Office of the Provost

This month, as we host the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) — the largest of its kind — we shine a national spotlight on what sets our university apart: a deep commitment to undergraduate research that drives real-world impact. With more than 400 VCU students presenting alongside faculty and peer mentors, NCUR reflects not just the scale of our work, but the outcomes it delivers — graduates ready to lead, innovate and solve meaningful problems from day one.

Dear faculty colleagues,  The open comment period for the updated post tenure review policy is now open and will close on April 24, 2026.  Please provide your feedback on the draft policy. Thank you, Office of the Provost

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for Richmond — it is already reshaping how the region works, learns and grows. VCU is transforming AI readiness into real-world impact. That shift was on full display at the AI Ready RVA Conference and Expo, “Power of Possibility,” at the Science Museum of Virginia on Apr. […]

For the first time, Virginia Commonwealth University will host the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research this month, the nation’s largest conference spotlighting excellence in undergraduate research. More than 4,000 students nationwide will present projects at the flagship event.

As we approach the final stretch of the Spring semester, we have much to celebrate. From our men’s basketball team’s historic comeback in March Madness to VCU’s ranking among the top 225 universities in the world by TIME Magazine, our momentum is undeniable. These achievements, alongside our first annual VCU Day of Service, highlight the vibrant energy of our community.

Virginia Commonwealth University faculty are invited to apply for new team planning grants designed to catalyze cross-disciplinary collaboration through VCU Convergence. VCU Convergence brings together faculty, students and partners from across the university to address complex societal challenges that cannot be solved by a single discipline. The deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST

Faculty, staff and industry experts recently gathered to help shape VCU’s AI future at the Convergence AI Accelerator Workshop. The event explored AI applications across business, data science, education and healthcare. The workshop highlighted the potential for AI to transform multiple sectors while maintaining an ethical and responsible approach. 

VCU’s Day of Service highlights the power of faculty and staff giving back by using Community Service Leave to support the communities that support us. When: March 19, 2026Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM VCU’s Day of Service brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to partner with community organizations across the Greater Richmond region. […]

Last week, President Rao delivered the annual State of the University address. Amidst all of the inspiring stories and accomplishments, I was struck by two key themes: interdisciplinarity and impact. As a nationally-ranked, public research university, we are asking our students to consider how they will help solve some of our most challenging societal problems; these are problems like healthier communities, a stronger economy, a more resilient environment, a safer society, faster cures and smarter and more ethical technologies. Perhaps the only thing that these challenges have in common is that they cannot simply be solved through a single focus.

Our professors are at the heart of VCU's commitment to transform our students’ lives and ensure their success as well as advance knowledge and creative expression.  Thank you for taking the time to consider nominating your colleagues for the University’s Distinguished Faculty Awards Program.