Dear McTyeire Residents,

I am writing with important updates about language education, in general, and McTyeire International House, in particular.

First, Anja Bandas, who has been leading the International House for 25 years, has decided to retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. As director, she expanded  programming in significant and meaningful ways by, for example, adding the Korean, Russian, Italian, and International halls, creating countless McTyeire Fireside Chats with Vanderbilt faculty; launching the very popular “international dessert nights,” and starting community mixers and cultural celebrations. We are grateful to Anja for her leadership and commitment to the program and her collaborative partnership with us in the Office of Housing and Residential Experience and with Vanderbilt Dining over the years.

Further, the College of Arts and Science is currently re-envisioning language education at Vanderbilt with goals to better integrate language study into Vanderbilt’s residential college system, expand immersive language training and increase flexibility to engage more community members, and help propel language education forward.

In support of these goals, beginning fall 2022, there will be expanded language opportunities offered within the expanding residential college system. This will be developed through a close partnership between the College of Arts and Science and the residential colleges program in the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Given the residential colleges’ mission of enhancing students’ educational experiences outside of the classroom, there will be opportunities for more students to participate in the expanded program, regardless of where they live.

These important changes advance the core mission of the International House and its long-standing commitment to offering a more global education.  These changes also mean that McTyeire residence hall will no longer be the home for programming for students studying languages. In a sense, we will be weaving the spirit of the International House into the residential college system more broadly.

This is an exciting change and as residents of the International House you have special insight into the role of languages on campus.  So, if you are interested in providing input about future programming related to language education, please email deanofstudents@vanderbilt.edu by February 1 so we may share your contact information with the College of Arts and Science and residential colleges program teams. They would greatly value your input, and there will be opportunities for student leadership within the new program.

Of course, this change may affect your housing plans for next year.  If you need assistance navigating the upcoming housing assignment process, please contact the Office of Housing Assignments at ohare@vanderbilt.edu.

Sincerely,

G.L. Black
Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students