The latest from President Rao
VCU 50: Commemorating History Symposium
On Nov. 30, VCU will host a day-long symposium to reflect on its history across the past 50 years.
Vision and goals
Virginia Commonwealth University’s six-year strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, sets forth the vision for VCU to be the nation’s premier urban, public research university. Now in its final months, Quest rests upon three themes that outline the university’s institutional priorities, goals and strategies.
Theme I
Become a leader among national research universities in providing all students with high-quality learning/living experiences focused on inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global environment.
Theme II
Attain distinction as a fully integrated urban, public research university through contributions in human health, research, scholarship and creative expression that advance knowledge and enhance the quality of life.
Theme III
Become a national model for community engagement and regional impact.
For more information, visit the VCU strategic plan website for the latest updates, implementation process and copies of the full Quest for Distinction document and executive summary.
Reports and initiatives
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VCU is thoughtfully considering how it might address safety, student, faculty, and curriculum concerns related to symbols of the Confederacy, slavery, white supremacy, and other items of an exclusionary nature that may exist on our campuses. Read more about this important work here.
CURA@VCU published a report measuring and analyzing the economic and social impacts of VCU on Richmond, the broader region and the state. Learn more about VCU’s contributions to the area’s talent, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, regional stewardship and the local culture. Read the report.
![UAR 2017 cover [shrunk to 250px wide][JPG]](/media/president/images/UAR-2017-cover-390x381.jpg)
In the 2016 State of the University address, VCU President Michael Rao defined the challenges facing higher education and the perception that universities have become institutions rather than a place for opportunity. The 2015–16 University Annual Report, titled “Yes,” reinforces VCU’s relevancy – and the opportunities it creates – even in the changing landscape of higher education. View the University Annual Report.
VCU’s model of shared governance reflects our mission of fostering collaboration, transparency and trust among individuals and groups across the university. Read our statement to learn more about our shared governance model and the philosophy behind it. Download the statement.
Grow by Degrees is a statewide campaign that aims to expand job opportunities and economic growth in Virginia through reform-based reinvestment in the state’s higher education system. Priorities include awarding 100,000 more college degrees by 2025. Read more about the campaign.
VCU’s enterprise risk management program is a comprehensive approach to identifying risks that could severely impact the university. Read more about the program.
By the numbers
$275m
in sponsored research
31,036
students enrolled
22,888
employees