University Resources for Mass Communications
Virginia State University offers a comprehensive network of resources designed to support your academic success and personal development. Beyond academic advising, students have access to tutoring services, career counseling, mental health support, financial aid guidance, disability services, and numerous other programs. Familiarize yourself with these resources early in your academic career and utilize them proactively. Your advisor can help connect you to the appropriate services based on your individual needs.
Academic Support and Tutoring
The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) provides one-on-one and group academic coaching, facilities with free and up-to-date technology, academic growth plans, and supplemental instruction in mathematics and English. ACE staff work to help students manage their time and designate areas of the building for use during study hours. Educational counselors schedule classes for students and keep records of academic progress throughout the year. By staying connected to students throughout their experience at VSU, counselors can make accurate suggestions for improvement.
Students can access free tutoring services through ACE to strengthen their understanding of course material, develop effective study strategies, and build confidence in challenging subjects. Tutoring is available for a wide range of courses across all disciplines.
Career Services
Career Services is committed to offering a comprehensive array of programs and services that support and facilitate career development for students and alumni. Programs and resources assist students in developing and identifying career goals, expanding knowledge of career options, understanding effective decision making, and acquiring appropriate strategies and skills to carry out the career-development process. Services include resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search strategies, internship placement assistance, and career fairs.
Counseling and Mental Health Support
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers short-term solution-focused, supportive therapeutic approaches, and crisis interventions. Short-term solution-focused counseling is intended to prevent the development or exacerbation of conditions that may compromise students' overall well-being and functioning. To that end, the UCC provides students up to 12 confidential counseling sessions and makes referrals to community-based providers for insight-oriented mental and behavioral health issues that require more in-depth assistance.
The Counseling Center is located in Memorial Hall, 4th Floor and can be reached at (804) 524-5939. UCC staff assist students addressing peer, faculty, family, and romantic relationships, substance abuse, sexual assault advocacy, stress management, adjustment issues, parenting, and grief and loss issues. UCC staff coordinate care for students receiving services from private providers in the community. Psychiatric services are also available. All services in the UCC are provided by professionally trained mental health providers and a board-certified psychiatrist.
The substance abuse prevention program offers free, confidential counseling and a variety of educational information for students dealing with alcohol or drug concerns.
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides quality health care services and health education programming to all students attending VSU. The professional staff includes a physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, medical assistants, health educator, clinical and administrative assistants. The Student Health Center can be reached at (804) 524-5711.
Health education includes topics such as stress management, weight control, STD/HIV prevention, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, and smoking cessation, along with other wellness issues. Students without health coverage can be referred to the Affordable Care Act website at www.healthcare.gov.
Allergy injections are given by appointment only, and students must provide their own allergy serum. The student's personal physician must administer the first dose of the series and send detailed instructions to the Health Center for subsequent injections.
Financial Aid Office
Virginia State University provides financial assistance to students in an attempt to bridge the gap between the actual cost of college and the expected contribution from a student and their family. The four categories of financial aid are scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. Students may receive any combination of these funding types.
The Financial Aid Office can provide guidance on completing the FAFSA, understanding award packages, managing student loans, maintaining eligibility through Satisfactory Academic Progress, and exploring work-study opportunities.
Office of the Registrar
The Registrar's Office maintains academic records, processes registration, manages course schedules, issues transcripts, processes graduation applications, and certifies degree completion. Students interact with the Registrar's Office for transcript requests, enrollment verifications, name or address changes, and graduation clearance.
Student Accounts
The Student Accounts office manages billing, payment plans, refunds, and financial account inquiries. Students can obtain information about tuition and fee charges, payment deadlines, refund schedules, and account holds that may prevent registration.
Disability Support Services
Students with disabilities can access academic accommodations and support services to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. Disability Support Services works with students to determine appropriate accommodations based on documented disabilities. Services may include extended test time, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, accessible materials, and coordination with faculty.
For more information, contact the Office of Students with Disabilities at (804) 524-5154 or visit the VSU website.
University Police
The University Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe campus environment. Services include emergency response, crime prevention programs, safety escorts, Operation ID for marking personal property, and the RAVE Guardian mobile safety app. The RAVE Guardian app turns your smartphone into a personal safety device, allowing you to invite friends and family to virtually walk with you on or off campus.
Emergency contact: (804) 524-5411
Non-emergency contact: (804) 524-5360
Technology Support
The Technology Help Desk provides assistance with university technology systems, email access, password resets, Wi-Fi connectivity, software issues, and learning management systems. Contact the Help Desk at (804) 524-5210 or visit the VSU website for online support resources.
Library Resources
The library provides access to research databases, academic journals, books, study spaces, computer labs, research assistance, and interlibrary loan services. Reference librarians are available to assist with research projects and information literacy skills.
Commuter Student Services
The Department of Student Activities assists students in obtaining information about transportation services in the area and provides a commuter lounge as a comfortable place to relax before, after, and between classes. The lounge is equipped with a computer, magazines, a microwave, a refrigerator, and information about campus and community resources to support commuter students.
Campus Ministries
Campus Ministries endeavors to serve the interpersonal and personal needs of the campus community as they relate to spiritual and religious life. Students of all ethnic, cultural, racial, denominational, and faith traditions are welcome to celebrate diversity and enhancement.
Student Organizations and Activities
The Department of Student Activities supports student organizations, campus programming, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities. Students can explore clubs related to academic interests, cultural organizations, service groups, and recreational activities.
Study Abroad and International Programs
Study abroad programs offer students opportunities to gain international experience, develop cross-cultural competencies, and expand their academic perspectives. Students interested in studying abroad should consult with their advisor and the study abroad office to explore program options, transfer credit policies, and financial aid availability.
Honors Program
The Honors Program provides academically talented students with enhanced educational opportunities, including specialized courses, research experiences, and scholarly enrichment activities.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers support for students at all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting, revising, and editing. Writing consultants work with students on papers for any course, personal statements, application essays, and other writing projects.
Additional Resources
Many other resources are available to support student success, including residence life staff, veteran services, TRIO programs, athletic academic support, and specialized programs within academic departments. Your advisor can help you identify and connect with resources most relevant to your needs.
If you need assistance identifying the right resource for your situation, schedule an appointment with your advisor.