The Commonwealth Times is a student-led and student-produced media organization serving the Virginia Commonwealth University campuses at Monroe Park and MCV since 1969.
About The Commonwealth Times
Who We Are
Prints are released and distributed every week during the fall and spring semesters, and content is also published online weekly here, on commonwealthtimes.org, and updated regularly as news occurs. The CT's team includes more than 350 VCU student editors and contributors, and provides hands-on training in journalism writing, photography, illustrating, graphic design, editing and multimedia production.The Commonwealth Times is entirely student-run and operates under the guidance of the VCU Student Media Center director and the governance of the VCU Student Media Board.
Our Mission
First and foremost, The Commonwealth Times provides coverage of news and events affecting the Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond communities.
We are a dedicated and independent student media organization that connects, explores and enriches the lives of the university’s affiliates and community members.
We operate on a model of individual responsibility, professional standards and ethics rather than censorship and administrative control. We promote the values of integrity, tenacity, creativity and honesty in the pursuit of excellence.
The Commonwealth Times serves as a newspaper of record for VCU throughout decades of campus history.
Corrections Policy
It is the policy of The Commonwealth Times to correct any inaccurate information published online or in print as soon as the error is discovered. Any inaccuracies published in print will be noted by a correction published in the following print issue. Inaccurate information published online will be corrected, and the correction will be noted at the bottom of the story.
Please contact Executive Editor Andrew Kerley, at editor@commonwealthtimes.org, to report inaccuracies.
Content Removal
The Commonwealth Times strives to preserve complete and accurate records of the publication, both online and in print. Therefore, The Commonwealth Times will not remove online content except within the discretion of the current student editorial staff. Any other errors will be amended in accordance with our corrections policy.
When submitting opinion content to The Commonwealth Times, columnists and cartoonists are expected to take accountability for their expressed opinions. Requests to remove an author or illustrator’s name from an archived work will be handled solely at the discretion of the current student editorial staff, but the standard policy is to preserve the work as it was originally published.
Where to Find a Copy
Where to Find a Copy
The Commonwealth Times publishes a print edition every Wednesday during VCU academic terms (except over fall break and spring break). Content from the print edition appears online before the Wednesday paper is delivered. Breaking news, sports and events coverage may appear exclusively online or several days before appearing in print.
The CT is delivered to the following locations during the fall and spring semesters between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. If the university is closed for inclement weather, copies will be delivered on the next open day.
Monroe Park Campus
• 500 Academic Center
• Academic Learning Commons
• Au Bon Pain
• Barnes & Noble @ VCU
• Blanton House
• Brandcenter
• Broad and Belvidere Student Apartments
• Cabell Library
• Cary & Belvidere Residential College (and SMC offices)
• Cary Street Gym
• Christian's Pizza
• College of Engineering - West Hall
• The Depot (VCUarts)
• Dunkin' Donuts
• Founders Hall
• Gladding Residence Center
• Grace and Broad Residence Center 1 and 2
• Harris Hall
• Harrison Street Cafe
• Health and Life Sciences Engineering Building
• Hibbs Hall
• Honors College
• Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA)
• Murry N. DePillars Building
• Pace Center
• Panera Bread
• Piccola Italy Pizza & Subs
• Pollak Building
• President's House
• Rhoads and Brandt Halls
• Shafer Court Dining Center
• Singleton Center for the Performing Arts
• Sitterding House
• Snead Hall
• T. Edward Temple Building
• University Student Commons - Info desk
• University Student Commons - Main Street entrance
• University Student Commons - OMSA suite
• Village Cafe
• Welcome Center
• West Grace North and West Grace South Residence Halls
Medical Campus
• Hunton Student Center
• Goodwin Research Center
• Critical Care Hospital
• Health Sciences Library
• Larrick Center
• McGlothlin Medical Education Center
• Sanger Hall
If you are interested in our Distribution Manager delivering print editions to your office or business on a biweekly basis, please contact Creative Media Manager Mark Jeffries at mjeffries@vcu.edu.
Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased through the Student Media Center for $1 a copy.
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Maeve Bauer decided she wanted to be a journalist when she was 12. Ever since, she has fully immersed herself in the field. Maeve joined the CT before she even moved into her freshman year dorm. She got her start in the Spectrum section, this led her to discover her passion for Art History and declaring her major in the subject. By Maeve’s junior year she had secured the role of Spectrum Editor.. She loves the CT, it has not only given her the perfect opportunity to expand her portfolio but has also opened doors the lifelong connections and friendships. As Executive Editor, Maeve wants to platform student voices and expand the Commonwealth Times’ reach throughout the community, both on campus and the greater Richmond area.
Ellie is a senior majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Civil Rights. She joined the Commonwealth Times as a Contributing Writer in Fall 2024 before becoming Copy Editor in Spring 2025. Her passion lies in elevating real-world, relevant experiences and stories, utilizing both her studies at VCU and her work with the CT. After graduating, Ellie plans to pursue her Master’s in Political Psychology or Journalism. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with friends, exploring Richmond, buying CDs for her ever-growing collection, or taking a nap with her cat Gus.
Sal is a Sophomore majoring in Journalism and Media Production, with a minor in Sociology. He is passionate about telling stories, and hopes to become a documentarian in the future. Being from Newport News, Sal loves researching the history of his hometown, as he believes there is a rich history behind the city's socioeconomic state. Aside from reporting, Sal loves going to Jazz shows, watching movies, reading his Wikipedia app, and picking up and dropping hobbies.
Kayla is a junior majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. Since writing her first story for the CT in Fall 2025, she has written about Virginia politics, the university’s administration and other events in the Richmond area. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, and watching reality TV. After graduation, Kayla hopes to work as an investigative reporter.
Ben is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Digital Journalism. He is passionate about writing, fitness and spending time with friends and family. Upon graduation, Ben plans to attend graduate school and then get a job as a journalist.
Tyrese is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Sports Media and minoring in Business. He started as a contributor writer for Sports before becoming an assistant editor. Outside of the CT, Tyrese is very involved with VCU’s chapter of Developing Men of Color (DMC), serving as the Director of Public Relations. Tyrese is pursuing a career in the sports industry, with aspirations of becoming a sports analyst and media broadcaster.
Elle is in her final semester majoring in Mass Comm: Digital Journalism with a minor in Political Science. She contributed to the CT a couple times before deciding to become the Spectrum editor this Fall semester. Outside of writing, she enjoys watching movies, dying her hair, spending time with her cat, Crunchwrap Supreme and exploring nature.
Rachel is a sophomore majoring in Media Production and International Studies. She started off as a contributor for Spectrum before becoming an assistant editor. Outside of the CT, you can find her hanging out with friends, writing screenplays, watching cringey movies, and cooking cultural meals.
Kylie is a junior majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. She was a contributing writer for the CT in Fall ‘25 and a staff columnist in Spring ‘26. She is primarily a fiction writer, but also enjoys songwriting, creative nonfiction, poetry, and of course, opinion writing. Her interests include Studio Ghibli movies, Gothic literature, getting tattoos, and using the Oxford comma.
Shiny is a junior double majoring in bioinformatics and philosophy. She’s a Richmond native with a passion for engaging with the community she grew up in. Her love of her community inspired her to write opinion pieces voicing issues relevant to Richmonders of all backgrounds. Outside of writing, Shiny enjoys spending her time working as an EMT, or messing with her two cats, Missy and Jelly.
Ashley Davis is a senior majoring in photo+film and a minor in media studies. They have a passion for documentary storytelling, journalism, and sports photography/videography. Ashley's passion is for making their community heard and putting minority voices on a pedestal. They love all sports (especially the Baltimore Ravens), listening to music, and playing board games.
Abriana is a junior majoring in Cinema with a minor in entrepreneurship. With aspirations to work in the film industry, Abriana loves anything and everything film related. Abriana’s passion for film also sparks her constant exploration for new artistic mediums to present through visual art. On any given day you can find her walking trails, writing screenplays, or reading.
Burke Loftus is a senior majoring in Cinema with a minor in Media Studies. In Spring ‘25, he started at The CT as a contributing photographer, eventually graduating to staff photographer and now operates as the photo editor. Since then, he has been the recipient and co-recipient of various awards for his coverage of local protests and the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election.
He spent most of his life growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he found his passion for the documentation and preservation of contemporary culture through filmmaking and photography. In his free time, Burke is often at a movie, a concert or cooking homemade meals.
Zoë Luis is a senior majoring in Communication Arts. She’s been a contributor for the CT since her Freshman year, and has been working as Illustrations Editor for the past two years. In her free time, she loves to collect comics, hoard art supplies, and roller skate.
Naveen is a senior majoring in mass communications with a concentration in media production. She plans to pursue a career in social media strategy and content creation. She loves playing guitar and spending time with her dog, Tigerlily.
Drake is a 3rd year Graphic Design student at VCU. His practice is focused on cultural change, politics, consumerism, and self-reflection. He continues to sharpen his skills as a designer while at the SMC
El is a 4th year Graphic Design major with a minor in Computer Science. They have a passion for risograph and are experimenting with creating multimedia art with a focus on themes like identity and Asian Queer communities. In their free time they like to read history, horror, and classics, and if they’re not creating posters or publication designs, they are dabbling in illustration and painting.
Michael is a 4th year Graphic Design major and minoring in Media Studies. Currently, his personal design practice explores expectations and interpretations of structural influence in society.
William is a Junior majoring in Graphic Design. His practice approaches print as a tool for communication and a material process. He is interested in how meaning is shaped by not only content, but the technical conditions of production.
Maritza is a senior majoring in English and GSWS. After completing an internship with HIPS, a harm reduction nonprofit in D.C., where she conducted her own interviews, she fell in love with journalism and storytelling. She currently works at the Information Center in the Student Commons and for a nonprofit called Amelia Air, an organization dedicated to rescuing animals from convenient euthanasia. In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with her cat, Yuumi, salsa dancing, and traveling the world.
Madeleine is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism whose interests lend her to focus on investigative and data journalism where she looks to find a career. Outside of writing, she spends her time reading, with her cat and rabbits, and doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
STAFF WRITER
Molly Christianson
Molly is a senior double majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She was a contributing writer for the CT in Fall ‘25 and Spring ‘26. Her interests include concerts, animals, writing poetry, and of course, opinions writing.
Burke is a sophomore in VCU’s cinema program with a minor in media studies. His love for photography, storytelling and community led him to The CT. With his degree and passion for all things physical media, he currently plans on having a career in film archiving, preserving cinema and human history. When not in class, he is often shooting 35mm film photography, seeing a movie at the Byrd or second-hand shopping.
STAFF WRITER
Benney Koch
Benney is a junior majoring in English and minoring in African American Studies. Benney is passionate about literature, sports, and always trying to find ways to better herself for her community. Benney loves all Philadelphia sports teams, but is also a huge fan of Anthony Edwards. After college, Benney would love to pursue a career in sports journalism or education.
Olivia is a freshman majoring in mass communications with a concentration in journalism. Her interest in journalism originally stemmed from a simple happenstance a few years ago, but has been passionate about it ever since. You can always find Olivia with a book on her person, willing to nerd out over it. She is a chronic concert goer, and loves all forms of music, art, and literature. In the future, she hopes to continue her journalistic path and work for a newspaper or magazine.
STAFF WRITER
Maddy Thurber
Maddy is a freshman majoring in Criminal Justice. She loves writing, reading, and connecting with others. She enjoys helping people and being involved in her community and she hopes to use her passion for writing and advocacy as she works towards law school and pursuing being a lawyer.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
John Brown
John is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice. He has been contributing to the CT since January 2026. In his free time he enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with his cat, Miss V.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Catt Brito
Catt is a 3rd year majoring in Graphic Design with an AI minor. She loves to read, listen to music and take photos. She originally wanted to be an animator, but gravitate towards graphic design after taking all the required classes during her high school years. These classes also featured a photography component and thus Catt’s love for for photography sparked. She was also apart of her schools newspaper as an illustrator and became part of the CT team her fall semester of her sophomore year. She has plans to become a graphic designer for a newspaper as well as working partially within the photography department.
STAFF PRODUCER
Sophie Tran
Sophie is a senior majoring in Public Relations. She loves going to concerts, playing bass and hanging out at local stores like the Cozy Journal. Her dream is to one day be a contractor for artists from Japan in the states.
STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
Abbos Soliev
Abbos is a senior majoring in Economics. He has a variety of hobbies, one of which being drawing comics and illustrations for the CT. Although in truth it can often feel like a second job. Outside school he does foil fencing, he hopes that that cancels out the lack of exercise. He is one of those guys who counts his 11k steps a day average as a substitute for leg days. As for what are his plans after uni? Like any true economist the answer is, it depends.
Join Us
Join Us
The Commonwealth Times is always seeking new writers, photographers and illustrators. No journalism experience is necessary for writers; your editor will provide you with the necessary guidance and training, although students with journalism experience are strongly encouraged to join.
Please fill out this Google Form so that we can evaluate your experience, interests and availability.
Advertise with The CT
Advertise with The CT
Do you want to reach 30,000+ members of the VCU community — students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents? The Commonwealth Times is the student-run on news source reaching the entire VCU campus! If you or your business are interested in advertising with The Commonwealth Times in the weekly print edition, on the CT website or in our weekly email newsletter, check out the 2026-2027 Media Kit with rates, sizes and a complete issue calendar.
Questions? Want us to put together a custom advertising package to meet your needs and budget? Email advertisesmc@vcu.edu.
Donate to The Commonwealth Times
Donate to The Commonwealth Times
The Commonwealth Times' spring 2026 staff gathers for a group photo. Photo by Kieran Stevens.
At The Commonwealth Times, we've always made a little go a long way. Now, you can help support our work and grow our organization.
The award-winning jornalists of The Commonwealth Times, the independent student newspaper at VCU, work hard to report the news at Virginia Commonwealth University with nuance, care and dedication. We’re a team of writers, photographers, editors, digital journalists and illustrators — and we need your help to ensure we continue to be one of the top weekly student papers in the region and the country.
