Student news and announcements
Get the latest information from the School of Social Work blog, social media accounts and weekly announcements for current students; and VCU News and VCU TelegRAM.
Latest school news
2/3/2025
‘Massey saved my life’: Meet alum – and cancer survivor – Melissa Weaver
12/6/2024
Focusing on public mental health, Rosemary and David Farmer fund a new M.S.W. scholarship
12/5/2024
Social work faculty, students, alumni presenting at SSWR 2025
Featured post
Undergraduate researchers get national exposure
Social work major Bella Lenzini was among 10 students who attended a biomedical conference, helping to prepare them for future graduate studies. » Learn more
Latest student announcements
Announcement will be posted within 48 hours of submission. The most recent announcements and final notices will be aggregated for the SSWeekly email newsletter (formerly Resource Wire) each Tuesday. The post date is in parentheses.
Note that email distribution will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, because of the MLK Holiday.
Spring 2025
Noon-1 p.m. ET Thursday, March 20, Zoom
Join the Office of Student Success for a registration assistance event to ensure you’re prepared for the upcoming semester.
Our team will guide you through the class registration process, help you navigate course selection and answer any questions about prerequisites, holds and academic planning. Don’t miss this opportunity to get support and secure your ideal schedule.
VCU’s Career Services has created a custom collection of jobs in Handshake that are relevant to upcoming B.S.W. and M.S.W. graduates. Learn more about accessing Handshake, or contact Career Services if you have questions or you need more information: careers@vcu.edu.
Volunteer registration deadline: Wednesday, March 19
VCU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is offering a day of trans-affirming workshops, valuable resources, and a community-building resource fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday, March 31, at the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons. To ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees, OMSA needs dedicated volunteers to assist with event logistics.
Volunteering is a great way to support trans visibility, connect with the community and contribute to an inclusive campus environment! Attendance at all OMSA events is open to all students, faculty and staff who wish to participate.
Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching, will lead two sessions for undergraduate social work students to practice case studies and role plays outside of the classroom and internships. Food will be provided in person, and participants may enter a raffle to win a DSM. On-campus and online students are encouraged to attend:
- 7 p.m. ET Thursday March 20, Zoom (registration)
- 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 25, ALC 3100 (registration)
9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 26
10 a.m.-6 p.m. ET Thursday, March 27
The Congressional Research Institute for Social Work & Policy is proud to present these two events in Washington, D.C., with a theme focused on reaffirming the need for social workers in the political arena. Both events will be hybrid, allowing both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Student Advocacy Day will provide students with the tools and knowledge to engage effectively in advocacy at the local and national levels. >> Register
- Social Work Day on the Hill will offer students a unique opportunity to connect directly with legislators and policy influencers, advocating for the vital contributions social workers make to society. >> Register
9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13 (register by April 1)
The B.S.W. Program invites undergraduate social work students to celebrate 25 days to graduation with a one-day excursion to experience the otherworldly beauty of Luray Caverns, the largest show cavern in the eastern U.S. Meet in the Academic Learning Commons first floor lobby. Trip includes:
- A walking tour of the well-lit and fully paved caverns
- Round-trip transportation from VCU
- Lunch
- Access to the Garden Maze and Rope Adventure Course
Priority registration for Class of 2025 Seniors. Questions? Contact bsw@vcu.edu.
8-10 p.m. ET Thursday, April 3
Academic Learning Commons, 4100
Join the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association for an engaging evening of insight and learning! This event is designed to bring together seniors who have completed their field practicums over the past two semesters. They'll share their biggest takeaways, challenges and success stories from their first foray into social work. Underclassmen are encouraged to attend to ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of the practicum experience and gather insights into various agencies. Please register on RamsConnect.
4-6 p.m. ET Saturday, April 5
University Student Commons, Commons Theater
Tickets for this year's TEDxVCU event, Bloom, are now live and available to be reserved for free. This event will feature live TEDx talks from members of the VCU community – including Jae Lange, a B.S.W. student and staff member with Marsha and Marian’s Neighbors – a meet & greet with the participants and light refreshments. Questions? Email tedx@vcu.edu.
Priority deadline: Tuesday, April 15
Want to build leadership skills? Or learn about specific disabilities; family- and person-centered practices, culture and policy; and interdisciplinary teamwork? Consider applying for the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program to support children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families in health care, social service and educational settings.
For students, the time commitment is 150-300 hours over one or two academic years, and a stipend or tuition support is available to help defray out-of-pocket costs. The program is largely virtual.
3:30-5:30 p.m. ET Thursday, March 20
Academic Learning Commons, 3100; and Zoom
Join us for SSW CommUnity Connections and a special VCU Basketball Watch Party as the Rams take on BYU in the NCAA Tournament!
Connect with your School of Social Work commUnity with board games, pizza and cookies. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. This is a hybrid event – online students can join us via Zoom.
View our social media feeds throughout Social Work Month for reels and videos highlighting how our alumni view their individual strengths and the collective power of social work. First up is alum Anthonly Estreet (M.S.W.’07), Ph.D., CEO of the National Association of Social Workers.
6:30-8 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 25
Academic Learning Commons, 3100; and Zoom
Alum Allison Miessler (M.S.W.’14) will speak about her policy work with Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, a nonprofit focused on policy, advocacy and education at the state and federal levels. Allison will speak to social work students about the gaps the MMHLA is currently seeing at the community level that social workers can currently get involved with regarding needs for mothers, birthing people, families and maternal mental health.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 25
For National Social Work Month, the VCU Bachelor of Social Work Program invites undergraduate social work students to action through art. Please share your B.S.W. pride and creativity by submitting a design for the theme: Art as Radical Hope and Resistance, to be viewed by the School of Social Work community and printed on B.S.W. paraphernalia. Questions? Contact bsw@vcu.edu.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, March 28
The Virginia Nu Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society for the social sciences, is now accepting membership applications. Pi Gamma Mu encourages and promotes excellence in the social sciences and upholds and nurtures scholarship, leadership and service. Pi Gamma Mu welcomes applications from any student at VCU, regardless of degree program, who meets the qualifications for membership.
During the 2022-2023 academic term, the Virginia Nu Chapter at VCU produced the fifth-highest number of new members in Pi Gamma Mu worldwide. You are invited to join and make a lasting impact at VCU.
One in four college women and 7% of college men experience sexual assault, while 21% face dating violence. Despite colleges being required to address these issues, many programs fail to effectively engage students.
Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., social work assistant professor, has developed “Once Upon a Party,” a text-based, choose-your-own-adventure game aimed at encouraging critical thinking about gender-based violence. In this interactive game, participants will navigate real-life scenarios and respond to text messages from friends, exploring situations that could lead to sexual or dating violence.
Students can join the study to help assess the game’s impact, and enter for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards!
Noon-1:15 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 5, Zoom
Curious about macro, entering the field soon, or already in the field and want to explore something different? Join our virtual, interactive event.
Four brilliant macro practitioners in a variety of fields will share (briefly) the work that is possible in macro and what they do as macro practitioners. Then join a breakout session for a deeper dive into what their arenas of practice look like!
- Policy
- Program development
- Research
- Community organizing
Email Kimberly Compton, Ph.D., assistant professor in teaching, at comptonk2@vcu.edu with questions.
5-7 p.m. ET Thursday, March 27
SPAN Center, 1300 Semmes Ave., Richmond; & Zoom
The School of Social Work’s annual event focuses this year on Futuring for Transformative Approaches to Policymaking in Richmond, Virginia. The conversation will explore how macro, mezzo and micro social work can intertwine to promote imagination that shapes local policies and promotes community healing. Expert panelists will discuss innovative solutions for how social workers and community members can influence both “big P” and “little p” policies.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET Thursday, March 6
Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave., Richmond
SAARA of Virginia is sponsoring this event to connect individuals and families with vital resources, employment opportunities, and support services in our community. There will be 40+ vendors, Narcan training and a food truck. Among the participating organizations are Atlantic Outreach Group, REAL LIFE, CARITAS, Mindset Care and Victims & Villains.
Camp Alkulana is looking for counselors for their summer season, and social work students are encouraged to apply! Working at Camp Alkulana, in Millboro Springs, Virginia, will build important skills like leadership, communication and professionalism. The camp director would be happy to work with students on developing their job into a formal or informal internship experience, as well.
Two new significant projects at the School of Social Work have created – and will continue to generate – enhanced learning opportunities across the focus areas of mental health and international social work. Faculty members Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching, is directing mental health initiatives; Denise Burnette, Ph.D., professor, is directing the international social work collaboratory.
Mental health opportunities include clinical skills labs and new design thinking workshops (below); new courses around neurobiology and mental health + mental health and practice; new certificates; and continuing education series available to students.
International initiatives include three study abroad programs, a new virtual exchange pilot program and memoranda of understanding with institutions in Mongolia and South Korea, the latter of which will begin creating student and faculty exchanges.
4:15 p.m. ET Sunday, Feb. 23
Byrd Park
Join the Queer Trans Social Worker (QTSW) student organization for the first meeting of M.S.W.s Who Walk & Talk. There will be a walk for 30 minutes and time to talk afterward for 45 minutes. Any questions/comments can be directed to Caroline Donnelly at donnellycg@vcu.edu.
6:30-8:30 p.m. ET Monday, April 7
Shift Retail Lab
The School of Social Work and VCU's da Vinci Center for Innovation are holding a specific event for SSW students at the intersection of social work and design thinking. This hands-on experience will help strengthen students’ creativity, problem-solving and collaboration skills, helping them tackle real-world issues in future practice.
Students will work on a design challenge and earn a digital badge. Submit your ideas for the challenge.
Upcoming introductory workshops where you can learn more about design thinking before the April 7 event:
2-3 p.m. & 3-5 p.m. ET Sunday, March 2, Zoom
Join Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., student success writing advisor, for a session on writing personal statements, followed by mid-term drop-in hours. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome at both sessions.
Personal statements are required when applying to graduate schools, and you often have to write personal statements when applying for scholarships. Register for this session
Deadline: Tuesday, April 15
The VCU Graduate School has partnered with the SREB (Southern Regional Board of Directors) Doctoral Scholars Program to offer the Doctoral Scholars University Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. This award provides support services for three years to eligible students seeking their Ph.D. and planning to become college or university professors. In addition, the award provides professional development support and covers expenses associated with attending the Compact for Faculty Diversity Annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring.
Deadline: Monday, March 3
M.S.W. students scheduled to graduate in May or August 2025 can apply for a post-M.S.W. fellowship through UNC-Chapel Hill Counseling and Psychological Services for the 2025-26 academic year.
The field application for Summer and Fall 2025 placements is now open for currently enrolled B.S.W. and M.S.W. students who are expected to begin their placements during one of these terms. You should have already received an announcement with application guidelines and step-by-step instructions.
If you didn’t receive this information but plan to begin a placement in Summer or Fall 2025, please reach out to your student success advisor by Tuesday, Feb. 18, for confirmation. Once your timeline is confirmed, the advising team will notify the field office so you can receive the announcement and access to the application.
If you’ve received access to the field application and have already submitted the application form and supplemental materials for Summer or Fall 2025, no further action is required at this time. As applications are received, our office will review them for completeness, and a placement advisor will contact you if additional information is needed to assign your field placement.
See more details via the Summer 2025/Fall 2025 Field Application Update.
Summer course registration for M.S.W. students opened this morning, Feb. 11. Here is a list of helpful instructions for your summer registration. Please note that current course offerings and instructors are subject to change at this time. Connect with your advisor to confirm the courses you need to take for the summer semester prior to registration.
3-5 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 4
Join the VCU Graduate School to discover your ideal program, get expert insights and potentially receive a special giveaway – 200 application fee waivers for program application fees will be distributed at random to event attendees! More info: gradrecruit@vcu.edu.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, Feb. 18
Academic Learning Commons, 4100; & Zoom
Connect with your School of Social Work commUnity for lunch, arts and crafts, and discussions around self-caring and healthy stress relief. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. We welcome online students to this hybrid event.
Monday, Feb. 10-Friday, Feb. 21
Sometimes unexpected challenges or opportunities may require you to reevaluate the steps of your educational path. All current B.S.W. and M.S.W. students have the opportunity to request to change their program format — full-time to part-time and/or on-campus to online, and vice versa.
Students must complete the official form below and meet with their student success advisor in order for their request to be considered. If you are considering a change from the on-campus format to the online format, please keep in mind:
- The online format has more autonomous, student-directed learning.
- There are differences in tuition costs. Please see the tuition calculator to better understand those differences.
- The online format is writing-intensive. In most courses, discussion boards are a regular feature.
Deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Upcoming B.S.W. graduates, if you're interested in applying for the M.S.W. advanced standing pathway for summer or fall 2025 term starts, on-campus or online, the application deadline has been extended by a week. Accepted applicants can complete their M.S.W. in three semesters (42 credit hours), and both clinical and macro concentrations are available in the on-campus and online formats; for online, the macro specialization is a summer term start only.
Apply or email sswinfo@vcu.edu if you need more information.
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 21
Do you have a favorite School of Social Work faculty or staff member, field instructor/supervisor, or another social worker who inspires you and your commitment to becoming a social worker? We want you to nominate them so we can celebrate them on social media during March for Social Work Month.
Deadline: Sunday, March 2
The Virginia Civic Engagement Table is hiring an intern for the spring and summer (May-August). The primary program focus is the Virginia Progressive Leadership Program (VAPLP), a four-month experiential learning and training program that provides community leaders and organizers the knowledge, skills and connections they need to strengthen their work in advancing equity and social justice in Virginia. The work is primarily virtual, 20 hours per week at $20 per hour. Contact Nico Climaco for more information at nico@engageva.org.
Deadline: Friday, March 21
Symposium: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, University Student Commons
The annual VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity is an opportunity for students to present their research endeavors and creative scholarship to their academic peers, members of the VCU faculty, community members, and friends and family. All undergraduate researchers from every discipline are encouraged to present their work – completed research projects, completed papers or research in progress. For more information, email urop@vcu.edu.
Deadline: Monday, March 24
Symposium: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 23, University Student Commons
The Graduate Student Association announces the 28th annual Graduate Research Symposium as part of VCU Research Weeks. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in this event and share their research posters with the VCU community. Top posters will be awarded a monetary prize. For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or (804) 514-6293.
M.S.W. Skills Labs are back for the spring semester, with one Tuesday session per month in February, March and April. If you have questions, please email Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., the School of Social Work’s director of mental health initiatives and an assistant professor in teaching, at jacobsc2@vcu.edu.
11 a.m.-noon ET Feb. 25, ALC 3100
Klara Prachar, M.S.W, LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
7-8 p.m. ET March 25, Zoom
Erica Jackson, M.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
11 a.m.-noon ET April 8, ALC 3100
Tara Pappas, M.S.W., LCSW, community-embedded instructor
The Social Work Field Fund is now available to assist social work students with field placement-related expenses, helping to ensure that students can take full advantage of their field experiences.
Full- or part-time social work students in the B.S.W. and M.S.W. who are enrolled in a field practice course may apply for funds. This funding is not intended to reimburse expenses that have already been paid, or to replace or supplement existing financial aid.
The Field Fund supports field placement-related expenses including:
- Onboarding requirements
- Routine travel
- Equipment or supplies
- Professional development
This is not an exhaustive list and other circumstances may apply. Please email swfld@vcu.edu for clarity on an expense that does not fall into one of the above categories.
The Bachelor of Social Work Student Association is hosting a donation drive for non-perishable food and hygiene items. The items will go to Homeward or Ram Pantry. Please drop off items through Friday, Feb. 21, at the School of Social Work front desk on the third floor of the Academic Learning Commons!
Application deadline: Monday, March 3
The VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) is excited to announce that registration for Spring 2025 graduates (undergraduate, graduate, professional studies) to participate at the end of the semester Cultural Achievement Ceremony is now open!
This spring semester we will be having six separate ceremonies to celebrate educational achievement among VCU graduates:
- Donning of the Kente Ceremony is a celebration that combines a rich African cultural heritage.
- Accessibility Achievement Ceremony is a celebration designed for students with a disability, as well as staff and family members who have contributed to their success.
- Latine Achievement Ceremony is a celebration of collective Latinidad.
- Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American Graduation Ceremony is meant to honor the unique cultures of the Asian diaspora.
- Lavender Graduation Ceremony is a celebration designed to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.
- Native, Tribal, & Indigenous Graduation Ceremony provides a space to honor and commemorate graduating Native, Tribal, and Indigenous students.
For general updates/questions, email OMSA at omsa@vcu.edu.
Noon- 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, Feb. 5
University Student Commons, 2nd floor
Come connect with organizations that are looking to hire VCU students for internships (summer and fall), as well as full-time and part-time jobs. This fair will feature employers from government, public services, human services and social assistance industries. This is a great time to see what opportunities are available!
Feb. 16-23
VCU faculty, staff and students, it's time to come together and celebrate what makes the university unique, vibrant and unstoppable. Be part of the excitement with special events, school spirit and the chance to reconnect with the VCU community. Whether you’re a student or faculty member, show your Ram spirit by taking part in homecoming events. For more information, contact Lisa Cooper at lcooper4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3419.
Interested in meeting new people and becoming more connected on campus? Volunteer as a peer mentor with ACE-IT in College, a VCU program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission of peer mentors is to help ACE-IT students make authentic friendships and connections during college and beyond. From grabbing a bite to eat to attending club meetings together, you can do whatever works best for you and your mentee. For more information, contact Hannah Carignan at ramseyhe@vcu.edu.
Graduates: 2-3 p.m. ET Sunday, Feb. 2, Zoom
Graduates & undergraduates: 2-3 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16, Zoom
Join social work writing advisor Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., for two upcoming workshops:
- Understanding the Writing Process (Feb. 2) – Making the transition to graduate-level writing is difficult. However, understanding your writing process is key to being successful. In this interactive workshop, will guide attendees as they reflect on their brainstorming, writing and revising strategies. >> Register
- APA 7 (Feb. 16) – Learn about the basics of APA 7, including how to do in-text citations and a references page in this interactive workshop. >> Register
Deadline: Saturday, March 1
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is accepting 2025-2026 applications from graduate students for the Memorial Scholarship Fund for Social Work Education. Applicants should be longtime Virginia residents pursuing graduate study in social work. They should have financial need and show a commitment to the field of social work through their education, volunteer activities or employment.
Nominations deadline: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
The Office of Student Success is now accepting nominations for several distinguishing awards. We hope you will consider nominating a student for one of these honors. Before submitting a nomination, please read the nomination form carefully. **Please note, nominations for the Black History in the Making Award are due Thursday, Jan. 23. The materials needed to complete the nomination may vary based on the award. Information about each award is available online.
Through Friday, Feb. 28
Drafts of the following policies are now open for public comment:
For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@Vcu.edu.
Deadline: Friday, March 14
Proposals for funded fellowship opportunities for undergraduate/mentor collaborative research experiences are being accepted by VCU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Fellowship. A variety of undergraduate student fellowship awards will be funded for projects in any discipline, mentored by VCU faculty. Successful student applicants will receive funding support in the amount of $1,500 and $500 for the faculty mentor. For more information, contact Herb Hill, director of undergraduate research and creative inquiry, at urop@vcu.edu.
Undergraduate students, schedule an appointment with a coach at the Campus Learning Center to discuss your goals for the semester and create an action plan. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting and can support you as you work toward your goals. For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu.
8-9 p.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 23
Academic Learning Commons, 3100
Join the B.S.W. Student Association (BSWSA) and enjoy pizza and snacks while we talk about upcoming events and ways to get involved! Sign up on Ramsconnect!
Deadline: Friday, Jan. 24
Congratulations to everyone entering their final semesters as a social work student!
We look forward to celebrating your momentous achievement at the school’s May Commencement ceremony, 11 a.m. ET Friday, May 9. More details to follow.
If you are scheduled to graduate at the end of the Spring 2025 term, you should have received an email from the VCU Office of Records and Registration. This application should be completed and submitted by the deadline. The successful submission of your graduation application is required.
If you are scheduled to graduate at the end of the Summer 2025 term and would like to walk at the May ceremony, do not complete the form. Additional information will be emailed to you, or contact sswadvising@vcu.edu.
Graduate James Orr has helped others by ‘modeling the person I wanted to become’
Orr, an August master’s graduate and the speaker representing the M.S.W. Program at December Commencement, used a nine-month jail sentence to turn around his life and overcome a drug addiction. He began studying psychology and taking better care of his health.
After being released, he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at Liberty University, became certified in substance use counseling and then chose VCU to become more familiar with clinical settings.
Following graduation, he is working with Community Access Network, a Federally Qualified Health Center “look-alike” nonprofit, where, he says, he will be “trying to serve the community – and seeing as many people as I can.”
More from December SSW Commencement
- Ceremony video archive
- Photo galleries
- Video reels
- SSW Commencement program
- VCU Commencement photo gallery
Thursdays, Jan. 30-April 24, 2025
Register now for the School of Social Work’s seven-part webinar series, Serious Mental Illness in Focus: Specialized Topics for Practitioners. The bi-weekly sessions are free to students, faculty, community-embedded (adjunct) faculty and staff. Continuing education and a digital badge are available.
Social work faculty members Kimberly Compton, Ph.D., and M. Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., are pleased to offer four upcoming events focused on macro social work and the school’s macro-focused concentration, Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice.
- Macro Coffee Chat: Is Macro for Me? – 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, Academic Learning Commons 3201 & Zoom. Explore the macro track, learn about potential field placements and imagine your future as a macro social worker. RSVP by Jan. 17.
- Macro Scholars Symposium: Scholars Talk – 5-6:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Feb. 11, Zoom. Hear from leaders in the field, Dr. Anna Ortega-Williams and Dr. Jama Shelton from Hunter College, NYC.
- Macro Scholars Symposium: Student Lunch and Learn – Noon-1 p.m. ET Wednesday, Feb. 12, Zoom. Connect with Drs. Ortega-Williams and Shelton over lunch for discussion.
- Careers in Macro – Noon-1:15 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 5, hybrid event (details TBD). Macro practitioners from various fields will give 5-minute "elevator pitches" about their work and key skills, with time for Q&A.
Contact Dr. Compton if you have questions or need more information: comptonk2@vcu.edu.
Social Work, Policy & Politics
Stay tuned for more information about the school’s annual macro-focused panel discussion, Social Work, Policy & Politics, on Thursday, March 27. Last year's event, on the social determinants of health, featured four alumni experts.
Student assistantships in the School of Social Work for Spring 2025 are still available.
Nominations deadline: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
The Office of Student Success is now accepting nominations for several distinguishing awards. We hope you will consider nominating a student for one of these honors. Before submitting a nomination, please read the nomination form carefully. **Please note, nominations for the Black History in the Making Award are due Thursday, Jan. 23.** The materials needed to complete the nomination may vary based on the award. Information about each award is available online.
Application deadline: Feb. 12, 2025
Are you interested in child welfare, and working with children and families? If so, check out the Child Welfare Stipend Program at VCU, which will prepare you for a meaningful career in child welfare. One of the program’s incredible benefits is a $10,000 stipend per academic year (fall/spring semesters), with a work payback requirement.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open for the following groups of students:
- M.S.W. on-campus and online students starting their specialization year (third semester) Fall 2025.
- This group includes M.S.W. online students beginning the M.S.W. Program in the Spring 2025 semester on the 16-month track.
- Prospective incoming students for the M.S.W. advanced standing formats
- Current B.S.W. students going into their senior year Fall 2025
For questions about the program, contact the CWSP team at cwstipend@vcu.edu.
Jan. 16-25 + ongoing initiatives
Join VCU as it commemorates the life and legacy of a true leader and visionary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for a week of reflection, education and community engagement. Explore in-person events, discussions and activities highlighting the principles Dr. King championed throughout his life.
The MLK Keynote Celebration will be from 5-8 p.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Institute for Contemporary Art. Registration is required, and volunteers are also needed.
Are you experiencing food insecurity and looking for support at VCU? The RAMS-2-RAMS program is here for you. Connect with peers who understand and gain access to essential resources on campus. For more information, contact social work Professor Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu.
Deadline: 5 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 24
VCU's Student Alumni Council is recruiting prospective student leaders for its leadership council. Leadership council members plan and execute events for the student body, build leadership skills and expand their professional network. The council promotes philanthropy, fosters connections between students and alumni and celebrates campus traditions. For more information, contact Breydon Duncan Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu.
The Honey Club at VCU is accepting leadership applications from any Black, queer students interested in serving their community. Anyone who can demonstrate passion and commitment to Black queer liberation will be welcomed, while positions last. For more information, contact Mychal Young at youngm19@vcu.edu.