Financial Support

The Dean of Students office administers the VCU Student Emergency Fund and the Regalia Assistance Fund. Please contact the Dean of Students office at vcudean@vcu.edu for additional assistance or specific questions. 

Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund

The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has made funding available to colleges and universities to assist eligible students who have been impacted by COVID-19. Students who are not eligible to receive federal funds may be considered for institutional funds. 

VCU Student Emergency Fund

The Dean of Students office manages the VCU Student Emergency Fund, designed to provide one-time financial assistance with unexpected emergency expenses that potentially derail a student’s progress toward a degree. Priority will be given to students whose tenure at the university may be at risk due to an emergency situation. 

Purpose

A Division of Student Affairs fund provides relief for students needing financial assistance purchasing regalia. Regalia is sold through the Barnes & Noble@VCU campus bookstores. Regalia prices, including cap, gown, hood and tassel are determined each year.

Eligibility

Undergraduate, graduate and professional students who will participate in Commencement activities may apply for assistance. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Assistance will be for only ONE SET of regalia (cap, gown and hood). Prices for regalia are:

• Bachelor set: $56.98
• Master set $73.98
• Ph.D. set $108.98
• Professional degree set: 59.98

Applying for Assistance

Students must complete the application form. Applying for assistance does not automatically grant it. Notifications will be sent no more than two weeks after application. Note: Applications will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 6. Funds are limited and were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they ran out.

Administration of the Award

Financial need will be the primary consideration, therefore, applications will be checked with Financial Aid to determine status (FAFSA for those eligible will be required). Students who receive assistance can retrieve their regalia from their respective Barnes & Noble @ VCU store on either campus.

In addition to administering the Regalia Assistance Fund, the Dean of Students Office assists with the Board of Visitors Award.

Board of Visitors Awards

The Board of Visitors is the voting body of Virginia Commonwealth University. More information about the Board of Visitors Awards is online.

RAMS Scholarship HUB

The RAMS Scholarship HUB is where you can discover and apply for scholarship opportunities and review your personalized recommendations. Additionally, VCU's Department of Business Services sponsors scholarships through agreements with business partners to support and enhance scholarship opportunities for all VCU students. For more information, visit the RAMS Scholarship HUB.