VCU news

To the VCU and VCU Health community,

The Trump Administration’s announcement today to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, DACA, over the next six months leaves us with many unknowns. But we remain certain of VCU’s unequivocal support of our DACA students. DACA students are an integral part of our community, and VCU will continue to assist DACA students as they complete their educations and move on to contribute to our society.

We will continue to advocate for DACA students within the legal bounds that govern us as a public university. We are committed to safeguard their privacy and confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law.

We are reviewing the changes to DACA with appropriate state officials and will keep the university community advised as the policy and practical implications become clearer. For important resources and information available to the VCU community, please visit https://students.vcu.edu/resources/daca/.

We are a university community proudly grounded in core values of inclusion and compassion toward one another. We will use this occasion, once again, to demonstrate the values that define us, guide us and unite us as one university. VCU will embrace all of our people and help all of our people succeed.

Indeed, we are made stronger by the experiences and talents of all of our people, including those who enhance our educational experience with perspectives from around the world.

I appreciate the effort and commitment of so many people across VCU who help ensure that all members of our community feel welcome, safe and empowered. Thank you for embodying our greatest commitment: our commitment to one another.

Sincerely,

Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President, VCU and VCU Health