Stop the Demolition of Branscomb and Keep Students on Campus at Vanderbilt

Dear Board of Trust and Chancellor Diermeier,

While students have been extremely excited about Vanderbilt’s bold vision and commitments to the future of this institution, I and a significant amount of the student body are very disappointed to hear about the new plans to demolish Branscomb and construct four new residential colleges in its place. I write this letter to provide a greater perspective on what these changes would really mean for student life.

Vanderbilt for years has touted itself as a premier and unique educational institution particularly for its emphasis on residential education, even calling it an “integral part” of our experience and learning. However, this maneuver, which will see a significant number of students living off campus, completely undermines Vanderbilt’s core promise of a residential experience. To make this worse, it will almost certainly disproportionately impact senior students, almost completely abolishing a year’s worth of supporting community and faculty integration within the residential college system.

Such an unmeasured approach is surprising, and, frankly, disappointing. It appears as though the focus on future ambitions has overshadowed the immediate reality of a university full of students, all relying on the residential experience championed by Vanderbilt. Balancing future ambitions with current students is critical, especially considering there are already hundreds of students off campus. For students who have chosen Vanderbilt among many options and are investing heavily in their education here, part of that choice was the promise of a four-year residential experience, in a community where everyone shares in that opportunity. It is a matter of respect and courtesy to honor this commitment.

With Branscomb and McTyeire coming down, this leaves about 780 more students without housing next year, meaning there will be a total of around 1750 students without housing and dining, a number roughly similar to an entire Vanderbilt class. It is extremely concerning that especially the future senior class will be excluded from our residential culture, creating a class of commuters. This means the senior class will miss out on the residential community, and the experience of frequenting classmates on campus and in dining halls, which is half of the experience and certainly not possible with off-campus life.

This shift disproportionately also affects low-income students and those with disabilities, for whom off-campus living often introduces financial strain and accessibility issues.

A more gradual approach to construction is not only warranted but essential if Vanderbilt has any desire in upholding its residential commitment. It would be ideal to avoid removing more housing before addressing the existing deficit. According to the FUTURE VU 2017 Land Use Plan, there have been considerations to demolish specific places like the Central Garage, and other areas, to make space for future developments. If space remains limited, decreasing class size for a few years could be a good way to reduce the number of students off campus. In short, the demolition cannot be approached as an immediate and sudden decision; it requires long term planning to make sure of a smooth transition that honors the residential experience.

We urge the Board of Trust and the Vanderbilt Administration to reconsider the timeline and approach to this transition. It is important to be transparent with the student body about how to pursue this in the future, and if we work together we can find solutions that preserve core commitments and experiences

I hope to underscore that this is not merely a minor inconvenience for the upcoming and future senior classes, but an entire subversion of our experience. I plead that our experiences should not be totally sacrificed for future plans. I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter, and I hope you take our opinion into consideration. We understand that the Board has previously come to a decision on this matter, but there is still time to consider a more measured approach that honors the residential mission of this great school. Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and commitment to Vanderbilt’s continued excellence!!

Warm Regards,
Concerned Members of the Vanderbilt Student Body