From: The Underground: Student Organization Resource Center
Date: August 20
Subject: Student Org Newsletter 8/20: WELCOME BACK RAMS!



Meet us in the Underground Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm and Fri 11am-5pm.

The Underground is now open for the Fall 2026 semester.

We're open Monday through Thursday from 11am-7pm and Friday from 11am-5pm. 

Note: The Underground is CLOSED on Friday 8/21 as we prep for SOVO Fair in Monroe Park. 
Introducing Mazevo: new year, new event reservation system

The Commons is excited to share an upcoming update to how space reservations work, along with a new mandatory training program to help your student organization succeed!

The Commons is parting ways with EMS and moving to Mazévo, which will now be the official platform for reserving spaces at The Commons, Cary Street Gym, Academic Spaces and outdoor campus areas.

Key Dates & Details

  • Temporary Reseveration System Pause (Aug 14 – Aug 24): No new reservation requests can be made while we change systems.
  • Mazévo Launch Date (Tuesday, August 25th): Mazévo opens! You can begin submitting all new space requests starting this day.
  • Existing Reservations: Don't worry! All active reservations in EMS will automatically transfer to Mazévo.

Mandatory Training

To ensure a smooth transition and get your organization ready to host events:

  • Required Step: You must complete the Student Org Event Process Training in order to gain access to your Mazévo account.
  • Where to Find It: Log in to RamsConnect and select ‘My Checklist’ from the left-hand menu bar.
  • Date: Training will be available to ALL group officers Monday, August 17th, 2026.
  • Resources Included: We’ve linked this step-by-step instructions for accessing the training.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re excited to help you plan your upcoming events!

Regards,

The University Student Commons Team

SOVO Fair Aug. 21 from 3-6pm in Monroe Park

SOVO Fair is TOMORROW! Just a reminder: if you registered for the SOVO Fair as part of your annual registration, you will see your organization listed on the SOVO Fair Roster. Below are a few reminders to assure a successful day for everyone:

Event check in: Check-in begins at 2:00 pm at Monroe Park, and the fair runs from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. Please arrive no later than 2:45 pm to ensure you are prepared for the event by 3:00 pm. ARRIVING LATER THAN 2:45pm may result in the loss of your spot!

All organizations participating in SOVO are assigned to a category on the roster. You can find the location of your category in the park on the map below. To self-check in for the event, simply find an available table in your category section, use the QR on the table, and begin to set up. You may only set up in your designated category section - you can check the roster for your category here: SOVO Fair Roster.

Although there is no official check in location, VCU staff and volunteers will be stationed throughout the park to help direct student leaders, answer questions, and ensure only participating orgs are accessing tables. If you have any questions, you can direct them to volunteers in the park or come see us at the Club Hub Info Desk at the Checkers House in the center of the park. 

Weather: Summer storms are always a possibility this time of year, and our team is keeping a close eye on the weather. The event is rain or shine, although if severe storms or safety are a concern, we may opt to adjust the fair time slightly, postpone, or cancel if needed. I'll be in touch with you via email in the event any weather related changes are needed.

Clean up & breakdown: Around 5:50 PM, we ask that you begin to break down in order for the grounds crew to begin cleaning up. All trash should be placed in the trash cans provided around the park. Thanks for your help ensuring we are good stewards of Monroe Park.

For more info on how to best prepare for tomorrow, check out our TIPS FOR SUCCESS at SOVO FAIR for more!

And friendly reminder that The Underground will be CLOSED on Friday, August 21st. Please make sure you utilize the resources there earlier this week. 

Welcome back!

We're excited to see you in the Underground, help you prep to recruit new members, AND start the new year right with everyone's favorite WOW event, SOVO FAIR in Monroe Park. 

We’re excited to kick off another year of involvement, leadership, and community at VCU. As student leaders, you play a vital role in shaping campus life through building connections, creating experiences, and helping your peers find their place here. Our team is here to support you with resources, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. Here’s to a successful year of leading, learning, and thriving together! 

As always, be sure to look out for newsletters, updates, events and more opportunities coming your way.

Student Organization and Volunteer ( SOVO ) Fair on Friday, 21 August 2026 At 3:00 PM. No image description provided

EVENT

Student Organization and Volunteer (SOVO) Fair

clock Friday, August 21
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Location pinMonroe Park, 620 West Main, Richmond 23220, United States
CalendarAdd to Google Cal, Outlook, Yahoo, iCal

This year's SOVO fair is Friday, August 21 from 3-6 PM at Monroe Park!

Come out and explore student organizations and volunteer opportunities, meet new people, and find ways to get involved on campus at the largest student organization event of the year!

*Please note: This event is NOT for registering to table. If you are unsure if your organization has registered please contact us at studentorgs@vcu.edu

REGISTER