Major Programs and Events for First-Year Students
First-Year Programming
Residential Colleges provides a wide array of programming options for first-year students as soon as they step on campus. The following selections are representative of a few of the incredible events students can expect to see. For a full list of programs, check out The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons Anchor Link page.
The Commons Cup
The Commons Cup is a yearlong competition among the houses that promotes community, unity, and partnership. The competition consists of five categories: Academics, Athletics, Campus Engagement, Commons Community Involvement, and Service. Students participate throughout the academic year to earn points within each category for their respective houses while utilizing these opportunities to build relationships and forge lasting memories within each class of undergraduates.
View The Commons Cup Schedule.
Commons Seminars
Commons Seminars are intended to prepare first-year students to pursue their passions by modeling rigorous, compelling, and unique projects in addition to exposing students to a particular seminar theme. Commons Seminar topics help students imagine ways to make a difference in the world by introducing them early on to the questions of why, how, and where having an immersive experience might make a difference in their undergraduate careers.
Students can view the full list of Commons Seminars by clicking the link below.
Explore Nashville
Explore Nashville is a year-round initiative that allows Vanderbilt students to connect with local organizations and learn how they positively impact the Nashville community. These local excursions are open to all Vanderbilt students on a first-come-first-serve basis. All transportation, entrance fees, meals, etc. are FREE for students.
Food for Thought Series
Regularly throughout the school year students are invited to join Dean Gresalfi and a special guest for Food for Thought, a time for meal and conversation. These events take place both at her residence on The Ingram Commons and at various locations around campus. Each meal will have a limited number for RSVPs and will focus on a topic or area of interest depending on the guest. Students are encouraged to check their emails to see the upcoming dinners and RSVP on Anchor Link.
Holidays & Heritage Months Celebrations
Each year Residential Colleges celebrates major holidays and heritage months. These events are meant to serve as a recognition and celebration of what is important to individual students and as an opportunity to learn about new cultures and traditions. These events are open to all who are interested in learning more.
Each faculty head of house and college will host at least one event in their residential community. The rest will be hosted by Residential Colleges. For more information, check out the Holidays and Heritage Months Celebrations webpage.
Residential Colleges Lectures
Throughout the school year Residential Colleges hosts two annual lectures, the Murray Lecture, in honor of Walter Murray, Jr.; and the Lawson Lecture, in honor of Rev. James Lawson. The Murray Lecture is held in tribute to African American trailblazers and the Lawson Lecture is held in conjunction with The Campus Reading, and the speaker addresses the new class in the fall on various themes or ideas associated with the reading.
Signature Events
Residential Colleges hosts three major events each year on The Ingram Commons: Fall for the Arts, the Commons Ball, and the End of Year Block Party. Fall for the Arts takes place on the Friday evening of Family Weekend. This outdoor festival brings the “creative campus” to life with a special program, including musical and dance performances from the main stage, several craft stations, a caricature artist, free t-shirt screen-printing with Hip Hues, and a festive fall-themed menu!
The Commons Ball takes place on the first Friday in February and is planned in conjunction with the 10 house presidents. Each year the Commons Ball’s theme changes and The Commons Center is transformed into a magical landscape with dancing, activities, photos, and decadent food.
The End of Year Block Party celebrates the end of a successful first year and recognizes the accomplishments of the class. The End of Year Block Party features delicious food, fun, and the announcement of the outcome of The Commons Cup competition.
All signature events are open to all Vanderbilt students.
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