Enrichment and Support Beyond the Classroom
Does Richmond have a Career Development Center?
Yes. In addition to the academic advisor, the Career Development Center (CDC) can help students make informed decisions about majors and careers. The Center provides one-on-one career counseling and resources to connect students with internships and full-time employment or help with graduate school applications. The CDC’s Web site makes career information available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 2-4 p.m. The CDC also has a Web site devoted entirely to questions that parents might have.
Will my daughter or son be able to volunteer in the community once he or she comes to college?
At the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), students join faculty, staff, and community members to address civic and social issues through action, reflection, and research. New students can get involved in the CCE as paid student coordinators or through programs such as the Build It community engagement initiative, the CCE’s Friday brown bag discussions, academically grounded summer internships, and summer research fellowships. Though established just two years ago, the CCE serves as an important link between the campus and the greater Richmond community.
Where can my student find out what’s happening on campus?
Students can visit the Student Activities Office on the second floor of the Tyler Haynes Commons, which serves as a complete resource center for all student activities. Students may also visit the events calendar for information on events that are happening each day.
What types of student organizations are represented on the campus of the University of Richmond?
Service organizations, honor and judicial councils, political student groups—the number and variety of student-run organizations at Richmond are plentiful! Whatever the interest, Richmond is likely to have a group that will prove appealing to your student. Both the Student Organization Web site and the Student Organization office in Tyler Haynes Commons can help students get together with people who have similar interests and passions.
How prominent is Greek life on the Richmond campus?
For the last several years, less than half of all students chose to be members of a Greek organization. The decision to join a fraternity or sorority is an important one, and the topic should be discussed between you and your Richmond student. Though Greek life may not be for everyone, fraternities and sororities can be effective ways to meet people and get involved in a variety of events.
Will my son or daughter be able to find an appropriate place of worship?
Yes. The University Chaplaincy is central to the life and purpose of the University of Richmond through celebrating the intersections of faith and mind, practicing inclusive diversity, and honoring the rich traditions of our students, faculty, and staff. Founded with the Christian vision that includes and supports students of any faith or no faith, the Office of the Chaplaincy oversees a broad variety of religious organizations and schedules regular worship and prayer gatherings for Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, and those who practice an Earth-Centered Spirituality. In addition, through personal counseling, pastoral care, inter-religious programs and dialogues, spiritual retreats, community service initiatives, and the Bonner Scholars program, the Chaplaincy offers students encouragement, challenge, accompaniment, and opportunities for reflection and practice in their spiritual journey, whether they are from a faith tradition or not.
What resources exist on campus to ensure my son/daughter’s safety?
The University of Richmond Police Department (URPD) does a very effective job in educating students and building security to prevent many types of crime. URPD has uniformed police who patrol the University 24 hours a day by vehicle, on foot, and by bicycle. Emergency phones are located throughout the University and have a direct line to URPD.
How are the residence halls kept secure?
Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students have to use their SpiderCard to enter. The residence halls have an audible voice alarm at each door in case a door is propped open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. After 10 p.m. the voice alarm reports directly to the security computer located in the Communications Section. A security officer is then dispatched to close the door. The doors are also checked each night to make sure they are locked and working properly. Students attend orientation at the beginning of the year and learn about the security measures in place for them. During orientation training, students are also encouraged to report suspicious people or suspicious activities.
Can my daughter or son bring a car to campus?
Yes, students are permitted to bring cars to campus. Their parking lot will be determined by their residence hall.
Can a student park anywhere on campus or is parking limited to certain areas?
Students must park their vehicle in its assigned parking lot between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The commuting parking lot is available to any registered car between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Faculty/Staff parking lots are available to student vehicles between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. To learn more about parking on-campus, please access the Parking Services Web site.
Can my Richmond student find a job on campus?
There are numerous opportunities to work on campus, during the regular school year or over the summer. Since campus offices understand the demands of student life, these jobs can provide a flexible schedule and support from co-workers. Students can learn more about specific job openings by visiting the Student Employment Web site, or the Student Employment Office in Sarah Brunet Hall.