This week
Core and More
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at noon
Join VCU HR and VCU RecWell for this virtual 30-minute class that will not only give you an excellent abdominal and low back workout, but will also challenge your other major muscle groups. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/424pDX0
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Study Abroad Informational Session: Barcelona Summer 2025
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Interested in studying abroad? Jessica Trisko Darden, Ph.D., is leading a group to Barcelona, Spain, this summer to study Women in Global Politics. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessica Trisko Darden at polistaff@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/VCUBarcelona.
Audition To Be a Ramette
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Ramettes, VCU's dance team for women's basketball, will hold auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16 at the VCU Dance Center, 10 N. Brunswick St. Five to seven dancers are sought. See the flyer on Instagram @ramettesatvcu
For more information, contact Gary Hare at harego@vcu.edu.
Canvas Overview, Jan. 16
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover the components of Canvas LMS and a course shell. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18458. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=88671406931
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Spring SOVO Fair
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the Student Organization team for the Spring Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities (SOVO) Fair on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn about the university's student organizations and how to become involved. Questions: Email studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936386
For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at jraibolt@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/theunderground/rsvp_boot?id=1936386.
OMSA in Full Bloom: Spring Open House
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave., for an open house that will be part of the Spring Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities (SOVO) Fair. The event will highlight SOVO programs, events and opportunities.
For more information, contact Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at omsa@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://omsa.vcu.edu/.
Coming up
PennyAppeal x P.R.I.M.E. Pack-A-Bag
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join PennyAppeal and P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) for the first Pack-A-Bag event of the semester in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St., to help make care kits for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the PennyAppeal Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or the PennyAppeal RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events and collaborations.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
Maximizing Student Success: Resources to Support Your Students
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Join VCU's Office of the Provost, Faculty Affairs, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success to learn about the resources available to support students in your classes. Learn more about the culture of care VCU has built around every student who needs guidance, support and clarity for their journey to graduation. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/quR2v9Khj9dtUwid7.
Faculty Club - COACHE
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of the Provost will host a Faculty Club meeting in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. The session will focus on the upcoming COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey, in which VCU is participating this Spring semester. The Faculty Club will feature remarks from Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, a raffle for prizes, food and drinks and opportunities to connect with colleagues while learning about the upcoming survey. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Latoya Blizzard at lblizzard@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gJiqt7DVA8zebQt46.
First Gen/AAPI Faculty and Staff Learning Community
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The You First Learning Community will meet at 10 a.m. on six Fridays throughout the semester. The discussions, in the STEM Building, Room 108, 817 W. Franklin St., will include opportunities, strategies and techniques for addressing First-Gen and Asian American Pacific Islander inclusiveness in courses and programs, developing awareness about and generating strategies to support FG/AAPI students through our scholarship, teaching, service and/or programming activities. Complete the following form to join.
For more information, contact Ellen Carpenter at emcarpenter@vcu.edu or (757) 581-9262 or visit https://forms.gle/3VqPvTy45s4cKmrEA.
Study Abroad Day 2025
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Study Abroad Day with VCU Global Education Office on the Compass. Rams in Recovery's Coffee Bike will be available for hot coffee, cocoa and conversation. GEO will also be hosting drop-in U.S. Passport Style photos and the bi-annual Gilman Writing Workshop. See the full schedule of events at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://bit.ly/4iFpGOZ.
Gilman Writing Workshop
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join VCU Global Learning at its bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. The workshop will cover award eligibility (award is for Pell grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. The workshop is designed to help maximize participants'chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. The meeting will be in the SGA Senate Chambers (University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and available online (https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84123197754). Register at the following URL or on RamsConnect.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936343.
Get Your 30-Credit Gerontology Master’s Degree or 15-Credit Certificate as a VCU Employee
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuition reimbursement is a benefit of VCU employment, and VCU Gerontology is a great place to take part in this program. A degree in gerontology provides key professional and personal development for your career and life. Gerontology is the study of aging, and VCU Gerontology has a strong commitment to viewing aging as a lifespan journey toward elderhood. Questions: https://gerontology.chp.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kim Ivey at ksivey@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlde6hqz0jEtB7cF9xKO0eqrfbBm8A8HwM#/registration.
Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics Mezcla
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics (HCHA) for a mixer open to all. Connect with others and savor Latin American cuisine while supporting Hispanic representation in the health sciences. The event will be in the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at phillipsar3@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13545959.
Foundations of Instructional Design Certificate Program
Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at noon
VCU Continuing and Professional Education and LEDstudio will launch a noncredit Foundations of Instructional Design Certificate Program - ideal for anyone interested in exploring instructional design or seeking new skills. The February cohort is open exclusively to VCU faculty and staff with a special program price ($360). Participant feedback is required. Each cohort consists of six, asynchronous modules. Additional information is available at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/739ee55c563149058a206a40953a697a
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/onlineed.html.
Notices
Community Engaged Data Dissemination Grant Deadline Extended
In light of recent events, the application deadline for the Community-Engaged Data Dissemination Grant has been extended to Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. This grant provides funding for projects that creatively share research findings with community stakeholders and within communities. Apply at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4VsLAn7ie46cMHpkOfjjKjdExEIapN-/view?usp=sharing For more information, or to submit an application, please contact dcegrantsinfo@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu.
Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center Hours Jan. 20
The Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St., will be closed for staff training on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Aquatic Center will reopen at 4 p.m. for regular hours until 10 p.m.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/cary-street-gym/.
RecWell Aquatics Children’s Swim Lessons Spring Session 1
VCU RecWell offers children’s swim lessons for ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified Water Safety Instructors under the American Red Cross program. Lessons, at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 1 runs Saturday, Feb. 1-Saturday, Feb. 22. Register at the following URL between Saturday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Jan/ 31.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.
Join the RAMS-2-RAMS Peer Support Program
Are you experiencing food insecurity and looking for support at VCU? The RAMS-2-RAMS program is here for you. Connect with peers who understand and gain access to essential resources right here on campus.
For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2abrc3h2pyBdN2gC7.
Rights of Students Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA affords students the rights to inspect and review educational records, request that records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading be corrected, provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: FTC Safeguards Rule
VCU's Office of the University Registrar is responsible for notifying the university community that it does not release nonpublic information about VCU students. This information is used and shared in a limited and carefully controlled manner. It is not disclosed, except as permitted by law, unless authorized by the student.
For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.
VCU Bands: Come Play With Us
It’s not too late to join one of VCU's dynamic bands this spring. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just looking to connect with others who share your love of music, there is a band for you. Experience the thrill of live performances, connect with a vibrant community of talented musicians and expand your musical skills and repertoire. Register for University Band (APPM 356) today.
For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974.
Start Your Semester Off Strong
Undergraduate students, schedule an appointment with a coach at the Campus Learning Center to discuss your goals for the semester and create an action plan. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting and can support you as you work toward your goals. Start by filling out the questionnaire at https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98
For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.
First-Year Students: Elevate Your Academic Performance
First-year students, elevate your academic performance with Peer Academic Coaching. Work with an upperclass student who can personalize a plan to help you level up your academic performance this semester. Peer Academic Coaching provides personalized guidance in time management techniques, study strategies and effective goal setting. Sign up at https://forms.gle/2jAmQaRUo2twpp7u9
For more information, contact Ian Anderson at andersoni2@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The principal investigator is Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Email the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
