Office of the Provost

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 […]

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.

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. 

Guidance covering VCU’s requirements for faculty office hours, outlining expectations for modality, frequency, accessibility, and oversight to ensure students receive consistent, equitable opportunities for support across all courses.

VCU faculty must ensure all digital course materials meet DOJ accessibility standards by April 24, 2026. This article includes details and resources to support compliance efforts.

The December 2025 Monthly Academic Report spotlights VCU’s Board of Visitors approving new Promotion & Tenure policies, a milestone shaped by extensive faculty input. Provost Beverly Warren reflects on faculty resilience, COACHE survey learnings, and her return “home” to VCU, while celebrating NIRA and inaugural EPIA award recipients. Additional highlights include Olivia Landry’s new book, Steven Lindauer’s retirement, pedestrian safety initiatives, AI Ready RVA partnership, global engagement programs, and upcoming faculty learning opportunities.

Explore VCU’s November Academic Report featuring major updates to Promotion and Tenure policies, faculty honors, student success highlights, and new learning opportunities. See how faculty voice is shaping institutional change and advancing excellence across teaching, scholarship, and service.

VCU faculty are invited to two open sessions to explore COACHE survey results and next steps. Learn how faculty feedback is shaping institutional priorities, guiding new initiatives, and informing strategic planning across campuses.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s October 2025 Academic Report highlights transformative faculty-led initiatives, national recognition for online learning, and groundbreaking research in health, psychology, and violence prevention. With record-breaking COACHE survey engagement, VCU is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive scholarship, and mentorship across career stages.

VCU’s Convergence Labs initiative launches a university-wide effort to foster interdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and community impact. With three enterprise themes—AI, Neurosciences, and Health Outcomes—this signature program reflects VCU’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and preparing students for the future of work. Led by nationally recognized faculty and supported by hundreds of contributors across campus, Convergence Labs marks a bold shift in how higher education structures discovery and engagement.