VCU Insight

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Previous Stories: Spring 2003

Grade Inflation

It's finals week at Virginia Commonwealth University – a time when students are put the test quite literally. Many hope for A's to boost that all-important grade point average, but most also know that there are some classes where that 4.0 is as elusive as free tickets to the Super Bowl. VCU InSight takes an exclusive, in-depth look at which classes see the most A's as well as the fewest; and who the instructors are that teach them.
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Crime Protection Tips

VCU is an urban school, so campus crime is always a concern. VCU InSight now offers a few tips to help keep you safe on campus.

VCU's School in Qatar

Doha, Qatar is the perfect place for a VCU campus. The School of the Arts has expanded to the other side of the world by establishing a school in this tiny Middle Eastern nation. The campus opened in 1998 in order to give young women a chance to further their education. Classes in Communication Arts, Fashion & Interior Design, and general education requirements allows students the ability to get the same degree you could get in America. For the future, the school plans to put together an exchange program between VCU Richmond and VCU Doha. The ultimate goal is to help make Qatar the center for design arts and innovation in the Middle East. To learn more, visit VCU Qatar's website.

Click here for a slideshow of VCU Qatar! (images courtesy Paul Petrie)

Spotlight: Questions for a Super Grad!

VCU student John Fox became one of the few to graduate college with a 4.0 grade point average. What can be considered even more amazing is that he did it in only four years with a double major in Pre-Med and Music! Talking to VCU InSight, Fox takes a look back at his time at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Sound of Music

The sounds of music don't always have to be heard to be enjoyed. That's how graduate student Tammie Willis feels. She's the university's first deaf music major, and is well on her way to changing the stereotype that she has faced over the last six years. Her hope is that the music community will be hearing from her for many years to come.

View a slideshow of Tammie Willis perform

Hot Jobs!

Graduation's just around the corner for many students. Need help looking for a place to start? Let VCU InSight give you some tips and links in order to find that dream job!

War and VCU: In their Own Words

VCU is known as one of the most diverse universities in Virginia. So, what do both students and faculty think about the war in Iraq, and how safe do they feel on campus? In an exlusive web feature, hear in their own words what students, teachers, and faculty all have to say about security and the War on Terrorism.

The Popularity of Forensics

As we told you in the April edition of VCU InSight, the School’s Forensic Science department is booming... in just one year enrollment has grown from 14 students to over 250 and shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to some help from crime novels, movies and popular television shows like "CSI," the field of forensics has become a "hip" profession for the new millennium.

Eight Inducted into Communications Hall of Fame

On April 10th, eight men and women were inducted into Virginia's Communications Hall of Fame in a ceremony hosted by VCU's School of Mass Communication. For a complete listing of this year's inductees, check VCU's Mass Communication home page.

Listing and Biographies of this Year's Inductees.

Parking Tickets and Administrative Review

This month on VCU InSight we told you about Administrative Review and how it can help you avoid paying the fine on your parking tickets. If you have tickets you would like reviewed, go to the official website of the program.

InSight Reporter Chris Thompson Goes One-on-one With VCU Coach Jeff Capel

The VCU men’s basketball team recently finished its 2002-03 season with a record of 18-10. The team ended its season in the CAA tournament with a loss in the semifinals to Drexel. Here’s what Coach Jeff Capel had to say about his first season as head coach.

Q&A...

A Look at Fashion Trends

Fashion seems to change with the seasons and this Spring/Summer 2003 is no exception. InSight takes a sneak peek at what this season's hottest styles will be.

MicroClysm's Road to Fame

In April, InSight introduced you to student William Weaver and his hobby of building battle bots. To continue following Weaver's progress as well as to learn more about this new sport, check out his website at: www.team-ragnarok.cjb.net.

The Changing face of Homelessness

The stereotype of the homeless has been shattered. No longer can the homeless be seen as only impoverished, panhandling middle-aged men. Women, including young mothers with their children, are part of a rapidly growing segment of the homeless population. VCU InSight now has a six-part series on-line that chronicles the changing face of homelessness, and the challenge homeless mothers must face.

In the Spotlight: Dr. Tim Davey

VCU professor Dr. Tim Davey is a strong advocate in helping the homeless. One of the things he has created to help the needy has been weekend retreats for homeless families so they can spend time out of the city and get help from counselors.

New Community Outreach

Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Activities Center provides dozens of programs for students craving extra curricular excitement. Students who are interested in volunteering and being active around the community can visit the center, located in the Commons Underground. Some of the programs offered are 60-minute Thursdays, Saturday Specials, Carver Promise, and others. To find out more about these programs, you can go to the center, or visit their website.

Interview: Willie Taylor

The March edition of InSight showed an exclusive in-studio interview with VCU senior NBA prospect Willie Taylor. Now you can read a complete transcription of the interview, as Taylor reflects on his career on the Rams and what the future may hold for him.

If at first you don’t succeed . . .

In spite of failing to receive approval from the State Council of Higher Education in 1997, VCU’s African-American Studies Program has again applied to the council to become a major. College of Humanities and Sciences Dean Stephen Gottfredson believes this time the program has a good chance of winning approval.

Locking Out Thieves

VCU Police say students who ride their bikes on campus are at a high risk of having their bikes stolen. So what can students do to protect their property? VCU InSight reporter Chris Thompson has the scoop.

Super Bandage

On the MCV Campus, Dr. Marcus Carr may be about to change the way injured soldiers are being treated on the battlefield. He’s developed a new type of bandage called the BioHemostat. It can be placed into a wound where it expands to stop bleeding. There are high hopes that one day the bandages will be available in first aid kits everywhere. Click below to watch a video about this super bandage! (RealPlayer required)

BioHemostat Video

Black History in the Making

During Black History Month, VCU faculty has the opportunity to nominate and award African-American students through "Black History in the Making." The program recognizes students who have made important contributions within the university and who faculty believes have great potential. The complete list of 2003's winners as well as an image gallery are now on-line!

VCU scientist wins Nobel

In December, Virginia Commonwealth University Professor John Fenn received the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at the Prize Award Ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.

Science works like magic

Fenn seems a bit amazed by the genie's bottle that he's opened... "I feel like the sorcerer's apprentice."

Interview with Dr. Eugene Trani

VCU InSight's Jeremy Crider and Tiara Smith sit down for a conversation with VCU President Eugene Trani.