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Student Leadership Executive Board Application Process

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2026-2027 Student Leaders Application Process

VCU Student Representatives to the Board of Visitors and SCHEV

VCU selects two student leaders each year to serve as representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors (BOV) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Student Advisory Committee. These positions provide students with a meaningful opportunity to influence university decision‑making and statewide higher education policy.

Applications are open for the 2026–27 academic year. Each position carries a one‑year, non‑renewable term. Students currently serving in either role are not eligible to reapply.

Apply to Serve as a Student Representative

Please complete the application form linked here by Sunday February 22, 2026 to be considered for either position. University officials will verify academic and conduct standing as part of the review process.

 

VCU Board of Visitors Student Representative

The VCU Board of Visitors (BOV) oversees the university’s operations, policy development, and financial stewardship. The student representative serves as a non‑voting advisor, offering insight into the student experience and elevating student perspectives to university leadership.

About the Role

  • Represents undergraduate or graduate/professional students at all BOV meetings.
  • Provides input on university priorities, policies, and strategic initiatives.
  • Engages with administrators, faculty, and student organizations.
  • Helps connect student needs to institutional decision‑making.

Recommended Preparation

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

Your application responses should reflect your own perspectives and experiences.

SCHEV Student Advisory Committee Representative

The SCHEV Student Advisory Committee brings together student representatives from across Virginia to advise the State Council of Higher Education on issues affecting college students statewide.

About the Committee

  • Includes one full‑time student from each four‑year public university in Virginia.
  • Also includes representatives from the Virginia Community College System and private institutions.
  • Meets at least twice per year to discuss system‑wide concerns such as affordability, access, student success, and campus climate.
  • VCU’s representative is expected to attend all meetings during their term.

What Makes a Strong Candidate

Successful applicants for either position demonstrate the ability to:

📊 Gather Student Input

Collect information from a broad range of students and organizations—not just personal networks—to understand campus needs.

🗣 Communicate Effectively

Summarize student concerns and present them clearly to university leaders and statewide stakeholders.

💡 Be Solution‑Oriented

Identify challenges and propose thoughtful, actionable solutions rather than simply raising issues.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Students

  • Must be enrolled full‑time at VCU.
  • Must have completed at least 15 semester hours at VCU.
  • Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Must be in good academic and conduct standing.
  • Term length: One year (non‑renewable).

Graduate/Professional Students

  • Must be enrolled full‑time in a graduate or professional program.
  • Must have completed at least one semester of coursework at VCU.
  • Must be in good academic and conduct standing.
  • Term length: One year (non‑renewable).

 

Information Sessions

Information session dates will be posted here once scheduled. Students are encouraged to attend to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of each role.

Questions?

Contact: Dr. Jimmie Gahagan  

Associate Vice President for Transformative Student Experiences

jsgahagan@vcu.edu