We are so excited you are joining the Vanderbilt community! Learn more about key due dates and deadlines for parents and families, what you should be doing this summer to help prepare your student for move-in, and advice on the college transition.
This isn’t just a substantial change for your student—it’s also a major transition for your family. Vanderbilt Parents & Family Programs is here to offer support, guidance, and information on resources every step of the way. Reach out to us anytime: parents@vanderbilt.edu or at (877) 887-2736.

Parents and Family Commodore Connection Newsletters
Over the summer, the Parents and Family office will send dedicated emails to incoming families, each with valuable 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.
Starting in May, if you are not receiving our monthly Commodore Connection newsletters, please email us at parents@vanderbilt.edu and we will add you to our distribution list.
Informational Webinars
First-Year Families and Students
- Welcome to the Vanderbilt Family
- May 24, 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. CT
Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi will provide an overview of the checklist of items each student should complete prior to arriving in the fall. - RSVP link
- May 24, 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. CT
- Life on The Ingram Commons
- July 19, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT
Join Dean Gresalfi and campus partners from Campus Dining, Housing and Residential Experience, Residential Colleges, Student Affairs, and the Student Care Network for a discussion about life on campus. - RSVP link
- July 19, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT
Learn more about the First-Year Webinar Series
Transfer Families and Students
- Campus Reading and Summer Timeline
- June 14, 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m. CT
- Presented by Melissa Gresalfi, Dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education; Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges
- Transfer Credit Course Review
- June 28, 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m. CT
- Presented by Molly Thompson, Senior Associate University Registrar
- Being YOU at VU: Exploring Your Identity on Campus
- July 12, 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m. CT
- Presented by Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Identity Center Directors
- What I Wish I Knew as a VU Transfer Student: Tips from TSLs
- July 26, 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m. CT
- Presented by Grace Hollis, Program Coordinator, Residential Colleges; Transfer Student Leader Panelists
- Transfer Student Orientation and Transition Programs
- August 9, 12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m. CT
- Presented by Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Grace Hollis, Program Coordinator, Residential Colleges
Learn more about the Transfer Webinar Series
International Families and Students
- Welcome International Students | May 31, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., CT
Featuring the Center for Languages, the English Language Center, and International Student and Scholar Services.
Zoom Link - Preparing for International Student Orientation | July 12, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., CT
Come learn all about what to expect during International Student Orientation (ISO).
Zoom Link - International Meet & Greet | July 26, 8 - 9 am, CT
Join the iLEAD board for a virtual meet and greet.
Zoom link coming soon.
Health Care Considerations
We encourage your student to arrive to campus with an understanding of:
- Their health insurance plan, including insurance card
- Their allergies and associated reactions
- Their medications, including doses
- How to use a thermometer (pack one for them)
Staying in Nashville
Coming to campus for Move-In or for another visit? We’re here to help. Several local hotels offer discounts to our parents and families when they come to visit their students. While there are hundreds of lodging choices in Nashville to fit multiple needs, those closest to the campus will be in the West End neighborhood of Midtown.
Connect with the Vanderbilt Community
Commodore Launch
For more than 50 years, Commodore Launch events have taken place across the country and internationally to welcome incoming undergraduate students and their families into the Vanderbilt community.
As this hallmark series offers many events across the country this summer, there’s sure to be one near you!
Vanderbilt Chapters
As the family of a Vanderbilt student, you are invited to Vanderbilt Chapter events! These events provide a wonderful way to connect alumni, parents, students, and friends worldwide in the name of Vanderbilt. Hard-working volunteers—with assistance from the Alumni Association—plan and implement a full calendar of events and programming for each chartered Chapter.
Become a Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador
Our parent community is a vibrant and critical part of Vanderbilt’s story and success. From supporting your student throughout their time here to financial contributions that help provide essential programming, our parents bolster our community each day.
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. We hope you will join our team!