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Transfer Student Transition Programming

Connecting to VU

Connecting to VU (CVU) is Vanderbilt’s six-week extended orientation program offered every fall semester for new transfer students. Topics explored during each session are selected to connect students to various campus resources while also reflecting current trends for student success

This year’s Connecting to VU sessions aim to assist transfer students in identifying specific co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities that will allow them to reach their personal goals and take full advantage of the Vanderbilt and Nashville experience. Residential Colleges staff along with campus partners will present during each of these 45-minute workshops. Lunch will be served at each workshop.

While attending Connecting to VU sessions is not required, we strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity for additional support and information. Students who exhibit strong participation in Connecting to VU by attending a minimum of two sessions will receive a Vanderbilt merch item. Students who demonstrate outstanding participation in the series by attending four or more sessions will also be entered into a drawing for five pairs of concert tickets.

Connecting to VU Schedule

All sessions will take place on Thursdays from 12:15-1pm in Sarratt 325/327. Lunch is provided at every workshop. The Fall 2025 Connecting to VU schedule is below.

  • August 28 | Study Abroad
  • September 4 | Being YOU at VU
  • September 11 | Campus Recreation and Involvement
  • September 18 | Free Fun in Nashville
  • September 25 | Library Resources
  • October 2 |  Fellowship Opportunities for Transfer Students

Coffee with a Commodore

Coffee with a Commodore is an ongoing program created to help new transfer students to build peer connections outside the transfer community. Through this initiative, new transfers are invited to meet for coffee with an upper-division student who began their career at Vanderbilt as a first-year. While TSLs remain the primary peer mentors for new transfer students, Coffee with a Commodore offers an additionally opportunity for transfer students to expand their Vanderbilt community. Students who choose to participate in the Coffee with a Commodore program are paired based on major, co-curricular interests, and career goals. Students can sign up to participate using this form

Transfer Community Socials

Transfer Community Socials are gatherings hosted in the residential areas where transfer students live. Sweet treats are provided for transfer students to enjoy as they meet and build community with other transfer students in their residential community. The Fall 2025 Transfer Community Socials schedule will be emailed directly to students in each residence in August.

Beyond the aforementioned programs, social and professional development programs for transfer students will be communicated via email and through social media. Be sure to follow Transfer Connect on Instagram @transfersofvu for additional engagement opportunities. Please feel free to contact Roshaunda Ross-Orta if you have questions, concerns, or recommendations regarding transfer student programming.