As VCU continues to face financial challenges because of budget cuts, administration figures said research programs will have to become “self-sufficient” in a discussion with students, faculty and staff Nov. 11.
Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Reuban Rodriguez said because VCU is regarded as a research institution, plans to increase research profits in order to fund the university’s research are ongoing. Rodriguez said programs that are self-sufficient might seem like they are prioritized but that is not the case.
“It may seem that there is some inequity but it is because of self-sufficient programs like residential life and recreational sports make their own money,” Rodriguez said.
According to Rodriguez, University President Michael Rao plans to do more with research programs and wants to focus on the quality of education and programs.
Steps to fund research for the Massey Cancer Center have been already been implemented and continue to receive 50 percent of its funds generated by philanthropic endeavors.
Breast Cancer Awareness month in October generated contributions toward research for the Massey Cancer Center.
Andrea Butler, director of communications for the VCU Massey Cancer Center, said breast cancer gets a lot of publicity because young people see their friends and family being affected by it.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is one of the most recognizable names in the breast cancer awareness campaign. According to Butler, the Massey Center receives grants from the national Komen chapter for their Sneakers and Genes for Daughters, a three-session breast-health awareness program.
The Massey Cancer Center works as a non-profit organization with pilot studies alone costing from $50,000 to $200,000.
One of these clinical trials is the neoagiment surgery lead by surgical oncologist Dr. Harry Bear.
“With neoagiment chemotherapy . . . they shrink the tumor first for a less invasive surgery,” Butler said.
The VCU Cancer Awareness Team last year helped sponsor the Crossing the Line Charity Fashion Show, which raised $2,000 dollars for the center.
According CAT President Jennifer Nguyen, CAT participates in the Save Lids to Save Lives program with Yoplait yogurt. CAT placed collection bins around campus where students can donate their Yoplait lids.
CAT also works with the VCU Chapter of Colleges Against Cancer and the Relay for Life event, which is hosted annually at the university. Relay for Life Capitan and Co-chair for Relay for Life 2010 Ariel Sierra said cancer awareness is especially beneficial in the college age group and her student organization is aimed at educating students on cancer prevention.
According to Sierra, students in the CAC and organizers for Relay for Life focus on providing information of five cancers (cervical, testicular, breast, skin and lung) because of the age group at the university.
“We just try to get the information out there,” Sierra said. “Because those cancers affect this age group and this is where (prevention) starts. Hopefully people will retain this information and it will benefit them for the rest for their lives.”