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Fall 2014

Spring 2015

Summer 2015

WelcomeThe Global Education Office is pleased to welcome you to Virginia Commonwealth University. We’re glad that

you’ve decided to pursue your education here. Whether you’re here for a semester or for the next four years,

our office is here to help you succeed. We have a host of programs and services designed to help you thrive

in the classroom, make friends on and off campus, learn about U.S. culture and accomplish your goals,

whatever they may be.

Orientation is your first step in getting settled at VCU. Please use this booklet throughout orientation to take

notes and refer back to it later to find resources around campus that you need.

Table of contents

Global Education Office Programs 1

New International Student Checklist 2

University Support Resources 3

International Student and Scholar Programs 4

Getting Started 5

Getting Connected 7

Immigration Matters 8

English Language Program 9

VCU Undergraduate Bridge 11

VCU Global Education Office

817 West Franklin Street

P.O. Box 843043

Richmond, Virginia 23284-3043

USA

Phone: (804) 828-8471

Fax: (804) 828-2552

Email: geo@vcu.edu

Website: global.vcu.edu

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Education Abroad• global.vcu.edu/abroadRoom 144 • abroad@vcu.edu • 804-827-7882VCU students from every academic discipline are encouraged to extend their educational horizons by pursuing a part of their studies through an international program. Students can choose from a variety of education abroad options including short-term faculty-led study abroad programs, a semester or year abroad at one of VCU’s International Partnership Universities, an exchange or direct enrollment abroad in one of 50 countries through the International Student Exchange Program and direct enrollment in non-VCU short- or long-term accredited programs.

English Language Program • global.vcu.edu/elpRoom 215 • geo-elp@vcu.edu • 804-828-2551VCU’s English Language Program offers language classes taught by professionally trained language teachers with master’s degrees who are fluent in English. The ELP concentrates on academic English and study skills so that students can be successful in their academic and career pursuits.

International Student and Scholar Programs • global.vcu.edu Room 221 • issp@vcu.edu • 804-827-9331International students and scholars enrich our learning environment with their unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge. GEO provides a full range of services to our international students, scholars and visitors including academic advising, immigration advising, student engagement advising and special programs.

VCU Globe, A global education living-learning community • theglobe.vcu.edu830 W. Grace St. • theglobe@vcu.edu • 804-828-7860VCU Globe is the university’s living-learning program which prepares VCU students to live and work in a 21st-century global environment. Students in the program come from a variety of academic majors and participate in a specialized, globally-focused curriculum. In addition to the academic component, students in the program live together in the West Grace Student Housing-North residence hall, and together, the group participates in community engagement initiatives and leadership building activities.

Global Education Office Programs

Notes:

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Notes:

� Get your VCU student ID card. Students must be registered for classes at least 24 hours before requesting a VCU ID Card. Don’t forget to take your passport with you! VCU Card Office has locations at: Monroe Park Campus: 701 W. Broad Street in the Technology Administration Building MCV Campus: Sanger Hall, room B1-018

� Find your eID and create your password to log in to your VCU email and e-Services. For assistance, visit enrollment.vcu.edu/student-services/how-to-videos for instructions. All university correspondence will be sent to your VCU email address, so you should check it daily.

� Purchase health insurance. International students are required to have accident and sickness insurance during their stay in the U.S. The coverage must include medical evacuation and repatriation, and have at least $250,000 in medical benefits.

� Submit the certificate of immunization and complete the tuberculosis screening requirement. This can be done at University Student Health Services located at 1300 W. Broad St. on the Monroe Park campus or 1000 E. Marshall St. on the MCV campus.

� Complete the online Math Placement Test (undergraduates only). All entering first-year students are required to complete the math placement test prior to attending New Student Orientation. You may access it online at pubapps.vcu.edu/mathplacement.

� Register for courses through eservices.vcu.edu. Undergraduates should attend New Student Orientation and meet with their undergraduate academic adviser before registering for courses. Graduate students should contact their departmental adviser. New undergraduate international students are encouraged to register for UNIV 101: Introduction to the University for International Students. This one-credit class introduces students to the University and provides information that will support academic success. For general questions about course registration or advising, contact Dr. Amber Hill at abennett@vcu.edu or 804-828-0178.

Now that you’ve arrived at VCU, are you wondering what you need to do next? Below is a complete list of items you should complete before classes begin.

New International Student Checklist

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Campus Learning Center Offers one-on-one peer tutoring in all subjects and supplemental instruction (peer-assisted study sessions) for selected courses. Call (804) 827-8108 or stop by the front desk on the first floor of Hibbs Hall to make an appointment. uc.vcu.edu/campus-learning-center

Campus Writing Center Offers thinking, learning, and writing support to all students in 30-minute consultations. Call (804) 828-4851 or stop by the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4203 to make an appointment. uc.vcu.edu/writing-center.

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Supports all university students in activities that enrich culture and diversity. Office is in the University Student Commons on the second floor. omsa.vcu.edu

Undergraduate Academic Advising Assigns first year students an academic adviser by major. Offices are located on the first floor of Hibbs Hall. uc.vcu.edu University Career Center Provides support to students and recent alumni in life-long career development. Office is located in the University Student Commons, Room 143. students.vcu.edu/careers

University Counseling Services Monroe Park Campus: University Student Commons, Room 238 l MCV Campus: Grant House, B011 Offers counseling and mental health services to all VCU students. students.vcu.edu/counseling University Student Health Services Monroe Park Campus: 1300 W. Broad Street, Suite 2200 l MCV Campus: 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305 Maintains a convenient on-campus clinic which provides quality outpatient medical care and public health services. Services are free of charge for full-time VCU students. students.vcu.edu/health

VCU LibrariesMonroe Park Campus: James Branch Cabell Library l MCV Campus: Tompkins-McCaw Library

VCU has lots of resources available to help you succeed in the classroom, make friends around campus and ease your transition to the U.S. Here are some useful university resources.

University Support Resources

Writing Center Services for International Students

English Language Resources The Writing Center offers one-hour consultations for non-native speakers to focus on English language. In addition to writing, students can work on listening, speaking, and reading skills with a consultant specially trained to work with English Language Learners. Students are encouraged to meet the same consultant up to three times a week to build a relationship of language learning and support. Call (804) 828-4851 or stop by the Writing Center to ask for an “ELR appointment.”

Writing Center WorkshopsThe WC offers a wide variety of workshops for undergraduate and graduate students. Each session, at least one language-based workshop is offered by ELR@ the Writing Center. No advanced registration required. uc.vcu.edu/learning-support/writing-center/undergraduate-and-graduate-workshops

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Amber Bennett Hill, Ph.D. abennett@vcu.eduDirector of International Student and Scholar Programs Paul Babitts, Ph.D. babittsp@vcu.edu Assistant Director of International Student and Scholar Programs

Pamela Haney pohaney@vcu.edu Student Engagement Coordinator

Elizabeth Hiett eihiett@vcu.edu Special Programs Coordinator

Hannah Hyun hyunhj@vcu.eduTransition Coordinator

Wendy Nugent whnugent@vcu.edu English Language Support Coordinator

Shira Schieken schiekensb@vcu.eduImmigration Adviser

Amanda Velez advelez@vcu.edu Sponsored Programs Coordinator

Sarah Young syoung8@vcu.edu Academic Advising Coordinator

The Global Education Office offers a full range of academic, immigration and student support services in our offices located in the Franklin Street Gym, Room 221.

Academic Advising ISSP’s academic advising team helps with registration and enrollment; provides graduate school application and career counseling; provides comprehensive academic support for English-Language Learners; and offers specialized educational counseling to students and scholars finishing the English Language Program. Immigration Advising Immigration advisers support all international students and scholars in maintaining their legal status in the U.S. Immigration advisers issue and process necessary documents and advise students and scholars on U.S. immigration regulations.

Student Engagement Advising Student engagement advisers offer programs to fully engage international students and scholars in campus and local communities; help with practical concerns such as transportation, housing, shopping, banking and health insurance; provide personal, legal, medical and cultural support; and plan social events, group activities and trips. Student engagement advisers also help students and scholars find local families with whom to enjoy activities, celebrations and meals.

Special Programs The special programs team offers special short-term programs for international students, scholars and visitors; coordinates international student transition workshops; supports international student organizations; and identifies community service opportunities for international students. Special programs staff also serve as the primary contact for international alumni.

International Student and Scholar Programs

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Health InsuranceAll international students are required to have health insurance while enrolled as a student at VCU. Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive and students need health insurance to help with these costs. Please make an appointment with Pam Haney at pohaney@vcu.edu to discuss health insurance options.

HousingOn- and off-campus housing is available for international students. To discuss options for on-campus housing, contact Amanda Velez at advelez@vcu.edu; to find out about off-campus housing options, contact Pam Haney at pohaney@vcu.edu. The Off-Campus Student Services office can also provide information about off-campus housing options. They can be reached at (804) 828-7205 or offcampus@vcu.edu. Be sure to attend the Off Campus Living Fair held in the University Student Commons at the beginning of each semester.For more information, visit: offcampus.housing.vcu.edu. Immunization RequirementsAll full-time international students must submit their immunization record to University Student Health Services (USHS)located on the Monroe Park Campus in the VCU Sports Medicine Building, 1300 W. Broad Street, Suite 2200 or on the MCV Campus at 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305. If you did not bring your immunization record with you, your doctor must send you a copy or you must retake the required immunizations at USHS.

If you have lived in the U.S. for less than 5 years and were born in a country that is not on the list of exceptions, you are required to complete a tuberculosis screening at USHS before classes begin.

Immunization clinic hours: Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. l Tuesday and Thursdays: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Motor Vehicles (DMV) You can get a Virginia driver’s license or state ID card at the Division of Motor Vehicles located at 2300 West Broad Street. dmv.virginia.gov SafetyUse the VCU smartphone app to keep emergency phone numbers handy or enter them into your contacts. VCU Police Emergency: 828-1234 l VCU Police Non-Emergency: 828-1196

Tips to help you stay safe on campus: • Sign up to receive VCU text message alerts: vcu.edu/alert• Register your computer and bike with the VCU Police: police.vcu.edu

First things first! Here are some important things you will need to know to get off to a successful start.

Getting Started

Items you must take with you to the DMV:

^ Passport/I-20 or DS-2019 (required) ^ Certified VCU transcript that can be obtained at

Records & Registration Office, Harris Hall, 1st floor (required) ^ Apartment lease, utility bill or recent bank statement (optional) ^ Social security card, if you have one (optional)

Helpful tips to keep in mind when deciding on housing: ^ Use resources on the Off Campus Student Services

website: usca.vcu.edu/about/off-campus-student-services ^ Buy renter’s insurance. ^ Keep safety and location in mind.

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• Use the VCU police website to familiarize yourself with local laws (ex: alcohol, drugs, traffic/parking, biking)• Use ERTS phones in emergencies• Never leave items unattended• Beware of scams

Student AccountingYou will need to make sure your student bill has been paid. For information about paying your student bill, visit: enrollment.vcu.edu/accounting Payment methods accepted:• Check, cash, or money order at cashier’s office (Harris Hall)• Credit card via eServices: MasterCard, VISA, Discover and

American Express. When using this payment method, a 2.75% convenience fee will be applied to your payment

• Electronic wire transfer (bank transfer)

If balances are overdue, a hold will be placed on your account and you will not be: • allowed to register for future classes• allowed to receive your diploma• issued official transcripts of grades• able to obtain a travel signature from GEO on your I-20

TransportationRamRide is the university bus that connects the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Use the VCU smartphone app to track RamRide’s location or visit vcu.transloc.com. RamSafe is a door-to-door transportation service that students may use from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. To request a ride, • Call 828-SAFE (7233)• Visit ramsafe.vcu.edu• Use the VCU smartphone app

Public transportation• Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC City Bus): ridegrtc.com

VCU students may purchase a GRTC city bus pass at Parking and Transportation Services (1108A W. Broad Street)

• Amtrak Trains: amtrak.com• Greyhound Bus: greyhound.com• Megabus: us.megabus.com

Student Policies, Guideline and ProceduresBe sure to review student policies, guideines and procedures. For the full list, visit: students.vcu.edu/policies.

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Conversation Partners Meet one hour per week with an American volunteer to practice English speaking skills. For details and to sign up, contact Hannah Hahn at hyunhj@vcu.edu. Friendship Family and Cultural Exchange Program GEO matches VCU international students with an American family for the school year. Students and families meet once per month for various activities and events. Sign up for this program at: global.vcu.edu/fface.

GEO Peer Educators Work on language, academic or cultural concerns with a VCU student one-on-one or in small groups. Contact Sarah Young at syoung8@vcu.edu for more information. GEO Learning Labs These topic-based workshops are offered twice weekly. No advanced registration is necessary. Follow us on Facebook to find out dates and workshop topics.

Monthly trips and activitiesGEO regularly schedules trips and activities that allow you to see the region, learn about U.S. culture and meet other students. Some examples include trips to Washington, D.C., New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. Follow us on Facebook and check your email regularly for event announcements.

VCU has lots of programs designed to help you make friends and learn about your new home in the U.S. Here are some ways that you can get involved.

Getting Connected

Other ways to get involved Student Organizations: VCU offers more than 500 student organizations in which you can be involved. vcu.collegiatelink.net/organizations VCU Outdoor Adventure Program: OAP provides low-cost outdoor activity-based trips, including rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, caving, hiking and skiing.recsports.vcu.edu/outdoor_adventure VCU Intramural and Sport Clubs: VCU offer opportunities to learn a new sport, improve existing sport skills, and/or compete at various levels. recsports.vcu.edu/intramurals

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� I know my immigration advisers’ names and contact information and I contact them with any questions or concerns I have about my immigration status. Immigration advisers are available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can call us at 804-828-0595 or send email to geois@vcu.edu.

� I check my VCU email every day. Immigration advisers send important information to you at your VCU email, so check your VCU email daily.

� My I-20 (F-1/F-2) or DS-2019 (J-1/J-2), passport and I-94 record are valid at all times.

� I maintain digital and hard copies of my I-20 or DS-2019, passport (all pages) and I-94 record. I update my copies every time I receive a new document.

� I enroll as a full-time student every semester (12 credits/semester for undergraduate, 9 credits/semester for graduate students).

� If I am not enrolled as a full-time student, I submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request to my immigration adviser before dropping below full- time enrollment.

� I update Immigration Advising immediately if there are any changes to my ELP or academic program, including change of major, change of program level, withdrawal from VCU, etc.

� I update Immigration Advising of any U.S. address change by sending an email to geois@vcu.edu within 10 days of the change.

� If I am F-1, I can work for up to 20 hours/week on campus only during the semester, or up to 40 hours/week on campus only during winter, spring and summer breaks. I do not need Immigration Advising authorization for this on campus employment.

� If I am J-1, I can work for up to 20 hours/week on campus only during the semester, or up to 40 hours/week on campus only during winter, spring, and summer breaks, but I need written permission from Immigration Advising for this on campus employment.

� I do not seek or accept any paid employment off campus without advance written permission from Immigration Advising and, if necessary, USCIS.

� I do not volunteer, intern or work “for free” off campus unless the activity is 100% charitable (I gain no monetary, professional, academic, etc., benefit from the work).

� I obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 travel signature before departing the U.S. for travel to any country, including Canada and Mexico.

� If I am J-1/J-2, I understand and fully comply with the J-1 medical insurance requirement and understand that failure to have this insurance at all times is a violation of U.S. law.

Maintaining your F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 US immigration status is critical to your success as an international student. To help you maintain valid US immigration status, just follow this simple checklist.

Immigration Checklist

Questions about immigration?

GEO’s immigration staff is here to help you understand immigration

regulations and advise you regarding USCIS requirements, rules

and procedures. Please remember that you are responsible for

maintaining your student status while you are in the United States.

Please call (804) 828-0595 if you have questions or would like to

make an advising appointment.

Mission To prepare students for academic or career/personal success in English language proficiency through its commitments to the following:

1. First-rate instruction and advising within a safe and caring environment2. Comprehensive and structured curricula featuring academic preparation courses in several disciplines3. ESL pedagogy within a learner-centered and culturally diverse program which encourages an environment of inclusion4. Local and global partnerships to broaden the scope of educational opportunity and cultural understanding5. Specialized short-term programs for students to advance English language learning for professional reasons

Vision The English Language Program will be the leading IEP in the Mid-Atlantic region by providing every student with best practices in English as a Second Language instruction, learning and advising.

Core Values Integrity – to serve every student with the highest standards of honesty, professionalism and ethicsAchievement – to ensure excellence in English language learning through best practices in instruction, research and student servicesCollaboration – to promote collegiality among faculty, students and staffInnovation – to advance student creativity and originality independently and in group workDiversity – to enhance understanding and share knowledge about all cultures and to further diversify the student body

Registering for ELP Classes• ELP student advisers manually register all incoming ELP students for ELP courses.

• Advisers visit ELP classes mid-term to inform and survey students about taking classes in the next ELP session.

• Continuing and returning ELP students register for ELP courses online through VCU e-Services during the Advance Registration period. Late registration requires overrides from an ELP student adviser.

• The last day to add/drop an ELP course is the last day of the Advance Registration period. Late add/drop requires an override from an ELP student adviser.

• The last day to withdraw from an ELP course is mid-term, consistent with the University academic calendar.

• To withdraw from a course, students must contact an ELP student adviser.

• Withdrawing after the add/drop period will not result in a refund or partial-refund.

• If you do not inform the ELP office of your decision to drop a class before the deadline, you must pay even if you never attended the course.

• If you fail a course, you will automatically be re-registered into the course for the next term if you fail to register yourself.

• ELP student advisers do not register ELP students for academic courses.

English Language Program

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Are you enrolling in VCU’s English Language Program? In addition to the information containedthroughout this booklet, the information below is specifically for you. If you have questions about ELP, you will find a full list of contacts on pg. 12.

• Sometimes other departments will place a “hold” on your account. This prevents ELP advisers from registering you and we will not be able to give you a schedule. Please be sure to check your “holds” in e-Services and take care of them as needed. All ELP students will have an English Proficiency hold.

• ELP advisers send important information to your VCU email. Please check your VCU email daily.

Viewing your schedule• To view your schedule, visit vcu.edu

• Click on the “myVCU” tab which is located on the top of the page. my.vcu.edu

• Enter your eID and your password in order to log into your myVCU portal

• You will be directed into myVCU portal

• On the left side, click on eServices/VCU Self Service

• You will be directed to the VCU eServices page

• Click on the “Student” Tab and click on “Registration”

Transitioning from ELP to Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Coursework As you develop your English language skills, you need to also be preparing for the next step - taking undergraduate or graduate courses. International Student and Scholar Programs advisers are available to help you do so most easily and effectively. Successful transition involves several steps.

All Level 3 ELP students are required to participate in Transition Orientation and to meet with an ISSP academic adviser. Level 2 students are encouraged to meet with ISSP advisers as well.

If you have not done so successfully already, you will need to apply to VCU. To do so, you should contact International Admissions at international.admissions.vcu.edu. You should also contact ISSP for help in considering your program options and completing your application.

As you prepare in Level 3 to enter a degree program at VCU, you are required to:

• Meet at least twice with an ISSP academic adviser

• Submit a Change of Level I-20 form in ISSP

• Take the Math Placement Test (undergraduates)

• Register for International Student Orientation (all) and New Student Orientation (undergraduates) or Graduate School Orientation (graduates)

• Meet with your academic adviser in the University College (freshmen undergraduates) or your degree program (transfers and graduates)

• After completing all of the above, register for classes

• Undergraduates must be registered for at least 12 credits; graduate students must register for at least 9 credits

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ELP Tutoring Center The English Language Program Tutoring Center at VCU provides

free extra help in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

If you would like to target specific areas, improve you classroom

performance on a regular basis, review before an exam or

expand learning beyond the classroom, the tutoring center

is here to help. Contact us at elptc@vcu.edu to make an

appointment. All ELP students are welcome.

Other things you will need to keep in mind:

• You must be covered by medical insurance the entire time you are enrolled at VCU

• You must take care of any holds – financial, medical, etc. – before you are allowed to enroll

• You should make requests for I-20 extensions and change of levels at least 30 days prior to expiration, and you should request I-20 travel signatures at least 15 days prior to travel

• You should be on campus and settled in at least one week before classes begin each term. Plan your travel arrangements accordingly

• Be aware of add/drop and withdrawal deadlines for academic courses. The dates are absolutely firm.

• Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to enroll in UNIV 101: Introduction to the University in their first semester

• All are strongly encouraged to attend as many GEO Learning Labs as possible, during Level 3 as well as while taking academic courses. See the Learning Labs schedule on the GEO website

• We encourage all former ELP students to meet as often as necessary with ISSP academic advisers, especially in their first term, to make sure they are doing well and getting the help they need

• CHECK YOUR VCU EMAIL DAILY and CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR ALL OF YOUR CLASSES DAILY

• Attendance is generally required in all academic courses

• The ISSP team is here to help – come soon and come often

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VCU Undergraduate BridgeThe VCU Undergraduate Bridge provides language learning, academic support and cultural enrichment experiences woven into the first-year experience for English language learners. The program has four components specifically designed to meet the needs of students transitioning from English language study and for those new to U.S. academic.

Academics: be part of a select group of like-minded students who learn together throughout the program.

Advising: receive one-on-one support from a dedicated academic adviser.

Residential life and campus engagement: live in the West Grace North Residents Hall with other students in the program.

Cultural enrichment: practice English with the locals and meet American families in their own homes.

For details and to apply, visit global.vcu.edu/bridge or email ubridge@vcu.edu.

VCU Campus Police (emergencies) 804-828-1234

VCU Campus Police (non-emergencies) 804-828-1196VCU Alert alert.vcu.eduRamSafe 804-828-SAFE (7322)

English Language Program StaffDr. Robert Godwin-Jones, Interim Director rgjones@vcu.eduDr. Emily Ferlis, Associate Director ferlisec@vcu.eduMr. Mohammed Debbagh, Assistant Director mdebbagh@vcu.eduShakeela Noori, Office Manager snoori@vcu.eduMichelle Webb, Student Adviser webbml3@vcu.edu

Rachel Wiltshire, Admissions Coordinator rcwiltshire@vcu.edu

English Language Program TeachersAnderson, Jill jtanderson@vcu.eduArnold, Brian btarnold@vcu.eduBumpass, Diane dbumpass@vcu.eduChrzanowska, Aneta amchrzanowsk@vcu.eduCorio, Ron rcorio@vcu.eduDebbagh, Mohammed mdebbagh@vcu.eduDudley, Susan sddudley@vcu.eduFarneda, Carol carevalo@vcu.eduFerlis, Emily ferlisec@vcu.eduGovan, Cassandra govancr@vcu.eduHildebrandt, Lisse lphildeb@vcu.eduJafari, Niloufar jafarin3@vcu.eduLehman-Rios, Angela aglehmanrios@vcu.eduOswald, Kris kloswald@vcu.eduParsley, Lucia parsleyls@vcu.eduShipp, David dhshipp@vcu.edu

Short, Audrey aeshort@vcu.eduWarfield, Sarah swarfield@vcu.eduWilkinson, Laura wilkinsonls@vcu.eduWisdom, Tim tswisdom@vcu.edu

VCU ResourcesStudent Health (Immunization), 1300 W. Broad St. Suite #2200 804-828-8828Student Accounting (Payment Office), 1015 Floyd Ave. 804-828-2228University College (Academic Advising), 900 Park Avenue 804-827-8648University Counseling Service, Student Commons, Room 238 804-828-6200

English Language Program Contacts

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Connect with us Official Global Education Office Website: www.global.vcu.edu

facebook.com/vcuglobal @vcu_global