VCU has a new TV show! If you have not had the opportunity to view our university’s very own quarterly television series, “It’s VCU,” I encourage all of you to do so. The current installment is titled, “It’s VCU: Working Together, Changing Lives” and will next air 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, on NBC 12. For more information, including airdates, log on to
On a similar note, it’s official! VCU will have its very own, totally student-run, high-definition TV station, which will be on the air in early October. This very exciting project is currently called “VCU TV HD.” This dynamic project features totally student-run programming and is currently working on creating the first nine hours of original student programming. We’ll keep you updated as more develops, so stay tuned for more news!
Dining: The student government is always trying to increase choices available to students. We’ve been working with VCU Dining Services to offer a food cart where students can use their meal swipes to get food when they’re on the run. Tentatively called “RamCART,” it will be a faster, more convenient way for students who do not have time to visit Shafer Dining Center to eat. Food options will include soups, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Look for the RamCART in mid-October near the University Student Commons and Main Street!
Parking & Transportation: Last Wednesday I met with Mr. Greg Rentz, the parking and transportation manager here at VCU. We discussed the lack of parking on campus. VCU is planning on building two more decks over the next 5-7 years, one on Grace & Belvidere and the other one on the new Monroe Park Campus extension.
We also discussed the complaint from some students that the parking decks are full despite the fact that they bought parking passes. Mr. Rentz clarified that the sign “Deck Full” refers only to cash customers and that there are always guaranteed spots for paying decal holders in the VCU decks.
Mr. Rentz and I also got the chance to talk about changes to the VCU Security Escort service. VCU has purchased a couple more vans to help handle the increased demand. The vans have also been repainted to include the VCU logo and markings so they are easily identifiable.
Last year VCU was considering contracting out the entire function to a private company to offer both point-to-point security escort and a University shuttle service, but none of the bids met the satisfactory requirements. Currently VCU is working with an outside consultant to look at redesigning the entire system, and they hope to draw up new specifications and restart the bidding process.
We should all take some time out to thank the VCU Staff Senate. Through their walk-a-thon held April 6, they have raised thousands of dollars in scholarship money for VCU students. This is a wonderful demonstration of the great community we have here at VCU. On behalf of everyone in the Student Government Association, we would like to send a warm thank you to all of our staff here at VCU for being such great community partners. Whenever you see a staff member, remember to thank them for all their hard work.
Again, I encourage all of you to get involved and become student senators. We are currently accepting applications for the student Senate. Please visit www.vcusga.com and click on “Elections” to find out how to become a senator. Applications are due Sept. 22.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, e-mail them to me anytime at SGApresident@vcu.edu.