VCU’s New Civic Engagement Plan: Fostering Active Citizenship
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 that enhance our local and global communities. It aligns perfectly with VCU’s Quest 2028 strategic goals and the Division of Student Affairs’ pillar of Transformative Student Experiences.
The plan originated from the division’s 2023-2024 strategic goals, which called for “creating and implementing a Civic Engagement plan and increasing the number of leadership and civic engagement programs for VCU students.” Working in conjunction with the VCU Votes Advisory Board, Dr. Jimmie Gahagan and Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Mason served as co-chairs and led the effort, which included approximately 25 VCU community members, including students from the VCU Votes Student Coalition, the Student Government Association, and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Thanks to VCU’s historical commitment to civic engagement and developing responsible leaders, the group successfully developed and launched the plan in under a year.
The plan is structured around two major goals:
- Develop a more robust infrastructure to strengthen civic engagement at VCU.
- Promote civic engagement and dialogue across differences.
These objectives are supported by DSA’s transformative student experience pillar, which focuses on fostering students’ intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and personal growth. The aim is to prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities while building essential skills for future endeavors.
Dr. Jimmie Gahagan noted, “The Division’s Civic Engagement plan served as a catalyst to advance our work with civic learning at VCU. It led to increased non-partisan efforts to promote voter engagement and led to the implementation of training for our student leaders to strengthen their ability to engage in dialogue across differences.”
The plan’s impact has already been evident. In fall 2024, VCU was recognized as one of the Most Engaged Campuses for Student Voters. The students involved in VCU Votes organized several events last year that significantly increased voter and civic engagement in the local community. One of the student leaders of VCU Votes, Merilyn Arkikat, was one of only 200 students named to the 2025 ALLIN Student Voting Honor Roll for her efforts. Even more events and initiatives are planned for 2025-26.
Gahagan shared, “in 2025-2026 we are continuing to enhance our efforts by launching a university-wide Civic Engagement Committee and celebrating national civic holidays such as National Voter Registration Day.”
This comprehensive plan will have a profound impact on helping VCU students learn how to actively support their communities and strengthen democratic processes.
Categories Annual Report Stories 2024-25, Uncategorized