VCU news

Family Weekend returns with a host of events and activities that will allow students and their families to enjoy and explore Virginia Commonwealth University in new ways, further strengthening their relationship with the university and expanding their knowledge of its many resources.

Each year, Family Weekend attracts parents and other family members to campus to visit students and spend time learning about the VCU experience. Family Weekend events this year include:

Friday

• Cabell Library Family Weekend Tour, 2 and 2:30 p.m., meet inside Cabell Library’s main doors. An exclusive preview of the new library and its services.
  
  
• VCU School of the Arts Coffee Social, 2-4 p.m., The Depot, second floor. Arts students and families are invited to meet faculty, chairs and students over coffee.
  
  
• College of Humanities and Sciences Department Fair, 2-4 p.m., various department, school and program locations. Faculty and staff representatives from humanities and sciences programs showcase the various majors.
  
  
• School of Social Work Community Partner Service Project, 2-4 p.m., Academic Learning Commons, room 3100. Social work students and their families are invited to engage in a group community service project alongside faculty, staff and the B.S.W. Student Association, benefitting YWCA of Richmond clients.
  
  
• School of Business: An EPIC Journey, 3-4 p.m., Snead Hall, room B1127. Learn about the School of Business experience from alumni and current students.
  
  
• Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Open House, featuring the Black Awakening Choir, 3-5 p.m., Student Commons, room 215. A reception with food and live entertainment.
  
  
• MCV Campus Family Picnic, 4-6 p.m., Bear Hall Lawn. (Rain location: Larrick Student Center)

Saturday

• First-Year Parent and Family Brunch, 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m., Shafer Court Dining Center. (Registration required, ticketed event; free for first three participants, including student, and $10 per person for more than three.)
  
  
• Coffee, Tea and a Chat about Health Issues, 9-10 a.m., Wellness Resource Center. With the staff of The Well.
  
  
• Co-op? Say What? A Panel Discussion, 11 a.m.-noon, Engineering West Hall, room 103. Learn more about co-op opportunities in which students work full-time in a paid position while taking a semester away from coursework. Session is geared for engineering students and families.
  
  
• Wilder School Spotlight: Who We Are and What We Do, 11 a.m.-noon, Common Ground. Light refreshments and discussion with Wilder School faculty and student leaders.
  
  
• Richmond City Bus Tour, 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., pickup in front of the Commons. An hour-long tour of the city. (Registration required, ticketed event; $5 per person (students and guests.)
  
  
• Career Services Open House, 11 a.m.-noon, University Student Commons, room 143.
  
  
• The Honors College Community, noon-2 p.m., the Honors College. Speak with representatives from the Honors College, explore the facilities and learn about the opportunities offered. Open to honors students and families.
  
  
• Kids Zone, 1-4 p.m., Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons. Games, music, inflatables, face painting.
  
  
• Family Matters: A Panel for First-Year Students and Parents, 2:30 p.m., Theater, University Student Commons. Discussing the first-year experience.
  
  
• Scholars BBQ, 4-6 p.m., Richmond Salons, University Student Commons. Welcome event for Presidential, Provost and Deans’ Scholars, from VCU Alumni and STAT.
  
  

In addition, the Cary Street Gym is open all weekend to Family Weekend guests.

Other campuswide activities over the weekend include Campus Sustainability Day, several athletics contests, the annual Rams Got Talent competition, the VCU Alumni Dance Concert, art showings, the Green Unity Fall Bazaar, a performance by a “world-famous mentalist duo” and the Cinema Program’s “First Cut” screening of student-made films.

For more details, visit nsfp.vcu.edu/families/familyweekend/activities. If you have questions, contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at famweekend@vcu.edu or call 804-828-3700.