Laptop loans

A computer is considered essential for study at VCU and personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students. Faculty and students who need a loaner laptop or other media equipment for short periods of time can check them out from the IT Support Center on the lower level of Cabell Library.  Learn more at https://vcutsmpc.getconnect2.com/ and https://www.library.vcu.edu/spaces-tech/computing/

Tech for Troops, a local veteran support organization, provides FREE laptops to veterans who are going back to school.

Access to the Internet

VCU Technology Services can assist you with troubleshooting your home network, accessing mobile hotspots, and using your own mobile device as a hotspot.

Technology support

The IT Support Center call center (for both campuses) can be reached at (804) 828-2227 during regular business hours and provides full-service phone support. Due to the volume of calls, callers are asked to be patient. The most effective and streamlined way of contacting the IT Support Center is to submit a Help Request ticket or to review the QuickStart - Student Guide.

VCU is committed to helping students minimize the cost of their education. In the spring 2020 semester, VCU approved a new Textbook Adoptions and Sales policy to ensure that students have access to affordable course materials. Watch this tutorial video to learn how to find courses with the Open Educational Resources, No-Cost or Low-Cost course material attribute using the Advanced Search feature of Banner 9 Registration and find out how to access affordable course materials.

VCU Libraries provide access to millions of library resources, and librarians are available via chat, text, email, and online appointments. Librarians can help you and instructors search for digital access to textbooks and course materials. For help, contact VCU Libraries

All academic support resources continue to be available to students on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, via a combination of in-person and remote delivery.

• To make a tutoring appointment at the Campus Learning Center, please use your Navigate app.  For tutoring at the MCV campus, please email acadsuccess@vcu.edu to schedule a remote appointment.
• For assistance from the Writing Center, you can also make appointments using your Navigate app.
• For students enrolled in courses that provide Supplemental Instruction, your SI leaders will be contacting you via your course LMS site. They will be hosting SI sessions using Zoom.
• If you are looking for ways to be successful in online learning, please review these tips, or fill out this academic coaching questionnaire and an academic coach will contact you.
• VCU Libraries is here to support your academic success. We provide study space, access to research materials, creative technologies and software, and lots of ways to get help.

Academic advisors continue to be your best “one-stop” resource for many of your questions. They are very resourceful and can help connect you to important resources, help you navigate conversations with your professors, and also be a source of calm in these new waters of remote learning.

• Use the Navigate app to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Advisors can talk via phone, chat, or video conferencing - you have many options! Graduate and professional students should reach out to their program directors.
• For more information about your degree program and academic advising resources, visit our VCU Advising website or your departmental website.
• Students can add and drop classes for the traditional 16 week semester, and all of the mini-terms on eServices according to the deadlines posted to the academic calendar.
• The last day to withdraw from 16-week courses or choose the Pass/Fail option for the Fall 2021 semester is November 5. Due to academic and financial impacts, students are strongly encouraged to speak with their academic advisor prior to making either of these decisions.

You have to be well to do well. By taking care of your health you'll be able to focus on your studies without distractions. Student Affairs offers a wide variety of supports for your emotional and mental wellness, housing and social wellness, recreation and physical wellness and career and financial wellness. A few important services to remember:

• The Health Promotion and Well-Being Center provides students with online information for stress management, mindfulness, and boosting your overall mental health.
• University Counseling Services provides comprehensive evaluation and consultation for students on best options for their mental health care. If you would like to speak to a clinician or for support related to sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking, please contact us at (804) 828-6200. This number is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The LiveSafe app is also available for non-emergencies.
• Recreational Sports has prepared virtual programming available to everyone at no cost. Check out what's available at the Virtual Programming section on the Rec Sports website.
• Career Services can help you develop a plan for defining and achieving your career and professional goals, starting your first semester at VCU. We offer virtual career advising appointments for all VCU students. The School of Business and College of Engineering also have individual career centers. Make a career advising appointment using Handshake.
• The Student Financial Management Center serves as a central hub for financial outreach, literacy and management to VCU students, parents and families. Our goal is to provide you with a personalized experience on matters concerning financial wellness, debt management, budgeting and planning for the future. Every student is assigned a financial counselor who will provide one-on-one consultations about student accounts, educational expenses and financial management. Current VCU students can log in to Navigate to find their financial counselor and schedule an appointment.
• Students who have flu-like symptoms should stay home and CALL University Student Health Services at 804-828-8828 to determine whether further assessment or treatment is recommended. University Student Health Services is providing telehealth appointments for students who do not need in-person appointments.

• Students who need help securing off-campus housing should contact VCU’s Off Campus Student Services office at (804) 828-4514 or email offcampus@vcu.edu.
• Students living on-campus and in need of assistance from Residential Life should visit the housing website for information.
• Students in need of emergency housing assistance should contact the Dean of Students to see if they are eligible for VCU Student Emergency Funds.

Financial aid counselors and student accounting available

Financial counselors are available to work with students on an individualized basis through the newly launched Student Financial Management Center. You can make an appointment with your financial counselors via Navigate, or you may reach out via email addresses list below and a counselor will be in contact with you.

• da Vinci Center and College of Engineering students - sfmcdve@vcu.edu
• VCU Life Sciences students - sfmcls@vcu.edu
• School of Business students - sfmcb@vcu.edu
• College of Humanities and Sciences undergraduate students - sfmcchs@vcu.edu
• College of Humanities and Sciences graduate students and University College students - sfmuccchsgrad@vcu.edu
• Wilder School and School of Social Work students - sfmcswwilder@vcu.edu
• College of Health Professions, School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing students - sfmchppn@vcu.edu
• All other students, including prospective students - sfmc@vcu.edu

Student accounting representatives are also available to answer questions about student billing and payments. Please call (804) 828-2228 or email stuacctg@vcu.edu during regular business hours.

For information regarding CARES Act funding or the COVID Relief Bill, visit the COVID-19 emergency relief funding website.

Students who need to isolate due to illness or quarantine because of a potential exposure to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their faculty as soon as possible to discuss alternative ways of completing coursework while they are unable to participate fully in class. Possible arrangements might include attending class virtually or alternative due dates, amongst others. Students who need help making these arrangements should contact the Dean of Students by completing this online form.

For students with approved accommodations, there may be some differences to how these are implemented depending upon the teaching modality of your course. This will be a collaborative process between you, your professors, and the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (Monroe Park Campus) and the Division for Academic Success (Health Sciences programs). Please contact SAEO at saeo@vcu.edu or DAS at acadsuccess@vcu.edu.

Virginia Commonwealth University remains committed to promoting a culture of inclusion for all its employees, patients and students. Discrimination or discriminatory harassment is unlawful. It is also harmful to the well-being of our university community. Our university values, specifically those related to diversity and inclusion, have withstood many difficult situations and trying times, and they will not falter now. Please be assured that VCU will make every effort to prevent the occurrence of unlawful discrimination and, if necessary, take prompt and appropriate action to remedy and prevent its reoccurrence. Every member of our community is asked to:

• Become familiar with the university’s policy on preventing and responding to discrimination in the VCU Policy Library.
• Consult with Equity and Access Services or VCU Human Resources for additional guidance on how to maintain a bias-free environment.
• Encourage individuals affected by this type of misconduct to file a report of discrimination or harassment with Equity and Access Services.
• Bookmark and share information on university or community agencies that offer support or services, such as VCU Counseling Services.
• Offer nonjudgmental support and empathy to those affected.
• VCU expects that students will maintain the same professional demeanor online as they would during in-person learning. Instructors who experience disruptions to the learning environment can address student behavior as they normally would and also refer to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

Students should report symptoms associated with COVID-19 to VCU Student Health Services. Call 1-804-MYCOVID or 1-804-692-6843.

Faculty and staff should report symptoms associated with COVID-19 to VCU Employee Health Services. Call 1-804-MYCOVID or 1-804-692-6843.