Curricular Innovation and Student Success

The University College enhances student engagement and success by providing a central home for innovative learning experiences from the first year onward. Our support for excellence in learning empowers life-long learners to become creative, integrative thinkers.

Meet our Graduates

We are incredibly proud of our Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program graduates! They have built a learning trajectory unique to their academic and professional needs.

Dreamland

 

The entering class of 2021 received copies of the 2017-2018 Common Book, Dreamland by Sam Quinones. Faculty and staff will lead discussion groups during Welcome Week, and students will be working with the book in their core curriculum throughout the fall semester.

Focused Inquiry

The Department of Focused Inquiry offers small, seminar-style classes for first- and second-year students as part of the core curriculum at VCU. Our interdisciplinary faculty strives to foster curiosity about the world at large through community-engaged, experiential, and problem-based learning.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for students who wish to create an individualized curriculum not available in traditional majors. Students in this undergraduate degree program are able to design an individualized degree compatible with their academic, or professional needs. 

Common Book

The Common Book Program is one of the largest initiatives in University College. Building upon the nationally recognized Summer Reading program, the new initiative expands the previous program into a university-wide initiative focused on welcoming our first-year students into the vibrant intellectual culture of VCU.

Peer-to-Peer Mentorship

Our Undergraduate Teaching Program provides successful FI students a chance to engage in experiential education through collaboration, mentorship, and reflection. UTAs work in the classroom, adding a crucial layer of support that helps both their students and their faculty mentors.

Interested in supporting our work?

The University College is the central home for university-wide programs and resources that help to enhance students’ undergraduate experience. University College Fund dollars provide the University College with the ability to meet unexpected needs not funded through the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as respond to unforeseen opportunities.

Student Support at VCU

There are a number of social learning communities that should be of particular interest to you as a first-year student.

General Education at VCU

The University College is home to the foundational courses inVCU's general education. These courses, UNIV111, 112, and 200, are housed in the Department of Focused Inquiry.

News and Events

Learn more about what is new at the college.