Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/144436
VCU Rising: The Black & Gold Standard The 2011 trip to the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four became a galvanizing moment for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The national acclaim, gained through the lens of intercollegiate athletics and specifically men's basketball, brought attention to the entire University. In subsequent years, VCU Athletics (Athletics) burst onto the national scene with several sports poised for sustainable achievement at an elite level nationally. This success has served to further enhance the University's brand and heighten VCU's national profile. VCU's strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, provides the framework for achieving the University's vision of being a premier urban public research university focused on student success. Quest for Distinction calls for the pursuit of excellence across the University - including Athletics. Correspondingly, Athletics offers an aggressive strategic plan that outlines the requirements for achieving a vision of being recognized as a premier NCAA Division I (Division I) athletic department. This plan also incorporates strategies that enable VCU to effectively position itself within an extremely fluid Division I environment all while supporting the University's overarching goals. Inherent to Athletics prominence in Division I is a continued focus on the academic success and well-being of VCU's student-athletes. Ensuring an inclusive climate, while promoting campus and community partnerships, are also cornerstones of Athletics' future. This Plan's eight Strategic Themes delineate the priorities, steps and resources required for Athletics to succeed in the classroom and competitively, as well as engaging the University and Richmond communities. Athletics' strategic plan also demonstrates a commitment to leadership, integrity of actions, and accountability for the prudent management of all resources. VCU Rising: The Black & Gold Standard 1