Support for Students

Pursuing research under the guidance of a faculty member is one of the great opportunities that students find at Richmond. As part of that experience, some students produce research for presentation at an academic conference. The School of Arts & Sciences and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies offer programs to assist students with travel to conferences to present their work. For more information on academic conference funding and how to apply, students should contact the school of the faculty member with whom the research is being conducted.

The Academic Skills Center provides students with support that will enhance their academic experience and personal development, including free tutoring across academic subjects in The School of Arts & Sciences, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, and the Robins School of Business.

The Writing Center offers writing assistance and support, including individual writing consultations in any subject; assistance with planning, revising, documenting papers; and special assistance for students for whom English is a second language.

The Weinstein-Jecklin Speech Center offers assistance to those who wish to enhance their public speaking and oral presentation skills. Speech Center assistance includes support for preparation of class assignments involving oral presentation, job interviews, conference presentations, broadcast appearances, senior thesis or capstone course defenses, group presentations, and reports of findings by faculty and student researchers.

The Boatwright Memorial Library offers assistance with research, including individual research consultations with University librarians to help students identify resources for specific projects and papers.

In addition, students in need of academic support are encouraged to contact their academic advisor, attend faculty office hours, or reach out to their College Dean.

Many faculty members place required books on course reserve at Boatwright Library, and students are encouraged to consider when borrowing required books may be an effective option. Project Gutenberg also provides free online access to many works of literature in the public domain. The Open Textbook Library provides free access to over 600 commonly used textbooks. Used or rented books can also be a more economical option than buying new.

Calculations for student financial aid include an allowance for books and required course materials. If the financial aid awarded is greater than tuition, housing, and food, the excess aid is disbursed to the student to support their book purchases and other expenses. If the student’s financial aid award has been approved but has not been posted to their account by the first day of class, the student may contact student accounts for assistance purchasing books.

Students have a number of options for on-campus computer access. Several computer labs are available throughout campus and printing is available in all computer labs. The Help Desk is available daily, including on the weekends, to assist students with computing issues, including problems with their equipment (laptops, tablets, etc.).

Students who have short-term computing needs may borrow a laptop computer (for up to six hours) from Boatwright Memorial Library.

Students who have challenges acquiring or repairing a personal computer or laptop are encouraged to reach out to their College Dean or visit the SpiderTechNet page for assistance.

The University supports a holistic approach to the health and wellness of its community. Our prevention and educational approach to health and wellness focuses on encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, and educating the campus community about the lifelong benefits of maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday and provides primary health care for full-time, degree-seeking students, including evaluation and treatment for illnesses and injuries, assistance in managing chronic disease, and health education. The Center is staffed by board-certified physicians and registered nurses who are experienced in the care of young adults. The Center is open weekdays during the academic year and office visits are free.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term mental health-related services to full-time, degree-seeking students. CAPS is open weekdays throughout the academic year and office visits are free.

Full-time, degree-seeking students also have access to the Weinstein Center for Recreation as part of their enrollment. The Center provides an extensive range of fitness and wellness programs, exercise facilities, and other opportunities that promote healthy living.

Free and confidential nutrition counseling is available to all students.

Sometimes students are unable to leave campus during periods when campus is closed. Resources are available to help ensure students have what they need while they remain on campus, when University dining may be unavailable. To seek assistance, visit the Student Support form.

The University boasts a wide range of clubs and activities through which students can pursue their extracurricular passions.

Many students enjoy competitive Sport clubs, and each sport club can provide assistance for travel to competitions. On-campus fitness, wellness, and intramural sports opportunities are also plentiful and open to all students.

The Center for Student Involvement provides information about activities for students — many of which are planned and organized by students for students.

Students may also choose to attend University of Richmond music, theatre, and dance performances at the Modlin Center for the Arts or Spider Athletics. Tickets for students to attend Spider athletic events or student artistic performances are free.

If students want to attend off-campus cultural events, the Dupont Fund may be able to assist with the cost of tickets if the fund criteria is met.

Students who wish to attend a conference associated with their club or extracurricular activity may be able to access funds through the Center for Student Involvement.

To provide access to events and activities off campus, the University provides free bus passes ("Tap Cards") for the local GRTC (Greater Richmond Transit Company) service, which maintains a stop on campus. The University also runs various shuttle routes during the academic year, and provides a Double Map app to easily track shuttle service.

To help every Richmond student take advantage of International Education opportunities, financial aid is available to students provided they meet application deadlines and eligibility criteria.

The University also offers courses that have travel associated with them and other short-term programs abroad, including SSIR (Sophomore Scholars in Residence); the Pilgrimage Program through the Chaplaincy; and EnCompass. There is no additional cost for travel for students enrolled in these programs.

Thanks to The Richmond Guarantee, every traditional undergraduate student can access up to $5,000 in support for a summer when they are participating in a research experience or unpaid or under-paid internship. Students are encouraged to find the opportunity that meets their needs, make their case for how it fits their academic and post-graduate plans, and the University may help fund their experience.

The Office of Alumni and Career Services supports students in planning for their futures.

The Office of Scholars and Fellowships supports students planning for post-graduate fellowships (and can provide funding for travel for University-nominated national fellowship interviews).

The University also offers free MCAT test prep on campus, and partners with the Khan Academy for free LSAT prep.

The Career Opportunity Fund can support students who need assistance purchasing interview clothing, paying for graduate school applications, or traveling to a required interview. To seek assistance, visit the Career Opportunity Fund page.

Sometimes students encounter a life-changing moment but don’t have the resources to meet these unexpected needs. This may be a personal or family emergency or another financial challenge that interferes with a student’s ability to succeed. The Student Emergency Fund was established to help assist Spiders with some types of unanticipated expenses and financial emergencies that are not part of the normal cost of attendance. To learn more about the ways we can help or to seek assistance, visit the Student Support Form. If you have challenges in repairing a personal computer or need to borrow a laptop computer for academic purposes, complete a Technology Assistance Request within UR’s SpiderTechNet Portal.