Resources for graduate research students
The VCU School of dentistry supports graduate research students with a broad range of resources to facilitate and enhance their training experience. Below are key resources available to all resources students:
Activate your VCU eID
Your eID is your key to everything VCU! Visit the identity claim page to activate your eID and set up your account, which authorizes the use of VCU’s electronic services. You will also need to set up Duo Mobile, VCU’s Two-Factor Authentication system.
Your eID lets you do things like:
- Log in to your VCU email account
- Register for classes
- Use the myVCU portal
- Use VCU’s wifi
VCU Email account
Email is the official means of university communication with students and should be set up as soon as possible. Your email address is constructed using your eID (format: eID@vcu.edu) and may be created before registering for classes. You can set up your VCU email account at http://mymail.vcu.edu.
Apply for a VCU Parking Permit
Complete your application for parking subscriptions, available online through VCU Parking and Transportation. Applicants must be current students with a valid VCUCard and no outstanding university parking penalties or unpaid violations. NOTE: You must be registered for classes before you can apply for a parking permit. Each Fall, Spring and Summer semester you must register for parking. Please check the VCU parking website for details on when permits go on sale each semester.
Sign up for VCU alerts
Sign up to receive text message alerts on your cell phone notifying you of campus emergencies.
Upload Vaccination Records
You must upload a copy of your vaccination records 30 days prior to classes starting.
Background Check
Prior to your first day of orientation, you are required to complete a VCU background check. You can view those policies here. To start the process, you will need to reach out to the VCU Police Department to schedule fingerprinting. This must be completed no more than 45 days prior to your start date.
Required Health Insurance
You are required to carry a health insurance plan during the length of your program.
PhD students and international students are eligible for the VCU sponsored health insurance. A hard waiver (automatic enrollment) will apply unless the student can show alternative insurance. Complete the following steps.
All students (PhD and MS) must provide proof of insurance (picture of the front and back of insurance card).
VCU Student ID
Your VCUCard is your student ID and can be obtained during the first semester in which you are enrolled for classes. To obtain a VCUCard, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Visit the VCUCard website for locations and details.
Attend New Student Orientation
Register for New Graduate Student Orientation. Information can be found on this website.
PhD departmental Orientation - the day and time will be announced. A schedule will be sent to your VCU email.
VCU Calendars
Subscribe to the
Mandatory trainings:
PhD and MS Training Courses will need to be completed through Canvas. All training can be found in Canvas in the Modules section. Click on Required Training to see the list to be completed. You will automatically be enrolled in Canvas.
Title IX training - All members of the VCU community are required to complete Title IX/Sexual Assault Prevention training online at least once during their time at VCU. For more information visit this website
Curricula
Oral Health Research PhD with a concentration in Cancer
Oral Health Research PhD with a concentration in Infection and Immunology
Masters of Science in Microbiology and Immunology, with a concentration in Oral Biology
Course Registration
- Log onto eServices.
- Select the Students tab.
- Scroll to the Student-Registration Section.
- Click on Register for Classes. You will discuss your course registration each semester with the course director. First year students will register for the following courses.
DegreeWorks - is a password protected service for viewing VCU student records online. Degree Works will default to your academic audit, showing you how each of your courses may be counting towards your degree requirements. You will check your degree works at the beginning and end of each semester to verify you have registered for the correct courses and grades have been entered.
Degree Works Instructions
Responsibilities/Expectations of PhD Students
Responsibilities/Expectations of MS Students
Technical and Behavioral Standards for Students
Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidance
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities of the Dissertation PI
Guidance for the Comprehensive Oral Exam and Dissertation Defense
Oral Health Research PhD Oral Candidacy Examination Rubric
Application to Graduate Guidance
Intellectual Property Issues Related to Dissertation Research
Dismissal or Termination of Enrollment Appeal
Student Complaints/Concerns Guidance
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Approval Form (Docusign Powerform)
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting Form
Outcome of Written Comprehensive Exam Form (Docusign Powerform)
Notice of Comprehensive Oral Exam Form (Docusign Powerform)
Report of Comprehensive Oral Examination Form (Docusign Form)
Notice of Final Examination Form (Docusign Form)
Report of Final Examination Form (Docusign Form)
Degree Candidacy Form (docusign form); Instructions for Form
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Approval Form
Contact the Office of the University Registrar for you transcript needs
Advanced Dental Education Grievance Policy and Procedure
Division for Student Engagement and Impact
Integrity and Compliance Office
Equity Safety and Other VCU resources
- Who do I contact if I have a question about my training?
Answer: contact your advisor and program director.
- What do I do if I have a hold on my account?
Answer: Access your student account, determine the type of hold, discuss your course of action with your program director and advisor.
- When does my committee need the draft of my thesis/dissertation proposal/final document?
Answer: At least 10 full working days before your defense or as directed by your committee/advisor.
- After successfully defending my thesis or dissertation, when does my advisory committee need my revised document?
Answer: Discuss with your advisor and committee to identify an explicit date. Students are advised to provide the final documents to their committees several days before the ETD approval deadline. - How do I submit my official transcripts to VCU?
Answer: You will be provided instructions by the Graduate Admissions Office. - How do I access my official VCU transcripts?
Answer: Requests can be made through the Office of the University Registrar - How do I access unofficial transcripts?
Answer: See eServices or transcripts under "Electronic Resources and Information" above. - What office do I contact about immunizations?
Answer: For details please visit VCU University Health Services