Academic Opportunities and Support

Academic Advising

An important part of a liberal arts education at the University of Richmond is the relationship between a student and his or her academic advisor. All full-time faculty members in the undergraduate schools and some experienced staff members serve as advisors. While some professors advise only majors in their programs, most advise both majors and students who have not yet declared a major. The ratio of students per advisor is intentionally kept low so students can benefit from personal attention as they plan their academic program.

While the University believes that the responsibility for decisions and actions resides with each individual, advisors are available to answer questions about the curriculum and choosing courses and to help students navigate their years at Richmond. They can assist students along the path to choosing a major, examining career choices, and deciding on research studies or internships. Many graduates report that their advisor was a highly valuable resource to them, and many advisees and advisors remain in touch after the student has left the University.

In addition, the Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC) is available to assist both advisors and advisees with any questions or concerns. For more information about academic advising, contact the AARC at advising.richmond.edu.

Academic Support Centers

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  • Academic Skills Center
    The Academic Skills Center, located in the administrative wing of Boatwright Library, provides academic skills support to University of Richmond students. Operating from an holistic vantage point, the Center incorporates counseling and academic skills techniques (e.g., exam preparation, critical reading, critical thinking, note-taking, information processing, concentration, time management, etc.), that address the academic performance of students and their social adjustment to the University environment. The Center offers free tutoring in a variety of subjects (e.g., calculus, chemistry, accounting, etc.) to students through its Peer Academic Skills Tutoring program. Both individual and group tutoring options are available. Call (804) 289-8626, visit asc.richmond.edu or come by the Center for more information.
  • Weinstein-Jecklin Speech Center

    Practice and preparation can make the difference between a satisfactory speech and a memorable one. Video recording, review, and peer consultation are available at the speech center to assist students in the development of their oral presentations. Administrators, faculty, and staff rely on the speech center as well to prepare for workshops and to record small group discussions for classroom purposes. The student consultant staff assists client peers with mock interviews, symposia presentations, brainstorming, or conference panel practice sessions.

    Faculty and trained undergraduate students conduct consultations daily at the speech center; practice sessions are available evenings and weekends by appointment. Reservations are made through the speech center’s Web site at speech.richmond.edu. The speech center is located on the fourth floor of Weinstein Hall between the departments of rhetoric and communication studies and journalism.

  • Writing Center
    The Writing Center offers assistance to students writing papers and reports as well as to those making applications to graduate and professional schools and preparing résumés. Beginning about the third week of each semester, the Writing Center is open on a regular basis and staffed with student tutors. Students may make an appointment using the center’s online calendar. The Writing Center also offers typing instruction and special tutoring for international students. The center is located in the Boatwright Library’s Administrative Wing, under the bell tower to the right of the library’s main entrance. Many of the center’s materials and other information can be found at writing.richmond.edu.
  • Honor Societies

    Many honor and professional societies have chapters at the University of Richmond.

    Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest undergraduate honor society in the United States. The Richmond chapter, Epsilon of Virginia, was founded in 1929. Phi Beta Kappa members are selected from the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Leadership based upon academic achievement.

    Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society for business students. The University of Richmond chapter was founded in 1965. Faculty members select students for membership based on distinguished academic record.

    Omicron Delta Kappa is the national leadership honor society. Chartered in 1921, Richmond’s ODK chapter recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and membership positions

    Golden Key National Honour Society recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement. Richmond’s chapter was chartered in 1990 and provides academic recognition, leadership and community service opportunities, and educational programs for its members.

    Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished scholarship, leadership, and service. Membership is open to rising seniors by invitation.

    In addition to these campus-wide honor societies, many departments sponsor campus chapters of national honor societies in their disciplines. Information regarding departmental honor societies can be obtained from individual departments.

  • will Program

    will is a nationally recognized program for students interested in exploring gender and social justice issues both in and out of the classroom. The program combines a minor in WGSS with leadership opportunities, activism, community engagement, and career preparation.
    will is about:

    • CHANGEMAKING – Cultivating leaders who make a positive difference, in ways large and small.
    • THEORY TO PRAXIS – Using a WGSS lens to analyze and challenge inequities.
    • INTERSECTIONALITY – Foregrounding an intersectional approach in all aspects of the program, both in and out of the classroom.
    • GENDER EQUITY – Centering a space to foster community, critical conversation, and action for women, transgender, and non-binary students.
    • COMMUNITY – Building inclusive community through effort and intentionality.

    The will program is open to women, transgender, and non-binary students. Applications are accepted during the summer (August 1 deadline) and in the fall (October 1 deadline) from first- and second-year students. To learn more, please visit the website.

  • Sophomore Scholars-in-Residence
    Beginning August 2009, the University will offer several unique living and learning communities designed to enhance student learning beyond traditional methods. Sophomore students will be invited to live in special learning communities in Lakeview Residence Hall that revolve around a central theme. Residents take a credit-bearing class together that meets in a classroom/kitchen area located on the first floor of Lakeview Hall. Students are actively involved in experiential and social activities outside of class time with the professor. Themes may include politics, second language, outdoor adventures, civic engagement, and literature. Questions can be directed to the vice president for student development.