NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt University’s campus will be a hub of activity next week as upperclassmen return to campus and incoming freshmen prepare to step on campus for the first time as official students. In anticipation of the start of classes on Aug. 24, the university will host a variety of activities to welcome new and returning students and introduce new students to campus life.
First Week Activities at Vanderbilt
(Here is a partial list of events scheduled in conjunction with the start of the school year at Vanderbilt. For a full schedule visit www.vanderbilt.edu/studentlife/orientation/fall.html.)
Aug. 15-20
DoreWays – Nearly 300 incoming freshmen will spend the week participating in one of Vanderbilt’s five DoreWay pre-orientation programs. Participants will perform community service at sites around Nashville, learn about diversity and leadership, or participate in activities such as hiking and canoeing in order to get acquainted with fellow freshmen in an off-campus setting and make a smooth transition to on-campus life.
Friday, Aug. 19- Friday, Sept. 2
Show your Gold – Hillsboro Village, Midtown, and West End Avenue merchants create custom-designed displays welcoming Vanderbilt students back to campus. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative display in each business district.
Saturday, Aug. 20
Move-in Day – Residence halls open to new students at 8 a.m.
Chancellor’s Welcome Address for Parents and Families– Alumni Lawn, 5:30 p.m.
Opening Keynote Speaker for Students – Alumni Lawn, 8 p.m. Curtis Zimmerman, a motivational speaker and juggler will give tips to freshman on how to successfully keep “all the balls in the air” as they face new demands and embark upon a hectic college life.
Sunday, Aug. 21
Discover Nashville – 1:30-6 p.m. Freshmen board buses for a taste of Nashville culture.
Monday, Aug. 22
Honor Code Ceremony and Signing – Alumni Lawn, 8 p.m. All members of the freshman class will gather to sign their names as a pledge to Vanderbilt’s honor code. The signatures will be hung in the Sarratt Student Center.
Tuesday, Aug. 23
Founders Walk and Chancellor’s Picnic– West End Avenue at Kirkland Hall esplanade to Curry Field, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 24
First day of classes.
Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 6,300 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt, ranked as one of the nation’s top universities, offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education and human development, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.
For more news about Vanderbilt, visit the News Service homepage at www.vanderbilt.edu/News.
Media contact: Amber N. Sims, (615) 322-NEWS
amber.n.sims@vanderbilt.edu