It is so great to see so many student leaders returning to campus and RVA! We hope everyone is getting settled in well for an exciting new academic year ahead of us.

As we prepare for a new semester to start next week, be sure to stay tuned for more newsletters, updates, events, and opportunities coming your way.

SOVO Fair is almost here! Just a reminder: if you registered for the SOVO Fair as part of your annual re-registration, you will see your organization listed on the SOVO Fair Roster. 

Whether you’re a returner, or new to participating in our fair this year, we are so glad to have you! We anticipate around 4,000 new and returning students will join us for the fair. Below are a few details to assure a successful day for everyone:

Date, Time & Location: Friday, August 23, 2024. Check-in begins at 2:15 pm at Monroe Park, and the fair runs from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. Please arrive no later than 2:30 pm to ensure you are prepared for the event by 3:00 pm.

Event check in: All organizations participating in SOVO are assigned to a category on the SOVO Fair roster.  You can find the location of your category in the park on the map below. To self-check in for the event, simply find an available table in your category section, and begin to set up. You may only set up in your designated category section. Although there is no official check in location, VCU staff and volunteers will be monitoring all of the organization categories to help direct student leaders, answer questions, and ensure only participating orgs are accessing tables. If you have any questions, you can direct them to volunteers in the park or come see us at the Student Org Info Desk at the Checkers House in the center of the park.



What to bring: We will supply you with one 6’  table. You may bring a table covering, display boards, giveaways, literature, and pop-up tents/canopies (no larger than 10x10). However please be sure to keep your belongings in your area and respect other's spaces. Stapling to the provided tables is not permitted. Please bring water and sun protection for an afternoon in the park.

Clean up & breakdown: We ask beginning around 5:50 PM, you begin to start breaking down in order for the grounds crew to begin working on clean up. Any trash you have should be dumped in the trash cans that will be provided around the park. Any tri-fold boards you will have should also be left by the trash cans. As Monroe Park is gracious with us to be able to use their park for the SOVO, we want to do our part to ensure that it is clean.

Please share this information with anyone who will also be participating from your organization. If you need to bring a laptop, plan on using battery power as there will not be any electrical outlets outside. Do not hesitate to email if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you at the SOVO Fair!

In addition to our regular hours next week, the Underground will host a SOVO Fair Prep Party on Thursday evening, Aug. 22, from 5-8pm. Register for the event at the link below or the invitation at the bottom of the email! 

Register for SOVO Prep Party!

This is the perfect chance to create signs, prepare your table, and enjoy some food and refreshments on us. We’ll have extra art supplies, poster boards, and more available to help you get ready. 

Tips for Preparing for SOVO:

• Have easy to read signage - your org name should be readable from a several feet away

• Along with fliers and other handouts bring some paperweights in case its windy

• Have a way to collect information from interested students: a sign up sheet or a QR code to a form works well

• Develop a schedule for staffing your table, including setup and break down times. 

• Prepare a FAQ or Elevator pitch for your team members to share with interested students who stop at your table

• Bring examples of your club’s activities - might be a trophy or a project or pictures

• Candy is great….chocolate, not as much. It’s pretty warm out and melts easily

• Have your next event or meeting after SOVO scheduled so potential new members have something to put on their calendars

• Have a plan to follow up with interested students and try to follow up as soon as possible

Student Alumni Council: LC APPLICATION Fall 2024!

VCU's Student Alumni Council is recruiting prospective student leaders to be on our Leadership Council! As a Leadership Council Member, you gain many opportunities to fully immerse yourself into the VCU community by planning and executing events for the student body; all while building your leadership skills, and expanding your professional network. 

If you are interested in applying, please visit this link for more information. All Leadership Council Applications are due on Thursday, September 5 at 5pm.

Join VCU Family Weekend!

You are invited to showcase your organization by tabling during Ramily Rally, our largest signature Family Weekend event! This is an opportunity to promote what you do and engage with an expected audience of over 2,000 students and family members! This year's Ramily Rally will be bigger and better than ever with a catered meal, dessert food trucks, a student Makers Market, street artists and magician, and more! We encourage you to participate and to think about how your table can contribute to the carnival/festival vibe we are going for.

Ramily Rally is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 11 AM-2 PM on the Commons Plaza and throughout the University Student Commons. Participants will be set up in one of the main event spaces in the Commons or outdoors if your table/activities would work better in an outdoor space.

Please let us know if you would like to participate in this opportunity to interact with, educate, and entertain the proud families of VCU students!

Please complete this form by September 13. You will receive a confirmation of participation via email by September 20. 

Please reach out to Kenlee Andreu, at andreuk@vcu.edu, if you have any questions.