2024-2025 Student Handbook
From its founding in 1873 as an institution devoted to “strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country,” Vanderbilt University has forged a tradition of academic excellence infused with a unique spirit of collaboration and collegiality. Vanderbilt’s mission lies in the quest to bring out the best in humanity—pushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery, challenging the limits of what’s possible and working diligently in the service of others. Vanderbilt’s closely connected park-like campus, set in the heart of the rapidly growing city of Nashville, Tennessee, is representative of the enduring bonds that unite us as One Vanderbilt community. In furtherance of Vanderbilt’s mission, the Student Handbook was developed and is updated routinely. The Student Handbook includes:
The Student Handbook is designed to acquaint students with the specifics of the standards expected of them as members of the University community. The policies and regulations delineated in the handbook apply to all students enrolled at Vanderbilt. What students may expect of each other, and the principles that form the basis of what the University expects of students, are articulated in the Community Creed.
Additionally, what students may expect of Vanderbilt is articulated in the University’s mission statement, in the catalogs of the colleges and schools, in the Equal Opportunity statement, and in the Statement of Principles found in the Faculty Manual.
The University makes the handbook available to students online (https://studenthandbook.vanderbilt.edu). It is the student's responsibility to review its contents. Ignorance of a policy or regulation will not be considered an excuse for failure to observe it.
Members of the University enjoy the rights and privileges associated with their status and are bound by the laws of the surrounding community. Student status does not protect a Vanderbilt student from arrest or prosecution for violation of local, state, or federal laws. A student who violates certain regulations can be held accountable by the public courts as well as by the University. A student's status before the courts in and of itself, however, does not necessarily affect his/her/their standing within the University at any time.
The information provided, and the regulations and policies articulated in The Student Handbook are not intended to be all-inclusive and do not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right (on behalf of itself and its colleges and schools) at any time to add to, modify, or revoke any of its regulations and policies, including those in the handbook, without notice.
The Student Handbook is reviewed and revised on (at least) an annual basis in a collaborative process involving representatives from a number of campus offices and departments, including, but not limited to, Student Affairs; Title IX; Student Access; General Counsel; and Communications and Marketing, taking into account ideas and suggestions from students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and University committees. Vanderbilt faculty, staff, and students can submit suggested edits to the Student Handbook using the Student Handbook Feedback Form.
The University may establish and operate under guidelines and protocols to manage public health and other emergencies, including COVID-19. These guidelines and protocols will be communicated to students through other mechanisms and not through the Student Handbook. Students are expected to abide by any and all University guidelines and protocols to protect the University community. In some circumstances, these guidelines and protocols may supersede provisions in the Student Handbook.