Major Programs and Events for Upper-Division Students

Upper-Division Programming

Residential Colleges provides a wide array of programming options for students their sophomore through senior year. 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 Upper-Division Residential Colleges’ Anchor Link page.

The College Cup (Year-long)

Residents of the six upper-division residential colleges are invited to participate in a year-long initiative: The College Cup. The College Cup’s purpose is to build community, unity, and partnership among the upper-division residential colleges and broader Vanderbilt Community. The College Cup is is a competition-based program centered around the pillars of community, cultural awareness, intellect, personal well-being, and self-discovery. Points will be earned for each of the upper-division residential colleges when residents participate in designated programming which accumulate throughout the year. The winner of The College Cup will be announced at a final ceremony in April.

The Sophomore Year Experience

The Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) programming supports students’ successful transition from the first year of college. This collection of programming is designed to provide second-year undergraduate students with multiple opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and peers as they learn about important campus and community resources. SYE annual events include the Sophomore RECHARGE, Sophomore Salutations, and the Sophomore SMASH and SCREAM. Sophomores also receive priority invitations to Explore Nashville excursions.

National Transfer Student Week

National Transfer Student Week is an annual celebration of Vanderbilt’s incredible transfer students. This week features social and educational events for transfer students and transfer student supporters. Transfer students are a vital part of the Commodore community, and this week serves to highlight their contributions and accomplishments.

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.

Upper-Division Colleges Welcome Back Parties

Each year, all of the upper-division residential colleges host a Welcome Back Party for their residents. These parties are a time for the college community to come together and celebrate the start of a new year! The Welcome Back Parties include delicious food, fun activities, and college swag to welcome residents back to Vanderbilt.

Feast Fest

Feast Fest is an annual celebration of the many cultures represented in the Vanderbilt Community. Residential Colleges partners with culturally-focused student groups to provide food and entertainment from cultures all around the world. The event is free to anyone with a Vanderbilt ID.

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.

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.