Pathways to VCU
The Mellon Pathways to the Arts and Humanities Program supports and guides students during their studies at Brightpoint or Reynolds Community Colleges, and as they transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University.
Introduced at the community college level, the Pathways Program provides students with a solid foundation from which they can successfully study the arts and humanities at VCU.
How do students benefit?
Students in the Pathways Program receive enhanced advising about course selection, transfer logistics and financial aid. They are also provided with major and career exploration opportunities and support leading up to, through and after the transfer process. Additional program benefits include:
- Saving money on tuition by taking the community college classes that count toward your degree and for transfer credit
- Earning money for college through funding and scholarships that include e-Portfolio stipends and the exclusive Mellon Research Fellows program, which pairs highly motivated second-year Pathways Program students with faculty members for enhanced mentoring, advising and research projects
- Starting an early relationship with VCU by participating in VCU activities and events before you transfer, and taking VCU coursework toward your major while still at the community college
- Career exploration and support through access to and assistance with creating an e-Portfolio on the VCU platform, as well as optional internship, study abroad, and/or undergraduate research opportunities
The Pathways Program is open to all incoming, returning and current Brightpoint or Reynolds students with 15 or fewer credits who are planning to earn an associate degree and transfer to VCU.
Additionally, students must attend an orientation during their first semester in the program, have a 2.0 GPA at the start of the program and have a 2.5 GPA at the time of transfer.
Pathways Program students pursue arts and humanities majors (including double majors) in the following subject areas at VCU:
- African American studies
- Anthropology
- Art history
- English
- Foreign language
- Gender, sexuality, and women’s studies
- History
- Interdisciplinary studies (select degrees)
- International studies
- Mass communications
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religious studies
- Theater
- Undecided, with interest in humanities/arts
Each semester, students will attend events organized through the Pathways Program, including social gatherings, workshops, campus tours, cultural outings, online modules, informational panels and networking opportunities. In addition, students will have two advising sessions with their transfer coach and/or transfer coordinator.
Continuation in the Pathways Program requires:
- Reaching and/or maintaining a 2.5 GPA and completing at least six degree-applicable credits with a grade of C or better each fall and spring semester
- Documenting student growth through the use of an e-Portfolio, with guidance provided by program staff
- Timely completion of required courses
How to apply
Contact us
As students go through the process of transferring from Brightpoint or Reynolds, the program’s transfer coaches and coordinators will help keep them on track and on the path to success.
Pathways to Arts & Humanities
Janelle Marshall, Director
jmarshall@vccs.edu
VCU
Peter Henry, Assistant Director
prhenry@vcu.edu
Ian Coyle, Transfer Coordinator
coylei@vcu.edu
Reynolds Pathways Program
Paul Williams, Transfer Coach
pwilliams@reynolds.edu
La'Tifha White, Transfer Coach
lswhite@reynolds.edu
Brightpoint Pathways Program
Briana Hernandez, Transfer Coach
bhernandez@brightpoint.edu
Katy Brooks, Transfer Coach
ebrooks@brightpoint.edu