WAVU Experiences

View 2022 WAVU Experiences

At Weekends at Vanderbilt University, high-achieving students in grades 7-12 explore unique and exciting new subjects in a fast-paced and challenging laboratory environment. There are no grades, which encourages students to begin thinking like professionals in their field, posing in-depth questions, and taking intellectual risks. 

Instructors

WAVU instructors are drawn from the wealth of talented faculty and scholars here in the Vanderbilt University and Nashville communities and include many distinguished professors, scientists, and researchers. All instructors are carefully selected not only for achievements in their fields, but also for their commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. Our outstanding WAVU instructors serve as academic role models, providing instruction and insights into their areas of study. In addition to the instructors, a teaching assistant (TA) with demonstrated experience in the content area or pedagogy supports each class. The TA serves as a resource to the instructor and to the class—sharing their perspective on the subject matter while helping to promote a learning environment that encourages academic risk-taking and relationship building.

Assessment

WAVU does not give grades or award credit. We want students to stretch their intellectual capacity without fear of failure.