Orientation season is upon us. New medical students started in July with most students on the MCV and Monroe Park campuses in orientations through mid-August.

In addition to the intense one- or two-day orientations that new and transfer students experience in the summer, VCU offers Weeks of Welcome during the opening of the new academic year. This prolonged introduction to campus and academic life is designed to give students new to VCU a deeper sense of place and possibilities. The theme for this year’s Weeks of Welcome is “Your Stage Awaits!” It brings a festival-style celebration inspired by VCU’s bold creativity, individuality and uncommon spirit.

Days are filled with tours, picnics, socials, a block party and much more.  

Alumni are encouraged to return to campus for the Ram Spirit Walk, Monday, August 17, from 4:45 - 5:30 p.m., starting just after the New Student Convocation at the Siegel Center and parading to Monroe Park. Since 2009, the incoming class joins a parade after New Student Convocation to be welcomed by students, student organizations, faculty and staff.  

VCU Libraries offers 23 orientation activities August 17-September 3. Librarians will staff tables and will engage in “ask me anything” conversations with new students. Tours of library spaces and open houses are scheduled. 

Some highlights for fall 2026

• Launch Party with The Workshop: Park Plaza Amphitheater, Aug. 18, noon- 2 p.m.  Kick off VCU Weeks of Welcome with some live music to inspire creation. The Workshop at VCU Libraries will be providing beginner-friendly electronic instruments set up at different stations. Stop by to enjoy a live DJ set and explore making your own music. No experience? No problem. Come make some noise with us and see what you can create.
• Health Sciences Library Open House, 501 N. 12th St., Aug. 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Health Sciences Library welcomes new and returning students and new faculty to explore its study spaces, collaborative areas and library resources. Meet the librarians and staff who support your school or program, take a self-guided tour or guided tour. Visit The Makerspace to see free creative tools, including 3D printers, a laser cutter, a Cricut and a sewing machine, and learn how beginners can get started with hands-on training.  Special Collections and Archives will display some rare medical books and artifacts from one of the South’s largest collections. 
• New this year: The VIP Backstage Pass Tour takes visitors behind-the-scenes in Cabell Library spaces; you’ll see a recreation of author James Branch Cabell’s personal library, the quarantine room, the conservation lab, the DVD room, and more!. Reservations are required.
• Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2 - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25, 3 - 4 p.m. 
• Monday, Aug. 31, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m
  
• Backstage Help from Technical Stars. Thursday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. - noon

Get guidance about free software, your Canvas account and other tech matters. 

The full schedule

• August 13: GradFest
• August 17: General Admissions Tour
• August 18: Meet Your Librarian 
• August 18: Launch Party with The Workshop
• August 18: Between Set Reads
• August 19: Backstage Help for the Big Stage with IT Support 
• August 19: The VIP Backstage Pass Tour 
• August 19: First Time Here? Quick and Easy Library How-To’s 
• August 20: Cabell Library Ask Me Anything Tent
• August 20: Music Fest Memories: Get Sprouted
• August 20: Richmond Public Library In the Spotlight
• August 24: General Admissions Tour
• August 25: Health Sciences Library Fall Open House
• August 25: First Time Here? Quick and Easy Library How-To’s 
• August 25: The VIP Backstage Pass Tour 
• August 26: Meet Your Librarian
• August 26: Between Set Reads: Music Fest Edition
• August 27: Backstage Help for the Big Stage with IT Support
• August 28: Richmond Public Library in the Spotlight
• August 31: Music Fest Memories: Kandi Bracelets
• August 31: The VIP Backstage Pass Tour
• September 1: Karaoke and Festival Photo Ops with The Workshop and VCU Adobe Club 
• September 2: First Time Here? Quick and Easy Library How-To’s
• September 3: The General Admission Tour