Vanderbilt University Resources

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Campus Security | Center for Spiritual and Religious Life | Disability Discrimination and Grievances | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office | Libraries | News, Publications, and Media | Origami Risk - VUSN Incident Reporting | Parking, Vehicle Registration, and Alternative Transportation | Project Safe | Sarratt Student Center | Student Access | Student Care Coordination |  Student Care Network | Student Health Services | Title IX and Sexual Misconduct | University Counseling Center | Vanderbilt Card Services | Vanderbilt University Resources

 

CAMPUS SECURITY

Vanderbilt University Public Safety

http://publicsafety.vanderbilt.edu/

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/families/safety-and-emergency-preparedness/ 

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS), 615.322.2745, is a professional law enforcement agency dedicated to the protection and security of Vanderbilt University and its diverse community. VUPS provides several services and programs to members of the Vanderbilt Community.

Information on available program and services, along with crime statistics, is available at https://publicsafety.vanderbilt.edu/.

Emergency Number

911 or 615.421.1911

Lost and Found

615.343.5371

Non-Emergency

615.322.2745 (2-2745 from campus extension)

Walking Escorts

615.322.2745

AlertVU

AlertVU delivers emergency messages to students, via Vanderbilt email accounts and other user selected delivery points, in the event an imminent threat, such as a tornado or an active aggressor, is possible in the Vanderbilt community. Keep your contact information up to date in YES (Your Enrollment Services) to receive AlertVU notifications.

More details about AlertVU are provided at this link: alertvu.vanderbilt.edu. Detailed instructions on how to update information in YES is provided here. https://alertvu.vanderbilt.edu/NEW_Student_Instructions_URO_edits.pdf  

Emergency Phones

Emergency telephones (Blue Light Phones) are located throughout the University campus, Medical Center, and One Hundred Oaks.

Each phone has an emergency button that when pressed automatically dials the VUPS Dispatch Center. An open line on any emergency phone will activate a priority response from an officer. An officer will be sent to check on the user of the phone, even if nothing is communicated to the dispatcher. Cooperation is essential to help us maintain the integrity of the emergency phone system. These phones should be used only for actual or perceived emergency situations.

An emergency response can also be received by dialing 911 from any campus phone. Cell phone users can use 615.421.1911 to summon an emergency response on campus. Cell phone users should dial 911 for off campus emergencies. All callers should be prepared to state their location.

Operation ID

VUPS provides additional services including property registration (for bikes, laptops, etc.), lost and found, weapons safekeeping, and submit a Crime Tip. Additional information on security measures and crime statistics for Vanderbilt is available from the VUPS, 111 28th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.

VandySafe

VandySafe ( https://police.vanderbilt.edu/services/vandysafe.php ) is a free mobile safety application for iOS and Android smartphones. The app allows users to connect directly from their cell phones to the Vanderbilt University Public Safety via voice call, SMS text, or iReport. In the event of an emergency situation, you can hit the GET HELP button, which will give you the options to call VUPS, text VUPS, or call 911. When you select to either call or text VUPS, Communications Officers will be able to see your GPS location when enabled on your phone. These options allow VUPS to provide quick and professional service to its community even when the user is unable to give their location.

VandySafe also allows you to request a safety escort from VUPS, view information about Vandy Vans, assign a contact to monitor your safety at your request, view VUPS emergency guides, and make an iReport. Use iReport to submit crime tips and report crimes, including text, photos, and/or videos. You can even send VUPS information anonymously.

Walking Escort Service

Vanderbilt University Police Safety provides walking escorts to students, faculty, and staff walking to and from any locations on campus during the nighttime hours. The telephone number to call for a walking escort is 615.322.2745.

 

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

The Center for Spiritual and Religious Life functions in educational, spiritual, religious, and ceremonial capacities, providing individual spiritual/ pastoral counseling, a bereavement support group, weekly religious services, spiritual study, interfaith dialogue, programs that are religious/spiritual and interdisciplinary, and venues for meditation, prayer, and reflection. For a complete listing of campus religious groups, resources, services, and programming opportunities, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/religiouslife.

CENTER FOR STUDENT WELLBEING

The Center for Student Wellbeing helps students thrive within the Vanderbilt community. There are multiple resources and services available to students that support personal development, academic success, and lifelong wellbeing practices that use a holistic framework. More information can be found on their website at: (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/healthydores/).

 

DISABILITY, DISCRIMINATION, AND GRIEVANCES 

If at any time a student feels they have been discriminated against due to their disability, they should contact Title IX and Student Discrimination (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/title-ix/). If a student needs to file a grievance with Student Access (SA), they can complete the process listed on the SA home page (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/student-access/).

 

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICE

The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is responsible for advocating for institutional change, working with university stakeholders to set goals and institutionalize accountability, and ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts are coordinated throughout the university. For more information, visit https://www.vanderbilt.edu/equity-diversity-inclusion/ or https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/about/diversity/.

 

LIBRARIES

Library

Location

Phone

Biomedical

Eskind Biomedical Library

2209 Garland Avenue

Nashville, TN 37232-8340

615.936.1410

Arts & Sciences

Central Library

419 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37203-2427

615.322.2800

Divinity

Divinity Library

419 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37203-2427

615.322.2865

Education

Peabody Library

230 Appleton PIace

Nashville, TN 37203

615.322.8098

Law

Alyne Queener Massey Law Library

131 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37203

615.322.2568

Management

Walker Management Library

401 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37203

615.322.2970

Music

Anne Potter Wilson Music Library

2400 Blakemore Avenue

Nashville, TN 37212

615.322.7695

Science & Engineering

Sarah Shannon Stevenson Science & Engineering Library

419 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37203-2427

615.322.2775

Special Collections and University Archives

419 21st Avenue South

Nashville, TN 3720

615.322.2807

The Annette and Irwin Eskind Family Biomedical Library and Learning Center supports the education, research, and patient care mission of Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The library is open 7 days a week, with a current VU badge required during restricted hours. For more information, visit www.library.vanderbilt.edu/biomedical/about/. Other nearby libraries for study space are the Science & Engineering Library, and the Central Library. For more information, visit www.library.vanderbilt.edu.

The holdings of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries system of nine libraries are represented in the electronic catalog accessible from the library web pages. There you will find a host of electronic databases and e-journals available across all of the disciplines of the university, with many specialized medical and scientific resources. Searches may be done within the libraries or from any computer (on or off campus) with internet access. Licensed databases can be accessed from off-campus via the University’s proxy server. Interlibrary loan makes it possible to obtain materials not owned or licensed locally. 

NEWS, PUBLICATIONS, AND MEDIA

Detailed information about the various publications, websites, and videos produced by Vanderbilt University Division of Communications can be found at the Communications and Marketing website. (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/communications/media.php

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing publishes the following magazine and newsletter. 

Vanderbilt Nurse Magazine

This bi-annual magazine is published by the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in cooperation with the Office of Alumni Publications. Its purpose is to inform alumni, students, parents, faculty, and friends of the institution about programs, activities, and issues of interest. The most recent copy can be found at https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/news/vanderbilt-nurse-magazine/.

The VUSN Newsletter

The Office of Student Affairs prepares a weekly electronic newsletter that offers a listing of VUSN events, lectures, scholarships, job opportunities, and general items of interest for our nursing students.

 

ORIGAMI RISK - VUSN INCIDENT REPORTING

The Origami reporting system is used to report any risk, professional liability or safety occurrence, observed by or involving a Vanderbilt University School of Nursing student, staff, or faculty member. Any type of incident may be reported including but not limited to risk management issues such as clinical related occurrences, student injury or near miss when in a clinical setting, bullying, incivility, and discrimination. There are other VUSN and VU resources available to resolve concerns related to programs of study and courses. Additional resources are listed in the VUSN Student Handbook section entitled VUSN: Academic Policies.

All reports entered into Origami Risk will be reviewed within a 48-hour period by VU risk management personnel and certain reports will trigger notification to additional departments, for example, Student Access Services, Equal Opportunity and Access, or Title IX. An aggregate report of VUSN incidents will be provided to Dean Pamela Jeffries.

It is important that all students, staff, and faculty feel safe reporting any incident they desire without fearing retribution. It is the goal of the University to encourage reporting to best respond to perceived and actual risk occurrences. The VU Risk Management Office is available by emailing riskandinsurance@vanderbilt.edu or should you have any questions, contact us at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/riskmanagement/PhoneList.php .

To Enter the Origami Risk System

  • Go to https://www.vanderbilt.edu/riskmanagement/ and click on “Report a University Occurrence” on the right Quick Links.
  • The system does not require sign in.
  • Any anonymous report may limit the ability for follow up if additional information is needed.

To Complete a VUSN Incident

  • From the Welcome Page, select “Submit a New VU Incident.” The first incident page will ask a series of questions designed to direct you to the appropriate type of report.
  • If reporting an adverse occurrence or outcome in a clinical setting (patient), if there was an injury, select yes “Are you reporting an injury or illness…” and follow the prompts for selecting Employee or Non-Employee.
  • If the reporter (student) experienced an injury or exposure in a clinical setting, select “yes” for injury. Faculty and Staff of VU will report work related injury (worker’s compensation) by selecting the checkbox “yes” for VU employee injury.
  • On the Injury Incident Detail page, under “Specific Incident Type”, there is an option to select “VUSN Incident". And in the injury type, multiple options including – Maternal/Childbirth (where applicable). 
  • If reporting an incident involving no bodily injury risk, select “No” and then select "YES" for “Did something else happen”. This will show the “other” incident type and then select the box.

Please enter a complete description of the event. This helps the Risk Management team assess and respond.

 

PARKING, VEHICLE REGISTRATION, AND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

Parking space on campus is limited. All motor vehicles operated on campus at any time by students, faculty, or staff must be registered with VUPS Parking Services located at 111 28th Avenue South in the 2800 Building. Registration can be completed online and a fee is charged. Parking regulations are published annually and are strictly enforced. Bicycles should be registered with Vanderbilt University Police Department. More information is available at www.vanderbilt.edu/parking

All graduate and professional students can ride to and from the Vanderbilt campus free of charge on Nashville’s Metropolitan Transit Authority buses or commuter train. To use this service, a valid student ID card is required for boarding the bus or train. For more details go to https://www.vanderbilt.edu/movevu/transportation-options/.

 

PROJECT SAFE

Project Safe partners with students, faculty, and staff to create a campus culture that rejects sexual violence and serves as a resource for all members of the Vanderbilt community. Part of the Office of the Dean of Students, Project Safe provides support to survivors of sexual harassment and intimate partner violence and engages the campus community in bystander intervention efforts and sexual misconduct prevention.

Project Safe offers bystander intervention training, an online prevention education module, and a variety of programs and presentations on consent, healthy relationships, sexual harassment and assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking prevention. A 24-hour support hotline answered by Project Safe’s victim resource specialists is available at 615.322.SAFE (7233).

Project Safe staff are available at the Project Safe Center in the Cumberland House on West Side Row, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call 615.322.SAFE (7233) or visit www.vanderbilt.edu/projectsafe.

 

SARRATT STUDENT CENTER

The Sarratt Student Center offers a wide variety of activities for students. Programs include exhibits in the Sarratt Gallery, films in the Sarratt Cinema, art studios, the Overcup Oak restaurant and pub, and conference and meeting rooms available by reservation.

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 7am-9pm
Weekends: 8am-9pm

Students have 24/7 card access during all other hours. (Hours subject to change during the summer and academic breaks.)

The Sarratt Student Center sponsors many other events and activities throughout the year that enrich the cultural life of the University. The student-run Vanderbilt Programming Board offers various activities. The Sarratt Box Office, located on the first floor of Sarratt Student Center, sells tickets for most campus events and is a Ticketmaster outlet. Ticketmaster Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday (hours are limited during breaks and the summer) and payment methods include cash, Commodore Card, Visa, and MasterCard. Tickets to most Vanderbilt events are significantly discounted for undergraduate and graduate students. Call the Sarratt Box Office at 615.343.3361 for information regarding upcoming events. For more information, go to https://www.vanderbilt.edu/studentcenters/explore/virtual-tour/

 

STUDENT ACCESS SERVICES

Vanderbilt University strives to provide an accessible environment for all students; however, some barriers may arise for students with disabilities. If students anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation, they should visit Student Access (SA) (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/student-access/) and create an online profile via the Commodore Access Portal. Please note, only students who have accepted their admittance to Vanderbilt are able to request through the portal. On average, the process takes 5-10 business days; the process will be delayed if the student provides insufficient information. Detailed information regarding the process and information needed is below. Students may also visit the SA webpage (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/student-access/)or email us at studentaccess@vanderbilt.edu. We are located at 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Sarratt Building, suite 216, and open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday.

Reasonable Accommodation Request Process

To request reasonable accommodations, students should submit their request via the Commodore Access Portal on the SA webpage (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/student-access/). The portal will guide the student in completing the connection form (demographic information, accommodation request(s), and previous accommodation history) and request supporting documentation, if necessary. An access specialist will then review the connection form and documentation. Once reviewed, the access specialist will follow-up with the student to either request more information or request an orientation meeting. The orientation meeting usually lasts an hour and introduces the student to the SA team and reviews student responsibilities and procedures. During the meeting, the access specialist will also show the student how to request an accommodation letter through the Commodore Access Portal. The letter will be sent electronically to the instructors of the students’ choosing. The student must log in and send the letters each semester.

Reasonable accommodation arrangements are not retroactive. For example, if a student chooses not to submit their accommodation letter to the instructor, and then later changes their mind, the accommodation will not be implemented until the letter has been sent to, and discussed with, the instructor.

Accommodations

Student Access provides a wide range of reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities at Vanderbilt University. Accommodations are determined on an individual, case-by-case basis. Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to, extra time on exams, technology for note-taking, priority registration, and alternate format class materials. In addition to academic accommodations, Student Access also provides housing, dining, and transportation accommodations.

Documentation Guidelines

Student Access provides reasonable accommodations based on the functional limitations a student experiences due to their disability and the barriers presented in the educational environment. Documentation varies based on diagnosis, medical professional, and disability type. Student Access requests that documentation submitted contain diagnostic information (such as date of original and most recent diagnosis, severity, and treatment, if appropriate) and the functional limitations, or how this diagnosis affects the student in a specific environment. Reasonable accommodations are determined individually, and on a case-by-case basis. Documentation should adequately verify the nature and extent of the disability in accordance with current professional standards and techniques. If the nexus is not made between the accommodation and the limitation, SA will request additional documentation from the student. All documentation should be on letterhead and signed by the diagnosing professional.

Note: An Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from high school may show a history of accommodations; however, it does not typically provide the needed information such as diagnosis and functional limitations.

Admissions Information

All applicants go through the same admission review process and are admitted based on the quality of their academic record. As there is no separate admission process for applicants with disabilities, students with disabilities are competitively admitted to Vanderbilt University every year.

Federal law prohibits making preadmissions inquiry about disabilities. If a student believes, however, that some aspect of their academic record was affected by their disability, they may choose to share that with the Admissions Office. Information regarding disabilities, voluntarily given or inadvertently received, will not adversely affect any admission decision.

Temporary Support Services

Vanderbilt students who experience impairments that will temporarily restrict them on campus (broken bone, concussion, adjustment disorders, etc.), can contact Student Access (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/student-access/). Depending on the nature of the impairment, the student may be referred to their dean or may be asked to provide verifying documentation (if the disability is not easily visible).

 

STUDENT CARE COORDINATION (SCC)

Student Care Coordination is committed to supporting undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in successfully navigating life events related to academic stress and/or medical, mental health, and/or other personal concerns that may interfere with a student’s ability to achieve their academic and personal goals. This team of Care Coordinators is the central and first point of contact for students to help identify needs and determine the most appropriate resources in Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network and in the Nashville community to address concerns. Student Care Coordinators work collaboratively with students to develop a student success plan, share education about and facilitate connections to appropriate on and off-campus resources, and provide accountability through supportive follow-up meetings. Our goal is for students to have the right support, in the right place, at the right time. In addition, Student Care Coordination coordinates support for students returning from medical leaves of absence. Though staff typically have a background in mental health services, it is important to understand that work with a Student Care Coordinator is not counseling or therapy.

Many students face challenges during their educational experiences and each situation is unique. Student Care Coordination is the first step to determine where to go for the most appropriate support for your needs. Students are encouraged to visit www.vanderbilt.edu/carecoordination to complete an initial assessment and schedule an appointment to meet with a Student Care Coordinator. Students may also call 615.343.WELL (9355) or drop in to see a Student Care Coordinator, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Student Care Coordination is located in Rand Hall, suite 305, and can be reached via email at studentcare@vanderbilt.edu .

 

STUDENT CARE NETWORK

The Student Care Network is the holistic network of services and resources available to Vanderbilt University students pertaining to health and wellness. As an online resource portal, the Student Care Network website allows students to identify and access the services that best meet their needs. Resources are included for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, as well as postdoctoral fellows. In addition to housing health and wellness resources, the website also contains detailed information about student health insurance and campus health and wellness initiatives. The Student Care Network is available to students to support their wellbeing and their care. www.vanderbilt.edu/studentcarenetwork.

 

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

The Student Health Center provides primary care services for students and is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and lab technicians. The Student Health Center provides services similar to those provided in a private physician’s office or HMO, including routine medical care, specialty care (e.g. nutrition and sports medicine), and some routine lab tests. Most of the services students receive at the Student Health Center are pre-paid, but those services that are not are the responsibility of students to coordinate with their health insurance.

The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 615.322.2427 or go online to www.vumc.org/student-health/online-appointments. Students with urgent problems will be seen on a same-day basis. They will be given an appointment that day, or “worked in” on a first-come, first-served basis if no appointments are available.

Emergency consultations services (615.322.2427) are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week from on-call professionals. For more detailed information on the services available at the Student Health Center and information on other health related topics, please visit the Student Health Center web site at https://www.vumc.org/student-health/welcome.

 

TITLE IX AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Vanderbilt prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking. The University will take prompt and effective action to address all allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

Vanderbilt encourages anyone who has witnessed, experienced, or has information about possible sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to report (https://vanderbilt.guardianconduct.com/incident-reporting/new) the conduct to the Title IX Office (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/title-ix/). If in a position to do so, persons may take action to prevent or stop such actions, including direct intervention when it is safe and reasonable to do so. If involved in an emergency situation or to report a crime, contact the Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) at Emergency- 911 or 615.421.1911. VUPD's Non-Emergency number is 615.322.2745.

Vanderbilt's Sexual Misconduct Policy can be found here (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/title-ix/2023-24_Sexual_Misconduct_Policy.pdf), and its Formal Grievance Protocol can be found here (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/title-ix/2023-24_Formal_Grievance_Protocol.pdf). 

Student Discrimination
Vanderbilt University is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Executive Order 11246, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, covered veterans status, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. In addition, the University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their gender expression.

 

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER

As a key component of Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network, the University Counseling Center (UCC) provides mental health assessment, support, and treatment for all students enrolled at Vanderbilt, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Highly skilled and multi-disciplinary teams of professionals offer crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, short-term individual counseling, group therapy, biofeedback, ADHD and learning disorder assessments, and psychiatric assessment and pharmacologic treatment. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique background and needs. UCC professionals support the University’s mission of fostering inclusive excellence through cultural awareness and competence. In addition to regular hours and evening/weekend crisis response, the UCC offers various satellite services (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/ucc/group-therapy-workshops/) ranging from drop-in consultations to workshops.

  • To access UCC services, visit Student Care Coordination’s website at vanderbilt.edu/carecoordination or call the SCC at 615.343.WELL (9355).
  • For immediate crisis support during the day, please call 615.322.2571 or drop in during crisis care hours (M-F, 10am to 4pm).
  • For immediate crisis support after business hours and on weekends, please call 615.322.2571 and press option #2 to speak with an on-call counselor.

 

VANDERBILT CARD SERVICES

The Commodore Card Office, located at 184 Sarratt Student Center, produces and distributes student ID cards. There is no charge for a new card – just a replacement. Students may add funds to their Commodore Card to pay for printing, campus dining, and vending machine goods.

New students will receive an email with instructions on how to submit a photo to be used for the Commodore Card. The photo will be uploaded to YES in August – so prior to this time you should not expect to view your photo online. For information regarding photo submission visit http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cardservices/photo_submit.php

 

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

Vanderbilt University provides multiple resources for students and this information is located under the Student Services Enrollment Bulletin: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/enrollmentbulletin/student-services/

Student Services

Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center
Bookstore
Career Advising
Center for Student Wellbeing
Center for Teaching
Child and Family Center
Commencement
Commodore Card
Course and Teaching Evaluations
Dining on Campus
Emergency Preparedness
English Language Center
Equal Opportunity and Access Office
Global Education Office
Graduate Student Council
International Student and Scholar Services
Libraries
Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center
Office of Active Citizenship and Service
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Office of LGBTQI Life
Office of Student Leadership Development
Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life
Office of the University Registrar
Parking and Vehicle Registration
Project Safe Center
Recreation and Wellness Center
Schulman Center for Jewish Life
Social Justice and Identity
Student Access Services Office
Student Employment
Student Health
Title IX Office
Transition Programs
Tutoring Center
University Counseling Center
Vanderbilt University Information Technology
Vanderbilt University Police Department
Writing Studio

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