Division of Student Affairs Updates

VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) continued to be a cornerstone of student engagement and well-being at VCU in FY25, with remarkable growth and impact across facilities, programs, and health promotion. Across all RecWell facilities, there were 632,419 instances of facility usage, serving 15,155 unique students in addition to students who participated in other RecWell programming. […]

For the past two decades, the VCU Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through a unique blend of leadership exploration, hands-on experience, and community building. A highly selective, one-year leadership development and scholarship program, ELP is designed to help first-year students grow into strong, confident leaders on campus and […]

In response to student feedback requesting greater transparency in decision-making, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) established the Student Leadership Executive Board (SLEB) in spring 2024. In its second year, this vital group serves as the primary conduit for dialogue between VCU students and university administrators, particularly the Vice President for Student Affairs, amplifying student […]

In Richmond, EMS response time averages 6 minutes for life-threatening emergencies, but survival chances drop 7–10% each minute CPR and defibrillation are delayed. Having trained responders nearby can significantly increase survival rates. In January 2024, VCU Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) secured grant funding to expand the AEDs, naloxone, and bleeding control stations across campus, […]

On March 27, 2025, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) proudly hosted the “Gear Up for College” event. This collaborative, day-long initiative brought together VCU Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO), Level Up Virginia, and ACE-IT, with vital support from various campus partners, including the Division of Student Affairs, Orientation, the School of Education Admissions, VCU Admissions, […]

Aiming to enhance the experience for students who use its services, Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) implemented a new software system in spring 2025. The new system, called AIMS (Accessible Information Management System), was driven by ongoing assessment work, according to Dr. Chris Parthemos, associate director. “Our motivation to explore such a change was […]

In the fall of 2024, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Division of Student Affairs were proud to release a new Civic Engagement Plan. This plan aims to strengthen VCU’s infrastructure for civic engagement, broaden participation in democratic processes, and cultivate a campus environment where all students are encouraged to listen, learn, and act in ways […]

Virginia Commonwealth University has been named one of the most engaged campuses for college student voters, a distinction earned through the tireless work of a student-led initiative. The VCU Votes Initiative, comprised of a dedicated group of students, faculty, and staff, guides the university’s efforts to increase civic learning and democratic engagement. The initiative’s multi-year […]

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. […]

In the Division of Student Affairs, we are honored to engage each year with the families and supporters of our students. We welcome these conversations and are committed to providing the highest level of support to help students thrive. Over the years, we’ve guided thousands of students—and their families and supporters—through the many aspects of […]