Support on campus
Global Education Office
The Global Education Office (GEO) provides international students with basic support services and with opportunities to engage directly with the local Richmond community.
GEO is home to four units and programs that advance the internationalization of the university:
Global Learning provides services and programming to both the domestic and international (defined as those holding a U.S. visa) communities of the university, including students, scholars, faculty and staff. Global Learning focuses on two major areas: 1) place-based education abroad/away and 2) campus and community global learning.
English Language Program offers beginner to advanced levels of academic preparation. This large and growing program concentrates on academic preparation and study skills that equip students for success in their educational and career pursuits.
Global Partnerships The global outreach team supports the university’s academic units in identifying and pursuing global priorities within the context of Quest for Distinction by facilitating international institutional agreements, coordinating the universitywide Global Advisory Network, supporting international faculty development and providing funding opportunities for global initiatives.
Immigration Services advises international students on immigration regulations, USCIS requirements, rules and procedures. The immigration advisers provide timely, accurate and considerate visa-related guidance and support to the international community.
Office of Student Advocacy
The Office of Student Advocacy serves as a one-stop shop for guiding students to resources and support services at the university. Students can schedule one-on-one appointments, attend drop-in sessions, or complete a request for support using their online request form. Students can reach the Office of Student Advocacy at advocacy@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8940.
- Are you a student who needs assistance? Are you concerned about a student?
- This form is not meant for immediate/urgent concerns. Those matters should be managed by Campus Police at 804-828-1234.
- Are you concerned about a potential violation of the code of conduct?
Student resources
There are a wealth of resources at VCU available to support you both personally and academically.
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Office of the Ombudsperson: Virginia Commonwealth University's ombudsperson is a designated confidential and informal dispute resolution practitioner for faculty, classified staff, postdoctoral trainees and students. The ombudsperson is an advocate for fairness. The ombudsperson is independent of VCU's normal reporting and managerial processes.
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Research: The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation offers resources, training opportunities and funding information to support research at VCU.
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Statistics and Analytics Consulting Lab: The mission of the Statistics and Analytics Consulting Lab (SACL) in the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research is to offer a variety of consulting services which enhance both the educational experiences and research projects of VCU students and faculty. Specifically they can assist with the following: study and experiment design, statistical planning for grant writing, assistance with data management, statistical analysis of data, and interpretation of results.
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VCU Libraries: Offers a number of resources for graduate students including researcher support, a dedicated space in Cabell Library, a graduate student guide, subject guides and more.
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Writing Center: Offers writing appointments, consultations and workshops that assist with brainstorming, collaborating, feedback, writing development and more.
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Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success: Offers workshops, presentations and courses that enhance understanding of diversity, in addition to mentoring, seminars and groups.
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Division for Academic Success [MCV Campus]: Offers disability and academic support services to students in the VCU Health Sciences schools.
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Multicultural Student Affairs: Offers diversity, inclusion and social justice dialogues; presentations and workshops; cultural heritage month events; mentorship and leadership engagement opportunities; and identity-based discussion groups.
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Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity [Monroe Park Campus]: Fosters an environment where all students have equal access to the university's programs, services and activities.
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Equity and Access Services: The Office of the President provides resources for ADA and accessibility services, equal opportunity services, and Title IX information.
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Suit Yourself Closet: Have an upcoming interview or need to update your work wardrobe? The Suit Yourself Closet offers free gently used professional clothing and styling services to VCU students.
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Counseling Services: Offers mental health counseling and screening, skills and support groups, advocacy services, well-being resources, identity-based resources, referral services and workshops.
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Ram Pantry: The mission of Ram Pantry is to ensure food security, human dignity and well-being on campus by providing in-need VCU students with food. To this end, Ram Pantry will collaborate with university and community partners to research and implement innovative approaches to food security and community health. We will do our part to ensure that no student in the VCU community goes hungry and that every student has access to nutritious food.
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Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell): Offers wellness events and resources, gym access, fitness programs and training, and outdoor adventure resources.
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Student Health Insurance Program: The student health insurance program offers a comprehensive health insurance package for VCU students through our partners, United Health Care. All full-time Ph.D. students, first professional students (D.D.S., M.D., Pharm.D.) and international students (those on F- and J-visas) are eligible for the student health insurance program.
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Student Health Services: Offers primary care services to VCU students, including laboratory services and an on-site pharmacy at the Monroe Park campus clinic.
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TimelyCare: VCU students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyMD, designed for college students.