Fall Semester Welcome from the Division of Student Affairs
Dear VCU Students,
Happy Black and Gold Wednesday! I am thrilled to welcome you to VCU for the Fall 2025 Semester and hope to see you at our Weeks of Welcome Black and Gold Wednesday Event today at Noon! It is my pleasure to share four important key points as you start the fall semester.
(1) Get Involved 🤝
We encourage you to get involved and explore the many opportunities VCU offers. Joining a club or organization is one of the best ways to form lifelong friendships and connections. Your student activity fee helps support the nearly 450 Registered Student Organizations. The best way to learn more about student organizations and things to do on campus is through RamsConnect and at the upcoming SOVO Fair on Friday, Aug. 22. You can connect with your fellow Rams and learn more about all of our student organizations over the next few weeks at our Weeks of Welcome events that run through Sunday, Sept. 7. Additionally, I invite you to sign up for lunch with me and help provide insight into the experience of VCU students today by attending the first of the year’s VPSA Student Advisory Lunches!
(2) Utilize DSA Support Resources 💡
Our team in the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is here to support you with innovative programs and services designed for your success.
- The Office of Student Advocacy is the place to go to find answers to general questions, support when encountering a challenge, assistance in navigating university policies, and help for students needing emergency support.
- University Counseling Services (UCS) offers comprehensive in-person clinical counseling services, recovery support, and outreach to all students. Additionally, VCU students have access to free virtual care services through TimelyCare.
- University Student Health Services offers a wide variety of primary care services with skilled doctors and healthcare professionals available for your medical needs.
- Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) offers a wide variety of programs and services that include workout facilities, fitness classes, intramural sports, sports clubs, yoga classes, and much more.
(3) Review Student Expectations Policies and Resources 📚
As you look to connect with your fellow Rams and get involved, it is important to understand what is expected of you. I encourage you to review the Interim Code of Student Conduct, the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Conduct Report and to familiarize yourself with Hazing Prevention and Discipline Policy and our VCU Hazing Prevention resources. If you haven’t already, complete the “Have you Herd? What New Rams Need to Know about Alcohol and Other Drugs at VCU” course on Ram Ready by Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Required training for new and returning students, can be found on this helpful website. It is also important to know that VCU is committed to providing an environment free from sexual misconduct, assault, harassment or any sex/gender discrimination that may violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other state and federal laws. To make a report and for additional information, please visit the Title IX website.
(4) Remember These Safety Resources 🛡️
Your safety at VCU is paramount, and we encourage you to play an active role in keeping yourself safe.
- The VCU Police encourage students to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
- All members of the VCU community are encouraged to become familiar with the Threat Assessment and Violence Prevention Policy.
- VCU Police reminds students that officers are available to help all members of the VCU community; if you need assistance, please call (804) VCU-1234 / (804) 828-1234 to reach VCUPD directly at any time, day or night. Students can also download the free LiveSafe app.
Thank you for taking the time to read my welcome message. I hope that you have an outstanding fall semester. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance. Follow us on Instagram for important information and to engage with us.
Best wishes and Go Rams!
Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs