Family Day Schedule - Family - Virginia Commonwealth University

Check-In Family Day check-in will take place from 8 AM-3 PM on Saturday, October 11 in the Alumni Boardroom located on the first floor of the University Student Commons. At check-in, give us your name used to register, pick up your wristbands and t-shirts, and grab a printed schedule! We encourage you to send your VCU student to check-in on your behalf so that you can get started with celebrating as soon as you arrive! You can check-in at any point throughout the day, but don’t forget!
Schedule
Time		Event
9:00AM		Family Council .5k Donut Walk Commons Plaza, in front of Rams Horns Any registrants who made a donation to the VCU Family Fund are invited to participate! DONUT worry, the walk is short! If you would like to make a donation and participate, it’s not too late! Register here after making your donation to the Family Fund.
9:30AM - 11:00AM		Exploring Colleges/Schools College \| Locations below Get to know your student’s college, or check out something new! All events are open for all Family Day registrants. Coffee and tea will be provided at each event.
		Honors College \| Honors College Building Front Patio, 701 West Grace Street Please join us from 9:30AM-11:00AM, during this time you will be able to check out the Honors facilities, and meet the wonderful advisors and faculty at the Honors college. There will be light refreshments and VCU Honors swag for your families!
		College of Engineering \| Engineering West Hall, Room 101 "A day in the life of a College of Engineering student" Families will have an opportunity to hear from students to discuss their lives as a College of Engineering student. Hear about student organizations and how they assist students in growing into leaders of tomorrow.
		University College \| Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad Street Curious about how students at VCU are shaping their own academic journeys? Join University College for a drop-in event in the SHIFT Retail Lab and experience the creative, hands-on spirit of our programs.
		School of Business \| Snead Hall - room B1115 Dive into the world of internships with our dynamic student panel, where you'll hear firsthand accounts of their journeys. Discover how they landed their internships, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. 🌟 Learn how the VCU School of Business is dedicated to supporting our students in securing internships, providing resources, guidance, and opportunities to help them succeed in the business world. Don't miss this chance to be inspired and informed! 📈
		VCU College of Health Professions \| MCALC 1201 Join us for this TED Talk-inspired showcase where current students from the College of Health Professions share powerful, research-driven presentations that highlight innovation, inquiry, and impact in the health sciences. Designed for both students and their guests, this engaging event offers a glimpse into the academic passions and real-world relevance of our students’ work—from addressing health disparities to improving patient care and advancing technology in healthcare. Come be inspired by the voices of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders as they share how their research is shaping the future—and why it matters today.
		School of Social Work \| MCALC 1102 Mock Lecture
		Wilder School \| Raleigh Building (1001 W. Franklin St), room B001 The Wilder School will host a showcase for student services and student organizations. Guests will be able to meet representatives and learn more about academic advising, internships, career preparation, as well as student organizations in each of our program areas--Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Urban and Regional Studies.
12:00PM - 4:00PM		Ramily Rally \| University Student Commons 🎉🐏 Choose your own adventure at our signature event! Please note that purchases made at the Makers Market and Food Trucks on on your own dime.
		Off-Campus Housing Fair \| Commonwealth Ballroom, 2nd Floor
		Food Trucks, Makers Market \| Commons Plaza
		Face Painting, Caricature Artists and Henna Tattoos \| 1st Floor by food court
		Rotating \| Locations and descriptions below Attend your choice of 50 minute workshops. Each of these workshops will take place at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm (with time in between to transition). Pick your favorites and check them out! Our tip: spread out and cover more bases as a family! Share your notes together at the end when you meet back up.
		Overcoming Imposter Phenomenon to Write with Confidence, Writing Center \| The Underground In this workshop, staff from the VCU Writing Center will help students and their guests learn how to build writing confidence by identifying and overcoming imposter phenomenon, aka imposter syndrome. You will learn techniques on how to tackle what are sometimes the most difficult writing challenges that can contribute to feelings of imposterism: getting started and managing your time. Come discover your writing strengths and learn how to become confident in writing with authority.
		Have you Herd? Well-Being Conversations, RecWell, Student Health, University Counseling Services \| SGA Senate Chambers Join staff members from the Division of Student Affairs as we explore the hottest topics related to student health and well-being. We'll learn ways we can model well-being in our own lives and practice ways to start important conversations with your student on topics like asking for help, coping with stressors, alcohol and other drugs, and more!
		Degree Planning 101, SEMSS \| Commons Theater Parents, do you want to help your student graduate on time, but don't know where to start? This interactive workshop will help you understand the essentials of degree planning at VCU. You’ll learn how to work with your student to use tools like DegreeWorks and Navigate, interpret a degree audit, plan future semesters, and better understand how our professional advisors work with your student to align their academic path with their career goals. What You’ll Learn: How to use VCU’s academic planning tools effectively along with your student How to map out courses based on your students major, minor, and graduation requirements How these tools help your student stay on track for timely graduation Where your student can go for ongoing academic support and advising
		Passport, please! A Workshop for Studying Abroad, Global Education Office \| Richmond Salons I-II Come get your FREE passport photo and learn more about how you can make the most of international experiences while at VCU! At this workshop, VCU Global Learning staff will help you get started on your passport journey by printing two passport-style photographs for VCU students for FREE, sharing resources on how to start your passport application, ways to both get connected internationally here at VCU and how to study abroad! After our staff's brief presentation, attendees will have the chance to hear from recent study abroad returnees about their experiences overseas and ask questions. We look forward to helping you go beyond the compass!
		A Family's Story in Symbols: A Genogram Workshop, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs \| Richmond Salons III-IV This workshop is both an engaging and reflective experience for families to create genograms. Genograms are visual maps that showcase a family's generational history through shapes and symbols. Families will be able to have meaningful conversations and explore their roots as they craft a visual representation of their unique family tree.
		VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union \| Virginia Rooms AB Join the VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union to walk away with a working financial plan. Learn how you can create wealth for yourself now and in the future.
		Navigating New Beginnings Together, First and Second Year Experiences \| Virginia Rooms CD This interactive workshop helps new students and their families identify practical steps for navigating the transition to college life. Through guided activities and discussions, participants will explore strategies for managing change, staying focused on academic and personal goals, and connecting with key campus resources. Students and their supporters will leave with a clearer plan for supporting their own or their student's success throughout the first semester and beyond.

4:30 PM		Black and Gold basketball game \| Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W Broad St Cheer on the Rams as a family! Free admission for everyone
6:30PM		Family Craft Night \| Student Commons, Virginia Rooms CD Create personalized crafts to take home and remember your time together by. Paint a succulent pot, pumpkin, and make bracelets!
9:00PM		Mentalism Show \| Harris Hall Prepare to be amazed by VCU Alum Chris Michael. Enjoy this family-friendly show and keep the magic of Family Day going!

Check-In Family Day check-in will take place from 8 AM-3 PM on Saturday, October 11 in the Alumni Boardroom located on the first floor of the University Student Commons. At check-in, give us your name used to register, pick up your wristbands and t-shirts, and grab a printed schedule! We encourage you to send your VCU student to check-in on your behalf so that you can get started with celebrating as soon as you arrive! You can check-in at any point throughout the day, but don’t forget!
Schedule
Time		Event
9:00AM		Family Council .5k Donut Walk Commons Plaza, in front of Rams Horns Any registrants who made a donation to the VCU Family Fund are invited to participate! DONUT worry, the walk is short! If you would like to make a donation and participate, it’s not too late! Register here after making your donation to the Family Fund.
9:30AM - 11:00AM		Exploring Colleges/Schools College \| Locations below Get to know your student’s college, or check out something new! All events are open for all Family Day registrants. Coffee and tea will be provided at each event.
		Honors College \| Honors College Building Front Patio, 701 West Grace Street Please join us from 9:30AM-11:00AM, during this time you will be able to check out the Honors facilities, and meet the wonderful advisors and faculty at the Honors college. There will be light refreshments and VCU Honors swag for your families!
		College of Engineering \| Engineering West Hall, Room 101 "A day in the life of a College of Engineering student" Families will have an opportunity to hear from students to discuss their lives as a College of Engineering student. Hear about student organizations and how they assist students in growing into leaders of tomorrow.
		University College \| Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad Street Curious about how students at VCU are shaping their own academic journeys? Join University College for a drop-in event in the SHIFT Retail Lab and experience the creative, hands-on spirit of our programs.
		School of Business \| Snead Hall - room B1115 Dive into the world of internships with our dynamic student panel, where you'll hear firsthand accounts of their journeys. Discover how they landed their internships, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. 🌟 Learn how the VCU School of Business is dedicated to supporting our students in securing internships, providing resources, guidance, and opportunities to help them succeed in the business world. Don't miss this chance to be inspired and informed! 📈
		VCU College of Health Professions \| MCALC 1201 Join us for this TED Talk-inspired showcase where current students from the College of Health Professions share powerful, research-driven presentations that highlight innovation, inquiry, and impact in the health sciences. Designed for both students and their guests, this engaging event offers a glimpse into the academic passions and real-world relevance of our students’ work—from addressing health disparities to improving patient care and advancing technology in healthcare. Come be inspired by the voices of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders as they share how their research is shaping the future—and why it matters today.
		School of Social Work \| MCALC 1102 Mock Lecture
		Wilder School \| Raleigh Building (1001 W. Franklin St), room B001 The Wilder School will host a showcase for student services and student organizations. Guests will be able to meet representatives and learn more about academic advising, internships, career preparation, as well as student organizations in each of our program areas--Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Urban and Regional Studies.
12:00PM - 4:00PM		Ramily Rally \| University Student Commons 🎉🐏 Choose your own adventure at our signature event! Please note that purchases made at the Makers Market and Food Trucks on on your own dime.
		Off-Campus Housing Fair \| Commonwealth Ballroom, 2nd Floor
		Food Trucks, Makers Market \| Commons Plaza
		Face Painting, Caricature Artists and Henna Tattoos \| 1st Floor by food court
		Rotating \| Locations and descriptions below Attend your choice of 50 minute workshops. Each of these workshops will take place at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm (with time in between to transition). Pick your favorites and check them out! Our tip: spread out and cover more bases as a family! Share your notes together at the end when you meet back up.
		Overcoming Imposter Phenomenon to Write with Confidence, Writing Center \| The Underground In this workshop, staff from the VCU Writing Center will help students and their guests learn how to build writing confidence by identifying and overcoming imposter phenomenon, aka imposter syndrome. You will learn techniques on how to tackle what are sometimes the most difficult writing challenges that can contribute to feelings of imposterism: getting started and managing your time. Come discover your writing strengths and learn how to become confident in writing with authority.
		Have you Herd? Well-Being Conversations, RecWell, Student Health, University Counseling Services \| SGA Senate Chambers Join staff members from the Division of Student Affairs as we explore the hottest topics related to student health and well-being. We'll learn ways we can model well-being in our own lives and practice ways to start important conversations with your student on topics like asking for help, coping with stressors, alcohol and other drugs, and more!
		Degree Planning 101, SEMSS \| Commons Theater Parents, do you want to help your student graduate on time, but don't know where to start? This interactive workshop will help you understand the essentials of degree planning at VCU. You’ll learn how to work with your student to use tools like DegreeWorks and Navigate, interpret a degree audit, plan future semesters, and better understand how our professional advisors work with your student to align their academic path with their career goals. What You’ll Learn: How to use VCU’s academic planning tools effectively along with your student How to map out courses based on your students major, minor, and graduation requirements How these tools help your student stay on track for timely graduation Where your student can go for ongoing academic support and advising
		Passport, please! A Workshop for Studying Abroad, Global Education Office \| Richmond Salons I-II Come get your FREE passport photo and learn more about how you can make the most of international experiences while at VCU! At this workshop, VCU Global Learning staff will help you get started on your passport journey by printing two passport-style photographs for VCU students for FREE, sharing resources on how to start your passport application, ways to both get connected internationally here at VCU and how to study abroad! After our staff's brief presentation, attendees will have the chance to hear from recent study abroad returnees about their experiences overseas and ask questions. We look forward to helping you go beyond the compass!
		A Family's Story in Symbols: A Genogram Workshop, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs \| Richmond Salons III-IV This workshop is both an engaging and reflective experience for families to create genograms. Genograms are visual maps that showcase a family's generational history through shapes and symbols. Families will be able to have meaningful conversations and explore their roots as they craft a visual representation of their unique family tree.
		VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union \| Virginia Rooms AB Join the VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union to walk away with a working financial plan. Learn how you can create wealth for yourself now and in the future.
		Navigating New Beginnings Together, First and Second Year Experiences \| Virginia Rooms CD This interactive workshop helps new students and their families identify practical steps for navigating the transition to college life. Through guided activities and discussions, participants will explore strategies for managing change, staying focused on academic and personal goals, and connecting with key campus resources. Students and their supporters will leave with a clearer plan for supporting their own or their student's success throughout the first semester and beyond.

4:30 PM		Black and Gold basketball game \| Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W Broad St Cheer on the Rams as a family! Free admission for everyone
6:30PM		Family Craft Night \| Student Commons, Virginia Rooms CD Create personalized crafts to take home and remember your time together by. Paint a succulent pot, pumpkin, and make bracelets!
9:00PM		Mentalism Show \| Harris Hall Prepare to be amazed by VCU Alum Chris Michael. Enjoy this family-friendly show and keep the magic of Family Day going!

VCU Families

Dean of Student Advocacy Office

Check-In

Schedule