3rd Annual Transformative Learning Week

Transformative Learning Week is an annual initiative that highlights and encourages collaboration on transformative learning experiences at VCU. This approach to education centers on reflection, personal development, and experiential learning through internships, research, and community engagement. By merging academic knowledge with real-world experience, students develop critical thinking and self-discovery, preparing them to be independent learners and active citizens. The week’s goals are to showcase opportunities, provide networking for faculty, staff, and students, foster cross-unit collaboration, and engage in service activities that benefit the Richmond community. Last year, VCU News featured Transformative Learning Week for celebrating experiential education at VCU. Read more here.

Want to get involved?

Transformative Learning Week is your chance to experience VCU’s hands-on, reflective approach to learning. Attend events, connect with students and faculty, and discover how real-world experiences shape personal growth and success.

See the full schedule of events below.

Why Partner?

Partnering in Transformative Learning Week helps highlight the innovative, experiential learning happening across VCU. Showcase your unit’s expertise, engage students beyond the classroom, and strengthen collaboration across campus.

Want to get involved? Co-host an event, provide a speaker, or share opportunities through your channels to help make the week a success.

What is Transformative Learning at VCU?

Transformative Learning empowers you to connect what you learn in the classroom with real-world experience. Through programs like REAL, Service Learning, Undergraduate Research, and VIP, you will Connect, Create, and Contribute, building the skills and perspective to become a reflective, socially responsible, and career-ready graduate.

Learn More

Transformative Learning Week Events

Advancing Scholarship Through Community Engagement

Sponsoring Unit: Division of Community Engagement
Date: TBD
Time: TBD

This workshop will feature tenured VCU faculty who have successfully transformed their community engagement and outreach activities into scholarly outputs and contributions to the science of community engagement. Participants will also join small group discussions to share experiences and explore strategies for their own scholarship.

Vertically Integrated Projects Showcase.

Sponsoring Unit: Transformative Learning/VIP Program
Where: The Shift Retail Lab
Date: 10/24
Time: 12-3pm

Students and faculty leading current Vertically Integrated Projects share their research and project-based learning initiatives. Students interested in joining a VIP team, as well as faculty who are considering starting their own VIP, are invited to attend and learn about projects, models, and best practices.

Finding & Funding International Internships

Sponsoring Unit: Career Services
Where: Virtual
Date: 10/27
Time: 3-4pm

“Making the Most of Your Graduate Mentor Relationship” with Dr. Michael Hunt

Sponsoring Unit: VCU Graduate School
Where: Virtual
Date: 10/28
Time: 12:30-1:30pm

Learn how to build and sustain an effective mentor relationship in this virtual workshop with Dr. Michael Hunt. Discover strategies for clear communication, setting expectations, and navigating challenges for a more productive graduate experience.

Fall Internship & Career Fair

Sponsoring Unit: Career Services
Where: Second floor of the University Student Commons
Date: 10/29
Time: 12-3pm

Connect with organizations offering authentic, real-world work that advances your career development. Are you looking to explore potential careers through part-time or full-time jobs, internships, volunteering, or international experiences? We've got that! Or network with organizations seeking part-time or full-time employees. This is your chance!

VCU Globe Tabling Event

Sponsoring Unit: VCU Global Education Office
Where: Cabell Library
Date: 10/29
Time: 12-2pm

Interested in learning more the VCU Globe Certificate Program? Meet folks from the VCU Global Education Office to learn more about the program and VCU Globe!

Emerging Researchers Academy-Personal Narrative Workshop

Sponsoring Unit: VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program & Writing Center
Where: Virtual
Date: 10/29
Time: 3-4pm

This online Writing Center workshop is designed to make you more familiar with personal narrative assignments and writing in a more personal way. Narrative Writing is a piece of writing that tells a story and often makes connections from personal experience. These types of assignments are typical in Focused Inquiry courses but are assigned across disciplines. It can be difficult to write in this form because you may not be familiar with writing in a more personal way, especially in academia, but this workshop will give you the tools to write personally and confidently!

3rd Annual Cards for Seniors

Sponsoring Unit: Transformative Learning
Where: Shift Retail Lab
Date: 10/30
Time: 1:30-4

Join us for the 3rd Annual Cards for Seniors event, where VCU students and community members come together to create handwritten cards for older adults in Richmond. This Transformative Learning experience fosters connection, empathy, and joy across generations.