About

History

The Office of Student Advocacy was created to serve as a one-stop shop for students at VCU with the primary aim to be guide and gateway to all services and resources offered at the university. The Office of Student Advocacy will collaborate with community partners, both internal and external, to ensure the needs of our students are heard and met. In addition, the Office of Student Advocacy will take a more involved approach as we will not only walk students through a specific process or situation, but we will also walk students to a specific resource or service. It is our hope that with increased visibility and flexible office hours to accommodate for student’s work and class schedules, we will be able to resolve the unique challenges students may encounter during their academic journey.

 

Mission

Navigating college can be a challenging experience. The mission for the Office of Student Advocacy is to champion the rights, welfare, and academic success of every student within our educational community. As the central hub for connecting students to resources and services ,we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Vision

In the Office for Student Advocacy, our vision is to create a university community where every student's voice is heard, valued, and amplified. We envision an inclusive and supportive environment where students are empowered to overcome barriers, achieve their academic goals, and flourish as individuals.

Values

In the Office for Student Advocacy, our core values guide our actions, decisions, and interactions with students and the broader university community. These core values guide our actions:

• Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, always striving for transparency and integrity in our work. We continuously evaluate our efforts and adapt our approaches to best serve the evolving needs of our student community.
• Advocacy: We serve as dedicated advocates for students, voicing their concerns and needs to relevant stakeholders, including faculty, administration, and policymakers. We ensure that student voices are heard and respected in all matters that affect their education and lives.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership. By working together with students, faculty, staff, and community members, we seek to build a cohesive and supportive network that fosters a positive and enriching learning environment.
• Education: We aim to raise awareness and understanding of student rights, responsibilities, and available resources. By promoting education and empowerment, we foster a proactive culture of self-advocacy among students.
• Empowerment: We empower students by providing them with the tools, resources, and information they need to make informed decisions about their education and personal well-being.
• Equity: We strive to create a fair and just educational experience for all students, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. We work tirelessly to eliminate barriers that hinder their success.

Respect: We treat every individual with dignity, respect, and empathy. We acknowledge the diverse perspectives and experiences of our students and ensure that they feel valued and heard throughout their academic journey.