Office of the Vice President
The central administration of the division serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty and staff who have problems or concerns regarding their interactions with each other and with the university, and assists in resolving issues or refers inquirers to the appropriate individual elsewhere in the institution. Students, parents and staff members who have issues they wish to discuss or who are interested in various programs and opportunities are encouraged to contact the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Advocacy at vcudean@vcu.edu.
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission
VCU’s Division of Student Affairs fosters students' intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and personal growth toward their full potential.
Vision
We will be recognized as a leader in centering our students through the unwavering pursuit of equity, advocacy, inclusion, excellence, and innovation. We will be the model for creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which all students can thrive.
Values
VCU Division of Student Affairs fosters a community committed to excellence by upholding values that promote belonging, collaboration, stewardship, student-centered, and RAM Proud!
Belonging
We are deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging for every student. Our top priority is to create an environment where each student feels empowered to thrive as their unique selves, with their own needs, hopes, dreams, and desires. We are dedicated to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive community where every member feels valued, respected, and connected.
Collaboration
We believe in working together to provide students with a seamless experience by embracing diverse perspectives in decision-making and leveraging all available resources to achieve common goals. We prioritize partnerships and shared governance by dismantling silos in order to achieve the best outcomes for our students.
Stewardship
We take great pride in serving as responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us by the VCU community and our students. We are committed to upholding our mission by prioritizing inclusion, access, excellence, integrity, and accountability in the efficient use of our administrative, fiscal, human, and physical resources. As part of our dedication to continuous improvement, we innovate and assess our strategies to ensure we consistently fulfill our mission to the highest degree.
Student-Centered
Students are at the heart of our mission and practices. We actively listen to and incorporate student input, feedback, and participation, striving to understand their unique needs, experiences, and aspirations. We personalize support and services to meet students’ diverse needs and ensure that they can grow and succeed.
RAM Proud!
As Rams, we challenge the conventional by developing bold and creative solutions that drive excellence and cultivate students’ sense of pride and ownership of VCU. We strive to create joy-filled experiences for students, staff, faculty, and community, providing opportunities for lasting memories. We embrace the diversity of our students and celebrate their individuality, unique qualities, and accomplishments. We practice humility in our interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader community, always working to improve and grow while staying grounded in our commitment to student success.
Strategic Pillars
Pillar 1: Advocacy and Support
(Quest 2028 Alignment: Culture of Care and Student Success)
Empower students by encouraging them to use their voices, removing barriers to their success, and ensuring that their basic needs are met. We strive to create a culture of care that supports their learning within and beyond the classroom.
Pillar 2: Assessment and Innovation
(Quest 2028 Alignment: Research and Innovation)
Pursue operational excellence through data-driven practices and innovation. We focus on student-centered, evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement and are committed to student learning and a seamless student experience.
Pillar 3: Community and Inclusion
(Quest 2028 Alignment: Student Success & Diversity Driving Excellence)
Create an inclusive and welcoming community where diversity of culture, thought, and identity is celebrated, and individuals feel valued and empowered.
Pillar 4: Holistic Well-Being
(Quest 2028: Student Success, Culture of Care & Responsiveness)
Promote holistic well-being and ensure access for all community members. We believe in comprehensive care for each student, meeting them where they are and empowering them to reach their full potential. We strive to enable students’ personal growth, considering their physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs.
Pillar 5: Transformative Student Experiences
(Quest 2028: Student Success & Thriving Communities)
Provide students with transformative experiences that foster their intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and personal growth. Through a variety of leadership, engagement, experiential, and service opportunities, we complement students' pursuit of academic excellence and personal development by expanding their worldviews, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in their communities, and building skills and experiences for future endeavors.