Summary of Virginia Commonwealth University’s
University College
January 27, 2011
http://www.vcu.edu/uc/index.html
VCU Introduction
One of the original Urban 13 members, Virginia Commonwealth University enrolls 32,000 students
with 5,000 living on two campuses in Richmond, Virginia: Monroe Park and MCV (Medical College
of Virginia).
The Monroe Park Campus includes University College and consists of the traditional programs
offered through the College of Humanities and Sciences, which includes the L. Douglas Wilder
School of Government and Public Affairs; The School of Mass Communications; The School of
World Studies. The other schools at the Monroe campus include the Honors College and the School
of the Arts; School of Business; School of Education; School of Engineering; School of Social
Work; and, VCU Life Sciences.
VCU operates a Level Trauma 1 Medical Center and like UMKC, VCU includes separate Schools of
Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine. VCU also has a School of Allied Health Professions
that bundle many of the degree and certificate programs offered at UMKC within other schools (i.e.
on-line health programs; research services; health administration; etc.)
University College History
In June 2005, Provost Stephen Gottfredson appointed a team to consider ways for improving
students’ undergraduate experience with particular emphasis on their first college year. The resulting
plans laid the foundation of the University College (UC). The UC opened its doors in the fall of
2006 on the first floor of the newly renovated Hibbs Hall. The UC is a central home for universitywide programs and resources that help to enhance students’ undergraduate experience. Through
academic advising, tutoring, writing assistance, group study sessions, orientation programs and
courses introducing students to the demands of a university education, the UC provides opportunities
for VCU students to achieve greater levels of academic success.
University College Mission and Purpose
Mission
Enhancing Student Success: The University College’s mission is to enhance student success, through
programs and services that will help students perform well in classes, adjust to life at VCU, and
become active and involved in each student’s own learning and college experience.
Purpose
The University College is a new initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of undergraduate education at
VCU. The UC provides a central home for academic support services and the core curriculum where
undergraduate students experience shared interrelated programs, services, and learning opportunities. By
integrating existing academic and student support services important to student success, the UC assures
that all first-year students - both freshmen and transfer students - share a common experience that will
enhance the quality of their entire undergraduate education. See handout from 2008, “UC Buzz”.
Services Delivered
1) Academic Advising
First-Year Students, Undeclared Students, Transfer Students, Interdisciplinary Studies/ Nondegree Seeking Students, Pre-health Students, Pre-Law Students, Student Athletes, Students
in Academic Difficulty, and connecting with Advising After Your First Year.
2) Campus Learning and Writing Centers
The Campus Learning Center (CLC Home, Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Testing
Center, Foreign Language Conversation Groups, Study Groups) Focused Learning Courses;
Writing Center (any project, any course, any level); Campus Testing Center.
3) Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum includes the VCU Compact, which is a pledge to each student that
VCU will create a shared undergraduate experience that enhances student engagement and
learning, fosters a sense of community, and emphasizes the development of a set of skills
essential for educational and professional successes and lifelong learning.
The Core Education Program is a two-semester sequence of courses in which all first-years
students are enrolled. The Focused Inquiry courses target a small number of specific skill
areas. Sections of the courses are intentionally kept small to allow students to get to know
each other and learn in a small setting. Each semester, the courses are themed, encouraging
student engagement in a broad spectrum of disciplines.
http://www.vcu.edu/uc/core/menu.htm
4) New Student Programs and Orientation
Orientation; Summer Reading Program; Learning Communities; Introduction to the
University Courses; Tau Sigma Transfer Honor Society.
Structure/Organization
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University College reports to the Provost’s office through the Office of the Vice Provost for
Instruction currently also serves as the Dean for University College.
Other Executive Positions:
 Associate Dean for University College
 Executive Director for Advising
Director Positions:
 Transfer Center
 Discovery Advising Program
 Campus Learning Center
 Writing Center
 New Student Programs
 Pre-Health Advising
 Student Athlete Support Services
46 University College advising and support services staff including Exs. and Directors.
41 Focused Inquiry Faculty and 9 graduate assistants dedicated to the UC core curriculum.
Dedicated scholarship programs (i.e. University College Fund; other VCU scholarships;
planned giving) to help support students with the greatest financial needs.