Timeline

VEA Launch Timeline

From initial alignment with Vanderbilt Enterprises to full campus launch in fall 2026.

Current Status — May 2026
PlatformNear demo-ready
Org recognitionUniversity process
GovernanceUnder final review
Think TankOutreach after July 4
LeadershipNot selected yet
Fall launchTargeting Fall 2026

Milestone Timeline

✓
May 2026

Initial Alignment

VEA concept aligned with Vanderbilt Enterprises leadership. Support confirmed in principle.

Completed
Late May 2026

Website & Platform Mockup

Full website and prototype platform built and ready for review.

In Progress
Early June 2026

University Process Review

VE leadership coordinates with Center for Student Life to identify student organization recognition path.

Upcoming
June 2026

Approval Path Clarified

Approval or exemption pathway confirmed. Next steps defined.

Upcoming
After July 4

Think Tank Outreach

Current Think Tank members receive first right of refusal for early VEA leadership roles.

Upcoming
July 2026

Leadership Team Selected

President, Brand Director, Strategy Director, and Fan Engagement Director identified.

Upcoming
August 2026

Fall Launch Preparation

Operating model finalized. Handshake account set up. Student-facing communications prepared.

Upcoming
Fall 2026

Campus Rollout

Student org registration complete. Campus-wide launch. Recruitment opens.

Upcoming

Two Launch Paths

The timeline depends on what CSL guidance looks like. Both paths target fall launch — the difference is timing and registration sequence.

Path AAccelerated Recognition

VEA receives early or accelerated student organization recognition. Operations begin with Vanderbilt Enterprises backing before standard fall registration.

June 2026Student organization recognition path clarified
July 2026Founding cohort outreach — leadership offered to current members
July / AugustPresident and directors selected, operating model finalized
August 2026Platform, Handshake, and student-facing materials ready
Fall 2026Formal rollout — recruitment open, org fully operational
Path BStandard Fall Registration

VEA prepares fully during summer, submits CSL registration in fall, and launches formally once approved. Leadership and platform are ready in advance.

June 2026Materials refined based on university guidance
July 2026Founding cohort outreach — leadership lined up before registration
August 2026Broad student interest pipeline open, leadership selected
Fall 2026Submit official student org registration, begin operating pending approval
Post-approvalFormal campus launch, full student recruitment, Handshake presence

Who Owns What

Jack Diemar
  • Website / platform prototype
  • Governance doc refinement
  • Governance materials integration
  • Demo preparation
  • Founding cohort transition plan
  • Platform and deployment readiness
Vanderbilt Enterprises
  • Student organization recognition path
  • Institutional sponsor / adviser guidance
  • Governance materials review
  • Feedback on naming and platform
  • Priority fall workstreams for VEA
Students (Later)
  • Team participation and workstreams
  • Idea submissions and soundboard responses
  • Project deliverables for VE
  • Leadership roles (president, directors)

Launch Stage Tracker

✓
Concept & AlignmentComplete
OwnerOperating Lead / Vanderbilt Enterprises
Next actionComplete
2
Governance & StructureMostly Complete
OwnerOperating Lead
Next actionFinalize governance materials and operating model
Depends onGovernance reference materials
3
Platform PrototypeIn Progress
OwnerOperating Lead
Next actionComplete demo preparation for leadership review
4
Student Org RecognitionPending
OwnerVanderbilt Enterprises
Next actionUniversity process alignment — student organization recognition path
Depends onUniversity approval process
5
Think Tank TransitionUpcoming
OwnerOperating Lead / VE Leadership
Next actionOutreach to founding cohort candidates after July 4
Depends onRecognition path clarity
6
Leadership FormationUpcoming
OwnerOperating Lead / VE Leadership
Next actionIdentify president and team directors from founding cohort
Depends onFounding cohort outreach complete
7
Fall LaunchTarget
OwnerFull organization
Next actionEnter fall with leadership, platform, and structure prepared
Depends onAll prior stages

Almost Done vs. Not Done Yet

Almost Done
  • Website prototype
  • Initial governance structure
  • Three-team model
  • Request and soundboard workflow
  • AI template tools (Tier 0)
  • Demo path for VE review
Not Done Yet
  • Formal student organization recognition
  • Final name and platform approval
  • Production authentication layer
  • Database persistence
  • Governance materials integration
  • Student leadership selection
  • Broad student launch

Execution Roadmap

Completed
6 items
  • Concept aligned with VE leadership
  • Leadership support received in principle
  • Three-team structure drafted
  • Governance materials drafted
  • Website / platform prototype built
  • VE request and soundboard workflows mocked
In Progress
5 items
  • Website polish and demo preparation
  • Platform workflow refinement
  • Admin and student dashboards
  • AI template tools (Tier 0 live)
  • Project and workstream examples
Pending
4 items
  • Governance reference materials
  • University process alignment
  • Student organization recognition path
  • Final naming guidance
Upcoming
6 items
  • Integrate governance materials
  • Prepare university-facing recognition packet
  • Founding cohort outreach — after July 4
  • Identify president and directors
  • Open broader student interest pipeline
  • August / fall launch preparation