12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in Mass Communications with concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership. The school also offersr a certificate in Media and Leadership. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

4 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop will help you feel more comfortable when beginning a research project. Learn how to develop a clear, focused and complex research question. Register at the following URL.

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

Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025 from 2:50 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come experiment with a new form of collaborative theater. Every two weeks VCU students and theater professionals will write a full-length semi-improvised story dedicated to current events that empower the audience and the players to make a real difference in the local community … or just throw dodgeballs at actors onstage. The performances are free and if you like what you see you can even apply to be a player/actor in the next show. Performances will be on the Newdick Stage at the Shafer Street Playhouse, 221 N. Shafer St. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. followed by Madlibs at 2:50 p.m. to name the locations and characters The show starts at 3 p.m., has a 15-minute intermission and will conclude by 5 p.m. Be the Hero! Be the Monster! Be the Dodgeball!

For more information, contact Teddy McPherson at mcphersont@vcu.edu or visit https://www.instagram.com/dodgeballsanddragons/.

Monday, Mar. 17, 2025 at 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/.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/47dmutxv

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

Friday, Apr. 11, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The WISDM faculty organization will host an afternoon of networking and professional development through enhancement of leadership skills. The theme is "Communication is Key! Unlocking Your Ability to Communicate Well to Various Stakeholders." Learn how to communicate to the public about research and clinical breakthroughs, identify strategies for navigating pejorative comments to effectively communicate, understand generational differences in communication, discover how to advocate for your own ideas, and learn best practices for communicating to a diverse audience. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6591 or visit https://vcu.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=34996.

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/.

PennyAppeal will hold 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 needed, but all clothes are welcome.

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

TEDxVCU announces the speakers for Bloom, its spring event. This year's talks highlight growth and change. See the list of speakers at the following URL.

For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/2025-event/.

VCU's Global Education Office invites students to submit an application at the following URL by Sunday, March 9 for the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. The organization recognizes international service, scholarship, education and involvement.

For more information, contact Global Education Office (GEO) at geo@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/started/info1/community/phibetadelta//.

VCU's Council for Community Engagement invites nominations for Excellence in Community Engagement. For all awards, nominees should exemplify the values of community engagement, collaboration and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Submit a nomination by Friday. April 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/1NoV9qarvauPBKnF6.

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 information sheet linked below will help us 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.