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A batch of new fast-track opportunities this fall will allow academically qualified VCU students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from numerous areas of study in as few as five years. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

VCU launching 20 new accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree opportunities

April 19, 2021

The accelerated programs across the university will save students time and money.

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking, according to a new study led by researchers at VCU and Penn State College of Medicine. (Getty Images)

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking and exposure to carcinogen, study finds

April 12, 2021

The study provides important information for smokers who may be trying to use e-cigarettes as a means to cut down on their smoking habit.

VCU student Kevin Armas Rodas, seen here visiting the Casa Alitas Welcome Center in Tucson, Arizona, was one of several students who completed virtual service learning hours with the refugee center this past year. (Courtesy photo)

Helping the Hispanic community in the midst of the pandemic

April 5, 2021

Students in the VCU service-learning course Hispanic Immigrants in the U.S. are continuing to make a difference.

A podcast by VCU students, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.” (Max Schlickenmeyer, University Marketing)

Podcast by VCU students on graffiti-covered Confederate monuments named a finalist in NPR national contest

April 2, 2021

The podcast, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.”

A new study by VCU researchers investigates a key question: Will the U.S. population support donating part of its COVID-19 vaccine stockpile to less prosperous countries? (Getty Images)

Will the U.S. public support donating COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries?

March 31, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers surveyed 788 people. Among its findings: Older people were less likely to support donating vaccines, as were Republicans.

Raven Witherspoon began thinking about a career in science during her sophomore year of high school when she read “A Brief History of Time,” by Stephen Hawking, and Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos." The books "felt over my head at the time," she said. "But I was interested in it." (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Raven Witherspoon is pursuing a career in physics to help improve the world

March 29, 2021

The VCU Honors College student hopes to help reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and “transfer those materials into peaceful uses like civil nuclear energy.”

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of American discourse. The present challenge is their pervasiveness. (Getty Images)

Conspiracy theories are dividing us. How do we talk about them?

March 26, 2021

Social media groups are allowing people to form strong communities around shared beliefs — even if they aren’t true. To discuss this with loved ones requires a careful approach.

Cast photo from "The Donna Reed Show." Standing: Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen. Seated: Carl Betz and Donna Reed.

What would Donna Reed do?

March 26, 2021

VCU graduate Annie Newton discusses “The Donna Reed Show” and how Reed, a celebrated actress, shaped feminism in the 1950s and 60s.

VCU's virtual commencement will take place on May 15. (Getty Images)

VCU will hold universitywide virtual commencement and in-person academic unit graduation ceremonies

March 25, 2021

The in-person ceremonies will follow updated guidance issued by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in Executive Order 72.

VCU students walk through the Monroe Park Campus on the first day of classes in August 2018. A new study by researchers identifies factors that drive student drop-out rates. Among them: Involvement in student organizations, living on campus and greater social support are associated with a lower likelihood of dropping out of college. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Involvement in student organizations, living on campus early in college reduce odds of dropping out

March 24, 2021

A new study by VCU researchers also finds that depressive symptoms, antisocial behaviors, exposure to stressful events and substance use increase the risk.