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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 Vanderbilt, Experience Vanderbilt, Student Care Network, and other university initiatives.

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

Commodore Connection Archive

Monthly Newsletters

Parent Perspectives

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

Segment archive

Incoming Student Email Series

As the parent or guardian of an incoming first-year student, you'll receive special monthly issues from May until Move-In Day in August. 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.

Webinar Archive

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.
WATCH HERE
An Introduction to Safety and Security at Vanderbilt for Parents and Families - Hosted by Vanderbilt University Public Safety

Vanderbilt is a diverse community representative of cultures, perspectives, experiences, academic interests, and community members from around the world. Vanderbilt University 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 Vanderbilt.
WATCH HERE
An Introduction to Study Abroad - Hosted with Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt supports students, funding, and timelines, and how you can help your students maximize the value of their time abroad.
WATCH HERE
Campus Dining Parents & Family Webinar

We want you to be informed about all that Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt Campus Dining.
WATCH HERE
Parents & Family Insurance Webinar - Hosted by Academic HealthPlans

Representatives from Academic HealthPlans and Vanderbilt’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.
WATCH HERE
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 Vanderbilt.
WATCH HERE
Career Wayfinding: Helping Your Student Gain Clarity About 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.
WATCH HERE
An Introduction to Study Abroad for Parents and Families - Webinar hosted by the Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt and the Office of Global Safety

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for Vanderbilt students to expand their horizons, develop intercultural skills, and grow career-ready competencies. Join staff from the Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt and the Office of Global Safety to learn more about studying abroad, including how Vanderbilt supports students, funding, and timelines, and how you can help your student maximize the value of their time abroad.
WATCH HERE
Immersion Vanderbilt: Cultivating Knowledge via Experiential Learning - Webinar hosted by the Office of Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt

Immersion Vanderbilt is a degree requirement for all Vanderbilt undergraduate students. Through Immersion Vanderbilt, 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 Vanderbilt to learn more about how you can support your student as they engage in their immersive experience and culminating project.
WATCH HERE
Nurturing Success: A Parent’s Guide to Vanderbilt’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 Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network that 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.
WATCH HERE
Greek Life at Vanderbilt: The Joining Process and Membership Experience - Webinar hosted by the Office of Greek Life

Members of the Office of Greek Life staff along with student leaders from the sorority and fraternity community will host a panel discussion about the joining process for our 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 and answer questions that families may have about the community.
WATCH HERE
"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. Join Owen Graduate School of Management's specialized masters team for 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.
WATCH HERE
"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 Vanderbilt Parents and Family Programs.
WATCH HERE
"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 Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt undergraduate students, and current students from our specialized master's programs 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!
WATCH HERE

Informational Session Archive

Family Weekend 2024: University Update

Watch a question-and-answer session with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and other Vanderbilt leaders about the university’s commitments to open dialogue and free expression and to fostering radical collaboration.
WATCH HERE
Family Weekend 2024: Supporting Your "Big Fish" in Our "Big Pond"

This was a panel-style presentation discussing Vanderbilt's consistent ranking among the happiest colleges according to Princeton Review. Panelists explore the impact of the pressure to succeed at Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt.
WATCH HERE
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.
WATCH HERE
Family Weekend 2023: Supporting Your "Big Fish" in Our "Big Pond"

This panel-style presentation will discuss Princeton Review findings where Vanderbilt is consistently listed as having the happiest college students. Panelists will discuss the impact of the pressure to succeed at Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt Recovery Support program and Peer Guide program.
WATCH HERE
Family Weekend 2023: Experiential Learning and Immersion Vanderbilt

Meet the team who helps students connect their experiences outside of the classroom to the steps needed to complete their Immersion Vanderbilt requirement. Panelists include specialists in: study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, civic and community engagement, innovation, arts, design, creativity and leadership and professional development. Immersion Vanderbilt calls for each undergraduate student to demonstrate learning through the completion of a final culminating project that flows from a qualifying immersive experience.
WATCH HERE
Family Weekend 2023: Finding Community on Campus Student Panel

Join Associate Dean of Students for Student Engagement and Leadership, Traci R. Ray, and Vanderbilt student leaders to learn and discuss how students can connect with other students on Vanderbilt’s campus through engagement opportunities. With more than 475 student organizations, including Greek Life, performing arts groups, Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt experience and will have impact on them long after their time on campus.
WATCH HERE