This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
University Academic Advising provides academic advising for all first-year students, regardless of their majors. All incoming students are assigned to a specific academic adviser who works closely with them throughout their first year. Advising occurs through many forms, which may include individualized or group advising, or through many first-year courses offered just to first-year students, such as UNIV 101 Introduction to the University and UNIV 191 Student Success Special Topics. Students can expect their advisers to help them understand university procedures, interpret general education and major requirements, address academic difficulties, find support resources, and help discover and plan out individualized educational and career goals.
Academic advising is an ongoing process. Advisers want to have continuing relationships with their advisees. While first-year students are required to meet with their assigned advisers before registering for classes each semester, it is also important for students to meet with advisers throughout the first year. Students can make appointments (vcu.navigate.eab.com) or email their advisers to seek help. After students attain sophomore standing or are admitted into their programs of study, they will be transitioned to academic advisers within their majors and minors.
While students are ultimately responsible for understanding information about regulations, majors and courses as outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin, academic advisers can help students interpret information to ensure they make appropriate educational choices.
For more information on advising programs, visit the UAA website or call (804) 827-8648.