What to Know about VCU Globe. Q&A with Dr. Bozeman

Katelyn Boone

Contributing Writer

VCU Globe is the newest addition to VCU’s “Make It Real” campaign through living-learning communities. The Globe program prepares students to act as global citizens who make a positive impact in their community and beyond.

The program is a four year experience that gives students a worldly perspective through social, academic, and community service experiences. Domestic and international students accepted into the program will live together in the 12-month West Grace Street North student housing, engage in special courses that aim to give students a global awareness and realize the impact a global citizen can have through serving the Richmond community.

Dr. Leslie Bozeman, assistant director of global engagement, is one of the founders of VCU Globe, and leads one of many information sessions offered on the VCU Globe program. Here are her answers to a few questions about The Globe.  

CT: What specifically will the Globe offer students?
We look forward to connecting VCU Globe participants with culturally diverse populations on our own campus and in the local schools and establishing partnerships with local and international entities.  Through VCU’s Global Education Office, Globe students will be linked with international students on campus for mentoring, language practice and exchange of cultural information.

What makes the Globe different from the ASPiRE program?
While VCU Globe and VCU ASPiRE have similar program structures, each program has its own unique focus. VCU Globe prepares students to navigate within and between global communities at home and abroad and in professional and personal contexts.

Why should a student participate in VCU Globe?
One reason that students should participate in VCU Globe is because it will enhance their academic, personal, and professional development. However, another reason is because it will be an opportunity to learn about culture and leadership in thought-provoking, exhilarating, meaningful and fun ways.

VCU is already a diverse campus, so what is different about VCU Globe?
VCU is, indeed, a wonderfully diverse campus, and VCU Globe leverages that existing diversity to provide students from all majors with unique opportunities, interactions, and knowledge based on purposeful engagement with global populations.

How will Globe “enhance (students’) academic, personal, and professional development”?
As a living-learning program, VCU Globe has the potential to impact a student’s entire college experience.  Through this program, learning will be extended beyond the classroom, students will better understand their role as global citizens, and they will gain skills that employers need today’s graduates to have.

Does a student need to be in the program all 4 years to graduate with the Global Education certificate on their transcript?
VCU Globe participants will graduate with a Global Education certificate if they complete all of the requirements of the program.  These include completion of 12 credits of globally-focused coursework, fulfillment of 40 hours of community service, attendance at VCU Globe events, submission of both curricular and co-curricular portfolios and attainment of a 2.0 cumulative GPA in addition to a 2.0 in VCU Globe coursework. Through exceptional service, leadership, and academic performance, a student can earn Honors in Global Education upon graduation.

Why make this a living-learning community and not just an academic program? What is the benefit to having the students live together?
One of the goals of VCU’s Strategic Plan, Quest (for Distinction), is to increase both living and learning options for students.  Living-learning communities have proven to support student success and engage the faculty, staff, and community.  The living component facilitates students’ purposeful interaction with each other.  Through this interaction, they are able to apply their classroom learning and build social and academic support networks.

Why do you think the university is driving toward more and more living-learning communities?
I believe our administration wants VCU students to be successful, and that they view living-learning communities as an additional way to help our students learn, grow and be competitive in their careers.