[{"id":72,"date":"2026-03-16T15:42:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T15:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=72"},"modified":"2026-03-19T18:45:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:45:59","slug":"preparing-students-for-the-future-of-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/03\/16\/preparing-students-for-the-future-of-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Students for the Future of Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a0A VCU course explores how work is changing and how Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation is helping students build the skills to navigate it.<\/em>

As emerging technologies reshape industries, educators are asking an important question: How do we prepare students for careers that may not exist yet?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent story from VCU News<\/a> highlights \u201cThe Future of Work,\u201d a course taught by associate professor Virginia Wray Totaro that invites students to explore how work has evolved over time and how technological change continues to transform the workforce.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through historical and interdisciplinary perspectives, the course examines major shifts in labor from industrial automation to the rise of digital technologies. By studying these patterns, students gain a broader understanding of how disruption shapes careers and why adaptability matters.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course also emphasizes the importance of transferable skills. While tools and technologies will continue to evolve, abilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creative problem solving remain essential across industries.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation, these ideas are beginning to take shape through new learning opportunities.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new general education course, IDST 210: Microinternships and Career Design, currently being planned for spring 2027, will build on the concepts explored in \u201cThe Future of Work.\u201d In the course, students will practice these transferable, AI-resistant skills through three short microinternship experiences.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working in interdisciplinary teams, students will collaborate on industry hosted projects that mirror real world challenges. These experiences give students the opportunity to apply what they are learning while exploring potential career paths.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By combining interdisciplinary learning with hands on experience, initiatives like IDST 210 help students connect academic knowledge with the evolving demands of the workplace.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This story is adapted from a feature originally published by VCU News.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0A VCU course explores how work is changing and how Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation is helping students build the skills to navigate it. As emerging technologies reshape industries, educators are asking an important question: How do we prepare students for careers that may not exist yet? A recent story from VCU News highlights \u201cThe Future […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":74,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":70,"date":"2026-03-13T17:51:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T17:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=70"},"modified":"2026-03-19T18:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:45:21","slug":"embracing-interdisciplinary-learning-and-being-bold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/03\/13\/embracing-interdisciplinary-learning-and-being-bold\/","title":{"rendered":"Embracing interdisciplinary learning and \u201cbeing bold.”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Rao\u2019s 2026 State of the University demonstrates how Virginia Commonwealth University students are preparing students for an interconnected, ever-changing world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his 2026 State of the University address<\/a>, VCU President Michael Rao<\/strong> challenged the university community to anticipate change rather than react to it. He commanded that higher education must evolve alongside the world it serves and organize itself around the complexity of modern life rather than the traditions of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGraduates must connect across disciplines, translate across boundaries and lead teams where different experiences are an advantage,\u201d President Rao shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our world is not organized by majors, departments or silos. It is interconnected, fast-moving and shaped by forces that cut across disciplines. From artificial intelligence and public health to entrepreneurship and community resilience, these defining challenges demand collaboration across fields and fluency across perspectives. In this inherently interdisciplinary world, VCU\u2019s approach to teaching, research and innovation must reflect that reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where academic programs in Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation<\/a> play a key role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meeting students where their curiosity begins and preparing them for where the world is going.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

President Rao\u2019s vision centers on bold learning, integrated discovery and a sustained commitment to breaking down barriers that limit innovation. \u201cThese are big human and societal problems. \u201c What they are not is \u2018one department\u2019 problems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interdisciplinary Studies academic programs are designed to empower students to build a path of study that intersects their unique interests and prepares them for success in their chosen fields in a constantly evolving career landscape. In each program, they build intentional pathways that draw from multiple disciplines, integrating knowledge across areas such as business, technology, humanities, social sciences and the arts. Programs include the Bachelor’s and Master\u2019s of Interdisciplinary Studies, innovation-focused courses open to students across the university, certificate programs in areas such as product innovation and venture creation, and emerging options like the practical artificial intelligence minor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach reflects the shifting nature of today\u2019s workforce. Graduates are increasingly asked to think across systems, adapt to emerging technologies like AI and collaborate with people whose expertise differs from their own. Career paths are rarely linear as industries continue to evolve, and we are poised to see the largest evolution of workforce advancement in generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through interdisciplinary learning and transdisciplinary research, students develop intellectual agility and adaptive experience in solving complex problems. They are encouraged to explore, design, and innovate in ways that reflect both their passions and society’s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answering the call to be bold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThis is the kind of bold learning students want and the bold discovery the world needs.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 VCU President Michael Rao<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Rao\u2019s call to be bold is not abstract. It challenges the university to organize around impact rather than tradition and to prioritize collaboration over isolation. Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation advances that vision by centering integration as the foundation of the curriculum and by connecting students directly to the kind of cross-disciplinary work shaping the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As VCU plans for the future of work, our programs demonstrate what it means to move with aspiration and intention. We are equipping students with the tools to navigate change, shape industries and ideas that continue to emerge, and prepare for careers that don\u2019t yet exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a world defined by convergence and complexity, designing education to be interdisciplinary is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, unlock potential and empower students to shape what comes next.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

View the complete 2026 VCU State of the University address<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

President Rao\u2019s 2026 State of the University demonstrates how Virginia Commonwealth University students are preparing students for an interconnected, ever-changing world. In his 2026 State of the University address, VCU President Michael Rao challenged the university community to anticipate change rather than react to it. He commanded that higher education must evolve alongside the world […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":71,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[5],"class_list":["post-70","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news","tag-ids"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":75,"date":"2026-03-11T20:05:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T20:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=75"},"modified":"2026-03-11T20:05:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T20:05:06","slug":"alumni-reflect-on-activism-at-voices-of-change-panel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/03\/11\/alumni-reflect-on-activism-at-voices-of-change-panel\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni reflect on activism at Voices of Change panel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VCU alumni returned to campus to reflect on activism, identity and creative resistance during the \u201cVoices of Change: Stories from Alumni\u201d<\/strong> panel at Virginia Commonwealth University. Held at James Branch Cabell Library and coordinated by Special Collections<\/strong><\/a>, the event created space for open dialogue about how student experiences shape lifelong commitments to justice and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panel was moderated by Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.<\/strong>, program director for Interdisciplinary Studies<\/strong><\/a> and professor. Singh guided the conversation with questions that encouraged panelists to reflect not only on what they did as students but also on how those formative years influenced the paths they forged to the present. While the discussion centered on activism locally and abroad, it highlighted the value of approaching complex social issues from multiple perspectives, a hallmark of interdisciplinary thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four alumni shared their stories, each illustrating a different approach to advocacy and cultural change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dale M. Brumfield<\/strong> (BFA 1981, Painting; MFA 2015, English) spoke about his work in independent publishing and prison abolition advocacy. He reflected on how storytelling and historical research can challenge dominant narratives and expand public understanding of incarceration and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IB\u00e9 Bulinda Hereford Crawley (<\/strong>B.A. 1981, English; M.Ed. 1988, Education) explored the role of art and archival practice in preserving marginalized voices. Crawley emphasized the importance of documenting community histories and using creative expression as a form of peaceful resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Krissi Vandenberg <\/strong>(B.S. 1996, Biology; M.S. 2008, Sociology) <\/strong> shared insights from years of grassroots organizing, including feminism and vegan advocacy. Her remarks underscored the power of sustained, local engagement and the importance of building inclusive spaces for dialogue and action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. A. P. Ward <\/strong>(BFA 2021, Communication Arts) highlighted the intersectionality of queer visibility through illustration and direct community driven action. Ward described how comics and visual storytelling can shape cultural conversations and affirm identities that are often pushed to the margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThis panel grew out of a visit our team made to Special Collections last year that was organized by Christina Draper,\u201d said Vineeta Singh, Ph.D., program director for Interdisciplinary Studies. \u201cThat\u2019s where I met Sarah Scarr and Ruth Cody and first heard about the exhibit they were planning. When I later saw it in person, I was struck by how they organized it by medium rather than chronology or topic. It\u2019s an innovative way of presenting history that creates new connections between events and perspectives.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the evening, a common thread emerged. Activism rarely fits neatly within one discipline or role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, it draws from lived experience, creative practice, research and community collaboration. Singh noted that understanding social change requires an openness to different forms of knowledge and expression, a principle that resonates across many academic and civic spaces at VCU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVoices of Change\u201d served as both a reflection and a call to action. By sharing personal journeys, the panelists reminded students that meaningful impact often begins on campus and continues long after graduation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VCU alumni returned to campus to reflect on activism, identity and creative resistance during the \u201cVoices of Change: Stories from Alumni\u201d panel at Virginia Commonwealth University. Held at James Branch Cabell Library and coordinated by Special Collections, the event created space for open dialogue about how student experiences shape lifelong commitments to justice and community […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":77,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[5],"class_list":["post-75","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news","tag-ids"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=75"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=75"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":67,"date":"2026-02-26T19:20:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:20:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=67"},"modified":"2026-02-26T19:20:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:20:24","slug":"transdisciplinary-research-at-vcu-bridges-recovery-science-and-criminal-justice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/02\/26\/transdisciplinary-research-at-vcu-bridges-recovery-science-and-criminal-justice\/","title":{"rendered":"Transdisciplinary research at VCU bridges recovery science and criminal justice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When a judge weighs a sentencing decision, what if science could tip the scales? That\u2019s the question Daniel Gutierrez<\/a>, School of Education<\/a> professor, counselor and faculty lead for VCU Convergence<\/a> is helping to answer. His research on long-term recovery and relapse focuses on the personal and social factors that sustain healing, well-being, sense of belonging and personal efficacy\u2014and has begun to influence real court outcomes. Public defenders are citing his work to show that recovery isn\u2019t just possible, it\u2019s measurable, and in some cases judges have opted for treatment and support over incarceration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gutierrez\u2019s work is a perfect example of VCU Convergence’s mission. The university-wide initiative brings together faculty across disciplines to tackle complex societal challenges. By blending counseling science, psychology, and criminal justice, his research illustrates the power of transdisciplinary collaboration: academic insights translated into tangible community impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As leader of the STAR Labs<\/a>, Gutierrez partners with legal professionals and community organizations to ensure that research doesn\u2019t stay in the lab or classroom. His approach highlights how Convergence is changing the way VCU faculty work. Fostering collaborations that break down traditional academic silos, inform policy, and address real-world problems with measurable results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By bridging research and practice, Gutierrez demonstrates how transdisciplinary efforts can support individuals navigating recovery while contributing to broader social solutions, showing that scholarship and community impact can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Original story posted by Sian Wilkerson, <\/strong>VCU News<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When a judge weighs a sentencing decision, what if science could tip the scales? That\u2019s the question Daniel Gutierrez, School of Education professor, counselor and faculty lead for VCU Convergence is helping to answer. His research on long-term recovery and relapse focuses on the personal and social factors that sustain healing, well-being, sense of belonging […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":68,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":64,"date":"2026-02-17T16:53:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=64"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:53:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:53:22","slug":"vcu-interdisciplinary-studies-and-innovationspring-2026-graduation-faq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/02\/17\/vcu-interdisciplinary-studies-and-innovationspring-2026-graduation-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"VCU Interdisciplinary Studies and InnovationSpring 2026 Graduation FAQ\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Congratulations to the class of 2026! The Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, from 7:00\u20138:30 p.m. at the<\/strong> Singleton Center for the Performing Arts (922 Park Ave., Richmond, VA).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subhead: Commencement Q&A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How do I participate in the commencement ceremony?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>To participate in the ceremony, you must fill out an application to graduate in eServices. Please note that this graduation ceremony is separate from the university-wide commencement. For more information please visit: https:\/\/rar.vcu.edu\/graduation\/graduation-application\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Is there nearby parking for this event?<\/strong>
<\/strong>A: <\/strong>Yes, guests will be able to pay to park at the West Broad Parking Deck<\/a> located at 1111 W. Broad St, Richmond, VA<\/a>. The deck is about an 8-minute walk from the graduation venue. Though there is parking available on the street, space may be limited. Please plan time to find parking, drop off guests, etc., so that you are seated by 6:50 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Does this event require tickets?<\/strong>
<\/strong>A: <\/strong>Yes! This event requires tickets. Students need to fill out the Spring 2026 Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation Graduation RSVP\/Ticket Request Form<\/strong> sent to their student emails.  Students are limited to 6 tickets (graduates do not need tickets for themselves). Those without tickets will not be granted entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What time should graduates arrive? When will the doors open for audience guests?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>Doors to the Singleton Center will open at 6 p.m. and graduates must arrive no later than 6:15 to line up for the procession<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Who do I contact for more information or if a guest or I requires accessibility accommodations?<\/strong> <\/strong>
<\/strong>A:<\/strong> For event questions and accessibility accommodations, contact the Graduation Director, Maunchi Khan, at khanm31@vcu.edu<\/a>. Staff will assist with accommodations on the day of the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Will this event be live-streamed? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:<\/strong> Yes. A livestream link will be emailed to students and posted on the IDS website the week before graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Where do I get my cap and gown for the ceremony?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Information regarding graduation regalia and more can be found on the VCU commencement website: https:\/\/commencement.vcu.edu\/graduation-info\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>Q: Will I be allowed into the venue if I arrive late?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:<\/strong> Out of respect to graduates and their guests, once the ceremony has begun, the doors to the main auditorium will be closed, and entry will not be allowed<\/strong>. Late arrivals will be directed to the balcony level. We ask that all guests be seated 10 minutes prior to the ceremony\u2019s posted start time, 6:50 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Am I required to attend both the university-wide ceremony and the Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation Commencement Ceremony?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:<\/strong> Graduates may choose to attend both ceremonies, or they may choose to attend either the university-wide ceremony OR the Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation ceremony only. This is entirely up to the graduate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Q: What is the difference between the Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation ceremony and the University-wide ceremony?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>At the university-wide ceremony, graduates are recognized from their seats as the Master of Ceremonies announces each school.* At the Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation ceremony, undergraduate, graduate and certificate recipients from these programs are individually recognized and walk across the stage. Names and degrees are announced, and professional photos are taken with the dean and keynote speaker. Graduates will receive an email from Grad Images to view and order photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Note: The Records and Registration office includes only students eligible to graduate in the current semester. Graduates are not individually recognized at the university-wide ceremony.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Will I receive my diploma or certificate on graduation day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:<\/strong> No. Diplomas are mailed to the address listed on your graduation application. Visit the VCU commencement website for more information about diplomas and commencement items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Which ceremony offers a Commencement Program Handbook? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/strong>The Commencement Program Handbook is available only at the university-wide ceremony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations to the class of 2026! The Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, from 7:00\u20138:30 p.m. at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts (922 Park Ave., Richmond, VA). Subhead: Commencement Q&A Q: How do I participate in the commencement ceremony? A: To participate in the ceremony, you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":65,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":61,"date":"2026-02-11T20:59:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T20:59:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=61"},"modified":"2026-02-11T20:59:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T20:59:38","slug":"interdisciplinary-studies-designing-the-psychology-of-technology-with-laura-cline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/02\/11\/interdisciplinary-studies-designing-the-psychology-of-technology-with-laura-cline\/","title":{"rendered":"Interdisciplinary studies: Designing the psychology of technology with Laura Cline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laura Cline<\/strong> found her path at VCU by combining information systems and psychology to better understand how people interact with technology. A Virginia state employee and recent graduate of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies<\/a><\/strong> program, Clein is focused on improving usability, accessibility and data visualization through human-centered design. We spoke with Clein about tailoring her degree, applying coursework directly to her career and the impact of interdisciplinary learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What inspired you to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I wanted to focus on the psychology of technology. I am really interested in using psychology to make data visualization clearer and technology more usable, especially for people with disabilities or those who face barriers to access. When I realized I could intentionally combine psychology and information systems, it felt like the right fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does your interdisciplinary focus show up in your work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of it comes down to usability and accessibility. Understanding how people process information helps inform how systems are designed and how data is presented. My goal is to use psychology to make technology more intuitive and inclusive, rather than overwhelming or inaccessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What made interdisciplinary studies a strong fit for you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With a traditional double major, you are often studying two subjects separately without much overlap. Interdisciplinary studies are different because the focus is on how those disciplines work together. I was able to choose psychology courses that directly supported my technology goals and information systems classes that aligned with usability and design. Everything felt intentional and connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did VCU factor into your decision to enroll?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I am a state employee, and VCU offers strong opportunities for people in that position. It also has a solid reputation. At my agency, many of the interns we work with come from VCU, and they consistently arrive more prepared and knowledgeable. I wanted an education that was meaningful, not just a credential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How were you able to apply your studies in a real-world setting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Real-world application was one of the best parts of the program. Many of my professors emphasized projects that mirrored professional work. For my capstone, I redesigned the Virginia Department of Corrections’ bond program website, where I work as the bonding coordinator. In the coming year, the Department of Corrections’ bonding webpage will reflect changes that came directly from my capstone project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was the process like for designing your interdisciplinary degree?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I was talking with my advisor about how much I enjoyed information systems and how I wanted to incorporate psychology. He suggested merging the two under the umbrella of interdisciplinary studies. I did not even realize that was an option until that conversation, which really changed everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give to students considering interdisciplinary studies?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talk to an advisor. You do not know what you do not know. Once you start asking questions, you realize how flexible the program can be. It gives you the freedom to build something that actually fits your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was it like working with students from different majors?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It was fun and eye-opening. Hearing how people from other disciplines approached problems helped broaden my thinking about my own work and gave me new perspectives I would not have encountered otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn interdisciplinary major is the secret sauce. You can literally build the degree you want.\u201d
\u2014 Laura Cline \u201825 BIS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s next for you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I want to continue building systems that prioritize accessibility, usability, and clear communication. Being able to apply what I learned directly to my professional work has shown me how powerful interdisciplinary thinking can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At VCU, Cline was able to tailor her education around her professional experience and long-term goals. By working closely with her advisor, she designed a personalized degree plan that integrated psychology and technology, making an immediate impact in her field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Learn More about Interdisciplinary Studies at VCU<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Laura Cline found her path at VCU by combining information systems and psychology to better understand how people interact with technology. A Virginia state employee and recent graduate of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program, Clein is focused on improving usability, accessibility and data visualization through human-centered design. We spoke with Clein about tailoring her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":62,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-61","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-college-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":57,"date":"2026-01-26T17:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T17:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=57"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:50:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T13:50:56","slug":"interdisciplinary-studies-understanding-the-environment-through-creative-expression-with-aaron-bobb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/01\/26\/interdisciplinary-studies-understanding-the-environment-through-creative-expression-with-aaron-bobb\/","title":{"rendered":"Interdisciplinary studies: Understanding the environment through creative expression with Aaron Bobb"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aaron Bobb, who graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Dec. 2025, merged science and art to develop accurate, educational insect models. Courtesy photo. <\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aaron Bobb found his path at VCU by combining focus areas in environmental studies and craft and material studies to help build better insect models. We spoke with Bobb, an artist and aspiring scientist, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What inspired you to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am interested in creating anatomical models to make entomology accessible to all ages, from pre-K to entomologists looking to develop their identification skills. Science communication through creative expression is really the goal. My capstone project was to create an anatomical model of Augochlora pura<\/em>, the pure green sweat bee, a common insect in the eastern United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does your sweat bee model work?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different end goals depending on the age group. For pre-K-12, I believe that simply having something big and tangible is an effective way to engage students with the world around them. You have something blown up, and there’s something kind of magical about that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For science professionals, the end goal is to create models that are detailed enough to identify organisms as species. Most anatomical models of insects have some accurate body parts. But when it comes to actually identifying species under the microscope, they lack the detail needed to make those distinctions. So I’d like to make models that make that more accessible by working with taxonomists and physiologists, who specialize in arthropods and entomology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

View Bobb\u2019s Senior Capstone sweat bee model progression
<\/a>
What made your interdisciplinary studies program an awesome fit for you?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s just worked best with how I want to shape my career. I love research, but I also love exploring my creative capacity. So interdisciplinary studies are a way where I can work in tandem with people doing entomological research while also creating things that utilize my creative problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any advice for students exploring an interdisciplinary studies degree?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about what your goal is. Take some time to reflect and understand. You don’t need to know where your future is going concretely, but figure out what drives you now and use that to determine what disciplines you want to focus on, because you may find that when you really dig down and think about what your desires are. It might end up different from what you expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cOnce you understand how these organisms work, it makes every moment you walk around the world becomes more enriching.\u201d
\u2013 Aaron Bobb \u201825 BIS<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s next for you?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’d like to continue my work and then get these anatomical models in classroom settings to see how they affect both information retention and classroom engagement. I’m applying for some grants to keep my project going. I’m moving to Oregon this summer to work at some vineyards doing grape harvesting, meet entomologists out there and then, probably next year, go to grad school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell us about your favorite part of your studies at VCU? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking at things under the microscope \u2014 I don’t know if fun’s even the right word. It’s awe-inspiring. Seeing the detail of insects in person is just absolutely mind-blowing. Once you understand how these organisms work, it makes every moment you walk around the world becomes more enriching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At VCU, Bobb was able to tailor his education to his unique goals and experiences. Working closely with his advisors, he crafted a personalized degree plan drawing from programs across the university. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program<\/em><\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Aaron Bobb, who graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Dec. 2025, merged science and art to develop accurate, educational insect models. Courtesy photo.   Aaron Bobb found his path at VCU by combining focus areas in environmental studies and craft and material studies to help build better insect models. We spoke with Bobb, an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":58,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":53,"date":"2026-01-22T15:16:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=53"},"modified":"2026-01-22T21:20:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T21:20:06","slug":"vcu-broadens-ai-education-through-applied-learning-and-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/01\/22\/vcu-broadens-ai-education-through-applied-learning-and-access\/","title":{"rendered":"VCU Broadens AI Education Through Applied Learning and Access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VCU is expanding artificial intelligence education across campus as part of a broader effort to ensure students of all majors graduate with the skills and literacy needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. University College plays a central role in this work by advancing applied, accessible learning opportunities that connect AI understanding to real-world use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent Commonwealth Times<\/a><\/em> article outlines how VCU is honing its approach to teaching AI skills and literacy through coursework, faculty innovation and community partnerships. A collaboration with AI Ready RVA, a Richmond nonprofit focused on AI education, research and innovation, supports workforce development and regional growth while emphasizing inclusive and responsible use of emerging technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI literacy at VCU is defined as understanding what artificial intelligence is, how it functions at a high level, how it is embedded in everyday tools and how to use it ethically and effectively. University leaders and faculty stress that AI education should not be limited to technical disciplines but integrated across fields to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlthough an AI course is not required for graduation, VCU encourages students at all levels to enroll in one if possible,\u201d said David Slipher, director of communications for VCU University College. \u201cVCU faculty are integrating AI throughout their courses to ensure that students have broad exposure and preparation in their disciplines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
VCU associate philosophy professor Frank Faries, Ph.D. teaches his Ethics of Artificial Intelligence course. Photo by Cameron Powell.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

VCU currently offers an artificial intelligence minor through the School of Engineering, along with AI-focused coursework in programs such as computer science, mathematics, statistics and data science. At the same time, faculty across the university are incorporating AI topics into nontechnical courses, examining how these tools intersect with ethics, philosophy, communication and creative work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example highlighted in the Commonwealth Times<\/em> article is a philosophy course taught by associate professor James Fritz that explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Students examine how AI shapes decision-making, labor, privacy and social values, encouraging critical thinking alongside technical awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

University College advances this work through initiatives aligned with its mission of access, flexibility and career relevance. The Practical AI minor<\/a>, housed within University College and open to students of all majors, emphasizes hands-on experience with AI tools and applications across fields such as communications, business, health care and the arts. Rather than focusing solely on coding, the program centers real-world use cases, ethical considerations and workforce readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the Practical AI minor, University College supports interdisciplinary and applied learning experiences that help students build confidence using emerging technologies. These opportunities connect academic learning to evolving professional expectations while reinforcing responsible and thoughtful engagement with AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and redefine workplace skills, VCU\u2019s universitywide approach ensures students are not only exposed to new technologies but equipped to understand their impact. Through faculty-driven innovation and University College\u2019s focus on applied learning, the university is preparing students to adapt, lead and think critically in an AI-enabled future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This story originally appeared in The Commonwealth Times. Read more here<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VCU is expanding artificial intelligence education across campus as part of a broader effort to ensure students of all majors graduate with the skills and literacy needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. University College plays a central role in this work by advancing applied, accessible learning opportunities that connect AI understanding to real-world use. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":54,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-53","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":48,"date":"2026-01-12T18:02:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T18:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=48"},"modified":"2026-01-12T18:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T18:03:28","slug":"vcus-research-expenditures-cross-500-million-ranking-46th-nationally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2026\/01\/12\/vcus-research-expenditures-cross-500-million-ranking-46th-nationally\/","title":{"rendered":"VCU\u2019s research expenditures cross $500 million, ranking 46th nationally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Commonwealth University surpassed $500 million in research expenditures for the first time in fiscal year 2024, placing the university 46th among public institutions nationwide according to the National Science Foundation\u2019s Higher Education Research and Development survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The milestone reflects VCU\u2019s continued growth as a leading public research university and highlights the scale and impact of its research enterprise. Research expenditures measure the total funds invested in research activity across the institution, including externally sponsored projects and internally supported research spanning multiple disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VCU\u2019s research portfolio includes strong representation in health sciences, engineering, social sciences, education, the arts and humanities. Support from federal agencies, foundations, industry partners and philanthropic organizations fuels discovery that addresses complex societal challenges and advances knowledge locally, nationally and globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university\u2019s upward trajectory is supported by strategic investments in research infrastructure, faculty expertise and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Together these efforts strengthen VCU\u2019s ability to compete for major research awards and translate research into real-world impact across sectors such as public health, education, sustainability and creative practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VCU\u2019s expanding research enterprise also plays a vital role in workforce development and economic growth. Faculty-led research creates opportunities for partnerships with government agencies, health systems, nonprofits and private industry while fostering innovation and public service aligned with the university\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How is University College making an impact?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

University College helps connect students across VCU to the university\u2019s expanding research enterprise by embedding inquiry, discovery and applied learning into the undergraduate experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry<\/a>, students work alongside faculty mentors on scholarly and creative projects that span disciplines and address real-world questions. These experiences build critical thinking, research skills and professional confidence early in a student\u2019s academic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vertically Integrated Projects program<\/a> offers another pathway into research, placing students on long-term faculty-led teams that bring together learners from multiple majors and academic levels. By earning academic credit over several semesters, students contribute meaningfully to sustained research while developing collaboration and project management skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

University College also supports interdisciplinary engagement through Transformative Learning and Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning opportunities, including internships, service learning and project-based coursework. Together these experiences ensure that VCU\u2019s research momentum extends beyond labs and studios and into the undergraduate classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Learn More<\/strong> About University College<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This story originally appeared on VCU News<\/a> and was written by David Oglethorpe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Virginia Commonwealth University surpassed $500 million in research expenditures for the first time in fiscal year 2024, placing the university 46th among public institutions nationwide according to the National Science Foundation\u2019s Higher Education Research and Development survey. The milestone reflects VCU\u2019s continued growth as a leading public research university and highlights the scale and impact […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":49,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uc-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":36,"date":"2025-08-29T16:09:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T16:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/?p=36"},"modified":"2026-02-05T17:14:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:14:24","slug":"building-better-futures-andrew-arroyo-and-swift-futuring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/2025\/08\/29\/building-better-futures-andrew-arroyo-and-swift-futuring\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Better Futures: Andrew Arroyo and “Swift Futuring”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Get ready to witness transformation in action! This fall, Andrew T. Arroyo, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean of University College, along with his role as professor of Educational Leadership, will bring his groundbreaking framework, Swift Futuring, to life through a Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)<\/a> initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what is Swift Futuring all about? Arroyo challenges us with a powerful question: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

How might organizational stakeholders collectively define, influence and reach a bold, even audacious, preferred future three to five years out, under significant existential pressures and time constraints?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

At its core, this approach unites people across disciplines to craft a shared vision and cultivate an environment where positive culture and lasting change thrive. It is fast, it is forward-thinking, and it is about to shape VCU in exciting new ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are absolutely thrilled to see students participating in real-world consulting and longitudinal research through this experience. What they learn and contribute will ripple far beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in learning more about Swift Futuring? Read Andrew T. Arroyo’s peer reviewed articles. \u201cToward a New Approach for \u2019Swift Futuring:\u2019 With a Use Case of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)<\/a>\u201d & \u201cAn Autoethnography of Swift Futuring in Practice<\/a>\u201d  or the full VCU News article.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

uc.vcu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get ready to witness transformation in action! This fall, Andrew T. Arroyo, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean of University College, along with his role as professor of Educational Leadership, will bring his groundbreaking framework, Swift Futuring, to life through a Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) initiative. So, what is Swift Futuring all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2240,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-university-college-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/uc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]