As part of its annual review of policies and guidelines, Vanderbilt University has updated the Student Handbook.
The update includes revisions to the freedom of expression and use of university space policies, which are a vital part of the university’s commitment to discovery and learning.
“The Student Handbook changes are primarily designed to ensure that, amidst the robust environment of free expression we have cultivated here at Vanderbilt, there continue to be explicit and reasonable time, place and manner limitations that allow for equitable access to university space by all members of the campus community and facilitate the safe, efficient operations of the university,” said Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students G.L. Black.
Relevant revisions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The public may not participate in or be invited to participate in campus demonstrations and protests, and the university may request identification from those participating in demonstrations and protests to determine if they are members of the campus community.
- Demonstrations and protests may not occur at times that would require individuals to sleep or gather overnight given safety, logistical and maintenance concerns.
- Installations, defined as “temporary displays, art pieces, symbolic structures or other physical objects,” require reservations and may only be displayed between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. or sundown, whichever is earlier, for no more than three consecutive days.
- Camping, sleeping, preparing to sleep or any other gathering overnight outdoors on campus is prohibited due to safety, logistic and maintenance concerns and to ensure access to university spaces for other groups wishing to make reservations.
All members of the Vanderbilt community are encouraged to review the full Student Handbook in advance of the start of the academic year.
Introducing New Students to Our Culture
While the Student Handbook includes policies related to free expression, the university has taken steps to teach students about its culture and expectations even before they become Commodores—during recruitment, in admissions communications, during Admitted Student Days, through summer webinars for students and their families, and more.
“Free expression, civil discourse and the university’s institutional neutrality are central to the Vanderbilt experience and a core part of Vanderbilt’s culture. We want students to understand that, and what it means for them, from day one,” said Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Tiffiny Tung.
The introduction to our culture of free expression continues as soon as students arrive on campus. CommonVU orientation program for first-year students introduces Vanderbilt’s academic programs and campus culture, fostering connections and familiarizing the community with the Vanderbilt Way from their first day. Orientation programs and events include:
- Community Commitments Ceremony. As part of this Vanderbilt tradition, incoming students sign the Vanderbilt Honor Code Pledge and the student-authored Community Creed. The creed articulates standards of behavior, such as neighborliness, openness, courage and respect—all of which promote an environment where free expression and civil discourse can thrive.
- Vanderbilt Visions. Through Vanderbilt Visions, groups of first-year students meet weekly for the first half of the fall semester, forming support networks and engaging in dialogue with classmates from different schools, perspectives and backgrounds. As part of Vanderbilt Visions, all first-years read and discuss the Campus Reading, a book selected to spark substantive conversations. The 2024 Campus Reading is I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán.
- Dialogue Vanderbilt. Further, through the academic year, students can engage in a range of events and skill-building activities through Dialogue Vanderbilt—the university’s intentional effort to consistently advance and more deeply embed our long-held values of free expression, civil discourse and institutional neutrality. Signature initiatives include:
- Through the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy and the Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows Program, students and other community members listen and participate in open forums with distinguished public figures who hold a range of perspectives on critical social and political issues.
- Through the Vanderbilt Civil Discourse Lab, students are afforded opportunities to engage in a range of structured debate- and dialogue-related activities focused on complex issues. Students learn to challenge assumptions, defend positions with evidence and engage vigorously but respectfully. The lab also provides faculty with research-based professional development opportunities; and,
- Through The Future of Free Speech, a nonpartisan think tank, students learn about the value of free speech through innovative research, convenings of thought leaders and results-oriented advocacy.
Dialogue Vanderbilt’s work is furthered by dedicated faculty and staff and, most importantly, by an active student advisory board of more than 30 students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Learn more about Dialogue Vanderbilt events and activities by signing up for the Dialogue Vanderbilt newsletter.
