Building research-supportive project-based learning into the ConnectEd general education curriculum reflects VCU’s commitment to access and excellence as we deliver an innovative and transformational – yes, UNCOMMON – learning environment.
How do I participate?
While the program is still in development, both students and faculty can begin to plan for “Every Ram’s a Researcher” RAMPS courses.
Each course will look a little different, as research-supportive project-based learning comes to life differently in each discipline. We encourage students to partner with their advisors on selecting the right course for them. The project-based learning component will not require additional hours beyond the traditional in-class and out-of-class time investments expected for the course. The first program courses will be launched during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Faculty members who are interested in teaching these courses can apply to receive fellowships and eventually become mentors to other faculty. They will help their peers introduce project-based learning in current or new courses, as well as provide guidance on rubrics and ensure long-term assignments are successful for students and faculty. An additional benefit for faculty is that undergraduate research can help them expand their scholarship while creating broader opportunities for students to contribute to research articles before graduation.
Call for “Every Ram’s a Researcher” 2025-26 QEP Faculty Fellows
“Every Ram’s a Researcher” is VCU’s commitment to our students. In partial fulfillment of that commitment, the Office of the Provost and faculty have launched RAMPS (Real-world Applications in Multidisciplinary and Project-based Studies).
About RAMPS: Part of ConnectED general education, RAMPS-designated courses use a special teaching approach called research-supportive project based learning to build essential skills, preparing students for career success. The initiative also satisfies an institutional accreditation requirement.
QEP Faculty Fellows: Full-time VCU faculty teaching ConnectED courses in 2025–26 are invited to apply to become faculty fellows. Fellows will learn together how to incorporate research-supportive project based learning into their course sections.
Commitment and Benefits: QEP Faculty fellows will engage for 18 months and receive a stipend throughout, to support course redesign, training, and participation in a faculty learning community.
Applications: Please apply by January 25, 2025. Final decisions will be made before the Fall 2025 teaching schedule is finalized. The Office of the Provost will confirm chair and dean support.
Contact: Please contact faculty directors Sarah Golding (segolding@vcu.edu) and Matthew Vechinski (mjvechinski@vcu.edu)
Program Background
The RAMPS "Every Ram’s a Researcher" plan is a faculty-driven effort that evolved as VCU prepared for the February 2024 reaccreditation visit with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The organization specifically asks members to present a plan that continues to enhance academic quality and student outcomes and success. Our program, which has been in development since the 2021-22 academic year, is officially known as RAMPS (Real-world Applications in Multidisciplinary and Project-based Studies).
