Friday, April 24th, 2026

Board of visitors approves 3.9% tuition increase

April 24, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor  The VCU Board of Visitors voted on Friday to approve a 3.9% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students. Housing fees and meal plans will see a 5% increase across the board: an extra $441-525 for housing and $160-194 for meal plans.  The typical in-state undergraduate student enrolled in 15 credits per semester will pay $17,963 in tuition and mandatory fees during the 2026-27 academic year — an increase of $723, according to VCU. Out-of-state undergraduate students’ tuition and mandatory fees will be set at $41,127, also an increase of $723. Overall, in-state undergraduate students will pay around $31,000-33,000 for a full year of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board. The board previously cited increased costs under the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, or VMSDEP, and the university’s high rate of in-state students as key reasons to raise tuition. The board was considering tuition increase options between 2.5% and 4.9%. By going with the 3.9% option VCU will be able to better support internships, stipends for graduate students — and partially commit to investing in academic programs with increasing demand. Without a higher tuition increase, VCU will not be able

Arturo Saavedra named VCU’s permanent provost 

April 23, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor VCU’s year-long search for a new second-in-command and chief academic officer has come to a close. Arturo Saavedra, VCU’s current interim provost, will take up the role permanently. The leadership change comes after the departure of former Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos last spring.  Saavedra previously served as dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs.  After President Michael Rao, the provost is the second-ranking executive officer at VCU and is in charge of academic affairs. “I am honored to serve as executive vice president and provost in a permanent capacity and thank President Rao and the board of visitors for their confidence,” Saavedra said in a press release. “VCU’s strength comes from its people and its mission, and I am committed to supporting faculty excellence, student success and the continued evolution of the university in ways that are bold, distinctive and mission-driven. I look forward to working with colleagues across VCU to build on the strong momentum already underway.” The effort to find a new provost was led by a search committee consisting of administrators, board of visitors members and student and faculty representatives. “There was widespread agreement that Art is the

The courts don’t need to revoke birthright citizenship — our culture already has

April 22, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions Editor  People ask me where I’m from all the time. If you look anything like me, they ask you too.  I think people expect me to tell them my exotic stories of living in the Indian subcontinent, stories they’ve seen in movies like “Slumdog Millionaire” or in Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s viral wedding video. But the truth is much more anticlimactic. I’ve lived in Richmond my whole life, born and raised.  I’ve learned to meet people halfway with my response: “I’m from here, but my parents are from India.” For a long time, that response did the trick. It equally satisfied their curiosity, my heritage and my stubbornness to be truthful to the city I’ve spent my life calling home.  I was recently asked this question again at the hospital where I work. In my rounds, I met an older patient who, like many before him, asked me where I was from. But when I gave him my usual response, I was thrown off when he pressed his investigation.  “What do your parents do?” he asked abrasively.  I responded that my dad worked in a pharmacy while my mom was a stay-at-home mom. Hearing this,

All CPR dummies should have breasts

April 22, 2026

Maya Kamat, Contributing Writer The first time I learned CPR, I was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with my peers in a dimly lit classroom as an earnest gym teacher played a video about Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and chest compressions. I was watching the video intently when my friend tapped my shoulder. “They take your shirt off to put on an AED?” she said with disgust. “I would rather they just let me die.”  I remember feeling distinctly horrified. Why would she say that? How did we get to the point where the female breast had become so sexualized that women are uncomfortable with receiving life-saving care? I don’t remember what I said to my friend then, but I would say this — with the way people treat female bodies, they probably would have let her die.  Women are 27% less likely than men to receive basic CPR in out of hospital cardiac arrests, according to a 2024 study. CPR can nearly double a person’s chances of survival. All 50 states as well as D.C. have good samaritan laws that protect bystanders performing CPR. And yet, women across all racial backgrounds are consistently less likely to receive this life-saving care. As an

Richmond Ren Faire brings jubilant display of grassroots artistry, craftsmanship

April 23, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Once upon a time peddlers, paupers, painters, pirates, poets and a plethora of ye ole Renaissance faire goers paraded the ground of Dorey Park — henceforth marking April 18 and 19 as the first Richmond Ren Faire.  It is safe to say the folks of RVA had a jolly good time at the inaugural event, through rain and shine, as over 14,000 guests attended between both days. The Richmond Ren Faire was brought to the community by Virago Alley and supported by a roundtable of Richmond nonprofits.  The faire was the brainchild of Amanda Robinson, founder of Virago Alley, Gallery5 and now the Richmond Ren Faire. She has been heavily awarded for her work within the city’s art scene and her persistent dedication to convening communities in the name of creativity.  Virago Alley is a nonprofit organization set on the quest to bring people together and share knowledge and skill. They ultimately plan on opening a community center equipped for combat training, archery and workshops teaching a variety of historical trades. The Richmond Ren Faire was focused on the tradespeople and artisans who encompassed the Renaissance Era. It was split into 12 unique guilds, all specializing

VCU welcomes one of highest ranked recruiting classes in program history

April 22, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer In 2025, VCU head men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr. started his tenure with the Rams by bringing in the No. 46 ranked recruiting class in the country. Now, following a successful first season, Martelli and his staff welcome an exciting group of fresh faces to the fold. Ranked No. 29 in the nation according to Rivals, this year’s incoming class is one to look out for. Incoming transfers Blake Harper Blake Harper is a 6-foot-7-inch third-year guard with huge upside. In his first year, playing at Howard University, he became the first Mid-Easter Athletic Conference player to win rookie of the year and player of the year in the same season.  Harper is a proven scorer, averaging just shy of 20 points per game at Howard, making him a welcome addition to an already talented Rams backcourt. The third-year guard is coming off of a less productive season at Creighton University in which he averaged 7.7 points per game. Torey Alston Torey Alston is a third-year forward who boasts a lengthy 6-foot-8-inch frame and has exciting two-way potential. Alston averaged an impressive 13 points and eight rebounds last season at Middle Tennessee State. His highlight

APRIL 22 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

April 22, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer Drew Thompson, Sports Editor Men’s golf at Mountaineer Invitational  VCU men’s golf competed at the Mountaineer Invitational in Bridgeport, West Virginia, finishing 14th out of 19 teams. The Rams faced a strong field that included multiple top-40 programs, with No. 36 Clemson taking the team title. Fifth-year Mason Minkel led VCU finishing tied for 26th at +3. Minkel shot rounds of 74-75-70 and was one of three Rams to record 10 birdies during the tournament. The Rams will now turn their attention to the Atlantic 10 Championships, set for April 27–29 in Orlando, Florida. Women’s tennis vs. Duquesne University VCU women’s tennis delivered a dominant performance at home, sweeping Duquesne 4-0 in A-10 play at the Thalhimer Tennis Center. The Rams controlled the match from the start, securing the doubles point before carrying that momentum into singles competition. VCU continued its strong play in singles, winning three straight matches to clinch the victory. The Rams did not allow the Dukes to score a single point in the match. The Rams will continue in A-10 play heading toward the final stretch of the regular season. Men’s tennis vs. Duquesne University VCU men’s tennis continued its strong performances

The ins and outs of VCU women’s basketball after the transfer portal

April 22, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer New VCU women’s basketball head coach Chelsea Banbury joined the Rams just in time to begin recruiting for the transfer portal — which opened on April 6 and remained open until April 20.  After ending the 2025-2026 season with an unfortunate 8-23 record, Rams key fourth-year redshirt guard Mary-Anna Asare entered the portal, according to The IX Sports.  Asare is looking for a final season elsewhere after being approved for a medical redshirt. Despite Asare’s injury last season, her prior performances proved her crucial contributions on offense and defense.  During Asare’s third year, she was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second team and led the Rams with 16.0 points per game, scoring double digits in 25 out of 30 games played, according to VCU Athletics. Her skills went beyond scoring as she averaged 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The day of the portal’s closing, Asare announced her official commitment to the University of Virginia where she will complete her final year of eligibility. The loss of Asare is significant to the Rams, however their prior season without her gave them the opportunity to excel on their own.  The 6-foot-7-inch redshirt third-year forward

VCU’s lead scorer Terrence Hill Jr. commits to Tennessee

April 21, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor Second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Sunday, following an impressive season with VCU that helped lead the program to an NCAA Tournament win. “I see myself scoring a lot, play-making a lot, whether that’s being at the one or being at the two,” Hill said in an interview with 247sports after committing to Tennessee. “But primarily going forward, I think for me to get to that next level is going to be me at that point guard spot.”  Hill was among the top 10 players in the portal, according to draftxpress, catching the interest of teams like the University of Oregon, Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas.  Hill averaged 15 points per game and 2.8 assists — both team highs for the Rams — shooting 46.6% from the field and 37% from three.  Hill quickly became a household name for the Rams following a 82-78 victory over No. 6 University of North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, drawing national attention. VCU trailed by 19 but stormed back to force overtime fueled by Hill’s performance. He finished with 34 points off the

Baseball falls short against GW; loses weekend series

April 17, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor The Rams got swept in the weekend series to George Washington University, losing 4-3, 8-7 and getting dominated 9-3 in game three.  Graduate student pitcher Everett Vaughn was credited with the game three loss after 1.2 innings pitched, four hits, three earned runs, four walks and a strikeout.  Third-year infielder Trent Adelman and redshirt first-year infielder Alec Warden both had the only multi-hit performances for the Rams in the game three loss.  Third-year infielder Nate Kirkpatrick and redshirt third-year utility Quinn Maher both had good games despite the game two loss. Maher drove in a career-high four runs.  Redshirt fourth-year pitcher Patrick Stietz started game one strong for the Rams, but the game broke open after he was relieved.  VCU lost 4-3 to GW on Friday to start a three game series, falling back to earth after its upset win over the University of Virginia earlier this week.  Neither team made much of an impact in the first inning, with both sides failing to get a hit.  VCU cruised through the top of the second despite redshirt fourth-year pitcher Elias Holbert hitting two batters.  The Rams started the bottom of the second with a lead-off double

Board of visitors approves 3.9% tuition increase

April 24, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor  The VCU Board of Visitors voted on Friday to approve a 3.9% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students. Housing fees and meal plans will see a 5% increase across the board: an extra $441-525 for housing and $160-194 for meal plans.  The typical in-state undergraduate student enrolled in 15 credits per semester will pay $17,963 in tuition and mandatory fees during the 2026-27 academic year — an increase of $723, according to VCU. Out-of-state undergraduate students’ tuition and mandatory fees will be set at $41,127, also an increase of $723. Overall, in-state undergraduate students will pay around $31,000-33,000 for a full year of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board. The board previously cited increased costs under the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, or VMSDEP, and the university’s high rate of in-state students as key reasons to raise tuition. The board was considering tuition increase options between 2.5% and 4.9%. By going with the 3.9% option VCU will be able to better support internships, stipends for graduate students — and partially commit to investing in academic programs with increasing demand. Without a higher tuition increase, VCU will not be able

Arturo Saavedra named VCU’s permanent provost 

April 23, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor VCU’s year-long search for a new second-in-command and chief academic officer has come to a close. Arturo Saavedra, VCU’s current interim provost, will take up the role permanently. The leadership change comes after the departure of former Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos last spring.  Saavedra previously served as dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs.  After President Michael Rao, the provost is the second-ranking executive officer at VCU and is in charge of academic affairs. “I am honored to serve as executive vice president and provost in a permanent capacity and thank President Rao and the board of visitors for their confidence,” Saavedra said in a press release. “VCU’s strength comes from its people and its mission, and I am committed to supporting faculty excellence, student success and the continued evolution of the university in ways that are bold, distinctive and mission-driven. I look forward to working with colleagues across VCU to build on the strong momentum already underway.” The effort to find a new provost was led by a search committee consisting of administrators, board of visitors members and student and faculty representatives. “There was widespread agreement that Art is the

Opinion

The courts don’t need to revoke birthright citizenship — our culture already has

April 22, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions Editor  People ask me where I’m from all the time. If you look anything like me, they ask you too.  I think people expect me to tell them my exotic stories of living in the Indian subcontinent, stories they’ve seen in movies like “Slumdog Millionaire” or in Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s viral wedding video. But the truth is much more anticlimactic. I’ve lived in Richmond my whole life, born and raised.  I’ve learned to meet people halfway with my response: “I’m from here, but my parents are from India.” For a long time, that response did the trick. It equally satisfied their curiosity, my heritage and my stubbornness to be truthful to the city I’ve spent my life calling home.  I was recently asked this question again at the hospital where I work. In my rounds, I met an older patient who, like many before him, asked me where I was from. But when I gave him my usual response, I was thrown off when he pressed his investigation.  “What do your parents do?” he asked abrasively.  I responded that my dad worked in a pharmacy while my mom was a stay-at-home mom. Hearing this,

All CPR dummies should have breasts

April 22, 2026

Maya Kamat, Contributing Writer The first time I learned CPR, I was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with my peers in a dimly lit classroom as an earnest gym teacher played a video about Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and chest compressions. I was watching the video intently when my friend tapped my shoulder. “They take your shirt off to put on an AED?” she said with disgust. “I would rather they just let me die.”  I remember feeling distinctly horrified. Why would she say that? How did we get to the point where the female breast had become so sexualized that women are uncomfortable with receiving life-saving care? I don’t remember what I said to my friend then, but I would say this — with the way people treat female bodies, they probably would have let her die.  Women are 27% less likely than men to receive basic CPR in out of hospital cardiac arrests, according to a 2024 study. CPR can nearly double a person’s chances of survival. All 50 states as well as D.C. have good samaritan laws that protect bystanders performing CPR. And yet, women across all racial backgrounds are consistently less likely to receive this life-saving care. As an

The Rundown

Spectrum

Richmond Ren Faire brings jubilant display of grassroots artistry, craftsmanship

April 23, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Once upon a time peddlers, paupers, painters, pirates, poets and a plethora of ye ole Renaissance faire goers paraded the ground of Dorey Park — henceforth marking April 18 and 19 as the first Richmond Ren Faire.  It is safe to say the folks of RVA had a jolly good time at the inaugural event, through rain and shine, as over 14,000 guests attended between both days. The Richmond Ren Faire was brought to the community by Virago Alley and supported by a roundtable of Richmond nonprofits.  The faire was the brainchild of Amanda Robinson, founder of Virago Alley, Gallery5 and now the Richmond Ren Faire. She has been heavily awarded for her work within the city’s art scene and her persistent dedication to convening communities in the name of creativity.  Virago Alley is a nonprofit organization set on the quest to bring people together and share knowledge and skill. They ultimately plan on opening a community center equipped for combat training, archery and workshops teaching a variety of historical trades. The Richmond Ren Faire was focused on the tradespeople and artisans who encompassed the Renaissance Era. It was split into 12 unique guilds, all specializing

Sports

VCU welcomes one of highest ranked recruiting classes in program history

April 22, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer In 2025, VCU head men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr. started his tenure with the Rams by bringing in the No. 46 ranked recruiting class in the country. Now, following a successful first season, Martelli and his staff welcome an exciting group of fresh faces to the fold. Ranked No. 29 in the nation according to Rivals, this year’s incoming class is one to look out for. Incoming transfers Blake Harper Blake Harper is a 6-foot-7-inch third-year guard with huge upside. In his first year, playing at Howard University, he became the first Mid-Easter Athletic Conference player to win rookie of the year and player of the year in the same season.  Harper is a proven scorer, averaging just shy of 20 points per game at Howard, making him a welcome addition to an already talented Rams backcourt. The third-year guard is coming off of a less productive season at Creighton University in which he averaged 7.7 points per game. Torey Alston Torey Alston is a third-year forward who boasts a lengthy 6-foot-8-inch frame and has exciting two-way potential. Alston averaged an impressive 13 points and eight rebounds last season at Middle Tennessee State. His highlight

APRIL 22 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

April 22, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer Drew Thompson, Sports Editor Men’s golf at Mountaineer Invitational  VCU men’s golf competed at the Mountaineer Invitational in Bridgeport, West Virginia, finishing 14th out of 19 teams. The Rams faced a strong field that included multiple top-40 programs, with No. 36 Clemson taking the team title. Fifth-year Mason Minkel led VCU finishing tied for 26th at +3. Minkel shot rounds of 74-75-70 and was one of three Rams to record 10 birdies during the tournament. The Rams will now turn their attention to the Atlantic 10 Championships, set for April 27–29 in Orlando, Florida. Women’s tennis vs. Duquesne University VCU women’s tennis delivered a dominant performance at home, sweeping Duquesne 4-0 in A-10 play at the Thalhimer Tennis Center. The Rams controlled the match from the start, securing the doubles point before carrying that momentum into singles competition. VCU continued its strong play in singles, winning three straight matches to clinch the victory. The Rams did not allow the Dukes to score a single point in the match. The Rams will continue in A-10 play heading toward the final stretch of the regular season. Men’s tennis vs. Duquesne University VCU men’s tennis continued its strong performances

The ins and outs of VCU women’s basketball after the transfer portal

April 22, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer New VCU women’s basketball head coach Chelsea Banbury joined the Rams just in time to begin recruiting for the transfer portal — which opened on April 6 and remained open until April 20.  After ending the 2025-2026 season with an unfortunate 8-23 record, Rams key fourth-year redshirt guard Mary-Anna Asare entered the portal, according to The IX Sports.  Asare is looking for a final season elsewhere after being approved for a medical redshirt. Despite Asare’s injury last season, her prior performances proved her crucial contributions on offense and defense.  During Asare’s third year, she was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second team and led the Rams with 16.0 points per game, scoring double digits in 25 out of 30 games played, according to VCU Athletics. Her skills went beyond scoring as she averaged 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The day of the portal’s closing, Asare announced her official commitment to the University of Virginia where she will complete her final year of eligibility. The loss of Asare is significant to the Rams, however their prior season without her gave them the opportunity to excel on their own.  The 6-foot-7-inch redshirt third-year forward

VCU’s lead scorer Terrence Hill Jr. commits to Tennessee

April 21, 2026

Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor Second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Sunday, following an impressive season with VCU that helped lead the program to an NCAA Tournament win. “I see myself scoring a lot, play-making a lot, whether that’s being at the one or being at the two,” Hill said in an interview with 247sports after committing to Tennessee. “But primarily going forward, I think for me to get to that next level is going to be me at that point guard spot.”  Hill was among the top 10 players in the portal, according to draftxpress, catching the interest of teams like the University of Oregon, Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas.  Hill averaged 15 points per game and 2.8 assists — both team highs for the Rams — shooting 46.6% from the field and 37% from three.  Hill quickly became a household name for the Rams following a 82-78 victory over No. 6 University of North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, drawing national attention. VCU trailed by 19 but stormed back to force overtime fueled by Hill’s performance. He finished with 34 points off the

Baseball falls short against GW; loses weekend series

April 17, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor The Rams got swept in the weekend series to George Washington University, losing 4-3, 8-7 and getting dominated 9-3 in game three.  Graduate student pitcher Everett Vaughn was credited with the game three loss after 1.2 innings pitched, four hits, three earned runs, four walks and a strikeout.  Third-year infielder Trent Adelman and redshirt first-year infielder Alec Warden both had the only multi-hit performances for the Rams in the game three loss.  Third-year infielder Nate Kirkpatrick and redshirt third-year utility Quinn Maher both had good games despite the game two loss. Maher drove in a career-high four runs.  Redshirt fourth-year pitcher Patrick Stietz started game one strong for the Rams, but the game broke open after he was relieved.  VCU lost 4-3 to GW on Friday to start a three game series, falling back to earth after its upset win over the University of Virginia earlier this week.  Neither team made much of an impact in the first inning, with both sides failing to get a hit.  VCU cruised through the top of the second despite redshirt fourth-year pitcher Elias Holbert hitting two batters.  The Rams started the bottom of the second with a lead-off double

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