Division of Student Affairs Annual Report 2015 2016 by VCU Division of Student Affairs

Annual Report 2015â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2016

Contents

This report provides a sample of the breadth and depth of work from more than 200 faculty and staff members within the VCU Division of Student Affairs.

Words

A message from the Vice Provost of Student Affairs.

Mission, Vision and Values

Credits Editor: Matthew Lovisa Designer: Brandon Shields Photo Credits: Recreational Sports, Nick Seitz. Residential Life and Housing and University Student Commons and Activities, Tobi Oluwo, Dyllan Shaw, Francis Stephens and Nick Vega. VCU University Marketing, Tom Kojcsich. Typography: Flama, Univers Printer: Wythken Printing

Learn more about how we make a positive impact in the lives of our students.

People

It takes a village to run a division of our size.

Snapshots

Everyone in our division deserves more than 15 minutes of fame.

Trends Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at some numbers.

Voices

Read first-hand how students experience Student Affairs.

Directory

Student 31 Leadership Learn about a few of our amazing student organizations.

Connect with our departments and find the appropriate points of contact.

Words

Letter

It is an honor and a pleasure to share the Division of Student Affairs annual report with you. This report provides a snapshot of the work our committed faculty, staff and student workers across the division. I think that you will agree that the programs, activities, projects and services in this report are critical to the support and success of our students. This past year was filled with many significant and challenging events locally, nationally and internationally. I was inspired by student activists on our campus working for change related to racial equity, environmental justice, affordable access to higher education and a number of other compelling issues. I was heartened by our compassionate staff who provided safe places to support these students, listening deeply to their concerns and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. I was filled with optimism that working together we can help heal the world. We celebrated some wonderful events this past year. Two new living-learning programs, LEAD and INNOVATE, at the Grace and Broad Residential Center greeted new residents. Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner, in University Student Commons, created an exciting office space for student entrepreneurs. An inaugural Champions of Wellness program encouraged career, emotional, physical and social wellness. The Alive! Mental Health Fair raised awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. Multicultural Student Affairs hosted the Social Justice Conference. Recreational Sports and Disability Support Services created Access VCU, a disability awareness fair. Two new cultural achievement ceremonies were created to recognize students, the Donning of the Kente and Latina/o Graduation ceremonies. You will find many more fantastic accomplishments highlighted throughout this report. I reflect on this past year with much appreciation and gratitude for the extraordinary efforts of our talented, committed, caring and creative staff. I also have much appreciation and gratitude for our students who provide us with opportunities to learn and grow together as we strive to make the world a better place. Sincerely,

Dr. Charles J. Klink Vice Provost of Student Affairs

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.

Vision

Educating all students to become innovative, courageous, and socially engaged leaders.

Values

VCU Division of Student Affairs fosters a community committed to excellence by upholding values that promote student success, diversity, integrity, wellness and community. Community We develop meaningful and collaborative relationships with others to positively impact student learning and engagement. We achieve this by encouraging staff in the division to become life-long learners by providing a variety of professional development activities. Diversity We seek to empower all members of our community by providing inclusive environments, advocating for social justice, and fostering equity. Integrity We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, openness, and transparency. We utilize assessment, data, and research to inform resource management, decisionmaking, and practices with an intentional focus on student learning and program sustainability. Student Success We contribute to the success, persistence, and employability of students by providing leadership in wellness, diversity, and experiential learning. We create innovative student-centered experiences and proactively respond to the diverse needs of our student body. Wellness We promote the comprehensive holistic development of the physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, financial, social, and spiritual health of our campus community members.

People

Our people make this division succeed. Our accomplishments are a testament to the talented student affairs professionals, more than 200 strong, who each day commit themselves to student support and success through programs, activities and services.

People

Yolanda Avent Director, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

Jihad Aziz, Ph.D. Director, University Counseling Services

Karen Belanger Director, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

Kyle Dailey Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Derek Hottell, Ph.D. Director, Recreational Sports

Ijuanzee Isom Coordinator of Personnel, Administration and Special Projects

Yiyun Jie, Ph.D. Director of Assessment and Planning

Charles Klink, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Michael Miller Director, Technology Support Services

Justin Moses, J.D. Associate Vice Provost for Student Conduct and Policy Development

Kendall Plageman Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

Margaret Roberson, M.D. Director, University Student Health Services

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Allison Dyche Director, Student Media Center

Curt Erwin, Ed.D. Director, Residential Life and Housing

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James Gahagan, Ph.D. Director, VCU LEAD

Linda Hancock, Ph.D. Director, The Wellness Resource Center

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Ian Kunkes Director, Disability Support Services

Manuel Liban Webmaster

Matthew Lovisa Coordinator of Communications and Marketing

Reuban Rodriguez, Ed.D. Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs

Tammi Slovinsky Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Student Affairs

Greg Vaeth Executive Director of Financial Management and Technology Support Services

Heidi McCormick Director, VCU Career Services

Snapshots

A lot happens during an academic year. Our Year in Review provides a quick look at some of the many events, initiatives and programs from the previous academic year. Our Snapshots include examples of how every department worked towards four of our core values. Community, Diversity, Student Success and Wellness were all exemplified throughout the year and those examples are highlighted here.

Snapshots

Year in Review Aug. 1

Aug. 9–15

New Addition to Grace Street Corridor

RAM CAMP

Grace and Broad Residence Center opens. Students moved in during the official opening for VCU LEAD and VCU INNOVATE, marking the third and fourth LivingLearning Programs at VCU to open on the Grace St. corridor.

More than 333 total students, with 62 serving as student leaders or mentors, participated in an immersive week-long oncampus leadership experience connecting incoming freshmen to VCU traditions, campus resources and fellow Rams.

Aug. and Sept.

Sept. 24–25

Oct. 1

Honor Council and Conduct Board Training

Rams Roadtrip

Broadcasting Live

Nov. 3–8

Nov. 8–14

Nov. 16

Qatar Leadership Exchange Trip to Doha, Qatar

VCU Homecoming

VCU LEAD Plunge

The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity began their training for the fall semester which would include 38 sessions of training for 249 Honor Council and Conduct Board member.

VCU Student Affairs faculty accompanied student leaders from a variety of backgrounds to collaborate with VCUQatar, in Doha, Qatar, for a week long trip.

In this inaugural event, VCU Career Services took 18 students on a two-day trip to explore careers in science policy and consulting at industry organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.

The first fall Homecoming was a success and featured events such as a pep rally, court pageant, concert, parade and tailgate, providing a great Homecoming experience for the entire VCU community.

WVCW, VCU's independent student radio station, started broadcasting on 102.9FM.

Students traveled to the Virginia Army National Guard Command Center for a leadership plunge and a development presentation from the commanding officer.

Jan. 28

Feb. 1–5

Part-Time Job Fair

RAM Scholars Week

More than 300 students were in attendance for the first edition of a spring part-time job fair.

Residential Life and Housing, University Counseling Services and VCU Career Services collaborated for a weeklong program which featured a stress management counseling session, LinkedIn photo opportunity and information on how to “Dress the Part.”

Aug. 19

Aug. 21

Rec Sports Night

Student Organizations Go to the Fair

More than 6,000 people packed the Cary Street Gym and field for dodgeball, rock climbing, different water activities and group exercise classes.

Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities Fair (SOVO). More than 3,000 individuals kicked off the academic year by meeting representatives from 300 student organizations to learn about ways to get involved on campus and in the community. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about services from VCU units and community partners.

Oct. 6

Oct. 20 and 28

Oct. 17

VCU Qatar Day

Free Flu Vaccine Clinic

Mini Medical Day

The annual event hosted on the Student Commons Plaza, included henna tattoos, authentic Middle Eastern food, Arabic calligraphy, music and a fashion show.

University Student Health services provided free flu shots for VCU students on the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses on two different days.

January

Jan. 19

Jan. 27

Kayaking in the Florida Everglades

Residential Life and Housing House Calls

Dean of the School of Engineering Speaks to VCU LEAD

Feb. 22

Feb. 22–25

VCU Student Media Center’s Amendment Literary and Art Journal “I-Am Project”

Well Rams Move

2nd Annual Diversity Scholars in Research Week

The VCU Outdoor Adventure Program hosted a five-day sea kayaking trip to the Florida Everglades where participants paddled and camped throughout the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park.

VCU Student Media Center’s Amendment Literary and Art Journal “I-Am Project” Day one of a month long project that placed outlines of individuals on large posters in academic buildings. Each poster had a racial, sexual, gender or ethnic identity written on it. Students were encouraged to write or draw their impression of how that kind of identity is perceived.

Faculty and staff interacted with 1,509 first-year students in residence halls for discussions about academic success and resources, general questions, and the VCU experience.

A collaboration between The Wellness Resource Center, University Student Health, Recreational Sports, and University Counseling Services, made possible a pilot program called Well Rams Move. This program aimed at improving overall wellness of students with mental health issues through peer-to-peer interaction and exercise.

MCV Campus and VCU graduate students brought their children for a fun-filled event that helped children become more comfortable and reduced anxiety through conversations with physicians.

Barbara Boyan, Dean of the School of Engineering, addressed LEAD residents on women’s role in leadership and in STEM fields.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs sponsored this event that encouraged student poster exhibitions of their original research from diverse backgrounds or topical areas.

Snapshots

Year in Review Feb. 26

Feb. 29

Mar. 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9

African American Read-In

Autism Awareness Workshop

VCU LEAD Plunge in North Carolina

Apr. 2

Apr. 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5

Apr. 21

Intercultural Festival at VCU

Suit Yourself

Ice Cream Social

Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and VCU Libraries, the community was invited to read aloud, listen and participate in the inaugural Read-In celebrating celebrate Black History Month.

The ICF celebrated the beauty of cultural diversity and provided students with entertainment originating from all around the world, including live performers, food trucks and local vendors.

May 4 Leadership Plunge EquiSpective

This plunge at Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA used horses to promote selfconfidence, learning, and the importance of exhibiting positive leadership qualities.

Disability Support Services educated university faculty about autism, and the role their office plays in assisting students and provided resources on the indicators of autism and strategies for working with students.

VCU Career Services provided free professional clothing to students and established a permanent clothing donation program and physical space in the University Career Center.

The LEAD and INNOVATE programs hosted a spring break trip to Raleigh/Durham, NC to meet with entrepreneurs, from the Hunt Library, HQ Raleigh, Global Leadership Exchange, Spoonflower, Automated Insights, and American Underground to discuss leadership and innovation.

Disability Support Services hosted an event for students to learn from the deaf and hard of hearing community. Participants needed to use sign language to order ice cream and communicate with other attendees.

Mar. 18

Mar. 23

Mar. 24

Eat Green Spring Social Picnic

More Beds for Freshmen

Sway Calloway discusses The Cycle

Stemming from a project idea initiated through VCU LEAD’s Emerging Leaders, the Eat Green project hosted a spring picnic social to encourage students towards better eating and healthier lifestyle choices.

Gladding Residence Center Redevelopment was approved by the VCU Board of Visitors for construction of a 1,500 bed residence hall, scheduled for opening in August 2018.

Apr. 27

May 3

Plain China Recognition Event

PAWS for Stress

Plain China, a prestigious national showcase of the best of student literary journals, relocated to the VCU Student Media Center from Burlington, VT. A course was created to teach students the elements of editing and publishing.

Sway Calloway, MTV personality and SiriusXM Radio host produced the short film, The Cycle, and moderated the Q&A session. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs sponsored the film screening as a tool to help break the cycle of violence through productive dialogue and to instigate genuine conversation around the issue of fear and how it contributes to violence in communities.

University Counseling Services hosted their fourth and final PAWS for Stress Event. During the academic year, more than 2,400 students interacted with certified therapy dogs to unwind from semester stress.

May 13

May 19–21

May 23–Jun 10

Cultural Achievement Ceremonies

3rd Annual Virginia Leadership Academy

Footprints on the James

The inaugural VCU Donning of the Kente Ceremony and VCU Latina/o Graduation Ceremony were held to celebrate the achievement of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. candidates.

The Dean of Students Office and Vice Provost for Student Affairs accompanied five VCU students to the 3rd Annual Virginia Leadership Academy at Old Dominion University. The intensive threeday academy brought together student leaders and their advisors to share ideas, promote team development, and network with other campus leaders from universities across Virginia.

The VCU Department of Biology, the Center for Environmental Studies and the VCU Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventure Program partnered for an experiential learning opportunity to educate students about the importance of the James River watershed to the residents of Virginia in the past, present and future.

Snapshots

Community

VCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute (COBE) partnered with various departments to promote student wellbeing. Partnerships included the pilot of Science of Happiness course with The Well, development of the THRIVE program with Residential Life and Housing, and Recreational Sports and The Well through service learning projects as part of the Spit for Science undergraduate research class.

As a division we develop meaningful and collaborative relationships with others to positively impact student learning and engagement. We achieve this by encouraging staff in the division to become lifelong learners by providing a variety of professional development activities.

More than 600 students participated in the inaugural Champions of Wellness program, which encouraged students to engage in wellness programs hosted by departments throughout the division related to the four categories of wellness: career, emotional, physical and social.

The Wellness Resource Center collaborated with the Dean of Students Office to assist students receiving DUIs; including organizing a Family Education Program along with seven other organizations, and training VCU Career Services staff to help support students with criminal convictions.

The Office of Fraternity/Sorority Life successfully implemented VCU's first Faculty/Staff and Chapter President Mentoring Program. They also participated in "Go Greek; Go Green" with Residence Life and Housing and the Office of Sustainability and partnered with VCU Alumni for the Annual Spirit Walk and VCU Homecoming activities. They also collaborated with VCU Police for presentations about Risk Management and The Well.

Members of the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity participated in numerous trainings and educational programs offered for the campus community. These included Global Zone training for faculty, faculty departmental meetings, Freedom of Information Act training and an open forum that included VCU Police, the Virginia Commonwealth Attorney and OMSA staff.

Cornel West, one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent public intellectuals and champions of racial justice, served as the keynote address for the first Humanities Research Center Speaker Series, an event co-sponsored by the Office of the President, the Division for Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Photo by Travis Ellison

University Counseling Services, in collaboration with the Wellness Resource Center, Residential Life and Housing, and University Student Commons and Activities, hosted the Alive! Mental Health Fair to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

The Dean of Students office developed the Academic Partners Student Success Series and presented on various topics including; students of concern, counseling and disability support services.

The Student Media Center hosted several on-and-off campus promotional events in collaboration with various VCU partners, including the Wellness Resource Center.

VCU Career Services, University Student Commons and Activities and VCU Innovation Gateway partnered to form Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner, a co-working office space for student entrepreneurs. Through the VCU pre-accelerator program, 16 student teams have taken part since the launch in fall 2015, 14 of those teams have formed companies and 11 have generated revenue and/or other investments of $752,048.

VCU Recreational Sports and the Communication Arts program combined to create Ledgendeer, a semester long collaboration of expeditions and events designed to develop educational programs to foster creative skills, nurture, share and publish artist stories, and cultivate tools and resources to transform empathy into action.

Through a collaboration with Richmond Public School Mentoring and Reading Student to Student (MARSS) program, VCU LEAD hosted three separate events supporting the program and their students, ranging from a book giveaway to collegereadiness activities with high school students.

University Student Health Services collaborated with the health science schools to create an immunization tracking program for the newly expanded requirements for health science students, resulting in a significant improvement in immunization compliance.

The Wellness Resource Center conducted outreach education in classrooms, information tables, and at programs and events. This included training resident advisors and security guards, Take Back The Night and Welcome Week programming, and guest lectures in UNIV 101 courses.

In partnership with Residential Life and Housing, the LEAD program established a new first-year learning community, LEAD Explorers, which will help students connect with leadership opportunities on campus beginning with the fall 2016 semester.

VCU Career Services advises taught a total of five career development courses to 60 students and strengthened partnerships with both VCU Globe and the VCU Graduate School.

Snapshots

#OneRam The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Residential Life and Housing partnered to create I Heart Diversity Week, a series of events celebrating diversity to raise awareness for social issues among minority communities.

Diversity

The Social Justice Conference, hosted by The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, provided students discussions on social issues, build leadership skills and network with students and professionals on how to become agents of social change.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs provided several programs throughout the year including, Queer Coffee Hour, Roll with Us Sushi Days, Queer Literary Reception, and Hump Day Intercultural Dialogue Series.

As a division we seek to empower all members of our community by providing inclusive environments, advocating for social justice, and fostering equity.

University Student Commons and Activities held events and programs in coordination with Homeless and Housing Awareness Week in November and National Volunteer Month in April.

The Multicultural Greek Council developed an ESL Translator Program for Move-In Weekend, where 15 students volunteered to serve as translators, offer directions, and answer questions for families.

ACE-it participants gained work experience and job skills through a partnership with VCU Recreational Sports. ACE-it is a federal program that provides postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

VCU Student Media Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amendment Literary and Art Journal, in collaboration with Full Sliced Digital Productions, produced a video documentary asking VCU students what Islamophobia means to them.

University Counseling Services provided more than 15 SAFE ZONE workshops for VCU students, faculty and staff.

VCU LEAD students completed 447 hours of community service throughout the academic year and 559 hours of service to the University through leadership in clubs, organizations and peer leadership roles.

VCU Recreational Sports and Disability Support Services combined to create Access VCU 2015, a disability awareness fair, which featured a wheelchair exhibition basketball game.

The Wellness Resource Center provided students both alcohol and drug education and bystander education through the Pathways to Choices and the Not Anymore online programs.

Snapshots

Student Success

As a division we contribute to the success, persistence, and employability of students by providing leadership in wellness, diversity, and experiential learning. We create innovative student-centered experiences and proactively respond to the diverse needs of our student body.

Forty-three first-year students entered the VCU Emerging Leaders program, a one-year scholarship program that recognizes and supports the development and engagement of emerging student leaders at the university.

The Wellness Resource Center coordinated the Not Anymore online sexual violence prevention program and achieved a compliance rate of 88% for incoming students. A total of 11,877 incoming and returning students completed the training.

The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity provided support and education for 80 students who were sanctioned to attend the RAMS LEAD program. This program helped students reflect on their decisions, the impact of those decisions, and to think critically about setting effective goals for the future.

The Graduate and Professional Student Programming Unit held more than 41 events during 201516 academic year that encouraged student participation and positively impacted student retention and success.

The Activities Programming Board (APB) expanded and hired 30 students for leadership positions within APB.

VCU Career Services launched its CareerTreks series to provide undergraduate students opportunities to explore industries through monthly trips to Richmond-based employers.

Residential Life and Housing sponsored 40 students to attend three different professional development conferences.

The Office of Fraternity/Sorority Life had thirty students attend the Association of Fraternal Leadership Values Conference, 24 students initiated into Order of Omega Leadership Society and the National-Panhellenic Council started the first Black Male Initiative.

The Student Media Center was awarded the Society of Professional Journalists National Mark of Excellence for Editorial Cartooning and the Virginia Press Association recognized 11 students with individual awards and two staff awards.

Outdoor Recreation

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs VCU Diversity Student Ambassador Program had 16 students selected to help host official functions, VIP events, and serve as student liaisons to various communities and units across the university.

VCU Recreational Sports Student Outdoor Leadership Experiences conducted a nine month long training program for the Outdoor Adventure Program student leaders that used the outdoors as the classroom for skill development, personal growth, and leadership experience.

University Student Health Services was awarded a three-year renewal of full accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care after a spring 2016 site visit.

40 Radio Waves WCVW, VCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student run radio station, celebrated its 40th anniversary and also started broadcasting on 102.9FM for the first time.

Snapshots

Power Strong Women On Weights, a six-week collaboration between VCU Recreational Sports and The Wellness Resource Center, provided teaching of foundational methods of weight lifting and featured guest speakers to discuss exercise and wellness topics.

Wellness

As a division we promote the comprehensive holistic development of the physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, financial, social, and spiritual health of our campus community members.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs provided The Men and Women of Color Discussion Group, designed to inspire, encourage, and support selfidentified students of color by providing a platform for engaging dialogue.

Rams in Recovery co-hosted “From Research to Rehab: A Town Hall Meeting on Substance Use and Young People” and “You Did What?” Recovery Speaker Series with total attendance for both exceeding 600 individuals that featured current students in recovery as well as alumni.

University Student Health Services staff provided TB screening tests at Global Education student orientations reaching 93% of students who were from countries at high risk for TB. This was a 29% increase in screening rates from the previous school year.

University Counseling Services initiated Kognito, a training aimed at increasing the safety net for students. VCU faculty and staff learned to identify signs of distress, effective listening skills, and referring students to support services if necessary.

Rams in Recovery, VCU’s recovery support community, expanded to serve more than 40 students, established an internship partnership, opened a new clubhouse and had 12 Rams in Recovery students graduate.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs provided the LGTBQ Discussion Group, designed to discuss gender and sexual identity exploration within a safe and supportive atmosphere.

VCU Recreational Sports hosted sport club tournaments for women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and badminton at Cary St. Gym for the first time.

University Counseling Services trained more than 150 VCU faculty and staff in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a nationally recognized suicide prevention training.

Voices

Student voices matter. That's why we started our Whole Student, Whole Story program. Through this program, students explain what their VCU experience means to them, how they are involved with Student Affairs and what advice they have for other VCU students. Inside you will have the chance to read two of these stories. If you want to hear from more VCU students in their own words, visit students.vcu.edu for more videos and stories.

Voices

Isaiah Harvin Something I have always loved about VCU is the support that students are able to receive. We have some amazing and well-connected faculty, staff, even students and I love the fact that I cannot go a week without hearing a success story. Diversity and opportunity are the things that brought me here but SUCCESS is what is keeping me in place.

There is never a moment when I have to ask myself where the future of VCU Student Affairs is going. My favorite thing is having such a reliable resource for a VCU student to get involved, engage in leadership, and guide and inspire them to reach their goals. I have had many opportunities through VCU Student Affairs, such as the opportunity to serve as a Resident Assistant, participate in the VCU INNOVATE LLP, and service events and opportunities that go beyond the walls of VCU. The Division of Student Affairs continues to promote an inclusive and engaging environment and personally and professionally developing students to be amazing individuals after graduating! It is an amazing feeling to attend your first VCU SOVO (Student Organizations and Volunteer Opportunities) Fair and become overwhelmed with all of these opportunities and organizations that would love to have excited and passionate people among them. After participating in the Student Government Association VCUQatar Leadership Exchange program in Doha, being an Intern in the VCU Office of the President, as well as staying involved in many student organizations, it is important to find balance and know your limits! This is always the advice I give to incoming freshman and anyone who feels as though they do not have enough time. In the future, I see myself going on to graduate school, and after that I see myself first working in marketing with product and brand management, all related to the Media. I hope to start off small but eventually work for a company that can, and will, really impact the lives of others!

Voices

Ayana Clayton I appreciate how VCU lives up to its mission of promoting diversity and how there is something for absolutely everyone. All the connections one can make and establish, not only from a professional standpoint, but that these connections may also turn into friendships. As a transfer student where I was only involved in a club sport, my involvement at VCU has changed my entire perspective on college. Of course I was excited to get away from home but I dreaded school, it was just homework and Netflix for me a lot. I didn’t reach out or go for anything, I was extremely close-minded. So when I transferred to VCU, I was determined to become involved. Giving back and establishing new connections is what I do best and I wanted to exercise those aspects of my life. I researched involvement at VCU and the next thing I know I had a short information session with the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Programming and Volunteer Opportunities. Soon enough I was signed up for I-LEAD® Connect and it changed my life drastically. I learned so much from the retreat and I came back to VCU with a new attitude -- positive, of course. As soon as we were back from school I found myself as a volunteer for APB and homecoming and a member of various organizations. I have developed so many friendships through my involvement and established many connections with faculty and staff amongst the VCU offices, I could not be any happier. I have also learned a lot about myself. From how I deal with a lot on my plate and the stress that comes with it all to how sociable I actually can be. I am more of a people-person than I thought I was. I’ve learned that I absolutely adore the feelings of excitement, celebration and unity during certain events and even meetings for future events. Being involved can truly change one’s college experience so much. I aspire to be working in the clinical laboratory field but for graduate school I have now considered studying student affairs. I have come to grow and love what has made me fall in love with VCU and want to be able to assist others on their journeys as well to hopefully loving their school as much as I do. Photo by Brandon Shields

Student Leadership

Student leadership is critical. With more than 500 student clubs and organizations at VCU, opportunities for students to engage in leadership are endless. During the past year alone, more than 90 new organizations have been created and registered at VCU. Each year the Division of Student Affairs hosts the Leadership and Services Awards Program to recognize students for their contributions to student organizations, community service and co-curricular excellence. Inside you will learn about a few student clubs and organizations that are making a big impact at VCU and within the local community.

Student Leadership

Leadership and Service Awards RamPantry Winners of the Outstanding Community Service Award, RamPantry had more than 150 student volunteers trained, held approximately 30 food drives, partnered with more than 20 student organizations, and collaborated with more than 10 outside community partners including businesses, churches, and an elementary school. The most successful food drive was held during the end of the academic year in collaboration with Residential Life and Housing and the VCU Police Department, collecting more than 2,000 items.

RamTHON Dance Marathon On Saturday, February 27, 2016 students, hosted VCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first dance marathon supporting the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. More than 420 students registered to participate in the 12-hour event to help raise money and awareness for the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miracle Network. The event raised over $31,000 in their inaugural year and was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Organization Program award.

I RISE Through collaborative efforts with local businesses and nonprofits, I RISE aids in making significant life changes in three formerly homeless individuals. Winners of the Outstanding Local Community Service Award, I RISE has grown to 150 members in one semester and hopes to continue along that trajectory in the upcoming year. Photo courtesy of I RISE.

Phi Alpha Kappa Transfer Society This organization made significant strides since starting in fall 2015 and earned the Outstanding New Student Organization of the year for 2016. This group of 50 students promotes success through providing personal support, facilitating academic opportunities and connecting members with positive and productive experiences.

Trends

Throughout the year, the Division of Student Affairs collects data to help us identify our strengths and areas for improvement. A breakdown by department and a quick look at student impediments are inside this section.

Trends

By the Numbers Dean of Students Office 297 218 32

Student Assistance and Support cases Dean of Students office cases Threat Assessment cases

Residential Life and Housing 36

14k 6.2k 1.8k

Pounds of clothing and household goods donated to Goodwill in fall 2015 Opened to largest on-campus population ever at VCU Programs offered within the Residence Halls

Recreational Sports 826k 25k 12k

Total visits to Recreational Sports facilities Group exercise participants Intramural participations

Student Media Center 1,118 806

Broadcast hours on FM Published pages

University Student Health Services 40k 40%

More than 40,000 patient visits in the clinics 40% of the student body visited student health clinics at least once

University Student Commons and Activities 39k+ 10k+ 2,428

Event planners assisted in the planning of more than 39,000 reserved hours for the academic year Student employees set up, broke down and supervised more than 10,000 events in USC&A facilities Visits to RamPantry

Trends

By the Numbers Disability Support Services

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

2,669

750+

1,387 84

Exams proctored in the DSS and Hibbs offices during the academic year Students with disabilities registered during the academic year Students with disabilities graduated in spring 2016

440+ 275

Participants of the Hump Day Dialogue Series and Hump Day Dialogues Series â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Tour in the Residence Halls" Students, family and friends attended the inaugural Kente and Latina/o graduation ceremonies Students participated in Diversity Scholars in Research Week

Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

University Counseling Services

733

17k

249 30

Cases adjudicated under both the Student Code of Conduct and the VCU Honor System Number of members trained for the Honor Council and Conduct Board Educational programs presented to students in their academic setting

VCU Career Services 43k 13k 90%

New visitors to the website Student participants through advising and programming Growth in opportunity postings in HireVCURams

4,274 834

Scheduled IT and group therapy sessions Number of students participating in more than 23 outreach events Consultation appointments with clients

The Wellness Resource Center 19k 1,300 379

Participants reached through face-to-face programs Number of bathrooms with Stall Seat Journals Face-to-face programs provided

VCU LEAD 100% 88% 22

Students in the Emerging Leaders program agreed or strongly agreed that they have a deeper understanding of leadership as a result Program persistence rate for the Emerging Leaders program LEAD students engage in 22 different majors from 8 of VCU's college and schools

Trends

Impediments to Academic Success Stress—31.7%

Internet use/computer games—11.9%

Anxiety—25.8%

Relationship difficulties—11.4%

Sleep Difficulties—24.9%

Finances—10.1%

Depression—17.6%

Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder—8.5%

Work—16%

Death of friend or family member—6.4%

Cold/Flu/Sore Throat—13.8%

Roommate Difficulties—6.2%

Concern for troubled friend or family member—11.9%

Chronic Health Problem or Serious Illness—5.7%

Impediments to Academic Success (American College Health Association National College Health Assessment II) Virginia Commonwealth University Executive Summary. A total of 856 VCU students, both undergraduate and graduate students, were surveyed for this data.

Participation in extracurricular activities—5.4%

Allergies—2.8%

Sinus or Ear Infection Bronchitis/Strep Throat—4.6%

Other—2.4%

Chronic Pain—4.3%

Drug Use—1.9% 41

Alcohol Use—4%

Eating Disorder/ Problem—1.9%

Injury—3.7%

Discrimination—1.4%

Homesickness—3.5%

Pregnancy (yours or your partner's)—0.9%

Learning Disability—3.4%

Sexual Assault—0.8% Physical Assault—0.6% Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection (STD/I)—0.8% Gambling—0.2%