# Dash for Virginia Commonwealth University students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Canvas, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/virginia/richmond/vcu Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at VCU - Fri, Oct 30, 2026: Fall 2026 last day to withdraw with a W ([source](https://registrar.vcu.edu/)) - Fri, Oct 30, 2026: Fall 2026 deadline to request Pass/Fail grading ([source](https://registrar.vcu.edu/)) - Tue, Dec 8, 2026: Fall 2026 final examinations begin ([source](https://registrar.vcu.edu/academic-schedules/final-exam-schedule-/)) - Tue, Dec 15, 2026: Fall 2026 final examinations end ([source](https://registrar.vcu.edu/academic-schedules/final-exam-schedule-/)) - Mon, Jan 18, 2027: University closed (subject to approval) ([source](https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/AC_view.aspx?term=Spring+2027)) - Tue, Jan 19, 2027: Spring 2027 classes begin; MCV students follow departmental schedules ([source](https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/AC_view.aspx?term=Spring+2027)) - Tue, Jan 19, 2027: Spring 2027 add/drop and late registration begin ([source](https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/AC_view.aspx?term=Spring+2027)) - Mon, Jan 25, 2027: Spring 2027 add/drop and late registration deadline ([source](https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/AC_view.aspx?term=Spring+2027)) - Mon, Feb 1, 2027: 2027–2028 FAFSA priority deadline ([source](https://sfs.vcu.edu/)) - Tue, Feb 16, 2027: Summer semester advance registration begins ([source](https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/AC_view.aspx?term=Spring+2027)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Canvas (https://virginiacommonwealth.instructure.com/login/canvas) - Student portal: https://eservices.vcu.edu - 24/7 mental health crisis support: Call University Counseling Services at 804-828-6200. Outside business hours, select option 2 to speak with a crisis counselor. Available 24/7/365. (https://counseling.vcu.edu/crisis-support/) - University Counseling Services: Free individual, group and couple's therapy for VCU students. Call 804-828-6200 to schedule an initial intake appointment, visit either campus office, or request an appointment online. (https://counseling.vcu.edu/appointments) - TimelyCare: Free for enrolled VCU students. Includes 24/7 on-demand TalkNow crisis support and up to 12 scheduled telehealth counseling visits annually. Sign in using your student email address. (https://timelycare.com/vcu) - Office of the University Registrar: Course registration, academic records, transcripts and graduation support. Call 804-828-1349 or email rar@vcu.edu. Located at 1015 Floyd Avenue, Richmond. (https://registrar.vcu.edu/) - Student Financial Services and Financial Aid: Financial aid, grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Call 804-828-1550 or email sfmc@vcu.edu. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Zoom drop-in hours: 9–11 a.m. and 2–3:30 p.m. (https://sfs.vcu.edu/financial-aid/) - IT Support Center: Help with general IT issues and eServices access. Call 804-828-2227 or email itsc@vcu.edu. (https://knowledgebase.vcu.edu/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?hypermediatext=null&solutionid=240515093459653) - Canvas student support: Canvas vendor support is available 24/7. For hands-on Canvas or Kaltura help and technical training, email LSrequest@vcu.edu. (https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/canvas/students/) ## About VCU - VCU was created in 1968 by merging Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia. ([source](https://guides.library.vcu.edu/vcuhistory/timeline)) - Rodney the Ram began as Richmond Professional Institute’s mascot in 1963, replacing the Green Devil. ([source](https://archive.vcu.edu/rodney/)) - VCU was the first men’s basketball team to go from the First Four to the Final Four. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/about-vcu/vision-and-history/)) - VCU’s two main campuses are a mile apart in downtown Richmond. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/campus-life/around-campus/)) - The Commons offers a food court, pool, video games and a movie theater. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/campus-life/around-campus/)) - Cabell Library has flexible study spaces, a makerspace, a reading porch and a Starbucks. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/campus-life/around-campus/)) - Students can ride any GRTC bus for free, including routes connecting VCU’s two campuses. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/campus-life/around-campus/)) - Black and Gold Wednesdays encourage students, faculty and staff to wear school colors each Wednesday. ([source](https://blogs.vcu.edu/studentaffairs/index.php/building-an-uncommon-legacy-of-school-spirit-vcus-black-and-gold-wednesdays/)) - RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers trips, gear rentals and a bike shop. ([source](https://www.vcu.edu/campus-life/)) ## Questions ### What learning system does VCU use? Virginia Commonwealth University uses Canvas (virginiacommonwealth.instructure.com). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at VCU? Fall 2026 last day to withdraw with a W (Friday, October 30, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When is the last day to add or drop courses at VCU? Spring 2027 add/drop and late registration begin (Tuesday, January 19, 2027). ### When are final exams at VCU? Fall 2026 final examinations begin starts Tuesday, December 8. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at VCU? Office of the University Registrar: Course registration, academic records, transcripts and graduation support. Call 804-828-1349 or email rar@vcu.edu. Located at 1015 Floyd Avenue, Richmond. ### Where do I get financial aid help at VCU? Student Financial Services and Financial Aid: Financial aid, grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Call 804-828-1550 or email sfmc@vcu.edu. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Zoom drop-in hours: 9–11 a.m. and 2–3:30 p.m. ### Is Dash affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Virginia Commonwealth University. ### How do VCU students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at VCU. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.