Each fall Vanderbilt University admits a diverse cohort of more than 1,600 first-year undergraduate students. These students are welcomed to the Vanderbilt family with support through the transition process and a vast network of resources that can help ensure their success.
All new first-year students participate in an extended orientation program called Vanderbilt Visions, which involves upper-division peer mentors and faculty members called VUceptors.
Faculty VUceptors help first-year students while also listening to them to build dynamic and meaningful professor-student interaction. VUceptors support students throughout CommonVU Orientation and through the six-week Vanderbilt Visions program.
Applications to serve as a faculty VUceptor are now open.
Everyone who holds a faculty appointment at Vanderbilt is eligible to apply. Staff members without faculty appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they hold a terminal degree in their academic field and have the support of their supervisor. All faculty VUceptors will receive training; no experience is necessary.
Successful faculty VUceptors usually commit two to three hours per week of their time to the six-week program between August and October. In addition, all faculty VUceptors are asked to attend a short training in the spring and a full-day training in August. Precise time commitments are on the application form.
Faculty who want to learn more about being a faculty VUceptor are invited to an interest breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons dean’s residence, 1235 18th Ave. S. Interested faculty should RSVP by Feb. 13.
“Vanderbilt Visions is one of the most important ways that new students learn about how to connect with and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive community,” said Melissa Gresalfi, dean of residential colleges. “Equally importantly, Visions is an amazing opportunity to get to know students in a context that is different from a traditional classroom. You learn about who students are, where they come from and how they hope to grow. Leading a Visions group has truly transformed my teaching and my relationship with students.”
Applications are available online, with a priority review deadline of Feb. 23.
Questions about the faculty VUceptor role? Email commons@vanderbilt.edu.