VCU University Advising

Advisors: How does advising work?

Who is an academic advisor?
Every student at VCU is assigned an academic advisor to help answer questions and guide them through college to graduation. Your advisor will either be a faculty member in your field of study or a staff member who has been specially trained to assist students.

First-year, undeclared, nursing and all pre-health students can identify their advisor and schedule advising appointments through the myVCU Portal. (Tab over to Academics and follow the directions to schedule advising appointments.) All other students can find their advisor through the list of campus advising contacts located in the drop-down menu below.

What happens when I see an academic advisor?
Typically an academic advisor is trained to help guide students in establishing educational goals and choosing appropriate classes. Your advisor will not only answer your questions about degree requirements and academic policies but also teach you skills necessary to be successful at the university.

Why do I need to see an advisor?
Very simply, to get answers to your questions about academics. Your advisor is your best advocate in the university and can answer questions about degree requirements and university policies and regulations.

When do I need to see my advisor?
You should stay in touch with your advisor throughout the semester, but most importantly, any time you are struggling with classes and before registration so you can discuss appropriate classes to take next semester. You should make an effort to see your advisor at least once a semester so that you can stay on track toward graduation.

Who is my advisor and where is he or she located?
The identity and location of your advisor depends on your student status and academic program. Please log in to the myVCU Portal or call one of the following numbers:

Freshmen
Phone: (804) 827-UNIV (8648)

Student Athlete Support Services
Phone: (804) 828-2183

Transfer Students
Phone: (804) 827-UNIV (8648)

Undeclared
Phone: (804) 827-UNIV (8648)

Pre-professional Programs
Phone: (804) 827-UNIV (8648)
Pre-clinical Laboratory Sciences
Pre-dental Hygiene
Pre-dentistry
Pre-law
Pre-medicine
Pre-nursing
Pre-occupational Therapy
Pre-optometry
Pre-paramedic and Emergency Medical Service Administration
Pre-pharmacy
Pre-physical Therapy
Pre-radiation Sciences
Pre-veterinary Medicine

College of Humanities and Sciences
Please select an individual degree

African American Studies
Phone: (804) 828-1384

Biology
Phone: (804) 828-1562

Chemistry
Phone: (804) 828-1298

English
Phone: (804) 828-1331

Forensic Science
Phone: (804) 828-8420

L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: (804) 828-2292
Criminal Justice
Economics
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Political Science
Sociology
Urban Studies and Geography

History
Phone: (804) 828-1635

Liberal Studies in Early and Elementary Education

Freshman and sophomores
Phone: (804) 827-UNIV (8648), Charlie Daniel

Juniors and seniors
Phone: (804) 828-3382, June Jones

School of Mass Communications
Phone: (804) 828-2660