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
Online B.S.W. students, 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
Upper-level B.S.W. advisor
Robert Anderson
andersonrl5@vcu.edu
(804) 828-0567
Summer 2025 drop-in hours
Upper-level B.S.W. students
Social welfare minor students
- Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. ET, Zoom
- Thursdays, 3-4 p.m. ET, on-campus
M.S.W. advisor
Lakeita Clarkson
clarksonlf@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1407
Summer 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students with last names A-GI
- Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET, on-campus or Zoom
M.S.W. advisor
Mary Simpson
simpsonmn3@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2777
Summer 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students with last names GL-N
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon ET, on-campus or Zoom
Assistant director of graduate advising
Julie Pence
pencejm@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2836
Summer 2025 drop-in hours
M.S.W. students in advanced standing tracks and with last names X-Z
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.