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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

PAFA Perspectives

The Parents and Family Association (PAFA) Board 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

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 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