The graduate community
The Graduate School at Virginia Commonwealth University has built a community of students, faculty members and staff, providing those affiliated with the school with a wealth of resources and support services to assist in academic and research development.
The Graduate Bulletin in effect at the time of admission contains the official requirements of your degree program. It is important that all graduate students be familiar with the bulletin, the policies and procedures of the Graduate School and the university and any additional requirements for individual schools and programs.
As graduate students, you are encouraged to contact your program and school or college directors, as well as the staff of the Graduate School at any time with questions or requests for assistance.
Graduate student organizations
The Graduate School encourages students to participate in the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and/or a variety of special graduate student interest groups. The Graduate Student Association is an advocate for the issues and needs of graduate students at VCU. From meet and greet events and monthly socials to the annual Graduate Research Symposium and Exhibit, GSA events are designed to enhance academic skills, provide professional development opportunities and facilitate an active social environment. The GSA and Graduate School work together to assist students with travel costs for academic conferences and places students on campuswide committees to ensure the concerns of graduate students are heard.
The GSA is responsible for appropriating program funds for all VCU graduate student organizations. Each organization is required to submit a proposed budget in the spring for the following academic year. The GSA appropriations committee is charged with receiving, hearing arguments for and deciding on the actual amount that each organization will be given and for what purpose. A list of VCU graduate student organizations can be found here.
National Association of Graduate and Professional Students
Last year, VCU joined the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students (NAGPS). NAGPS has a threefold mission for the graduate and professional student community: (1) develop and sustain a member network to connect graduate and professional students and their associations, (2) provide resources and support to empower members and (3) advocate at local and national levels on their behalf. Reetika Bhardwaj, GSA president, was elected vice president of NAGPS.
In addition, two honorary organizations exist for graduate students: Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Epsilon Lambda. While Phi Kappa Phi is a scholarship honor society for graduate students, Alpha Epsilon Lambda is a graduate student leadership honorary. Click on the links above for specific information regarding these organizations.
Career and professional development
The Graduate School provides courses and programs to help graduate students achieve their career and professional goals. Explore the many opportunities and resources available.
