Additional Learning Resources

A student performs a drum piece from her native countryYour learning here at VCU is not limited to what goes on in your classrooms; in fact, part of a full and rich college experience is tapping into as many different kinds of learning as possible. Learning happens as a result of being exposed to different ideas and different experiences, both in the classroom and beyond, in the larger University community. We learn and think through social exchange, and we encourage you to become a social learner while you are here!

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

  • Campus Learning Center  (Hibbs Hall, 1st Floor.  827-8108) The Campus Learning Center offers a variety of community learning opportunities to support your work in most 100 and 200 level courses. You can receive one-on-one or group based learning support at no charge. Study skills assistance is also available. Check out the CLC website for complete information.

  • VCU Libraries VCU Libraries are one of the largest research libraries in Virginia – with nearly two million volumes; almost 24,000 journal and other serial titles; more than 3.18 million microforms; film, video, sound, comic, manuscript and book art collections; and the largest health sciences library in Virginia. James Branch Cabell Library is the university’s center for study and research in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. Check out the Focused Inquiry Guides

  • Academic Advising (Hibbs Hall, 1st Floor. 827-8648) VCU provides academic advising for all first-year students and for those who are not yet admitted into a professional school or academic program. Your advisor can help you find your way around the university, especially in helping you understand academic requirements and policies, choosing an appropriate program of study, and identifying educational and career goals.

  • The Writing Center (Academic Learning Commons, 4th Floor, Room 4203).  The Writing Center offers support for currently enrolled VCU students and faculty. Services for students include one-on-one consultations and workshops on a wide variety of topics associated with academic writing, reading, and critical thinking. As you work on your writing assignments, you will benefit the most if you plan multiple visits to the Writing Center – for brainstorming and planning, for developing and organizing, and then for revising.

  • English Language Resources @ the Writing Center (Academic Learning Commons, 4th Floor, Room 4203).  English Language Resources @ the Writing Center provides specialized support to English Language Learners at VCU. This service encourages success by helping students develop their vocabulary and reading comprehension, fluency in composition, oral communication, and understanding of American academic rhetorical expectations. Stop by the Writing Center or call to ask for an ELR consultation!

  • The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs - OMSA coordinates month-long celebrations such as Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ History Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and more. Their programming also includes regularly intercultural dialogues, cultural excursions, a diversity film series, and discussion groups for men of color, women of color, and LGBTQIA students. Their second floor offices offer study and recreational space, and walk-in support for interested students