential Colleges and Transfer Credit Course Review

    Presented by Melissa Gresalfi, Ph.D., Dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education; Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Molly Thompson, Senior Associate University Registrar

    Watch Recording Here

  • August 9, 2023 | Transfer Student Orientation and Transition Programs

    Presented by Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Grace Hollis, Program Coordinator, Residential Colleges

    View the recording here

More to Explore

  • Admissions

    Vanderbilt University is always looking to add dynamic, academically motivated students to our residential community - and transfer students are no different. Each fall, approximately 220-240 transfer students join the Vanderbilt Community, contributing their talents, interests, and experiences. If your student is admitted and chooses to enroll, you'll find our community to be diverse, welcoming, and academically enriching as you complete your undergraduate degree.

    LEARN MORE

  • Orientation

    Transfer Student Orientation is designed to offer students a robust introduction to life at Vanderbilt, including informational sessions and small-group discussions. Additionally, there will be Parent and Family Orientation sessions for parents to learn about the intricacies of Vanderbilt University.

    LEARN MORE

    Transfer Parents and Families Reception  Friday, August 16 at 8-9 p.m. 
    Engineering and Science Building

    RSVP by August 12 using this form.

  • Transfer Groups

    Vanderbilt recognizes that although transfer students are not new to the college experience, they are new to our campus community. Coming to a new university can be daunting. To assist with making that transition, all incoming transfer students will be assigned to a transfer group. These groups - each of which is comprised of approximately 8-10 transfer students - meet throughout Transfer Student Orientation.

    LEARN MORE

  • Transfer Credit Course Review

    The External Education Unit will review previous course work for newly admitted students once official final transcripts from any prior institution(s) are received. Courses that are already listed in the Transfer Credit Search tool, available through Your Enrollment Services (YES), will be posted to your Vanderbilt record. For courses taken elsewhere that have not been evaluated by Vanderbilt, the External Education Unit will seek course syllabi and facilitate the evaluation process for you.

    LEARN MORE

  • Connect on Social Media

    Follow @TransfersofVU on Instagram

    Join our Vanderbilt Parents & Families Facebook Group

  • Transfer Student FAQs

    Learn more on our Transfer Students FAQ page.

Campus Contacts

Still, need help finding what you're looking for? We'll be happy to point you in the right direction! Feel free to send us an email at parents@vanderbilt.edu.