Consider these student organizations, broken down by interest
This story ran as part of a VCU Student Media Center summer special publication, The Compass, which serves as a guidebook for new students.
For a full list of student organizations, visit vcu.campuslabs.com/engage
Social Justice
Amnesty International at VCU is a group of black, brown, LGBTQ, women and allied students fighting for human rights at VCU, the Richmond community and across the globe. Members meet regularly and advocate for human rights through community events, social media campaigns and fundraisers.
Contact: amnestyintvcu@gmail.com
Planned Parenthood Generation Action at VCU organizes events on campus and in the community to advocate for reproductive rights and sexual health. This group connects with other chapters throughout the country to create change through national campaigns, conference and leadership opportunities.
Contact: vcugenact@gmail.com
The Freedom Project at VCU raises awareness of human rights violations, with focus on human trafficking. The group tables with information, collects donations for trafficking victims and educates the community on human trafficking.
Contact: freedomprojectvcu@gmail.com
Art
Art History Club strives to bring people of all disciplines together over a mutual love for art history. The group hosts art walks, potlucks and group trips.
Contact: matiasd@vcu.edu
Black Art Student Empowerment at VCU celebrates various artistic mediums with a focus on work from black artists and other underrepresented communities.
Contact: Baseatvcu@gmail.com
Music
American Choral Director’s Association Student Chapter at VCU is dedicated to excellence in choral music performances, compositions, publications and research. It holds several big events, including a concert with high school students, fundraisers for master classes, workshops and travel opportunities.
Contact: acda.vcu@gmail.com
Brass Player’s Association at VCU works to strengthen the VCU brass ensembles and promote knowledge of brass instruments and literature.
Contact: vcubrassplayers@gmail.com
The Peppas, VCU’s athletic pep band, play at sporting events — including, but not limited to, Men’s Basketball games and attending the NCAA and A-10 tournaments. Interested students can audition at the beginning of the school year and fill out a Google form available at vcuathletics.com/information/PepBand.
Contact: vcuathleticband@gmail.com
Cultural Organizations
Vietnamese Student Organization brings awareness of the Vietnamese community via social, cultural and educational means. All students are encouraged to join.
Contact: vcuvsa@gmail.com
Sudanese Student Association at VCU seeks to connect Sudanese students, hosting cultural events and informing on Sudanese culture.
Contact: ssaatvcu@gmail.com
Student Media
With eight student organizations, the Student Media Center is a starting point for anyone interested in photography, writing, illustrations or design.
- The Commonwealth Times, the independent student newspaper since 1969. Contact: editor@commonwealthtimes.org
- WVCW, the online student-run radio station. Contact: hello@wvcw.org
- Pwatem, a student-run journal showcasing student writing and art. Contact: pwatem@gmail.com
- Ink Magazine, a student-run annual publication covering fashion, music, art and culture. Contact: inkmagazine.vcu@gmail.com
- River City Fashion Uprising (RCFU), the online-only student-run fashion site. Contact: rivercityfashion@vcustudentmedia.com
- Amendment, a student-run literary and art journal that focuses on social issues. Contact: amendmentvcu@gmail.com
- Emanata, the annual student comics anthology. Contact: emanatacomics@gmail.com
- Mercury Video, the creative video group and the SMC’s newest student organization. Contact: mercury@vcustudentmedia.com
Politics
College Republicans at VCU promotes and supports conservative values in all levels of government and with other political activists in the community. They hold biweekly meetings, discuss current news and hold social events often featuring guest speakers.
Contact: middlecoopsa@vcu.edu
Young Democrats at VCU works to support the Virginia Young Democrats and Democratic Party of Virginia, as well as volunteering and working to elect democratic candidates for public office in Virginia and nationally. Meetings feature discussions of political topics and networking opportunities.
Contact: youngdemocrats.vcu@gmail.com
Young Democratic Socialists at VCU organizes for the interests of students and workers and participates in local activism. It hosts monthly meetings, in addition to occasional supply drives and free car repair clinics.
Contact: vcuyds@gmail.com
Fashion
CompleX Modeling Troupe aims to enhance modeling and dance talents while also developing self-confidence, poise and leadership among members. The group meets regularly and holds workshops on self-esteem, modeling and choreography.
Contact: prailowp@vcu.edu
GroupMODA Fashion Organization & Modeling Troupe is a student-run fashion organization that promotes diversity, creativity and confidence in personal style.
Contact: mckeeverkp@vcu.edu
Engineering
American Society of Mechanical Engineers provides access to volunteer opportunities, networking events, facility tours and conferences for mechanical engineering students.
Contact: pinneyfr@mymail.vcu.edu
Engineering Student Council works to develop the engineering student body through promotion of the success within the School of Engineering. Any full time student of the School of Engineering is welcome to attend and contribute at meetings.
Contact: rajeshk@mymail.vcu.edu
Environmental
0-Waste RVA strives to energize young people to engage in sustainable community development. Its goals include a Styrofoam-free campus and partnerships with nonprofits, governmental organizations and local businesses.
Contact: hoganzt@mymail.vcu.edu
LGBTQ
Queer Action is dedicated to empowering strong, engaged and active students who identify as LGBTQIA+. It aims to create a space safe for all students within this spectrum.
Contact: hamiltonlc2@mymail.vcu.edu
Queer and/or Trans People of Color Collective aims to create a welcoming space for students within the QTPOC community. The organization strives to include all voices, including the most marginalized.
Contact: qtpoc.vcu@gmail.com
Religious Organizations
Muslim Students Association at VCU, open to all Muslim students and interested non-Muslims, promotes community development through the Islamic doctrines of justice, equality, freedom, peace and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Contact: vcumsa@gmail.com
Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU, which hosts small groups and other events, serves the community by “acting justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly with our God.”
Contact: vazqueza@vcu.edu
– Compiled by Hannah Eason, News Editor
