12 p.m.

VCU's Biology Department will host a seminar with Meredith Palmer, Ph.D., (Conservation Scientist, Yale University) in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 253, 1000 W. Cary St. Learn how emerging technologies — AI-driven biodiversity sensors, real-time ecosystem monitoring and more — are revolutionizing conservation efforts worldwide. Questions: Email VCU Biology at biologay@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.

2 p.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, participants will learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join us at the Auctus March GBM to learn how you can get your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn about how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about opportunities to gain leadership experience. Come for fresh Insomnia Cookies. The meeting will be in the Honors College, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St. Those who cannot attend in-person can join on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6135769251 Receive updates through RamsConnect: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://auctus.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 at 10 a.m.

The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series via Zoom with Nibir Dhar, Ph.D. His topic will be Design and Development of High Operating Temperature Infrared Detectors. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/spring-speaker-series-design-and-development-of-high-operating-temperature-infrared-detectors/.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Learn the necessary steps to establish your ideas in a logical way that will hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the spring semester.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Do you have a difficult time saying No? Do you not advocate for your own needs? Assertive communication is a communication style that allows you to get your point across while being respectful to both yourself and others. In this virtual session, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, you will learn your communication style, tips for good communication, how to say No, and what obstacles there can be. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/2ct2vec2

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Midterms are around the corner, which means it’s time for a little self-care. Spit for Science will host a mindfulness booth with activities involving coloring, bracelet-making and crafts in the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Autumn Shifflett at shifflettaf@vcu.edu or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 at 10 a.m.

This virtual workshop is designed to help you map your research writing into a cohesive and manageable step-by-step process. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Mayor Danny Avula, M.D. (M.D.’03, H.S.’07), via Zoom as he outlines his leadership approach for the future of Virginia’s capital city. He will discuss approaches, key priorities and strategic initiatives to improve community outcomes and collaboration with residents and stakeholders. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PzytUQIQRdifpoOo55nFEQ#/registration.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 at 3 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

TEDxVCU’s Salon will focus on the social and academic demands faced by Gen Z, how those challenges can be overcome and how to create success. The session will be held in the University Student Commons, Alumni Board Room, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at tedx@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute will host a research seminar featuring Holger Willenbring, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of surgery at University of California San Francisco. Willenbring is a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research and associate director of the Liver Center at UCSF. Willenbring will speak on “Mechanistic Insights and Translational Tools for Therapy of Steatotic Cholestatic Liver Diseases.” Register for the webinar at bit.ly/vcu_liver_March_seminar

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or (804) 868-6631 or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement will host another Community Engaged Research Series Session. The professional development sessions are designed for faculty and staff looking to enhance their skills in community engagement, focusing on building stronger, more inclusive relationships between institutions and the communities they serve. Participants will explore key strategies and best practices for effective outreach, partnerships and community-engaged research. Meghan Gough, Ph.D., will discuss "The Richmond Cemetery Collaboratory: Reflections on Cultivating Long-term University and Community Partnerships." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx8HPOItFnp6epl4mguRjf4Cc6G9CBk_4OzFQybjX3ZFhSNQ/viewform.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

This interactive workshop via Zoom will familiarize students with the required components for a laboratory report and explore the essential elements of a lab report across various scientific disciplines. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center to learn about the flexible study abroad options to find the best fit for your goals. Whether you want to travel for a week, a month or a semester, there's a program for you. The session will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn about graduate programs in health care leadership (Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Administration) at the Department of Health Administration's virtual informational session. The discussion will include the program's mission, curriculum, administrative residency (MHA) and the application process for both programs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This series consists of two to three panelists (sourced by creator, curator and moderator Vincent Ellis White, M.Ed.) who will have fluid and candid conversations/discussions which are current and essential to the community and culture. Each panelist (and moderator) has a specific area of expertise. The open-style forum is designed to foster respectful, healthy dialogue. The series, hosted by the Greater Richmond Youth Development Network, will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/196/1742509800000.

Friday, Mar. 21, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Work-in-Progress Seminar with KáLyn Coghill. This talk via Zoom will explore the nature of digital misogynoir; examine how Black nonbinary, agender and gender-variant individuals resist and respond to it; methods of harm reduction; and how digital alchemy can be used as tools of resilience and reclamation in these communities. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/the-clap-back-a-look-into-digital-misogynoir-and-online-harm-reduction-practices.html.

Friday, Mar. 21, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m.

Nate’s Promise is hosting a pie fundraiser to support individuals in our community with cognitive and motor function challenges. This event will be held in the Compass and is open to all. Any VCU student can stop by and pay via Venmo for a pie.

For more information, contact Vrushali Papaiya at papaiyav@vcu.edu or visit http://www.natespromise.com.

Friday, Mar. 21, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Multiple Myeloma and a Fireside Chat with Facts and Faith Fridays via Zoom. Hear from facts and Faith founders and leaders Robert Winn, M.D.; Rudene Mercer Haynes, J.D.; and the Rev. Herbert Ponder, M.Div. Alicia Collier and Mindy Fast lead the Greater RVA Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Saturday, Mar. 22, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Hindu Students United at VCU for an afternon celebration of Holi in the green space beside West Grace South, 835 W. Grace St. The event is free for those who register. Register on the group's Instagram @hsu.atvcu for free powder, ice pops and water balloons.

For more information, contact Diya Patel at pateldd5@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering will present the Rehabilitation Research Grand Rounds via Zoom featuring Deborah DiazGranados, Ph.D. Participants in this workshop will learn about team science and how to incorporate it into research. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joshua Hahn at hahnj2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-6630 or visit https://pmr.vcu.edu/research/cerse-grand-rounds/.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at noon

Learn about the structural roots of social identities, focusing on group membership, individual agency and strategies for relating to one another in context. The workshop will be offered twice: Wednesday, March 26 at noon: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/-fhEypkERd69SiKJgkHJKA#/registration Thursday, March 27 at 3:30 p.m.: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/BsgZsDS0Tw-MUrEPg9tB4A#/registration

For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture's Graduate Program will hold a tabling event at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Stop by and learn more about a master's degree in Integrated Communication, Media Leadership or certificate in Media and Leadership.

For more information, contact Veronica Garabelli at garabelliva@vcu.edu or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/ms-in-mass-communications/.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Equality VCU invites all members of the VCU community to celebrate the 2025 Burnside Watstein Awards, which honor the efforts of LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, students alumni and local community members who have impacted the lives of VCU’s LGBTQ+ community through both professional responsibilities and volunteer work. The ceremony will be held at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. RSVP by Wednesday, March 19 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at equality@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVRoT0xVzeGKB_7xYIS1z7sllye7m7NXD_qM_1nwpx1iCKvw/viewform.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Global Education Office will hold its Global Initiatives Master Class Series: Global Engagement Strategies in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Malaika Marable Serrano, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging of Guild Education, will present. The workshop, "Inclusive Program Design in International Education," will explore strategies for prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility and emphasize the importance of equitable access to global learning. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/master-class-series/.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at noon

This 30-minute virtual class, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will not only give you an excellent abdominal and low back workout, but will also challenge your other major muscle groups as well. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/447brua5

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The K Breakfast Club at VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will share tips for those preparing for R-level grants. Suggestions to be discussed include choosing the right study section, understanding key sections, terminology, collaborator letters and publications. Register for the hybrid event at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqf-yvrTkrHNPSsXKZ0fMOeDwEFqMceJza#/registration.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In collaboration with the American Pharmacist Organization and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, the VCU School of Pharmacy will host its annual blood drive in front of the School of Pharmacy building, 410 N. 12th St. Each donor will receive a $30 E-gift card and $10 will be donated on the participant's behalf to Feed More. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ahmed Nour at nourai@vcu.edu or (703) 357-8807 or visit https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/284534.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The VCU Graduate School - in collaboration with VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, VCU School of Business and VCU Career Services - will bring Startup Bazaar to VCU. This event created by the American Bazaar brings together entrepreneurs, students and community members for panels, discussions and networking opportunities. Topics will include how to start a business, raising capital and scaling up. The event, at Snead Hall, School of Business, 301 W. Main St., is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-bazaar-vcu-tickets-1254761648869.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and the Center on Transition Innovations will host a webcast about the pivotal role of assistive technology in educational settings and beyond. The session will focus on documentation and self-advocacy. Explore the shift from paper to digital portfolios with examples of digital platforms and sample templates. Learn the essential components of AT transition portfolios for student success. Register for free at the following URL.

For more information, contact Teri Blankenship at tcblanke@vcu.edu or visit https://centerontransition.org/resources/webcasts/.

Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual meeting of the Central Virginia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience will be held at the Delta-Marriott Hotel, 555 E. Canal St. Register or submit an abstract at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeffrey Dupree, Ph.D., at jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org or visit https://www.kmjacobs.org/cvcsn.

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.

VCU Work+ and the Student Employment Action Team and Advisory Group are currently accepting nominations for the first-ever VCU Student Employee of the Year Award, with the hopes of formally recognizing one of the 4,000+ student staff members who contribute to the campus community. Modeled after the criteria set by the National Student Employment Association, official nomination form submissions will be accepted from staff, faculty or fellow students at the following URL until Monday, March 24 at 5 p.m. This year's winner will be celebrated as part of the Division of Student Affairs' Student Leadership Awards on Thursday, April 17. Questions? Contact careers@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Samara Reynolds at careers@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/oCQR8eBn1EDX4LBQ6.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers a variety of climbing clinics at the Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall, 101 S. Linden St. Climbing clinics for March include belay, intro to rock climbing and sport climbing. Registration closes the day of the clinic. See details and registration at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

Did you know VCU students, faculty and staff are eligible for a free U.S. passport-style photograph at VCU's Global Education Office? GEO offers this service the first Tuesday of the month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of the month from 9-11 a.m. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot (first-come, first-serve) at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://bit.ly/48vyeCK.

Did you know that VCU offers up to $5,000 in funding for undergraduate students seeking summer internships? Apply at the following URL by Tuesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.

The 2025 You First at VCU Student Success Research Grants application deadline has been extended to Monday, March 17. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, You First invites applications for funds to support scholarly activity focused on (a) first-generation student success and (b) improving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) first-generation and/or low-income college student success. Apply at the following URL by 5 p.m. Monday, March 17.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D., at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/faculty-and-staff/research-opportunities/first-generation-student-success-research-grants/.

VCU's Global Education Office has opened a call for proposals for the 2025-26 Global Impact Awards. Two awards, the Global Learning Program Development Awards and the Global Partnership Impact Awards, will fund proposals from VCU academic units to develop partnership collaborations with institutions abroad or new global learning programs. For each CFP, there will be five awards of up to $5,000. An information webinar will be held for the Global Partnership Impact Awards, “Faculty Opportunities for Global Engagement,” facilitated by Paulo Zagalo-Melo, Ph.D., senior internationalization strategist, and Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives, on Tuesday, March 18, at noon at the Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St., Room 3124. Register at https://forms.gle/gtcuLnnFzjFCMRcEA.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6364 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/newsroom/2024/global-impact-awards/.

VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence is seeking VCU students, staff and faculty to take part in an in-person focus group to discuss personal experiences regarding sense of belonging, care and community. Information shared in the questionnaire linked below will help identify potential participants who will then be sent an invitation to attend a focus group. If you do not attend a focus group, your answers to these questions will not be used. See the questionnaire at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kim Case at casek3@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduKK40A3aIz-bigZo4NwNGhAKYiZMxnwtaPUzfqegCYtVYog/viewform.

PennyAppeal will be holding a clothing drive from Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 31 in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Donations will go to the local homeless community.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

The Equity in Cardiovascular Health Outcomes (EqCHO) Labat VCU is conducting a study on the stress experiences of young Black women. We would like to use the information gained from this study to develop a stress reduction program to improve cardiovascular health among young African American women. Resources will be provided on stress and health management. The study will take place over two consecutive weeks. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility and sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Anika Hines at eqcholab@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5030 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KYP34XPP8J7A8JJX.

The Council for Community Engagement invites nominations for awards for excellence in community engagement. The categories are transformative educational experiences, community engaged research partnership, demonstrated impact in community engagement, outstanding community engagement by a student or group of students and outstanding community partner. For all awards, nominees should exemplify the values of community engagement, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Submit a nomination at the following URL by Friday, April 4. Nominees will be notified and asked to submit a letter of support from their community partner. Questions: Email muellermr@vcu.edu or lavetrovec@vcu.edu, co-chairs for the awards committee.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.

Register now for four weeks of pickleball instruction. All classes will take place at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., starting on Wednesday, March 19. The class is offered every Wednesday for four weeks from 6-7:30 p.m. The cost for sltudents is $60 and $75 for faculty and staff. Register at https://givepul.se/xcojun

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/.

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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

We're seeking volunteers to participate in our single-visit study, the Human Trunk Behavior Project, happening at the Physical Therapy Department at VCU’s College of Health Professions. In this study, we'll assess how well you can stabilize your torso against external forces in various directions. We'll use surface EMG sensors to measure trunk muscle activity and a new index developed by our team to gauge trunk stiffness. Would you be interested in participating? Questions: Email mcl@vcu.edu Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, contact James Thomas, P.T., Ph.D., at jthomas32@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0234.