The Commonwealth Times
commonwealthtimes.bsky.social
The Commonwealth Times
@commonwealthtimes.bsky.social
The award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, established in 1969. New issues every Wednesday!
Stay connected with The Commonwealth Times on all our socials. Follow along to keep up with news and events impacting the VCU and RVA communities.⁠
February 15, 2026 at 7:57 PM
OPINION: After being a hermit my first semester at VCU, I knew I wanted to join greek life. I thought it would be a great way to make friends, socialize and become more familiar with Richmond.

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Transparency could help revive VCU greek life
After being a hermit my first semester at VCU, I knew I wanted to join greek life. I thought it would be a great way to make friends, socialize and become more familiar with Richmond.
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February 15, 2026 at 7:54 PM
A bright and down-to-earth guide designed for students, in 2026, The Stall Seat Journal celebrates 25 years this year as “VCU’s #1 Toilet Paper.”

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Stall Seat Journal celebrates 25 years The Commonwealth Times
Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer A bright and down-to-earth guide designed for students, in 2026, The Stall Seat Journal celebrates 25 years this year as “VCU’s #1 Toilet Paper.” Spread out across the Mo...
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February 15, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Hundreds of Renaissance fans banded together in full costume on Saturday, ready to witness the rebirth of “The Princess Bride” with a live, sword fighting shadow cast — and the birth of Richmond’s first ever, full renaissance fair.

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VCU alums put on screening, sword fight to open Richmond Ren Faire season The Commonwealth Times
Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer Hundreds of Renaissance fans banded together in full costume on Saturday, ready to witness the rebirth of “The Princess Bride” with a ...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:55 PM
VCU opened up its season with a 2-1 win against the College of Holy Cross after a lengthy offseason.

VCU will play its next game on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. against Holy Cross at The Diamond.

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Baseball walks-off Holy Cross in season opener
VCU opened up its season with a 2-1 win against the College of Holy Cross after a lengthy offseason.
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February 14, 2026 at 12:51 PM
VCU graduate students say they are having a hard time affording living expenses with the pay they receive for campus work as costs rise across the region.

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Graduate students struggle to afford living expenses with VCU pay rates
Bryer Haywood, Contributing Writer | VCU graduate students say they are having a hard time affording living expenses with the pay they receive for campus work as costs rise across the region. Accordin...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Calvin & friends: good business by Katie Meeker
Calvin & friends: good business
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:47 PM
After yet another disappointing season with two horrible playoff performances, there has been a lot of discourse on whether Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has fallen off.

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PRESS BOX: C.J. Stroud must evolve to reclaim his trajectory
After yet another disappointing season with two horrible playoff performances, there has been a lot of discourse on whether Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has fallen off.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM
This month Exposure Cinema presented “Nu West,” a series of films about Black cinema and the American West at the Institute for Contemporary Art. There are two screenings left, both free to the public.

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Giddy up for these ICA film screenings about Black cowboys The Commonwealth Times
Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor This month Exposure Cinema presented “Nu West,” a series of films about Black cinema and the American West at the Institute for Contemporary Art. There are two screening...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:41 PM
OPINION: “Oh my god. You are so fat!” my friend said to her older brother as he reached for her fries.

Everyone around me, including my friend’s older brother, started laughing. I remember this distinct, numbing feeling of shock.

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No, fatphobic language still isn’t OK
Fatphobia has been an issue in our culture for decades, but recently it seems to have become terrifyingly normalized.
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February 14, 2026 at 12:39 PM
A new bill that would allow university students to donate unused meal plan credits passed the Virginia Senate last month — the latest piece in a series of legislation seeking to address student hunger.

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New bill would allow students to donate meal swipes to each other
New bill would allow students to donate meal swipes to each other | Erika Vasquez, Contributing WriterA new bill that would allow university students to donate unused meal plan credits passed the Virg...
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February 14, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Una ley nueva que permitiría que los estudiantes universitarios donen créditos de su plan de comidas sin usar paso por el senado de Virginia el mes pasado. Es la última pieza de un grupo de propuestas legislativas que buscan atender al hambre estudiantil.

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Una ley nueva permitiría a estudiantes donar sus créditos de plan de comidas entre sí
Una ley nueva permitiría a estudiantes donar sus créditos de plan de comidas entre sí | Erika Vasquez, Escritora ContribuyenteUna ley nueva que permitiría que los estudiantes universitarios donen créd...
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:37 PM
VCU baseball starts its season on Friday, Feb. 13, against the College of the Holy Cross. The game, along with all others Monday through Friday, will be free to the public, according to VCU Athletics.
A look at baseball ahead of a hectic season
VCU baseball starts its season on Friday, Feb. 13, against the College of the Holy Cross. The game, along with all others Monday through Friday, will be free to the public, according to VCU Athletics.
commonwealthtimes.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:34 PM
VCU President Michael Rao emphasized the need for interdisciplinary activities at VCU moving forward during his annual State of the University address on Thursday.
‘We need to be more connected’ Rao says in university address
VCU President Michael Rao emphasized the need for interdisciplinary activities at VCU moving forward during his annual State of the University address on Thursday.
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February 13, 2026 at 12:05 AM
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...
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February 11, 2026 at 1:49 PM
WEEKLY RECAP: How every VCU team did this week.⁠
FEB. 11 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week
Jenny Allen, Staff Writer
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February 11, 2026 at 1:48 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 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’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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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
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