Encouraging your student to explore the many organizations, clubs, and teams at Vanderbilt is a great way for them to build community and make meaningful connections. While extracurriculars vary in time commitment, many students find their closest friends through these experiences. As a parent, you can support your student by urging them to put themselves out there and be willing to try a few organizations or activities while also helping them understand the importance of balance and avoiding overcommitment. You can also support your student by encouraging them to consider which activities and organizations align with their values and priorities. Prompting them to ask thoughtful questions will help them make informed, independent decisions as they explore clubs and teams.
Another helpful role you may play as a parent is realizing when some behaviors are happening that should not. If your student shares information about University policy violations happening within their organization, most notably hazing, we would encourage you first thank them for being open and letting you know. It is helpful to support your student in that moment because whatever has happened is significant enough or worrying them enough for them to raise it. You can encourage individual actions like dropping out of the organization or team and help them explore the best means of doing so that is safe. You can also help them understand that you are worried not just for them but for other students and because of that you feel the need to report the behavior. Even if your student asks you to not report or say anything, we encourage parents to still report the behavior to the University so that the appropriate intervention steps can be taken that can protect all the students involved.
Reporting is best acted upon when it has a level of detail that can be corroborated independently. If you have dates, times, or locations, please include that information, along with the organization or team involved. If there are pictures, videos, or screenshots that be provided, the Hazing Incident Reporting Form will allow you upload them there. Reporting can be done anonymously but even if not anonymous, the Hazing Investigation Team will work their best to preserve anonymity.
You can also reach out to the Community Standards Hotline at 615-343-STOP (7867) should you prefer calling and leaving a voicemail. Again, this may be anonymous.
You may also want to discuss your concerns with an administrator and leader within the unit the organization, club, or team falls under. Staff in Student Accountability, Student Organizations Leadership and Service, Greek Life, Athletics, and Campus Recreation all serve on the University’s Working Group for Hazing and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss concerning matters with you.
The University values our partnership with parents in helping keep your student and all our students safe and well at all times, including as they join student groups.
