VCU Transform
About VCU Transform
VCU Transform is the new VCU living-learning program for undergraduate students of sophomore status or above. VCU Transform students will develop as local, national, and global leaders through experiential learning in leadership studies, community engagement, and global competency. Opening in Fall 2021, students will build skills through a specialized curriculum, co-curricular activities, and a community-focused residential experience. Students who participate and complete the VCU Transform Living-Learning Program will receive a Certificate of Completion in Leadership Studies and Experiential Learning.
Why should I join?
Students should consider VCU Transform as they look for a place to build a community, challenge themselves, and grow in their time at VCU. VCU Transform provides important experiential learning opportunities that support students' career goals and fulfill VCU REAL (relevant, experiential, applied learning) requirements. But most importantly, you are living and learning with your peers, who help support you and guide you through this shared experience. With a staff of engaged and invested professionals, the community we build will guide you to achieve your goals and make an impact during your time in the program.
Who is Eligible for VCU Transform?
Any undergraduate student interested in developing their understanding of leadership through a variety of contexts. Candidates must have completed their first year and have at least two years left to complete at VCU.
Requirements of VCU Transform:
- Commit to a 2-year living-learning program
- Reside in an on-campus residence hall (TBD)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Complete 60 hours of beyond-the-classroom co-curricular engagement
- Enroll in a 9-12 credit course curriculum
- Create and submit an ePortfolio
How to Apply
Applications opened October 12 and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Living-Learning Programs Merge
DSA announces the merging of living-learning programs into VCU Transform.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the spirit of innovation in mind, the VCU ASPiRE, VCU Globe, and VCU LEAD Living-Learning Programs (LLPs) will be merging into one new LLP. This LLP reorganization brings together the combined strength of each of these three communities while creating efficiencies and maintaining a focus on student success and career readiness. The new LLP, home to approximately 400 students, will be housed in an upper-class residence hall. The administrative home will be the Division of Student Affairs and the academic home will be University College.
VCU Transform is the brand new living-learning program at VCU. Similar to the successes of ASPiRE, Globe, and LEAD, our students will study and practice leadership through the lenses of community engagement and global competencies. Our students will develop as leaders with the knowledge and skills to make impactful changes in their communities, families, and classes. We also have opportunities through our requirements for community service, global engagement and offer experiential learning opportunities in study abroad, innovation, research, peer leadership, internships, and service. VCU Transform is new in 2021, so if you want to be a part of the inaugural class of leaders making changes at VCU and beyond, this is the LLP for you!
All VCU Transform students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA, live in the residence hall, enroll and complete the 9-12 credit course curriculum, complete at least 60 hours of beyond-the-classroom experiences over 2 years, engage in experiential learning, and create and submit an e-portfolio.
Yes. All students who are in Transform are required to live in our residence hall. The only exception is for RAs who live in other buildings as part of their position.
Due to the program being a living-learning program, we place students in rooms together who are in the program. You can create a roommate group on the housing application only if they are also members of Transform. Otherwise, you will be randomly placed in an apartment with other Transform students.
Not at all! Our students come from all different backgrounds, levels of experience, and from all majors. We work hard in the classroom and co-curricular activities to reflect and connect leadership learning back to all majors and industries.
Yes, in the previous LLPs we have found that all of our students have no problem adding the additional courses to their schedule. For most semesters, it’s only an additional 1-credit class to add.
There is a bonus of being in Transform—you get to register early! We work with our students to register early and get into our classes. However, we also allow independent study for classes under extreme circumstances.
There is no cost to be in Transform and we provide all programming, lectures, and events for free to our students. There is a cost to live residentially in the residence hall and for the additional credits, but that is not a fee instituted by the program.
Sure! As long as you can commit 2 years in the program, you are welcome to apply any time.
You will be asked to complete several essays and fill out demographic information. Applications opened on October 12, 2020, and will be accepted until the housing deadline or when filled.