Vanderbilt University Logo
Skip to main content
Vanderbilt Background Photo
  2. Internal
  3. first-years
  4. First-Year Students

First-Year Students

Advising | Curriculum | Timeline | Resources

 

Welcome to the College of Arts & Science!

You’re about to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery that will prepare you to tackle society’s biggest challenges, find success in our rapidly changing economy, and make a positive impact on our world. In the College of Arts & Science, you will discover your passions, dive deep into your interests, forge unexpected connections across disciplines, and learn skills and capacities that will serve you for life.

We’re so glad you’ve decided to join us in A&S. We are excited to be on this journey with you.

Advising

All A&S students are assigned a pre-major adviser before they arrive at Vanderbilt. Your adviser will contact you during the summer prior to your first year and will work with you until you declare your major in your sophomore. Your pre-major adviser will help you identify your academic interests and career goals, choose an appropriate major to fit them, and choose and register for classes.

Return to top

College Core Curriculum

All A&S students entering in Fall 2025 or later will take the College Core, an innovative, flexible new curriculum designed to help students develop skills that will serve them for life—as successful professionals and engaged citizens. The College Core was carefully designed to expose students to a range of ideas, approaches, and perspectives across the arts and sciences. Students have flexibility to design the curriculum to meet their individual interests and career paths.

Return to top

Timeline

Please take note of these important dates for the summer before you arrive and the beginning of your first semester. Note that there will be an advising hold on your account that prevents you from registering for fall classes until you complete all advising requirements.

May
  • Once you receive an email from the University Registrar, activate your VUnetID and Vanderbilt email address, set up DUO multi-factor authentication, and familiarize yourself with important software, particularly Brightspace, YES, and Zoom (more details).
  • Your pre-major adviser will email you to introduce themselves, explain the advising process, provide instructions on completing the required Brightspace module, and provide your assigned registration window. (Please note that this window cannot be changed.)
  • Complete the assigned Brightspace module that your pre-major adviser provides to you.
  • Meet with your adviser 1:1 remotely. This is highly recommended. If your schedule does not permit you to schedule a meeting with your adviser, contact them to receive an electronic advising form that you can complete to get your prospective class selection reviewed and your advising hold removed.
  • Check your YES landing page for any holds on your account and contact the appropriate office to have them removed. You will be unable to register for classes if there are any holds on your account.
  • Review the YES User Guides to prepare for the technical aspects of registration.
June
  • June 2-20: Fall registration windows
July
  • Order any test scores (AP/IB or SAT/ACT) you would like to be included in your record (more details).
  • Complete the transfer process for any pre-freshman credit completed prior to matriculation (more details).
  • July 16 – August 29: Open Enrollment. During this time, you can make adjustments to your schedule, including any changes you need to make following verification of AP/IB test scores.
August
  • August 11, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: A&S Academic Overview webinar for first-year students and families
  • August 12, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: A&S Academic Overview webinar for transfer students and families
  • August 12, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: A&S Academic Overview webinar for first-year students and families (repeat of the August 11 webinar; need only attend one)
  • August 18, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: A&S Academic Monday (orientation, pre-major advising, program fair)
  • August 18, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Academic Night (in your Commons House)
  • August 20: Fall term classes begin
  • August 21: Pre-major advising drop-in pizza party (time and location TBD)
  • August 29: Open Enrollment closes. Be sure to finalize your course schedule before this date.
Academic Resources

As you start on your journey in the College of Arts and Science, there are many academic resources available to help you succeed. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your pre-major adviser.

Return to top

Related Links

Return to top