Welcome, Class of 2028! We look forward to engaging with you. You will soon be invited to our Summer Engagement 2024, a series of new student events. All of these will be virtual and for the purpose of connecting with your Vassar community. Remember to also check the site to find out more about the New Student Orientation. We look forward to seeing you soon!

For your reference, below is the schedule for Summer Events 2023.

Fitting In: Where Do I Belong?

Monday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. Join on Zoom.

Do you find yourself wondering if you’ll fit in at Vassar? Thinking about the prospect of meeting people like you? Have no fear, Student Growth & Engagement is here! Student Growth & Engagement (aka SGE) is the office on campus that houses all of our affinity programs and spaces (the ALANA Center, the LGBTQ+ Center, Office of International Services, First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program, and Women’s Center), as well as the First-Year Experience. Kick off our summer engagement series by meeting with team members from SGE to learn about what their Centers offer, what kind of programs they host, and how to connect with other students through their sponsored organizations.

You Matter

Tuesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

Going away to school is a huge transition, and the Offices of Collaborative Health within Student Living and Wellness are here to help make that transition smoother. Your wellbeing is a priority. It’s crucial to come into a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and connected to help and resources. Come find out what kind of services we offer and who is in your corner for support.

Building a Schedule

Date to be determined (Week of June 17–June 20) Join on Zoom (link forthcoming).

How do I register for classes? What requirements do I need to meet before graduating? Who can answer my scheduling and advising questions? Look no further than the Dean of Studies Office! Vassar is unique because it offers an open curriculum, which allows you to explore many options and avenues through a high-caliber liberal arts education…but sometimes, that might feel overwhelming because there are so many options. The Dean of First-Year Students, Lioba Gerhardi, will host this panel to explain the advising and registration process, how to create a schedule, and what to consider when fulfilling your graduation requirements, helping you remain cool, calm, and collected.

Religiously Devoted, Spiritually Curious, Radically Questioning?: Finding Your Way at Vassar

Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

“How do I maintain my religious practices while at college?” “I’m not really religious, but I want to find time for meditation, contemplative walks, or other grounding practices. What are the religious and spiritual communities at Vassar like?” “What are my opportunities for mindfulness?”

Come learn from the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, including Rev. Sam Speers, Associate Dean of the College for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP); Rabbi Bryann Mann, Rachlin Director for Jewish Student Life and Assistant Director of RSLCP; and Saba Ali, Advisor for Muslim Student Life.

Succeed In and Out of the Classroom

Monday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. Join on Zoom.

Does my IEP follow me to college? What happens if I need extra time on a test? How do I register an emotional support animal? I broke my foot and now can’t make it to my class on the third floor: how do I navigate this? What even qualifies as an accommodation?! The Office of Accessibility and Educational Opportunity has the answer to all these questions and more! Everyone benefits from an accessible education; come and learn how they’ll support yours!

First-Year Social Night

Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. Join on Zoom (link forthcoming).

Insights on Communal Living

Wednesday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

Who is a Student Fellow? What is a Fellow Group? What are the dorms at Vassar like and why are they called “Houses?” What am I allowed to bring with me on move-in day? What are Brewer Bucks and how can I earn them? Join members of the residential life team who will answer all these burning questions and more as you get a sneak peek into the wondrous legacy of the residential experience at Vassar College.

I Received My Fall 2024 Bill Statement. How Do I Pay for This?

Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

You got in! You were offered a sweet financial aid package! You got a scholarship!…Now what? Understanding my bill, paying for school is hard and can be confusing—what’s work study? What are loans and how do I use them without going into debt? Jacqueline Perez, Director of Student Financial Services, and Renee Behnke, Bursar, are here to present you with options and help you navigate your charges and financial aid award, and Linda Wessberg, Interim Assistant Director for Labor Relations and HRIS, will talk about opportunities for student employment. Whether you’re doing it on your own or having someone help you pay for it, this is a panel you don’t want to miss.

Never Too Early: Life After Vassar

Tuesday, July 30 at 5:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

Okay, so you just finished high school…do you really need to start thinking about what comes after college? The quick answer: Yes! Even though you might not know what your major is or what you want to do with the rest of your life, the Center for Career Education (CCE) is here to help you figure it out. They can help you navigate selecting a major that puts you on the right career path, consider if graduate school is relevant for your path, write an excellent resume or cover letter, search for summer internships, connect with Vassar alums, and so much more. The options are limitless when you work with the CCE and their job is to make sure that you’re using your time at Vassar wisely so you can succeed beyond your four years here. Start visiting them early in order to make the most of it!

Topic to be determined

Date to be determined (Week of August 5–August 8). Join on Zoom (link forthcoming).

AMA: The Questions You Have for Real Vassar Students

Sunday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. Join on Zoom (link forthcoming).

Want to Talk About Summer Reading?

“The Prophets”: Common Reading Discussions. Join on Zoom.

Get ready to meet your new classmates on Zoom for an engaging discussion on the Class of 2028 Common Reading: Robert Jones Jr.’s The Prophets. Whether you’ve just started or are halfway through the book, this is your chance to connect, share your thoughts, and ask questions. Lioba Gerhardi, Dean of First-Year Students, will be there to guide the conversation.

• Wednesday, July 17 at 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 31 at 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 14 at 12:30 p.m.