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.
Information Sessions
Residential Colleges will host informational webinars during the summer to help families and students prepare for their arrival. Webinar information will also be shared in the Incoming Families Commodore Connection newsletters.
First-Year Families and Students
Welcome to Vanderbilt | May 21, 6 - 7 p.m., CT
Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi, Associate Dean for Housing and Residential Experience Sophia Chaknis, and Director of Housing Assignments Alison Matarese
Residence Life Revealed: A Conversation with Housing & Dining | June 11, 6 - 7 p.m., CT
Director of Housing Assignments Alison Matarese and Campus Dining Assistant Director Aaron Dilts
Vandy, I'm Home: Unpacking What to Expect on Move-In Day | July 23, 6 - 7 p.m., CT
Director of Housing Assignments Alison Matarese is joined by a resident adviser, a student VUceptor, and a Move Crew volunteer to provide an insider perspective on first-year Move-In Day.
- Learn more about the First-Year Webinar Series here
- Watch the recording of New Student Orientation: Parents & Family Orientation 2024 here
Transfer Families and Students
Links for webinars will be in the welcome emails to students and Commodore Connection.
Welcome to VU and Transfer Credit Process | June 18, 12 – 1 p.m., CT
Presented by Dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education Melissa Gresalfi, Ph.D. and Senior Associate University Registrar Molly Thompson
Your First 30 Days at VU | July 16, 12 – 1 p.m., CT
Presented by Director of Upper-Division Engagement for Residential Colleges Roshaunda Ross-Orta
Transfer Student Orientation Overview | August 6, 12 – 1 p.m., CT
Presented by Director of Upper-Division Engagement for Residential Colleges Roshaunda Ross-Orta
- Learn more about the Transfer Webinar Series here
International Families and Students
Preparing for International Student Orientation| June 25, 8 - 9 a.m., CT
Come hear from Assistant Director for Student Development Michael Wallace on what to expect during International Student Orientation (ISO).
New International Student Virtual Meet & Greet | July 30, 8 - 9 a.m., CT
Join several members of the iLEAD executive board and other international new students for a virtual meet and greet.
- Learn more about the International Webinar Series here
Health Care Considerations
We encourage your student to arrive to campus with an understanding of:
- Their health insurance plan, including insurance card
- Students are required to have adequate health insurance. Students will automatically be enrolled in Vanderbilt's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless a waiver is completed and approved. Learn more here.
- Their allergies and associated reactions
- The Student Health Center can continue providing care and allergy shots to students who need it. Call to setup an appointment.
- 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!