Summer Events
Welcome, Class of 2030! We look forward to welcoming you to campus in the fall. You will soon be invited to our Summer Engagement 2026, 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!
Be well,
Dean Wendy Maragh Taylor
Associate Dean of the College
Office of Student Growth & Engagement
Warmest congratulations and welcome,
Christine Stuart
Director of the Women’s Center
First Year Engagement Coordination for the Office of Student Growth & Engagement
Fitting In: Where Do I Belong?
Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Do you find yourself wondering if you’ll fit in at Vassar? Thinking about the prospect of meeting people like you? 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 Studies, First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program, and Women’s Center), as well as the First-Year Experience, and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices houses all of our religious support spaces and organizations. Kick off our summer engagement series by meeting with team members from SGE and RSLCP to learn about what their Centers and spaces offer, what kind of programs they host, and how to connect with other students through their sponsored organizations.
You Matter
Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
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
Monday, June 15 at 5:30 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
Wondering how to plan your course schedule, register for classes, and stay on track for graduation? We are here to help! At Vassar College, the open curriculum gives you the freedom to explore a wide range of academic interests, though the many possibilities may feel overwhelming at first. Join Dean of First-Year Students Mary Ellen Czesak for a panel on advising, registration, and graduation requirements designed to help you feel more prepared.
Pre-Registration Office Hours
For questions about summer pre-registration, schedule a Zoom meeting in July with Mary Ellen Czesak, Dean of First-Year Students. She can help you explore Vassar’s curriculum, find information on classes, and build a balanced liberal arts schedule. Appointments at other times may be available upon request by emailing deanoffirstyear@vassar.edu.
Common Reading Conversations
Join your new classmates on Zoom for a conversation about the Class of 2030 Common Reading, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. Whether you’ve just started or are halfway through this memoir, come share your thoughts and questions. Hosted by Mary Ellen Czesak, Dean of First-Year Students.
- Monday July 6: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time
- Tuesday July 14: 8:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time
- Wednesday July 22: 9:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time
- Thursday August 6: 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time
Succeed In and Out of the Classroom
Tuesday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
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 for 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
Date to be announced. Zoom link forthcoming.
Insights on Communal Living
Tuesday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
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 2026 Bill Statement. How Do I Pay for This?
Wednesday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
You got in! You were offered a sweet financial aid award! 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? Emma Ritter, Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Services and Corinna Sutherland, Bursar, are here to present you with options and help you navigate your charges and financial aid award. Linda Wessberg, Director of Human Resources Operations, 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. Parents, this might be of interest. Join us if you like.
Never Too Early: Life After Vassar
Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
Join this session to learn more about the Center for Career Education (CCE) and the Office of Community-Engaged Learning (OCEL). Both offices help prepare you for a well-designed, fulfilling life that connects your academic work to the wider community, as well as issues that matter to you.
In your time at Vassar, you can seek out Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) credit opportunities that help develop valuable skills in collaboration, leadership, and civic engagement through building meaningful relationships with local organizations. The Office of Community-Engaged Learning can connect you with opportunities in education, environmental justice, public health, advocacy, and more, all while helping you contribute to a positive change in our local communities.
At every stage of your Vassar journey, it’s important to think about your future. That’s where the Center for Career Education comes into play! They offer services like 1:1 counseling, career exploration, career readiness workshops, mock interviews, and comprehensive application support. By engaging with these resources early, you will master career preparedness and gain the competitive edge needed to thrive both at Vassar and beyond.
Parents, we welcome you to join this session as well—though it’s hard to think about your high schooler starting out in “the real world,” that preparation begins now!
VSA: Getting Involved on Campus
Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom link forthcoming.
Get to know some members of the Vassar Student Association (or VSA) and learn about Vassar’s student-run governing body. Learn about clubs, governance, getting involved, and connecting with other passionate students.
Ask Me Anything: The Questions You Have for Real Vassar Students
Date to be announced. Zoom link forthcoming.
You definitely have questions about coming to college–who doesn’t?! Now is your chance to ask real Vassar students your pressing questions about coming to campus, student life, and more!