From the Dean | October 2021
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Dear Arts and Science community, One of the foundational aspects of a Vanderbilt education is the belief that learning does not only take place inside the classroom, but also outside the classroom. We know that students benefit when their intellectual curiosity is fostered and encouraged across all aspects of campus life. This belief can be seen throughout the Vanderbilt experience: in the “living-learning communities” we’ve built into our residential colleges; in the wide array of academic events, speakers, and activities students can participate in daily; and in our recently launched Immersion Vanderbilt initiative. Immersion Vanderbilt, which is a requirement for all undergraduates, was part of the university’s Academic Strategic Plan that grew out of an effort to enable students to pursue their own interests, engage with critical research and contemporary problems, and apply their classroom learning to the world around them. The program has just started, but we have already seen how Immersion has led undergraduates into areas they might otherwise never have explored, discovering passions that are changing the trajectory of their college careers and, likely, their lives. Immersion offers a powerful combination of experiential learning and mentored relationships between faculty and students that culminates in an academic project. Working closely with a faculty adviser and supported by the Office of Immersion Resources, students develop their own Immersion plans in one of four pathways: civic and professional, creative expression, international, and research. And every Vanderbilt student has access to these transformative opportunities, through financial supports and resources provided by the university and the college. A&S students are already undertaking impressive Immersion projects that will be game-changing for them and for the larger community. Katte Lubega (Medicine, Health & Society major) did research in Boston with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Departmental Training Program, studying the immune system and how it relates to cancers. Jared Schmidt (English, Political Science, and Theatre major) is directing his own theatrical performance. Amanda Sisung (Neuroscience major) is using virtual reality to help students learn, study, and understand Chemistry. Kaira Brown (Public Policy Studies and Latino and Latina Studies major) worked as a press intern with the Black Congressional Caucus, attending caucus meetings and learning how the media shapes narratives to the public. All of these students are following a passion or interest that will provide them with critical experiences that carry far beyond their time at Vanderbilt: useful knowledge, yes, but also personal connections, critical thinking, a curiosity about the world around them, and a commitment to improving society. I can think of no better way to prepare the world’s future leaders than through this transformational initiative. Immersion may be new, but it is already becoming an important a cornerstone of a Vanderbilt education. I can’t wait to see what our talented students learn and accomplish, as Immersion becomes yet another reason for the best and the brightest to come to our campus. My best,
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