Virginia Commonwealth University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Board of Visitors: 

The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors is composed of 16 voting members appointed by the governor of Virginia, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Each member serves a term of four years. In addition, each year the board selects a student, a faculty member and a staff member to serve as nonvoting advisory representatives.

As public trustees, the board has the responsibility and authority, subject to constitutional and statutory limitations, for the continuing operation, development of evolving policies, and financial oversight of VCU. The board appoints a president to serve as chief executive officer of the university.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the following expectations are attendant to service on the Board of Visitors: 

• Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to the University and are expected to act in the best overall interest of the University; 

• Board members are expected to become familiar with key aspects of the University including, but not limited to, its mission, governance, financing, strategic plans and performance measures;

 • Board members are expected to devote the necessary time, attention and preparation to Board activities to function effectively and to enable the Board as a whole to function effectively, including new Board of Visitor orientation, committee meetings, board retreats and public meetings; 

• Board members are expected to understand the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and act accordingly; 

• Board members are expected to defer to the Rector and Vice rector of the Board for public comment on matters before the Board, or to make clear that any opinions expressed are expressed as an individual rather than on behalf of the Board as a whole; and 

• Board members are expected to maintain a tradition of exemplifying the highest standards of ethical behavior, and to comply with the University’s Code of Ethics, and to comply with Federal, State and local laws, regulations and policies applicable to Board of Visitors of public colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

URL: https://bov.vcu.edu/members/

Statement on Governance: https://bov.vcu.edu/media/bov/assets/pdfs/bylaws-and-policies/VCUBOVStatementonGovernanceAdopted-12-13-2019.pdf

Student Government Association:

The VCU SGA is a self-governing body within the VCU community and serves as voice for the VCU student body. Its members are elected from the members of the student body and given the authority to act on their behalf. As a self-governing body, we believe that we are self-determinate in our authority and autonomy while being active participants in the shared-governance of the University.

URL: https://sga.vcu.edu/constitution-/

Faculty Senate:

Purpose: Connecting faculty to VCU administration and to each other

The purpose of the Faculty Senate shall be the furtherance and dissemination of knowledge and professional skills through teaching, study, research, creativity, exhibition, performance, and provision of community service. An additional objective will be to help insure through investigation, examination, comment and recommendation that the educational goal of the University is being realized by the policies and procedures employed in the University.

URL: https://facultysenate.vcu.edu/

Staff Senate:

VCU Staff Senate is an organization of engaged and enthusiastic staff and team members from across the university’s diverse community. We are committed to taking our place alongside faculty, administrators and students to enhance our university culture.

Main goals:

- To be a representative body for staff; encourages staff to serve on university committees

- To provide a forum for the exchange of university information

- To provide referrals for staff questions or concerns; and

- To advocate for staff issues across the university including, but not limited to, professional development, shared university governance, and workplaces that foster a spirit of respect, dignity, unity and collaboration.

- Our interests and goals are as diverse as our membership. Senators serve on committees across both campuses with representatives from the student body, faculty and administration. Senators work towards achieving the goals and initiatives outlined in the university’s strategic plan, Together We Transform.

URL: https://staffsenate.vcu.edu/about-us/

United Campus Workers of Virginia: VCU Chapter

United Campus Workers at VCU is committed to a shared fight for economic and education justice on VCU’s campus. We believe all workers have a right to fair wages and dignified working conditions. We believe all of our students have a right to accessible, enriching education that prioritizes just outcomes for our learning community.

VCU was formed through a merger of institutions (the Medical College of Virginia and the Richmond Professional Institute) in the hopes that a centrally-located public university would benefit all residents of our state’s capital. Our institution’s founding goals were to create a pathway to a better life for everyday Richmonders, and to expand the reach of high-quality public education beyond the prestige institutions built by the state's founding political leadership. Our members work to advance this vision of our university as a home for academic excellence and a place to uplift our community through sustainable, just employment.

https://www.ucwva.org/virginia-commonwealth-university

The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences Community Advisory Council works together with the CHS Community Action Council to advance partnerships between faculty, staff and students within CHS and local community organizations, businesses and governmental entities.

The Community Action Council works closely with CHS faculty, staff and students to:

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  set an agenda and prioritize initiatives around community engagement in the community and the College

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  identify disparities and social justice inequities within the community and ways to reduce these

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  provide feedback to administrators, faculty and staff on activities and initiatives related to community engagement

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  identify opportunities for students to work with organizations, and other entities within the metro Richmond community

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  help to identify resources for CHS and community organization

https://community.vcu.edu/