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.
Note: University Academic Advising serves as the advising team for first-time freshmen B.S.W. students.
Check out the SSW’s student calendar for updates to drop-in scheduling and all upcoming events!
Assistant director of undergraduate advising
Kristal Parada
paradak2@vcu.edu
(804) 827-8648
Summer 2025 drop-in hours
All current and readmitted B.S.W. students and social work mental health minors
- Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET, on campus
- Fridays, 3-4 p.m. ET, Zoom


M.S.W. advisor
Lakeita Clarkson
clarksonlf@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1407


M.S.W. advisor
Mary Simpson
simpsonmn3@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2777


Assistant director of graduate advising
Julie Pence
pencejm@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2836


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 coaches are:
Ali Piotrkowski


Brittney Spence


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