Advising

Advising is an important element in the professional education of all students. Each student has an advisor who can:

  • Assist in planning a program of study
  • Discuss academic progress based on information from instructors
  • Refer students to school and university resources
  • Interpret academic policies, rules and regulations
  • Assist with students’ integration of learning experiences
  • Advocate on behalf of students

Student success advising team

Current students, need help figuring out how to connect with your advisor? Find their contact information and weekly drop-in hours below. If you aren’t certain of who your advisor is or are having trouble reaching them, you may contact sswadvising@vcu.edu for assistance.

If you would prefer to schedule an appointment, you may do so on Navigate.

Check out the SSW’s student calendar for updates to drop-in scheduling and all upcoming events!

Lower-level B.S.W. advisor

Kristal Parada
paradak2@vcu.edu
(804) 827-8648

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

Lower-level B.S.W. students

  • Mondays, 4-5 p.m. ET on Zoom
Headshot of Kristal Parada

Upper-level B.S.W. advisor

Robert Anderson
andersonrl5@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0567

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

Upper-level B.S.W. students
Social welfare minor students

  • Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. ET on Zoom
  • Thursdays, 3-4 p.m. ET on-campus
Robert Anderson headshot

M.S.W. advisor

Lakeita Clarkson
clarksonlf@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1407

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

M.S.W. students with last names A-D

Lakeita Clarkson headshot

M.S.W. senior advisor

Julie Pence
pencejm@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2836

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

M.S.W. students with last names E-J

  • Tuesdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon ET on-campus or on Zoom
Julie Pence headshot

M.S.W. advisor

Mary Simpson
simpsonmn3@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2777

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

M.S.W. students with last names K-Q

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon ET on campus or on Zoom
Headshot of Mary Simpson

M.S.W. advisor

Caroline Lacy
lacyc@vcu.edu

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

M.S.W. students with last names R-Z

  • Mondays, 10-11 a.m. ET on Zoom
  • Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon ET on-campus
Headshot of Caroline Lacy

M.S.W. writing advisor

Rebecca Johnson
johnsonre@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0267

Fall 2024 drop-in hours

Headshot of Rebecca Johnson

Online M.S.W. student support coaches

Support coaches check in with students in the online M.S.W. format at various points each semester to promote persistence, academic success and community. They are a go-to for general questions and are skilled at connecting students with school and university resources. Our four coaches are:

Chauncey Smith

smithc66@vcu.edu

Headshot of Chauncey Smith

Brittney Spence

spenceb2@vcu.edu

Brittney Spence headshot

Alisha Tysor

tysora@vcu.edu

Headshot of Alisha Tysor

Contact us

Have questions for an advisor? If you're not sure which advisor to contact directly, please reach out to sswadvising@vcu.edu.