News and Expert Analysis

On Friday, Sept. 25, the Virginia Student Voting Summit will bring students, campus administrators, election officials and community advocates to VCU for an event promoting civic engagement. (Getty Images)

Virginia Student Voting Summit comes to VCU this week

Sept. 22, 2026

Presented by the Division of Student Affairs, the Baldacci Institute and the Campus Vote Project, the annual nonpartisan event promotes civic engagement.

VCU Launches the Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse

Sept. 17, 2026

VCU has launched the Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse, supported by a $13 million gift from Michelle and David Baldacci, to foster respectful nonpartisan dialogue and civic engagement across political differences in Virginia.

Redrawn congressional maps in a number of states seem poised to play a major role in the results of Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to VCU expert Alex Keena. (Getty Images)

How will redistricting impact the midterm elections?

Sept. 10, 2026

VCU political science professor and redistricting expert Alex Keena says the Nov. 3 elections will be a test case for the effectiveness of gerrymandering – and explains why the practice is a riskier strategy than it appears.

VCU’s Wilder Symposium on Sept. 1 brought together a panel of scholars and political leaders, including former Governors Wilder and Gilmore, for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on Virginia’s historical and ongoing influence at the state and national levels. (VCU Wilder School)

Wilder Symposium examines Virginia’s ongoing role in shaping the nation

Sept. 4, 2026

Former Governors Wilder and Gilmore join political scholars to assess ‘Virginia at 250.’

The Virginia Government Simulation program, which had nearly 100 participants last year, puts students in the role of state legislators as they research positions, elect party leadership, propose laws and debate legislation – all inside the state Capitol’s House of Delegates chamber. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Talking across the divide

Sept. 1, 2026

Americans are more at odds than ever. The Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse aims to bring us back together.

Dates Announced for 2026 Virginia Government Simulation

July 1, 2026

The 3rd Annual VGS will take place October 20–22, 2026.

A new series by the College of Humanities and Sciences, America at 250 is exploring the past, present and future of U.S. democracy as the nation approaches a milestone anniversary. (Getty Images)

VCU series on democracy marks America’s 250th anniversary

April 3, 2026

With public events and online offerings, the College of Humanities and Sciences program explores how ideals are evolving.

We are “far better at building these systems than at governing them,” VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold said about political chatbots. (Getty Images)

Here are five primary dangers from political AI chatbots, VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold says

Feb. 5, 2026

The political science professor also shares advice – and a stark warning about the threat to democracy.

The VCU Health Hub at 25th Street in Richmond’s East End focuses on health promotion, offering health care navigation and wellness programs to the community. (Photo contributed by VCU Division of Community Engagement)

VCU receives national recognition for community engagement

Jan. 14, 2026

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification highlights how VCU’s teaching, research and service are impactful beyond campus.

Presented by the Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism, the Virginia Government Simulation offers a unique opportunity for students to live the life of a lawmaker. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Virginia Government Simulation lets students pick up the bills

Nov. 24, 2025

In its second year, the mock legislative session led by VCU welcomed more than 100 participants from Virginia colleges.