Transformative Learning
Transformative learning is at the heart of VCU’s innovative approach to education, emphasizing reflection, personal growth, and real-world application. Through experiential opportunities like internships, clinical placements, community engagement, global learning, and undergraduate research, students connect classroom knowledge with lived experience, building critical thinking skills and becoming active, self-directed learners.
Through initiatives like REAL (Relevant Experiential and Applied Learning) and Service-Learning students engage in hands-on learning that emphasizes the 3Cs: Connect, Create, and Contribute. These programs offer opportunities such as internships, community engagement, global learning, and undergraduate research, ensuring that every student participates in meaningful experiential education. By integrating academic and co-curricular experiences, the Institute cultivates reflective, socially responsible, and career-ready graduates equipped to address complex challenges in a global society.
To learn more about transformative learning opportunities, please select a category of interest from the menu or use the academic strategy and innovation "Help desk" ticket system to submit an inquiry.
Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning (REAL)
VCU's REAL initiative serves as a central hub for experiential learning activities, both curricular and co-curricular, that happen as part of the VCU academic experience. Ensuring that every VCU undergraduate participates in at least one meaningful experiential learning activity, such as internships, research projects, or community engagement, these experiences are designed to help students connect ideas, create solutions, and contribute to addressing pressing societal challenges.
At VCU, our goal is not only workforce readiness — it's world readiness.
Every Ram's a Researcher
VCU’s Quality Enhancement Plan, Every Ram’s a Researcher, integrates hands-on, project-based learning into the undergraduate experience through the RAMPS initiative. Designed to deepen critical thinking and real-world problem-solving, this university-wide effort gives students the opportunity to engage in meaningful research across disciplines as part of their general education.
Service Learning at VCU
Service learning at VCU combines academic coursework with meaningful community engagement, allowing students to apply what they learn in class to real-world challenges. Through structured reflection and collaboration with community partners, students deepen their understanding, build civic responsibility, and contribute to thriving communities.
Questions?
Please use the academic strategy and innovation "Help desk" ticket system to submit inquiries related to service learning.
Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program offers students a unique opportunity to engage in long-term, multidisciplinary research and design projects under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, VIP teams collaborate on real-world challenges, developing professional and technical skills while earning academic credit.
VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry (UROP)
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funds a limited number of undergraduate student fellowship awards for projects mentored by VCU faculty. Successful student applicants will receive a cash stipend of $1,500 and their Research Fellowship will appear on their official academic transcripts. The student's faculty mentor will receive an additional $500 to defray expenses associated with the fellowship project or to use for professional development.
Meet the Leadership Team!
Herb Hill, Ed.D.
Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Co-Director of the Institute for Transformative Learning
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
Shanza A. Isom
Director of Engaged Transformative Learning
Co-Director of the Institute for Transformative Learning
The Academy for Interdisciplinary Innovation at University College
