Summer Scholars

Program Overview

We've curated this site with important information to help you succeed this summer and prepare for the fall semester. Take a look at the comprehensive schedule [Click Here] and be sure to add the required events and the additional ones you're interested into your Google Calendar. Below is an overview of what this program entails. Once you've checked it out, go to the How to Use RamsConnect for Summer Scholars page to learn about registering for and checking into events.

*Denotes required activities.

There are seven categories of activities, as shown below. Read about what they are and how they will provide you with a well-rounded and meaningful experience.

1. Classes* - You have two classes that meet Monday through Friday. Your schedule, which includes times and locations, is available in eServices. All classes fulfill general education requirements, and you can find the course descriptions at http://bulletin.vcu.edu/azcourses/.
2. Saturday morning adventures* - Class trips take place on the first three Saturdays. We'll explore the Virginia Museums and make an impact through community engagement. The fourth weekend trip is whitewater rafting, which if you're up for this legendary Summer Scholars adventure, make sure you sign up by July 23 to go!
3. Sunday afternoon workshops* - For the first three Sundays, join us for engaging workshops and community events designed to support your college success. Academic coaches from the Campus Learning Center will lead the Science of Learning Workshop on the second Sunday, sharing strategies to help you understand how the brain learns and how to apply that to your studies. On the third Sunday, you will learn about connection and culture with Honoring Local Richmond Communities, a special event highlighting Richmond’s diverse history and voices. On the fourth Sunday, the Financial Literacy Workshop will allow you to gain essential money management skills for college and beyond. Dinner at Market 810 in Shafer will follow each session.
4. Twice-weekly study sessions* - Study sessions (required) will be a mix of extended class discussions, meetings with professors, working independently, and studying in groups. Tuesday sessions will take place in your morning faculty's classroom in Harris Hall (check your schedule on eservices) and Thursday session will take place in James Cabell Library. Attendance will be taken at each study session.
5. Cohort-specific special access meetings* - Each cohort will have at least one meet-and-greet, scholarly, or special access opportunity with their school, department, or affiliation representative. You might even fall into multiple cohorts! For example, someone could be in the College of Engineering cohort, the Honors College cohort, and the Men of Color cohort. Look for cohort-specific events on the master schedule and your events list.
6. Enrichment activities - Being on campus early means getting special access to campus resources, faculty, and staff. You'll have the chance to learn about studying abroad, snagging a Federal Work Study job, getting involved on campus, and much, much more. The more of these activities you participate in, the more opportunities for prizes at our closing ceremony.
7. Mentor-led activities and outings - The Program Assistants (PAs) will be hosting different social activities and outings throughout the five weeks. These include a game night, movie night, karaoke night, trips, and much more! Check out the master schedule to see all offerings of social activities. Our Summer Scholars mentors will also be in attendance at these events for you to ask questions and connect.