Welcome to the Spring 2026 Semester from the Division of Student Affairs
Dear VCU Students,
Happy Black and Gold Wednesday! I am thrilled to welcome our new and returning Rams to campus for the Spring 2026 semester. To help you hit the ground running, I’d like to share four essential tips for a successful semester.
Get Involved, Stay Involved ✅
Active engagement is the best way to build friendships, gain leadership experience, and develop new skills. Here are two immediate ways to connect:
- Explore RamsConnect: Search for clubs, programs, and events that match your interests.
- Attend the upcoming SOVO Fair: Join us Friday, January 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Commons.
Additionally, do not miss these upcoming opportunities:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week 2026 (Jan 19–23): Join the VCU community for a week of reflection and community engagement honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. See week of event details here.
- Board of Visitors & SCHEV Representatives: Represent your peers at the highest level. Apply by Sunday Feb 15 using this link and learn more about our current student leaders here.
- VCU Homecoming Week (Feb 21–28): Check out the VCU Homecoming 2026 website for a full schedule of athletic and spirit events.
Utilize DSA Support Resources ⬅️
The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is dedicated to your well-being and success. Our programs are designed with student input to help you thrive. Please reach out to these units whenever you need support:
- Office of Multicultural Student Affairs offers a welcoming space in the University Commons and hosts events that are open to everyone and encourages students to celebrate their whole selves and the global community we share.
- Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity works to foster an environment where all students have equal access to VCU’s programs, services and activities.
- 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.
Review Student Expectations, Policies, and Resources 📙
Being a Ram means upholding our community standards. Please familiarize yourself with the Interim Student Code of Conduct and the Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct.
Please also familiarize yourself with the new Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy (CESU) and check out the Ram Voice webpage for additional CESU resources.
Prioritize Safety and Community 🛟
Practicing safety, civility and being a considerate neighbor is central to our identity.
- Stay Safe When Driving and Walking: As the spring semester begins, it is important that you have a renewed awareness about staying alert when traveling through VCU, VCU Health and the City of Richmond. Please make sure to keep yourself safe when walking and driving around VCU by following the recommendations shared in this stay safe message sent out on Monday January 12.
- Informed Involvement: Review the Student Organization Conduct Report before joining new groups.
- Police & Prevention: VCU Police encourage you to stay aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior. Please also review the Threat Assessment and Violence Prevention Policy.
- Title IX: VCU is committed to an environment free from discrimination and misconduct. For reporting or resources, visit the Title IX website.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. I wish you an incredible semester—and don’t forget to wear your Black and Gold every Wednesday!
Go Rams!
Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D.
Vice President
Division of Student Affairs📸 Make sure to follow @VCUDSA on Instagram 📸