Jorie Fawcett

I can’t remember the number of student organization meetings I went to during my undergraduate years. I don’t remember how many leadership positions and internships I applied for or how many programming events and giveaways I attended. But I do remember the first time I felt like I belonged at Vanderbilt, and I do remember when I realized the importance of a university fostering student belonging. I can’t describe how excited I was to start my college life at Vanderbilt.

Responses to federal policy changes and effects on higher education Many of you were able to vote in your first presidential election this year, and you attended two debates on campus discussing the presidential candidates and policy stances of both candidates. You also attended Balletpalooza, and Vanderbilt was recognized for its work in engaging you and your peers to vote. President Donald Trump was projected the winner of the election on Nov. 6, 2024, and took office on Jan.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities recently penned a letter calling for “constructive engagement” in protest of federal overreach into higher education. Vanderbilt, a member of the AAC&U, was notably absent from the letter’s over 500 signees — among whom were the leaders of 12 of U.S News’ top 20 American universities.