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
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.
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* includes:
- A minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), including a supervised internship
- Leadership development and community building
- Gender and Social Justice-Related Events
- Activist opportunities
- Career Preparation
Applications are accepted during the summer (August 1 deadline) and in the fall (October 1 deadline) of a student's first year at the University of Richmond. Subject to space availability, sophomores may also apply. For further information, visit WILL*'s website at will.richmond.edu. WILL* accepts applications from women, transgender, and gender expansive students.