Welcome to the M.S.W. Student Support Center

Your VCU eID is your personal login for VCU systems. If you don’t know your eID, you can look it up using the Retrieve eID tool. You’ll also need your V-number, which you can find through the Banner self-service link on the myVCU portal. Once you locate your eID, you’ll be able to activate it and begin using it to access VCU services.

Go to portal.office.com and sign in with your VCU eID email (eID@vcu.edu). If prompted, select Work or school account. Once signed in, look on the right side of the page, click the Install Office button and run the installer. After installation, open any Office app and sign in again with your VCU eID email. For VCU-owned computers, follow these instructions.

To request your VCU ID card, start by submitting a photo online that meets the student ID photo guidelines. Once your photo is approved, you’ll receive an email with a form to complete.

You’ll then have the option to either have your card mailed to you or schedule an appointment at the VCU Card Office to pick it up in person. Please note that while online learning students don’t need a physical VCU Card, it can still be useful for getting student discounts.

To access Canvas, log in through the myVCU portal and select Canvas from your General Resources, or go directly to canvas.vcu.edu and sign in with your VCU eID and password.

You can also download the VCU Mobile app to access your courses from your phone.

You’ll register for classes directly in eServices through your Student tab. For a full walkthrough, watch the VCU Registration Tutorial video.

You can view your degree plan in DegreeWorks through myVCU. After logging in, go to the General Resources tab, select eServices/VCU Self Service, then click on the Students tab and choose DegreeWorks. From there, click on Plans at the top of the page to see your curriculum plan.

You’ll order your textbooks through the Barnes & Noble VCU site. Once there, search by term, course, and section to view your required materials. You can purchase books directly from Barnes & Noble or use the ISBN to order them from another retailer, such as Amazon.

A program book list is also available and updated periodically with all required texts for your courses.

If you’re considering deferring your start or declining your admission, please connect with your advisor or coach first. They’ll walk you through the process, explain how it may affect your plans and make sure you have the right next steps.

If you have a hold on your account that prevents you from adding or dropping classes, contact the Office of Records and Registration at rar@vcu.edu. They can review your account and help resolve the issue so you can move forward with registration.

You may add or drop classes through eServices, but always consult with your SSA first to discuss how changes could affect your schedule and progress. The specific add/drop deadlines are published in the academic calendar, so be sure to review it carefully or confirm with your SSA.

You may withdraw from a course during the withdrawal period listed in the VCU academic calendar. Before making any changes, connect with your SSA to understand how withdrawing may affect your schedule and overall progress in the program.

If you drop a course during the add/drop period, it won’t appear on your record. After that, a withdrawal shows as a “W” (no impact on GPA). If you miss both withdrawal deadlines, the course stays on your record, and you’ll receive the final grade earned. Check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Meet with your SSA to start the LOA process and complete the paperwork. LOAs last up to one year, and you may take two in total. If you need to extend, contact your advisor before your planned return semester. Students who don’t return after an LOA may be withdrawn and need to reapply to the program.

Electronic transcripts should be sent directly to gradmail@vcu.edu. Hard copy transcripts can be mailed to:

Virginia Commonwealth University
Office of Graduate Admissions
912 West Grace Street
Box 842526
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2526

Students can access unofficial transcripts anytime through eServices. Official transcripts can also be ordered at any time.

VCU offers the Call Me By My Name initiative, which allows you to update your name and pronouns for use with faculty, staff and peers. Review the process and submit your updates.

If you’ve already completed an equivalent course, you may request a course waiver. Waivers exempt you from a class but do not award credit, so you’ll need electives to replace them. Credit is not awarded for life experience.

If you’re scheduled to graduate at the end of a term, you’ll receive an email from the VCU Office of Records and Registration with instructions to complete your graduation application by the deadlines listed in the academic calendar.

VCU hosts a chapter of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence in social work. Membership is by invitation only and is extended to students in the top 25 percent of their class. If you qualify, you’ll be contacted directly with more information.

VCU M.S.W. students in the clinical concentration will graduate having met the educational requirements to pursue professional licensure, the specifics of which vary from state to state.

After graduation, you’ll need to complete supervised practice hours under a licensed social worker. Because licensure requirements vary by state, students should review the Licensure Handbook, Licensure FAQ and licensure resources. You can also contact socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov with specific questions.

For classroom issues, start by reaching out directly to your instructor. If the concern needs to be escalated, contact your advisor, then the assistant program director, and finally the program director.

You may also contact Dr. Qasarah Bey Spencer at beyqd@vcu.edu for additional support. Please also keep in mind that instructors have up to 14 days to provide feedback and submit final grades.

For field education concerns, start by contacting your field instructor or task supervisor, followed by your field liaison, field placement advisor, and finally the director of field education. If you need additional support, reach out to the Field Education Office at swfld@vcu.edu.

Yes. The School of Social Work offers several opportunities each week:

• Field 101 office hours: Wednesdays at noon ET via Zoom
• Field AMA (Ask Me Anything): Mondays at 3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. ET
• M.S.W. Program office hours: Wednesdays at noon ET via Zoom for program or policy-related questions
• Advising drop-in hours: Times are listed on the student calendar
• Field help desk: Every other Friday at 11 a.m. ET
• Student field challenges support: Wednesdays at noon ET via Zoom

All M.S.W. students are expected to have a personal computer that meets VCU’s minimum standards. You can review the full requirements here:

• Apple computers
• Windows computers
• Additional recommendations

Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. If you experience or witness a concern, you can report it through this form managed by VCU’s Title IX Office. For emergencies, contact VCU Police at (804) 828-1234.

The VCU Writing Center offers online and in-person consultations, workshops and resources to help you strengthen your writing. Schedule an appointment.

Yes. Military Student Services supports veterans, active service members, spouses and dependents with advocacy, counseling and connections to campus and community resources. Learn more about Military Student Services or contact William “Tres” Morley, assistant director, at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8674.

VCU Career Services offers virtual advising appointments for current students and alumni within one year of graduation. You can schedule through Handshake for Zoom, phone or email sessions. You can also explore VCU Career Services resources anytime and email careers@vcu.edu for general questions.