Office of the Provost

VCU is driven by a singular purpose: to help Uncommon Heroes build a better future for all. To accomplish this, we need your help. VCU invites the community to help shape its next strategic plan by sharing bold ideas that advance student success, fuel discovery, strengthen impact and build an Uncommon Future for all.

The purpose of this message is to address the topic of office hours. It is designed to complement VCU’s protocols on course modalities, which are posted to this blog and located in chapter 2 of the Academic Affairs Handbook.

Virginia Commonwealth University has announced seven recipients of the annual Distinguished Faculty Awards, which recognize achievement in teaching, scholarship, service and overall excellence. Their work touches on medicine, the humanities, public service and education.

Original reporting by Konrad Solberg with VCU News A new online graduate certificate from VCU is giving working professionals a way to build AI skills without needing a technical background. The 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence launches this fall, with applications due Aug. 7. Rather than teaching students to build AI systems, the […]

The two sides of campus change: Threat or opportunity? In higher education, change is inevitable. Whether it be a new institutional strategy, the shifting of academic technologies or ever-evolving student expectations, tides of change can frequently lead to a natural feeling of discomfort. But hidden behind the challenges of change is a very real opportunity. […]

Strengthening community through partnership As we move into the summer months, I want to thank our faculty for the thoughtful feedback during the recent open comment period. Your input is vital to meaningful policy development, ensuring our work reflects the realities of academic life and the principles of shared governance. We further acknowledge the need […]

Hernan Bucheli has been appointed interim leader of VCU’s Global Education Office, effective June 19. In addition to the interim role, Bucheli will continue to serve as vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success. He aims to strengthen global partnerships and support VCU’s long‑term internationalization goals.

In this issue: VCU expands credit‑bearing internships, highlights major research events, announces Arturo Saavedra as provost, celebrates faculty achievements, and promotes upcoming academic programs, conferences, and resources supporting student success and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This story was originally reported and written by Grant Heston with VCU News. Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed executive vice president and provost at Virginia Commonwealth University after serving in the role on an interim basis since December 2025. The Board of Visitors will officially consider the appointment at its meeting later this […]

All faculty are invited to attend Virginia Commonwealth University's Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Your presence helps provide closure for our students, celebrates your shared victories, and shows the strength of our VCU community.