Vanderbilt University kicks off its academic year when freshmen move in 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 25. However, there will not have to be immediate tearful goodbyes as parents can stay and participate with their students in Founders Walk, a welcome celebration for new undergraduates during which they symbolically march through the front gates of campus at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Events scheduled during the first week of school include:
- Saturday, Aug. 25, 7 a.m. to noon: Freshmen move in to residence halls with assistance from upperclassmen and staff move-in crew. The staging area, where parents and students will pull up in their vehicles to pick up keys to their residence halls, is in the parking lots located near the intersection of Natchez Trace and Vanderbilt Place. Freshmen will be moving into the residence halls in Kissam Quadrangle and Vanderbilt and Barnard Halls on West End Avenue. Media may not enter the residence halls.
- Saturday, Aug. 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Founders Walk – A welcome celebration for new undergraduates during which they symbolically march through the front gates of campus. Board of Trust members, vice chancellors, deans, faculty, staff and student representatives gather on the steps of Kirkland Hall to greet the new students as they enter campus. Immediately following the walk will be a program led by Interim Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos and Doug Christiansen, associate provost for enrollment and dean of admissions. Founders Walk is followed by a picnic on Alumni Lawn. Students and parents will begin the walk on 24th Avenue South, proceed down West End Avenue and enter the main entrance of campus.
- Tuesday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Commodores in the Community –Approximately 1,600 freshmen will work on more than 70 community service projects throughout the Nashville area. A sampling of projects includes the following:
- Habitat for Humanity – Students will meet in the LP Field parking lot to build wall panels for Habitat Houses.
- Feed the Children, 615 Davidson St. – Students will package food and personal care products and assist with cleaning and warehouse duties.
- Safe Haven Family Shelter, 1234 3rd Ave. S. – Students will organize items donated to the shelter.
Media Contact: Princine Lewis, 615-322-NEWS
princine.l.lewis@vanderbilt.edu