Welcome to a New Student Organization Year!
Hello Advisors of Student Organizations! Welcome to our new quarterly newsletter designed to keep you informed on important information, policies, and deadlines, as well as provide educational tips and support for your role. In this introductory edition you’ll find important resources and links, RamsConnect information, and how to reach out to the student organization team for additional support.
But first! A heartfelt thank you to all of you for supporting the student organization community at VCU as advisors. Your work with your organizations helps to maintain the sense of community and belonging on campus through experiences and activities outside of the classroom. Students gain important skills, development, and find unique opportunities through student organizations that help prepare them for the future.
Student Organization Advisor Guide
The Student Organization Advisor Guide is a detailed manual designed to equip advisors with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective leadership and support. It includes best practices for advising, strategies for fostering student engagement, and guidelines for navigating university policies and procedures. Additionally, the guide provides valuable insights into event planning, financial management, conflict resolution, and enhancing the overall member experience, making it an indispensable resource for both new and experienced advisors.
Important Resources and Reminders
- The Underground Website provides general student organization information and resources, including the Student Organization Advisor Guide.
- The Student Organization Handbook outlines the policies and definitions of student organizations at VCU. It is both recommended and required reading for new and returning organizations and includes links to other important student org related policies and procedures.
- For information about hazing prevention at VCU, including a link to the Hazing Reporting Form, visit hazing.vcu.edu.
- For orgs hosting activities on campus, please refer to the following policies which includes critically important information about expressive activity at VCU:
- The Commons Event Services Guidelines and Procedures includes additional information on how to reserve space on campus, including how to make reservations, hosting outdoor events or film screenings, food and beverage guidelines, usage and rental rates and more. If student orgs are hosting events including alcohol - both on and off campus - they must submit a Notification of an Event with Alcohol form at least two weeks prior to the event(s).
- VCU requires that student orgs self report any organization sponsored travel through our Travel Notification Form. Be advised that the student org office neither approves nor denies travel. We only require this information be provided for purposes of Clery Act reporting.
- All advisors are regarded as Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s) and are responsible for ensuring Clery Act compliance. The student organization office shares advisor contact information with VCU PD annually. All CSAs at the University will be notified of this designation in writing, will be required to complete an online training, and must ensure that they understand their reporting obligations under federal law and University policy.
Using RamsConnect
Ensuring that student organizations at VCU fully utilize our student involvement portal, RamsConnect, is critical for fostering a vibrant campus community. This online portal serves as a tool for advisors, as well as student organization leaders, to not only post and promote organization events but also to communicate with members and track engagement. RamsConnect is not just a platform; it's a comprehensive resource that empowers student organizations to thrive, fosters a sense of community, and enhances the collegiate experience for all VCU students. To learn more about how to use RamsConnect’s many features, visit the RamsConnect User Guide.
A Note on RamsConnect Notifications:
You may be receiving notifications from RamsConnect regarding the organization you advise. Most do NOT require any action on your behalf, particularly about validating members. Below is a link to instructions on how to adjust the notifications you receive.
How to Adjust RamsConnect Notifications
Student Organization Advisor Topic Interest Form
The Student Organizations team want to know what you are interested in learning about in your role as advisor of a student organization. Your feedback will help us develop new resources, training opportunities, and topics for future newsletters. Please take a few minutes to send us your thoughts in our Student Organization Advisor Topic Interest Form
How to contact the student org team
We want to hear from you! Do you have questions, concerns or feedback about your role as a student organization advisor? If so, you may contact the student org team the following ways:
For general inquiries about the student org experience, you can visit The Underground: Student Organization Resource Center in room 015 in the University Student Commons Monday - Friday from 11am-7pm, call us at 804-828-3648, or email studentorgs@vcu.edu.
To connect one on one with a member of the student orgs team, please contact
A member of our team will gladly schedule a meeting with you to help you successfully navigate your role as a student organization advisor at VCU.
Notices and Deadlines
- SGA Fall Semester Funding Deadline
- Organizations that did not receive annual funding are eligible to apply for semester funding from the Student Government Association. Applications are due October 1st. SGA Funding Fall Application
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