Explore your future and make an early impact
Get real-world experience with your future career by joining one of our student organizations. Many of our groups focus on current issues, and you’ll also find opportunities to attend national conferences and network to build professional relationships.
One of the largest counseling organizations in the world, Chi Sigma Iota recognizes and promotes excellence in the profession. Students must have earned at least 9 hours in the Counselor Education Program and have a GPA of at least 3.5 to be eligible for membership in VCU’s Omega Lambda Iota chapter. Established in 2008, our chapter has more than 50 students, alumni and faculty members.
Faculty Advisors: Naomi Wheeler, Ph.D., and Donna Gibson, Ph.D., Department of Counseling and Special Education
The Counselor Education Student Networking Association (CESNA) supports networking with local counselors and offers orientation for incoming students. It sponsors a social to welcome new students and to welcome back returning students. The club is involved with the university and local causes of interest.
Faculty Advisor: Donna Dockery, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC, Department of Counseling and Special Education
LaunchPAD provides workshops focused on scholarly topics: academic journal selection, writing for academic publication, reviewing scholarly manuscripts, as well as academic conference selection, submission and presentation. Open to all doctoral students, these workshops feature training, “how-to” sessions and discussions led by faculty members, peers and guest speakers.
Faculty Advisor: Jose Alcaine, Ph.D., Office of Research and Faculty Development/Department of Foundations of Education
The Student Affairs Networking Association (SANA) promotes advocacy, service and other networking for students interested in the field.
Faculty Advisor: Donna Dockery, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC, Department of Counseling and Special Education
The Student Leadership Council enhances your experience by giving you an opportunity to share your voice. Our council develops activities that create a sense of unity, understanding and support among our students, in addition to offering opportunities for you to interact with alumni to form meaningful, lasting relationships long after graduation.
Faculty Advisor: Tomika Ferguson, Ph.D., Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence/Department of Educational Leadership
The Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) is a professional pre-service teacher organization, which provides opportunities for all education majors to explore the profession. VCU’s chapter aims to inform, educate and involve you with issues related to education. To gain experience and skills, members also attend conferences and workshops to develop experience and skills.
Staff Advisor: Meghan Depue, M.T., Department of Teaching and Learning