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 fill out this form or email us at parents@vanderbilt.edu and we will add you to our distribution list.
Informational Webinars
Residential Colleges will host informational webinars during the summer to help families and students prepare for their arrival. Dates for the summer 2024 webinars are below. The dates will also be shared in the Incoming Families Commodore Connection newsletters.
First-Year Families and Students
Links for the webinars will be available in May.
- Welcome to Vanderbilt
May 22 | 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi
- Life on The Ingram Commons
July 17 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Featuring panelists from Campus Dining, Housing and Residential Experience, the Office of the University Registrar, Residential Colleges, Student Affairs, and the Student Care Network
- Preparing for CommonVU Orientation & Vanderbilt Visions
August 7 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Director of the First-Year Experience Natalee Erb & VUcept Executive Board Members
Learn more about the First-Year Webinar Series and watch last year's recordings here
Transfer Families and Students
Links for webinars will be in the welcome emails to students and Commodore Connection.
- Welcome from Residential Colleges and Transfer Credit Course Review
June 12 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.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
- Fellowship Opportunities for Transfer Students
June 26 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.Presented by Elizabeth Harrington Lambert, Ph.D., Associate Director, Career Center
- Being YOU at VU: Exploring Your Identity on Campus
July 10 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.Presented by Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Director of Upper-Division Engagement, Residential Colleges; Identity Center Leaders
- What I Wish I Knew as a VU Transfer Student: Tips from TSLs
July 24 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.Presented by Grace Hollis, Program Coordinator, Residential Colleges; Transfer Student Leader Panelists
- Transfer Student Orientation and Transition Programs
August 7 | 12:00p.m. - 12:45p.m.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 and watch last year's recordings here
International Families and Students
Links for the webinars will be available in May.
- Welcome International Students
May 29 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. CT
Featuring the English Language Center and International Student and Scholar Services. - Preparing for International Student Orientation
July 10 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. CT
Assistant Director Michael Wallace & iLEAD Executive Board Members - International Meet & Greet
July 24 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. CT
Join the iLEAD Executive Board and other new international students for a virtual meet and greet!
Learn more about the International Webinar Series and watch last year's recordings here
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!