Orientation
The schedule for Orientation will be full-including welcomes, introductions, and the general administrative housekeeping necessary to start your time at Vanderbilt. We will begin orientation on Monday, August 17, 2026. All students are required to attend the orientation in its entirety. New students will also complete all the necessary safety training courses.
Academic Calendar
Please be aware that the QCB academic year may not mesh with the items listed for the Graduate School on the University calendar. Pay close attention to QCB rotation and course dates and deadlines when making travel plans.
Classes
Classes begin Friday, August 21, but students will be fully booked beginning on the first day of orientation, August 17. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. You will be registered for your Fall courses by our staff, and the curriculum will be described in detail during Orientation.
Research Rotations
Academic Standing
- Students who fall below an average GPA of 3.0 are placed on probation for one semester. If the student’s performance does not improve during that semester, the student may be dismissed.
- The accumulation of three U and/or LP (Unsatisfactory and/or Low Pass) grades over the course of study can lead to dismissal.
Faculty Advisor
Your faculty adviser during the first year is Dr. Ray Blind.