Office of Student Advocacy

Division of Student Affairs

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Together We Make a Difference

Sample Syllabus Statement

Consider including the following in your syllabus and Canvas pages:

 

Office of Student Advocacy

If you experience challenges that impact your academic progress or well-being—such as financial concerns, housing or food insecurity, loss of a loved one, or other barriers—you are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Advocacy. Advocates provide support, connect you with university and community resources, and help you navigate difficult circumstances. To learn more, visit advocacy.vcu.edu. To request support for yourself or someone else, visit go.vcu.edu/getsupport.

How to Advocate for Students (Remember the 6 Rs)

Rapport Building

Actively listen to student concerns—even ones that are not academic or are not related to your class. Demonstrate empathy and concern or identify someone who can and connect them to that person.

Raise Awareness

You hold a respected position in the university community. Use your voice to: Speak up in faculty senate or department meetings and engage in policy discussions. Work to understand student government or advocacy group priorities and amplify them. Write op-eds or letters to local or institutional leadership

Remove Barriers

Support student-centered policies/practices. These are ones we hear about most often: 

  • Provide clear, detailed syllabi and rubrics. 
  • Be approachable and responsive (in a timely manner) via email or office hours. 
  • Grant Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity accommodations without question. Use accessible materials (captioned videos, screen-reader friendly PDFs, etc.).
  • Offer flexible deadlines/attendance policies for students in crisis or experiencing loss.
  • Avoid punitive policies that add unnecessary stress (e.g., rigid attendance rules).
  • Offer multiple ways to demonstrate learning (e.g., essays, projects, presentations).
  • Make assignments mobile-friendly and record lectures or offer alternative ways to access content.
  • Avoid requiring expensive software/technology or rarely used textbooks.
  • Use open educational resources (OER) and share library or free online resources when possible.
  • Use inclusive language (incl. preferred names/pronouns) and examples reflecting diverse perspectives.
  • Address bias or discrimination and encourage respectful dialogue.
  • Help students navigate academic procedures and resources (e.g., extensions, tutoring, etc.).
  • Advocate for more student-friendly policies within departments.
  • Normalize mental health discussions and share campus resources.
  • Connect students with advisors or support services when needed.

Refer to Resources

Faculty should be aware of and promote these and other student support resources:

  • Office of Student Advocacy (incl. Ram Pantry, Student Emergency Fund, Housing Assistance Fund)
  • University Counseling Services (incl. TimelyCare, Rams in Recovery & Survivor Support Services)
  • Student Financial Management Center (incl. Financial Aid and Student Accounting)
  • Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity
  • University Student Health Services
  • Campus Learning Center & Writing Center

Report

Let’s work together to support students! Request support for a student at go.vcu.edu/getsupport.

Revisit

Don’t assume a student sought or received support. Follow-up with the student to see how they’re doing, ensure they’ve accessed support resources, and encourage their self-advocacy.