The Commonwealth Times
@commonwealthtimes.bsky.social
The award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, established in 1969. New issues every Wednesday!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you have a beau, some gal pals or are flying solo The Commonwealth Times is here with a list of Valentine’s plans that are not just dinner and a movie.
Six spots to hold the perfect Valentine’s, Galentine’s or solo date in Richmond The Commonwealth Times
Liz DeFluri, Contributing Writer Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you have a beau, some gal pals or are flying solo The Commonwealth Times is here with a list of Valentine’s plans...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you have a beau, some gal pals or are flying solo The Commonwealth Times is here with a list of Valentine’s plans that are not just dinner and a movie.
WEEKLY RECAP: How every VCU team did this week.
FEB. 11 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week
Jenny Allen, Staff Writer
commonwealthtimes.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:48 PM
WEEKLY RECAP: How every VCU team did this week.
VCU will cut $6.6 million from its $1.7 billion total budget between its fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as the university continues to pursue efficiency, including restructuring and combining key undergraduate departments.
VCU works to cut, reallocate budget for academic, economic efficiency
Kacy Lee, Contributing Writer VCU will cut $6.6 million from its $1.7 billion total budget between its fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as the university continues to pursue efficiency, including restructur...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:47 PM
VCU will cut $6.6 million from its $1.7 billion total budget between its fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as the university continues to pursue efficiency, including restructuring and combining key undergraduate departments.
VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center — known by Ram Nation as “the Stu” — now accepts Virginia Mobile ID, a digital version of state identification, as a faster method of getting through an ID check. It is the first event venue in the state to do so.
Siegel Center becomes first Virginia venue to accept mobile ID
VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center — known by Ram Nation as “the Stu” — now accepts Virginia Mobile ID, a digital version of state identification, as a faster method of getting through an ID check. It is t...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:49 PM
VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center — known by Ram Nation as “the Stu” — now accepts Virginia Mobile ID, a digital version of state identification, as a faster method of getting through an ID check. It is the first event venue in the state to do so.
Bygones Vintage Clothing is a boutique in Carytown with pieces dating from the 1800s to 1976. The owner Maynee Cayton prides herself on creating an inclusive space — bringing old Hollywood glamour right to Richmond.
Bygones boutique makes buying decades-old garments inclusive
Bygones Vintage Clothing is a boutique in Carytown with pieces dating from the 1800s to 1976. The owner Maynee Cayton prides herself on creating an inclusive space — bringing old Hollywood glamour rig...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Bygones Vintage Clothing is a boutique in Carytown with pieces dating from the 1800s to 1976. The owner Maynee Cayton prides herself on creating an inclusive space — bringing old Hollywood glamour right to Richmond.
There have been many posts about how Generation Z is the “sober curious” generation popping up on my social media feeds recently. People are misunderstanding the label. Being “sober curious” does not actually equate to sobriety.
Gen Z is not the ‘sober generation’
There have been many posts about how Generation Z is the “sober curious” generation popping up on my social media feeds recently. People are misunderstanding the label. Being “sober curious” does not ...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:46 PM
There have been many posts about how Generation Z is the “sober curious” generation popping up on my social media feeds recently. People are misunderstanding the label. Being “sober curious” does not actually equate to sobriety.
Second-year catcher Jacob Lee went beyond expectations during his debut collegiate season in 2025. He delivered unanticipated performances while setting records that will be hard to beat.
RVA-native baseball phenom Jacob Lee returns after record-breaking rookie year
Second-year catcher Jacob Lee went beyond expectations during his debut collegiate season in 2025. He delivered unanticipated performances while setting records that will be hard to beat.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 9, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Second-year catcher Jacob Lee went beyond expectations during his debut collegiate season in 2025. He delivered unanticipated performances while setting records that will be hard to beat.
Throughout the semester, especially around midterms and finals, VCU’s Cabell Library is the place to be for light study sessions, full-fledged lock-ins and everything in between.
Sick of Cabell? Six quieter, cozier study spots on campus
Monroe Park campus is littered with cozy nooks available to students hoping for a change of scenery.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Throughout the semester, especially around midterms and finals, VCU’s Cabell Library is the place to be for light study sessions, full-fledged lock-ins and everything in between.
VCU is pushing forward with mergers of five of its arts departments despite initial assurance from their dean that VCUarts would not be affected by the university’s academic repositioning initiative, according to faculty.
VCU consolidates arts departments despite dean initially saying otherwise
Kayla Munecas, Contributing Writer Bryer Haywood, Contributing Writer VCU is pushing forward with mergers of five of its arts departments despite initial assurance from their dean that VCUarts would n...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 9, 2026 at 7:59 PM
VCU is pushing forward with mergers of five of its arts departments despite initial assurance from their dean that VCUarts would not be affected by the university’s academic repositioning initiative, according to faculty.
VCU men’s tennis took the court against the University of Richmond on Friday.
The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses.
The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses.
Men’s tennis swats Richmond to open A-10 play
VCU men’s tennis took the court against the University of Richmond on Friday.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 7, 2026 at 9:51 PM
VCU men’s tennis took the court against the University of Richmond on Friday.
The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses.
The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses.
If you’re an English student like I am, or taking any class where writing is involved, you have probably listened to your professors talk about AI.
AI use is destroying your creativity
If you’re an English student like I am, or taking any class where writing is involved, you have probably listened to your professors talk about AI.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 7, 2026 at 9:47 PM
If you’re an English student like I am, or taking any class where writing is involved, you have probably listened to your professors talk about AI.
Is there anybody up there? by Sofia Rahnama
Is there anybody up there?
commonwealthtimes.org
February 6, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Is there anybody up there? by Sofia Rahnama
The Anderson and VCUarts are exhibiting “The way things could be …,” to showcase selected works of six participating artists, from the VCUarts Foundation faculty.
AFO professors show off their specialties at latest Anderson exhibition
The Anderson and VCUarts are exhibiting “The way things could be …,” an exhibition curated by adjunct instructor Sarah Irvin. The exhibition showcases selected works of six participating artists, from...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The Anderson and VCUarts are exhibiting “The way things could be …,” to showcase selected works of six participating artists, from the VCUarts Foundation faculty.
El costo de los planes de comidas en VCU ha seguido aumentando en el año escolar del 2025-26. Algunos estudiantes los declaran demasiado caros y piden cambio de parte de la universidad.
VCU cita costos operativos e inflación en cuanto a precios crecientes del plan de comidas The Commonwealth Times
Sal Orlando, Editor Adjunto de Noticias El costo de los planes de comidas en VCU ha seguido aumentando en el año escolar del 2025-26. Algunos estudiantes los declaran demasiado caros y piden cambio de...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:57 PM
El costo de los planes de comidas en VCU ha seguido aumentando en el año escolar del 2025-26. Algunos estudiantes los declaran demasiado caros y piden cambio de parte de la universidad.
The cost of meal plans at VCU has continued to increase into the 2025-26 school year. Some students describe them as overpriced, and are asking for change from the university.
VCU cites operation costs, inflation for rising meal plan prices
Sal Orlando, Assistant News Editor The cost of meal plans at VCU has continued to increase into the 2025-26 school year. Some students describe them as overpriced, and are asking for change from the u...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM
The cost of meal plans at VCU has continued to increase into the 2025-26 school year. Some students describe them as overpriced, and are asking for change from the university.
The Rams entered their fourth game of the 2025-26 season facing off against Morgan State University on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
VCU women’s tennis extends winning streak with 7-0 win over Morgan State University
The Rams entered their fourth game of the 2025-26 season facing off against Morgan State University on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
The Rams entered their fourth game of the 2025-26 season facing off against Morgan State University on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.”
New VCU theatre group takes the stage
Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.”
commonwealthtimes.org
February 5, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.”
VCU Health employees published an online petition that asked for administrative pay to make up for paid time off hours they claim were used while outpatient services were closed last week due to a winter storm.
VCU Health employees petition for pay allegedly lost during winter storm
In lieu of administrative pay, the hospital deducted pay hours from employees’ accrued paid time off, which is generally meant for “vacation, personal days, sick time and holidays” according to Indeed...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 5, 2026 at 6:13 PM
VCU Health employees published an online petition that asked for administrative pay to make up for paid time off hours they claim were used while outpatient services were closed last week due to a winter storm.
The RamsXpress saw an average of five riders at a time last semester — as city buses are operating at capacity, and the Greater Richmond Transit Company continues its search to fund the fare free operation VCU divested from.
VCU shuttle service sees 200 daily riders while Pulse operates at capacity
Molly Manning, Managing Editor | Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor | Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor | The RamsXpress saw an average of five riders at a time last semester — as city buses are operati...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The RamsXpress saw an average of five riders at a time last semester — as city buses are operating at capacity, and the Greater Richmond Transit Company continues its search to fund the fare free operation VCU divested from.
Here's how every VCU team did this week.
FEB. 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week
Hayden Braun, Staff Writer Drew Thompson, Sports Editor
commonwealthtimes.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Here's how every VCU team did this week.
On a quiet Jackson Ward sidewalk, a small junction box sits strapped to a sign pole, inviting passersby to exchange small toys, stickers and artwork.
There is no signage explaining the purpose of the box, except for one rule: “Give a trinket, take a trinket.”
There is no signage explaining the purpose of the box, except for one rule: “Give a trinket, take a trinket.”
Richmonders connect with neighborhood ‘trinket boxes’ The Commonwealth Times
Lelia Contee, Contributing Writer On a quiet Jackson Ward sidewalk, a small junction box sits strapped to a sign pole, inviting passersby to exchange small toys, stickers and artwork. There is no si...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:36 PM
On a quiet Jackson Ward sidewalk, a small junction box sits strapped to a sign pole, inviting passersby to exchange small toys, stickers and artwork.
There is no signage explaining the purpose of the box, except for one rule: “Give a trinket, take a trinket.”
There is no signage explaining the purpose of the box, except for one rule: “Give a trinket, take a trinket.”
Thousands of people visited downtown Richmond on Monday to catch a glimpse of the Buddhist Monk “Walk for Peace,” a group of 17 venerable monks — and one dog — from Fort Worth, Texas making their way to Washington, D.C.
Monk ‘Walk for Peace’ comes through Richmond
Thousands of people visited downtown Richmond on Monday to catch a glimpse of the Buddhist Monk “Walk for Peace,” a group of 17 venerable monks — and one dog — from Fort Worth, Texas making their way...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Thousands of people visited downtown Richmond on Monday to catch a glimpse of the Buddhist Monk “Walk for Peace,” a group of 17 venerable monks — and one dog — from Fort Worth, Texas making their way to Washington, D.C.
VCU women’s basketball head coach Beth O’Boyle was relieved of her duties at noon on Feb. 2. She will not coach the remainder of the season and will not return to VCU after the season, according to Evan Nicely, VCU Athletics associate athletic director for external affairs.
Women’s basketball coach Beth O’Boyle ‘relieved of duties’ after 12 seasons
VCU women’s basketball head coach Beth O’Boyle was relieved of her duties at noon on Feb. 2.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 2, 2026 at 7:24 PM
VCU women’s basketball head coach Beth O’Boyle was relieved of her duties at noon on Feb. 2. She will not coach the remainder of the season and will not return to VCU after the season, according to Evan Nicely, VCU Athletics associate athletic director for external affairs.