Information for SOM Graduate Students
Your Go-To Resources
Whether you are enrolled in a clinical or research training program, VCU and the School of Medicine supports graduate students with a broad range of resources to facilitate and enhance their training experience.
Resources for Graduate Students
Below are key resources available to all Doctoral, Master's, and Certificate trainees in the School of Medicine. Can't find what you are looking for? Please contact the School of Medicine Graduate Education Office for more information.
At VCU School of Medicine, we strive to foster an equitable, inclusive environment that is free from bias, discrimination and harassment, an environment in which our students can safely learn and thrive. We hold our students, other trainees and faculty to high standards, and expect professionalism and mutual respect among all learners and educators.
When issues arise that deviate from our values, we ask students to report them through any of the options below. Please note that each office handles the reports they receive with privacy and discretion, and several offices offer the option for anonymous reporting.
Don't know who to contact? Students should connect with their Graduate Program Director or the Associate Dean for Graduate Education for guidance.
IN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- connect with your advisor (self-arranged)
- email your SOM Graduate Program Director
- connect with the SOM Office of Graduate Education
- anonymously report a concern
- email Dr. Lichtman (follows this process)
- email your advisor's SOM Department Chair
- email Dr. Donnenberg, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Research Training
- email Dr. Harris, Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- email Dr. Saavedra, Dean
ON THE MCV CAMPUS
- email Mr. Roy Roach in the Division for Student Engagement and Impact
AT VCU
VCU prohibits retaliation against any individual who brings forth a good faith concern or asks a clarifying question, regardless of the channel or mechanism used. Additionally, VCU expects ethical conduct of all members of the university community. If you believe you have experienced retaliation for raising concerns, please notify the Integrity and Compliance Office through the VCU Helpline.
- Expectations for All School of Medicine Graduate Students
- Expectations for Ph.D. students receiving stipends
- Expectations for Directed Research
- Laptop Requirement
- Graduate Advisory Committees
- Meetings for advisory committees
- Satisfactory academic progress and review
- Satisfactory academic progress violations guidance
- Leaves of absence
- Drop and withdrawal from courses
- Historical course repeat process
- Appeal of a course grade
- Change in academic program
- Withdrawal from academic program
- Dismissal from academic program and appeal
- Vacation, parental and emergency leave
- Graduate student-advisor conflict resolution framework
- Health insurance requirement
- Technical Standards
- Individual development plans
- Opt out of promotional photographs
- Degree candidacy form and instructions, SOM Instructions
- Read SOM and Graduate School instructions FIRST
- Use the DocuSign version only
- Other versions will not be accepted
- Exceptions to student policies
- VCU Career Services
- VCU Counseling Services
- VCU timelycare
- VCU Advocacy Services
- MCV Division for Academic Success
- VCU Equity and Access Services
- SOM Financial Aid
- VCU Global Education Office
- VCU Global Education Office tax guidance for nonresidents
- VCU Libraries
- VCU Ombudsperson
- VCU Rec Sports and Well-Being
- VCU Office of the University Registrar
- VCU Office of the University Registrar - Reclassify as an in-state student
* Use above link for all inquiries regarding in-state reclassification. - VCU Office of Student Affairs
- VCU Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
- MCV Office of Student Engagement
- VCU Parking and Transportation
- VCU Police
- VCU Title IX
- VCU University Health Services
- VCU Dental Services (see flyer)
eIDs, ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL INFORMATION
ACADEMIC SYSTEMS
- SOM GradTrak
New GradTrak System: Error Reporting Form - DegreeWorks
- Canvas
- Bulletin
- eServices
- Schedule of classes
- A-Z course list
VCU ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS
- F31 Doctoral Fellowships and F31 NOW: contact Dr. Grotewiel
- Pivot database for funding opportunities
- VCU Office of Research and Innovation funding database
- SOM graduate student travel award request
- VCU Graduate School Travel Grants
- Phi Kappa Phi honor society membership (2019)
- Bardhan Award Description and Process (2024)
- Phi Kappa Phi Susan E. Kennedy Scholarship (2024)
- Phi Kappa Phi SOM Scholarship (2025)
- Charles C. Clayton Scholarship Description and Process (2025)
- Watts Scholarships Descriptions (2024)
- MCV Alumni Association Award Description and Process (2019)
- Note that not all awards are available in any given year
FOR PH.D. STUDENTS
- Ph.D. Candidacy Exam Guidelines
- Ph.D. Degree Completion Instructions
- Ph.D. Final Exam/Final Defense Guidelines
- Scholars Compass and Survey of Earned Doctorates
FOR M.S. STUDENTS
FOR CERTIFICATE STUDENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
- SOM thesis and dissertation guidelines
- Zoom meeting basics
- ETD approval form and SOM Instructions
- Read instructions FIRST
- Use the DocuSign version only
- Other versions will not be accepted
- Graduation and post-graduation information
- Who do I contact if I have a question about my training?
Answer: contact your advisor and program director.
- What do I do if I have a hold on my account?
Answer: Access your student account, determine the type of hold, discuss your course of action with your program director and advisor.
- How do I form my graduate advisory committee?
Answer: Discuss with your advisor, ask individuals if they are available, and then propose your committee via GradTrak.
- What do I do if I will not complete my degree in the semester for which I applied to graduate?
Answer: Email Mr. Greenwald to cancel your graduation.
- When does my committee need the draft of my thesis/dissertation proposal/final document?
Answer: At least 10 full working days before your defense or as directed by your committee/advisor.
- How do I submit my official transcripts to VCU?
Answer: You will be provided instructions by the Graduate Admissions Office.
- After successfully defending my thesis or dissertation, when does my advisory committee need my revised document?
Answer: Discuss with your advisor and committee to identify an explicit date. Students are advised to provide the final documents to their committees several days before the ETD approval deadline.
- How do I find my W-2 form?
Answer: Access in eServices under "Electronic Resources and Information" above.
- Who do I notify if I believe there is a problem with my stipend or my student account?
Answer: Contact your advisor who will guide you to the appropriate fiscal administrator or other administrative level.
- How do I access my official VCU transcripts?
Answer: See VCU Records and Registration under "Equity, Safety and Other VCU Resources" above.
- How do I access unofficial transcripts?
Answer: See GradTrak or eServices under "Electronic Resources and Information" above.
- What office do I contact about immunizations?
Answer: See VCU University Health Services under "Equity, Safety and Other VCU Resources" above.
- How do I obtain a GRTC pass?
Answer: See VCU Parking and Transportation under "Equity, Safety and Other VCU Resources" above.
- How do I apply for VA resident (i.e. in-state) tuition?
Answer: See VCU Records and Registration under "Equity, Safety and Other VCU Resources" above.
University and Medical School
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