New interactive resources launched as students gear up for fall semester

Vanderbilt faculty and staff are busy gearing up for residential students to return to campus with a host of new interactive initiatives. Faculty heads of house and the Residential Colleges staff are ready to help the incoming class of 2024 and all undergraduate residential students with several new resources.

TOUR UPDATED INGRAM COMMONS

Dean of The Ingram Commons Melissa Gresalfi explains some of the aspects of The Ingram Commons that first-year students can look forward to, including connecting with fellow students at The Commons Center, interacting with their faculty head of house and Vanderbilt Visions groups, and different activities that students will help create.

Gresalfi also shows some of new aspects being set up to combat the spread of COVID-19, such as masking up, residence hall accommodations and staying safely distanced while being social.

“Start dreaming about how you want to decorate your room because we have big plans to help make this year great,” said Gresalfi. “We’re all in this together and we’re going to do everything we can to help you have an awesome first-year at Vanderbilt.”

FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS WEBINAR

Learn more about the residential college experience during a live webinar, hosted by Dean Gresalfi, for incoming first-year students and families from 7 to 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, July 28.

During the webinar, Dean Gresalfi will share more details about:

  • How Residential Colleges is preparing for students’ return and what life will look and feel like on campus.
  • CommonVU Orientation logistics
  • Vanderbilt Visions
  • First-year seminars

Staff from The Office of Housing and Residential Experience and Vanderbilt Campus Dining along with some Faculty Heads of House will also be in attendance during the webinar.

Register for the webinar.>>

THE HUB

The Hub is a newly-launched online information portal providing students direct links to Vanderbilt’s various resources. The Hub is divided into nine categories to help students navigate topics that interest them most, including:

  • Community Standards and Student Support
  • Experiential Learning
  • Health, Safety, and Wellness
  • Housing and Residential Living
  • Identity Centers
  • Money Matters
  • Orientation and Transition Programs
  • Student Involvement
  • Undergraduate Education

MEET CORNELIUS, THE HELPER BOT

Learning and acclimating to a new environment leads to a lot of questions, big and small. If you have a question, Cornelius the personal helper bot can assist with quick answers. You can find Cornelius on The Hub  website. Just submit a question and a one-on-one conversation will begin with Cornelius to point you in the right direction. 

Find all the latest return to campus information and frequently asked questions here on the Return to Campus website. You can also watch previous student and families town halls on the website.