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Stay Informed

Stay Connected to What's Going On

The Commodore Connection is the primary vehicle of communications with our parent community. As a monthly e-newsletter, we strive to engage and inform parents of key campus resources and updates with additional consideration of highlighting strategic university priorities such as the residential experience, Opportunity ¹ú²úÔ­´´, Experience ¹ú²úÔ­´´, Student Care Network, and other university initiatives.

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Receive Our Newsletters

If you are not receiving our monthly Commodore Connection newsletters, please update your contact information or email us at parents@vanderbilt.eduÌýand we will add you to our distribution list.

Commodore Connection Archive

  • Monthly Newsletters

Parent Perspectives

The previous Parent Ambassador Council Chairs, Roseann and Jeff Gapusan, wrote a monthly segment of parent to parent messaging in our Commodore Connection newsletters each month. As two-time ¹ú²úÔ­´´ parents, they wrote insightful segments that show ways parents can help navigate the college journey with their student.Ìý


Incoming Student Email Series

As the parent or guardian of an incoming first-year student, you'll receive special monthly issues May - September. Featured topics include important deadline dates and introductions to helpful campus offices and resources. Once your student is on campus, you'll receive a regular monthly edition that is sent to all undergraduate parents and families.

  • First Year
  • Transfer

Webinar Archive

  • Dialogue and Free Expression at ¹ú²úÔ­´´: Inside and Outside the Classroom - Hosted by Francesca Schuler and Mario Rewers

    This webinar offers parents a window into how ¹ú²úÔ­´´ is preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex ideas, disagreement and difference—skills essential for leadership, citizenship and life beyond college.

    Francesca Schuler, executive director of Dialogue ¹ú²úÔ­´´, and Professor Mario Rewers, assistant dean in the College of Arts and Science and senior lecturer in Public Policy Studies and in Culture, Advocacy and Leadership, will share what’s happening through Dialogue ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€¯and the Free Expression and Dangerous Ideas course, highlighting how students learn to consider multiple perspectives, practice respectful, rigorous dialogue, and navigate disagreement with curiosity, rigor and respect. You’ll hear examples of classroom discussions, campus programs and student experiences that bring free expression to life—not as an abstract principle, but as a practiced skill.

    Parents will leave with a clearer understanding of how ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€¯supports open inquiry while helping students develop confidence, judgment and intellectual resilience.

    Ìý

  • Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´: Cultivating Knowledge through Experiential Learning - Hosted by Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´

    Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´ is a degree requirement for all ¹ú²úÔ­´´ undergraduate students. Through Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´, students transform ideas into action, explore their passions, and make a difference in the world. Join Carolyn Roberts, Senior Director, Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´, to learn more about how you can support your student as they engage in their immersive experiences and complete their culminating project

  • From Classroom to Career: What Parents Should Know ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Business Education - Hosted by Owen Graduate School of Management

    How does a business education set students up for long-term success? Join Tom Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management, and Gary Kimball, Sauereisen Director for the Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program, for an engaging conversation on howÌýtoday’s business programs prepare studentsÌýtoÌýthrive in a rapidly changing world. This session will highlight how ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Business connectsÌýclassroomÌýlearningÌýto real-world impact.

  • Anchors & Insights: Navigating the HOD Capstone Experience - Hosted by the HOD Capstone Office

    This webinar will provide information about the ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Human and Organizational Development Capstone program. The HOD Capstone team will share stories about the Capstone Design process and broad range of capstone sites. You will also learn about the many locations students can complete their HOD Capstone semester, including but not limited to Nashville, London and the new ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€“New York City campus.

  • Greek Life at ¹ú²úÔ­´´: The Joining Process and Membership Experience - Hosted by the Office of Greek Life

    Office of Greek Life staff members explain the joining process for ¹ú²úÔ­´´'s four Greek governing councils—Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and Intercultural Greek Council. In addition, they will cover the benefits and expectations of membership, provide tips and suggestions for family engagement.

  • Student Insurance Requirements - Hosted by Academic HealthPlans

    As a parent or guardian of a ¹ú²úÔ­´´ undergraduate student, you want to ensure your student's safety and well-being throughout their college journey. Join us for an informative webinar where representatives from Academic HealthPlans and ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™s Student Care Network will equip you with essential knowledge on health insurance and renters’ coverage. Discover the benefits of these plans, learn important insurance terms, and receive valuable tips to ensure your student’s well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to gain peace of mind and learn how to safeguard your student's future.

  • How to Empower Your Student's Career Journey - Hosted by ¹ú²úÔ­´´'s Career Center

    Learn information about Vandy in Communities, the Career Center’s service delivery model of career development, and your students’ career empowerment journey. Additionally, the Career Center will share professional/employer insights and ways parents/caregivers and alumni can engage and support students.

  • Business+Liberal Arts: A Proven Path to Career Success - Hosted by Owen Graduate School of Management

    Discover how a strong foundation in liberal arts, combined with a business education, can propel a career to new heights. At ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™s Owen Graduate School of Management, we’re building the next generation of leaders through collaboration and a portfolio of world-class programs that focus on helping people discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond. We offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs—ranging from a three-week summer business immersion to an undergraduate business minor to a one-year specialized master's in accounting, marketing, or finance, plus our traditional MBA and VU2MBA programs.

  • Introduction to Global Safety and Health for Families of Traveling Students - Hosted by Global Safety and Health

    Studying abroad is a transformational experience for many of our students and a lot goes into making their time abroad as successful as possible. This includes engaging with the Global Safety and Health Team (GSH) for the travel safety, health support and guidance we provide. Join us for part two of our Study Abroad Webinar Series to learn more about how we support our students to have a safe and healthy unforgettable experience abroad.

  • An Introduction to Safety and Security at ¹ú²úÔ­´´ for Parents and Families - Hosted by ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Public Safety

    ¹ú²úÔ­´´ is a diverse community representative of cultures, perspectives, experiences, academic interests, and community members from around the world. ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Public Safety is dedicated to maintaining a campus environment that is safe, conducive to rigorous academic pursuit, and welcoming. Join us to learn more about how we foster a safe learning environment for students and support the forward progression of ¹ú²úÔ­´´.

  • An Introduction to Study Abroad - Hosted with Study Abroad

    Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for ¹ú²úÔ­´´ students to expand their horizons, develop intercultural skills, and grow career-ready competencies. Join staff for part one of this series to learn more about studying abroad, including how ¹ú²úÔ­´´ supports students, funding, and timelines, and how you can help your students maximize the value of their time abroad.Ìý

  • Campus Dining Parents & Family Webinar

    We want you to be informed about all that ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Campus Dining has to offer, including the changes that will be implemented on Aug. 31. Please join David ter Kuile, Associate Vice Chancellor of Auxiliary Services, and Maria Portelli, Senior Director of Operations, for an informational webinar about ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Campus Dining.

  • Parents & Family Insurance Webinar - Hosted by Academic HealthPlans

    Representatives from Academic HealthPlans and ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™s Student Care Network will equip you with essential knowledge on health insurance and renters’ coverage. Discover the benefits of these plans, learn important insurance terms, and receive valuable tips to ensure your student’s well-being.

  • International Parents & Families Webinar - Hosted by International Student & Scholar Services

    Moving to another country can be intimidating, but International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is here for your student! In this webinar, you will meet ISSS staff and learn about how ISSS supports international students through advocacy, advising, programming, and more. From helping your student navigate the visa process, to supporting them in their transition to campus and Nashville, to helping them understand their employment options on an F-1 or J-1 visa, ISSS is a vital part of your student’s experience as an international student at ¹ú²úÔ­´´.

  • Career Wayfinding: Helping Your Student Gain Clarity ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Their Future - Webinar hosted by Owen Graduate School of Management

    Join Owen Graduate School of Management's specialized masters team and current students for a live panel and Q&A featuring advice on navigating career pathways. It is important for students to think about their careers early on to best prepare themselves to secure a job. You will leave the webinar with advice from current Owen students on what students can do now to explore career interests and prepare for the job market.

  • Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´: Cultivating Knowledge via Experiential Learning - Webinar hosted by the Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´

    Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´ is a degree requirement for all ¹ú²úÔ­´´ undergraduate students. Through Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´, students transform ideas into action, explore their passions, and make a difference in the world. Join Carolyn Floyd Senior Director, Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´ to learn more about how you can support your student as they engage in their immersive experience and culminating project.

  • Nurturing Success: A Parent’s Guide to ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™s Support Services - Webinar hosted by the Student Care Network

    As a parent, your child’s success is a priority! University students face a variety of challenges throughout their academic journey that may impact their holistic success. We know it’s not always easy to manage physical, emotional, and other wellbeing concerns while keeping up with the rigors of schoolwork. During this presentation, you will learn more about support resources available through ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™sÌýStudent Care NetworkÌýthat are designed to help nurture your student’s wellbeing and how you can help foster opportunities for your student to be proactive in their own wellness.

  • "Setting Your Student Up For Career Success: What to Consider Now" - Webinar Hosted with Owen Graduate School of Management

    Studies show that the career ladder that graduates start on after college is the one they stay on for as long as 10 years. This is why it's important for students to start thinking about their careers early on and to take steps to prepare themselves for the job market. JoinÌýspecialized masters teamÌýfor a webinar and live Q&A session on how students can prepare themselves to land a great job. You'll leave with our tips on what students can do now to launch a successful career.

  • "4 Years of College & Then What?" - Webinar Hosted With Owen Graduate School of Management

    Join Owen Graduate School of Management's career services staff and alumni from our specialized master programs for a career-focused panel discussion. Learn about ways your student can maximize their time in college and take advantage of opportunities that will help them successfully launch into their chosen career field. Topics will include experiences for a stand-out resume, career investigation techniques to prepare for life after college, and practical skills your student should be developing now. This event is hosted in conjunction with ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Parents and Family Programs.

  • "How to Help Your Student Get Ahead This Summer" - Webinar Hosted With Owen Graduate School of Management


    Join Cherrie Wilkerson, assistant dean for young professional programs at , ¹ú²úÔ­´´ undergraduate students, and current students from our for a panel discussion. You will learn about many career-building opportunities available for students that will add to their college experience and prepare them for the future. It's never too early or too late to start planning for a fun and fruitful summer experience!

Informational Session Archive

  • 2025 Parents and Family Orientation Session

  • Family Weekend 2024: University Update

    Watch a question-and-answer session with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and other ¹ú²úÔ­´´ leaders about the university’s commitments to open dialogue and free expression and to fostering radical collaboration.

  • Family Weekend 2024: Supporting Your "Big Fish" in Our "Big Pond"

    This was a panel-style presentation discussing ¹ú²úÔ­´´'s consistent ranking among the happiest colleges according to Princeton Review. Panelists explore the impact of the pressure to succeed at ¹ú²úÔ­´´ and share strategies for families to help students manage stress. Gain insights from staff members from the Center for Student Wellbeing and student mentors from the ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Recovery Support program and Peer Guide program. Additionally, hear from Student Affairs team members about supporting your student’s engagement on campus, and listen to student leaders as they share their experiences on finding community and belonging at ¹ú²úÔ­´´.

  • Family Weekend 2023: Conversation with the Chancellor

    Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost C. Cybele Raver and other university leaders provide an update on the state of the university and answer parent questions at the 2023 Family Weekend.

  • Family Weekend 2023: Supporting Your "Big Fish" in Our "Big Pond"

    This panel-style presentation will discuss Princeton Review findings where ¹ú²úÔ­´´ is consistently listed as having the happiest college students. Panelists will discuss the impact of the pressure to succeed at ¹ú²úÔ­´´ and ways families can help students manage their stress. You will hear from staff members of the Center of Student Wellbeing and student mentors from the ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Recovery Support program and Peer Guide program.

  • Family Weekend 2023: Experiential Learning and Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´

    Meet the team who helps students connect their experiences outside of the classroom to the steps needed to complete their Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´ requirement. Panelists include specialists in: study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, civic and community engagement, innovation, arts, design, creativity and leadership and professional development. Immersion ¹ú²úÔ­´´ calls for each undergraduate student to demonstrate learning through the completion of a final culminating project that flows from a qualifying immersive experience.

  • Family Weekend 2023: Finding Community on Campus Student Panel

    Join Associate Dean of Students for Student Engagement and Leadership, Traci R. Ray, and ¹ú²úÔ­´´ student leaders to learn and discuss how students can connect with other students on ¹ú²úÔ­´´â€™s campus through engagement opportunities. With more than 475 student organizations, including Greek Life, performing arts groups, ¹ú²úÔ­´´ Student Government, club sports, multicultural organizations, and more, students can find communities where they thrive and foster a sense of belonging. Hear directly from current student leaders about how their experiences in student organizations have shaped their ¹ú²úÔ­´´ experience and will have impact on them long after their time on campus.