Summer Events

Welcome, Class of 2027! We look forward to engaging with you. You will soon be invited to a few new student events, all of which will be virtual, to connect with your Vassar community. Remember to also check back to find out more about the New Student Orientation on the Orientation page. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Wendy Maragh Taylor
Associate Dean of the College for Student Growth and Engagement

Christine Stuart
First Year Experience Program Associate

Off to College Virtual Series

Fitting In: Where Do I Belong?

Wednesday, May 31 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? 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 (formerly the Transitions 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 6 at 6:30 p.m.

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. With mental health becoming a larger concern for college students, 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.

Finding Peace and Connection

Wednesday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m.

“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.

Success In and Out of the Classroom

Tuesday June 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Does my Individualized Educational Plan (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!

Building a Schedule

Wednesday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m.

How do I register for classes? What requirements do I need to meet before graduating? Who do I talk to when it comes to scheduling and advising? Look no further than the Dean of Studies Office! Vassar is unique in that it offers an open curriculum, which allows you to explore tons of options and avenues through a high-caliber liberal arts education…but sometimes, that might feel overwhelming because there are too many options. Dean of First-Years, Lioba Gerhardi, will host this panel and explain the advising and registration process, how to build a schedule, and what to look for when satisfying your requirements to graduate on time, all while helping you remain cool, calm, and collected.

First-Year Social Night

Date TBD (Week of July 3–July 7) 

Wise Words for Communal Living

Wednesday, July 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Who is a Student Fellow? What is a Fellow Group? What are the dorms at Vassar like and why are they called “Houses?” What the heck is a womp-womp, anyway? 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.

And How Do I Pay for This?

Tuesday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m.

You got in! You were offered a sweet financial aid package! You got a scholarship!…Now what? Paying for school is hard and can be confusing–what’s work study? How much can I contribute from my savings? What are loans and how do I use them without going into debt? Jacqueline Perez, Director of Student Financial Services, is here to present you with options and help you navigate your financial aid package. 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

Wednesday, July 26 at 5:00 p.m.

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!

Eat, Play, Love

Date TBD (Week of July 31–August 4)

AMA: The Questions You Have for Real Vassar Students

Date TBD (Week of August 7–August 11)

Please Join Us for Open-Door Hours with Vassar’s Director of Housing: All about Housing at Vassar

Living on campus is an important piece of the Vassar experience so why not drop in—at any point during any of these Zoom sessions—to get answers to your housing and roommate questions? At each session you’ll find Vassar’s director of housing who eagerly awaits your visit! These opportunities are all scheduled to help you get those New Student Information Forms completed in time (June 15) with the confidence that you’ve done your best to get yourself a good space and roommate match.