A workshop with students around the tables in groups of three working on a project with the paper in front of them.

Guiding Your Unique Path

At University College, we believe that advising is more than choosing classes, it’s about discovering who you are and shaping who you want to become. Whether you’re exploring options or pursuing a clearly defined goal, our advisors are here to help you design an academic journey that aligns with your passions, challenges you to grow, and prepares you for life beyond the classroom.

Your Education,
Your Direction

Our advisors work with you to co-create a plan that integrates your interests and evolving goals with a process that is flexible and student-centered. Want to learn more about creating your own customized degree? Join a weekly info session, Wednesdays 10–11 a.m. Sign up below for the Zoom link or watch this video.

Sign Up

Student brainstorming

Rooted in
Interdisciplinary Learning

Our advising model reflects our belief that knowledge doesn’t exist in silos. As you explore connections between disciplines, ideas, and communities, we’ll help you weave together an academic experience that reflects the complexity of the real world.

Students in class room with shelves

Walk-In Advising

Our advisors are here to help. We offer drop-in hours for both current and prospective students—no appointment needed. 

Check in: Room 5116, Harris Hall, Fifth Floor

Tuesdays: 9.30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

*Drop-ins are not held during fall break, winter break, or spring break

Person with umbrella at VCU compass on rainy day

Meet Our Advising Team

Mary-Chris Escobar
Associate Dean of Student Success & Life Design
University College

escobarmc@vcu.edu

Lead advisor for MPI students!

Fun Facts about Mary-Chris
Hobby I’m currently obsessed with: Baking sourdough bread, bagels and cinnamon rolls
I know way too much about: Squirrels

Mary-Chris Escobar

Richard Quarshie
Senior Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies (students with last names A-C)
University College

quarshier2@vcu.edu 

Fun Facts about Richard
Hobby I’m currently obsessed with: Building and maintaining aquariums
One thing on my bucket list: Ziplining across Niagara Falls

A man wearing a black and blue top.

Audrina Farrar
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies (students with last names D-J)
University College

farraral@vcu.edu

Fun Facts about Audrina
Hobby I'm currently obsessed with: Legos
One thing on my bucket list: Exploring vineyards and making pasta in Italy (can't do one without the other!)

A woman wearing a fark-blue denim jacket with a brown shirt and gold earrings.

Gaby Figuero
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies (students with last names K-Pq)
University College

rolimdasig@vcu.edu

Fun Facts About Gaby
Hobby I’m currently obsessed with: Going to the gym
One thing on my bucket list: To visit at least two countries from each continent

Gaby Figure smiling in a white floral blouse in front of a yellow background.

Christina Davis
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies (students with last names Pr-Z)
University College

daviscl7@vcu.edu

Fun Facts about Christina
Hobby I’m currently obsessed with: Spinning and reading
One thing on my bucket list: To travel internationally 

A woman wearing a black blazer with a white graphic T-Shirt that reads: Strong, Resilent, Indigenous