University-Wide Initiatives, Centers and Institutes

Academic Initiatives

Ad hoc Curriculum Task Force:

First-Year Seminars

Undergraduate First-Year Experience (FYE) Committee

General Education Revision Committee

General Education Revision Committee Progress Report, October 30, 2009

General Education at UR

Upper-Division Curricular Opportunities Committee

   Minutes of the November 16, 2009 Meeting
         Minutes of the November 2, 2009 Meeting
         Minutes of the October 5, 2009 Meeting
         Minutes of the September 14, 2009 Meeting
         Minutes of the August 31, 2009 Meeting
         Minutes of the July 15, 2009 Meeting

The Richmond Promise

DC Initiative

The DC Initiative is a network of campus leaders and Washington, D.C. area friends of the University dedicated to the promotion of the University and the enrichment of its students and alumni.

This group is charged with developing a sustained presence in the Washington metro area by creating a network of alumni, students, faculty and staff, and utilizing that network to provide opportunities in government, law, business, technology and the arts for University of Richmond students and faculty.

Bonner Center for Civic Engagement

The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, launched in September 2004, bolsters current efforts and enables new initiatives by students, faculty and local leaders to develop innovative, practical solutions to community problems. By encouraging more vigorous, informed engagement with the critical social issues of our day, the center seeks to empower students to make life-long contributions to the betterment of society.

The center drives community service efforts; promotes faculty-student research and student internships; sponsors educational seminars and lectures; and facilitates open dialogue. It also serves as an important and highly visible single point of contact for agencies in the Central Virginia area seeking answers to important research and organizational questions, as well as volunteers. Local community leaders are invited and encouraged to participate in center programs, sharing their insights into community problems and social development.

Diversity Initiative: Common Ground

During the 2003-04 academic year, the Provost and President created and charged the Common Ground Commission to develop appropriate goals for the University that will allow all members of the institution to take full advantage of the rich benefits of working and learning in a community made up of individuals derived from varied backgrounds.

As a result of the recommendations of the CGC, the President has formed the Common Ground Action Committee (CGAC). The CGAC has been charged to develop an action plan to enhance Richmond's ability to attract and support faculty, students, and staff who seek a dynamically diverse community in which to teach, learn, and work.

Environmental Initiatives

Environmental initiatives include a campus-wide recycling program, incorporating the LEED Green Building Rating System standards into new campus construction where possible, signing of the Talloires Declaration, and establishment of an Environmental Studies major.

The Environmental Awareness Group is group of faculty, staff and student representatives charged with monitoring progress toward meeting the environmental goals as outlined in the Campus Master Plan, initiating studies of the campus environment, promoting environmental sustainability through conservation and educational programs, and promoting environmental awareness throughout the city and state through outreach programs.

The Environmental Studies major is highly interdisciplinary and involves faculty from several departments and schools. Refer to the online catalog for details.

Law School Institutes and Centers

The Richmond School of Law is home to several centers and institutes including the Robert R. Merhige Jr. Center for Environmental Studies, the National Center for Family Law, the Intellectual Property Institute and the Institute for Actual Innocence.