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‘Freshman Commons’

Meet Andrew Moe

Sep. 10, 2010—My hometown is Janesville, Wisconsin. I am the admissions counselor responsible for Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Central America, and South America.

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Theme Words

Sep. 9, 2010—I hear about colleges all day long.  It’s (obviously) what I do for a living.  I know from my own college search experiences and my day-to-day job that many institutions begin to blend together and sound exactly alike.  Students and families seek to understand what’s different about Vanderbilt.  How does Vanderbilt set itself apart from...

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Inside Dores

Sep. 3, 2010—We’re currently working on developing a new landing page for our Black and Gold Bloggers.  In the mean time, don’t forget to check out our student blog, Inside ‘Dores!  We’ve got some great new material posted this week.

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Meet Maria Ornelas

Sep. 3, 2010—My hometown is Denver, CO. I am the admissions counselor responsible for Eastern and Middle Tennessee (except Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, and Montgomery Counties) and Ohio (except Cincinnati/Dayton).

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Arts & Science Update

Sep. 1, 2010—I intended to write about the Commons today.  I’ll talk plenty about the first-year living experience throughout this blog.  However, today I want to relay information from Dr. McIntyre, an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Science.   Admissions counselors sit through hours of update meetings from various departments across campus at the...

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A New Chapter – Move In Day 2010

Aug. 21, 2010—It’s the start of another chapter inVanderbilt history today as the newest residents of Vanderbilt’s Freshman Commons move in.  It is a tremendous sight, and truly symbolizes the immediate embracing of our newest Commodores.  Never fails to give me chills.

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Vandy Snow Day and EDII 2010 Update

Jan. 31, 2010—Nashville got blanketed with 4-6" of snow over the weekend. Vandy students promptly went B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Early decision II committee started Friday and it will likely conclude this Tuesday. Last year we mailed EDII letters on February 6, 2009, and we will shoot for a similar early mailing date (early from our publically stated February 15 EDII notification date) as is our general practice. As we did last year, I will make sure to let everyone know when the letters have left the building.

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Stress Coping Tips (from someone who's been there)

Dec. 7, 2009—I’ve had a lot of experience with school and school-related stress. Throughout my undergraduate education, graduate education, and my time here at the OUA I have developed a few coping mechanisms. As many of you await our Early Decision I letters and most of you wrap-up semesters with final projects and exams, let me hand...

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Gimme Shelter: Housing Deadline Approaching

May. 27, 2009—Your housing application is due this coming Monday June 1st. This deadline applies to any new incoming student (transfer included). Jason Jakubowski from University Housing posted a letter on Commonplace that explains how to apply. June 1st also marks the first of several important deadlines for the incoming class.

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Summer PreVU Registration is Live and other Random Updates

Apr. 24, 2009—Information for Rising Seniors, Waitlisted students, admitted, and enrolling students.

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Commons is to Hogwarts what Sociology is to "Muggle Studies"

Oct. 17, 2008—Great article out yesterday in Time Magazine about VU’s Freshman Commons.  A Frosh New Start Taking my son to a quidditch match this weekend.  Should be bloody brilliant.

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