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
Spring 2025 drop-in hours
Lower-level B.S.W. students
- Mondays, 4-5 p.m. ET on Zoom or in person on first floor of Hibbs Hall
Upper-level B.S.W. advisor
Robert Anderson
andersonrl5@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0567
Spring 2025 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
M.S.W. advisor
Lakeita Clarkson
clarksonlf@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1407
Spring 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students with last names A-GI
M.S.W. advisor
Mary Simpson
simpsonmn3@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2777
Spring 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students with last names GL-N
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon ET on campus or on Zoom
M.S.W. advisor
Dabney McDonald
mcdonaldd@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1040
Spring 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students with last names O-W
M.S.W. senior advisor
Julie Pence
pencejm@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2836
Spring 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students in advanced standing tracks and with last names X-Z
- Tuesdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon ET on-campus or on Zoom
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:
Contact us
Have questions for an advisor? If you're not sure which advisor to contact directly, please reach out to sswadvising@vcu.edu.