VCU Procurement Services

Despite the official September 6 grace period coming to an end, the European Union has hit the brakes on its massive digital Entry/Exit System (EES). Facing imminent travel chaos, system crashes, and furious pushback from the airline industry, European authorities have quietly granted a reprieve to nine Schengen countries.  Which Countries Are Delaying Controls? Nine […]

If you’ve ever needed to rent a car locally you know the first logistical hurdle: How do I actually get to the rental lot? Before you book a pricey rideshare or haggle with a friend for a ride,  remember Enterprise’s long-standing signature perk.: They will pick you up at no extra cost!! How the Pickup […]

For years, selecting a hybrid at the rental counter felt like a special treat—a high-tech premium reserved for luxury upgrades or specialized eco-conscious tiers. Times have changed. Hybrid technology has transitioned from a novelty to the industry baseline, transforming how major rental agencies classify and distribute these fuel-efficient vehicles. Hybrid rental vehicles are no longer […]

Amtrak will temporarily suspend rail service between Virginia and Washington, D.C. from October 16 through October 26.  This ten-day service disruption is connected to the multi-million dollar infrastructure initiative,  known as Pause for Progress,  reported earlier this year. Passengers traveling to and through the region should prepare for route changes and possible train cancellations.  The […]

We’re constantly looking for ways to make your day-to-day tools easier to navigate.  We’ve made a few quick visual updates to the Emburse Tile Mosaic. These changes will appear in the mobile app as well as the desktop version. What’s Changed? What This Means for You Nothing about the underlying system is changing! All core […]

VCU will retire the Vantage Point Logistics (VPL) Freight Program effective September 28, 2026. Departments do not need to take any action as a result of this change. Departments should continue placing orders through their normal procurement processes. There is no need to contact vendors, provide a VCU shipping account number, or make changes to […]

In August 2026, VCU Human Resources and Payroll Services hosted a Tuition Benefit Taxation Overview Webinar to help employees better understand the tuition benefit program and its potential tax implications. The webinar covered program eligibility, the application process, the difference between tuition benefit and tuition reimbursement, and how the benefit may affect annual taxes. Employees […]

Virginia Commonwealth University has updated its Business-Related Travel Policy. The revisions do not restrict business travel; instead, they modernize language and clear up gray areas around flexible work. What Stays the Same The core philosophy remains: spend university funds prudently on travel that directly aligns with VCU’s mission. Key procedural baselines include: New Rules for […]

VCU Procurement Services is excited to announce the launch of the new Airgas RealSource e-catalog. Beginning September 21, 2026, departments scheduling gas orders and delivery will use the Aigas RealSource e-catalog — simplifying order placement, billing, and vendor coordination. VCU departments will be able to purchase industrial, medical and specialty gases, laboratory and safety products, […]

A little information up front can make a requisition easier to review and process. Before submitting in RealSource, include the documentation and details Purchasing will need to understand the request and determine the appropriate procurement path. What to include Depending on the purchase, this may include: Helpful comments are welcome The comments field can also […]