7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This spring, VCU P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) will kick off a new series, P.R.I.M.E. Connections, to connect interested students with different health science schools. This is an opportunity to learn exactly what is required to get into some of your dream schools. In this week's session, Associate Chair Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D., MLC, (ASCP) will give a virtual inside look into the VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences program, including how to be a competitive and successful applicant for the upcoming cycle. Questions: Visit https://sites.google.com/view/vcuprime. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Muhammad Usman Babar at babarm@vcu.edu or (703) 577-0124 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJModuGrqzIrHdGJB7tZt4xEP0gjhEEK2fPG.

Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Support the Ukrainian Red Cross by purchasing Krispy Kreme doughnuts for $1 apiece at The Compass from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 15 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16. The event will be sponsored by Eta Lambda Sigma Professional Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Fraternity in partnership with the VCU Russian Club. All proceeds will go to humanitarian causes to support injured and displaced Ukrainian civilians.

For more information, contact Michael Kyrychenko at kyrychenkmn@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

VCU Libraries hosts Krystle Dandridge, owner of newly opened The Book Bar. Virtually explore Richmond’s newest Black-owned bookstore, learn about intentional reading, broadened perspectives and add new titles to your spring reading list. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2021-2022/community-zooms.html.

Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

The next Community Café will be a discussion of the café's future next semester. The meeting will be at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Drinks and refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact Samantha Haines at hainess2@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.

VCU's Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Program will sponsor a virtual presentation about a two-year research training opportunity for underrepresented students. No previous research experience is required. Questions: https://healthdisparities.vcu.edu/researchtraining/undergraduate-programs/imsd/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brian Cone at coneb2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sf-utqz4oHdTf0GPYPvA5SxV1uMlrvopc.

Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022 at 8 p.m.

Come to Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall at the W.E. Singleton Center, 922 Park Ave., to hear the VCU Jazz Orchestras I and II, Vocal Chamber Ensemble and guest conductor/Flying Squirrels’ COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. A reception will precede the concert at 7 p.m. Advance admission is $35 for adults and $20 for students and seniors Prices will be $5 higher at the door. Proceeds assist pro bono services and VCU Jazz scholarships. Tickets are available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Garcia, director of Jazz Studies, at ajgarcia@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/j4j-tix.

Friday, Mar. 18, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Children's Hospital of Richmond's Health Brigade program provides needle exchange and other services to people who use drugs. Each week, program members distribute hundreds of bags of safer use supplies, hygiene kits and Narcan in the Richmond community. International Pre-Health Student Association volunteers will be assembling bags of supplies at 1010 N. Thompson St. and preparing them for distribution on March 18. Those interested should fill out the registration form in advance at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hala Idris at idrish@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/mCcaiMXgCv2y6uH79.

Friday, Mar. 18, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Heather Russell, Ph.D., University of Richmond, will discuss "Connectivity in Graph Coloring Reconfiguration" at an event hosted by VCU's Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Colloquium in Room 2100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Allison Moore at moorea14@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

The Quey Percussion Duo will present a free concert in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The duo, Gene Koshinski and Tim Broscious, has performed in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Jordan, the UK and extensively throughout the United States. They have worked with music festivals, art galleries, chamber music series and conventions.

For more information, contact Justin Alexander at jlalexander@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2022 at noon

Join VCU Health Administration for a virtual event featuring women in health care leadership who will reflect on how past experiences have helped reshape their futures. The event will be moderated by Paula H. Song, Ph.D., Richard M. Bracken chair and professor of Health Administration at VCU. Questions: https://ha.chp.vcu.edu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Malorie Burkett at mgburkett@vcu.edu or visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHDXta_JQ7mXSIotBj8zGQ.

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Iryna Piontkivska, an economist and avid crafter from Ukraine, will discuss Ukranian history and traditions - including intricately decorated eggs known as "pysanka" - at a free virtual Lunch and Learn session sponsored by VCU Continuing and Professional Education. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/languages.

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Roy Sabo, Ph.D., associate professor, biostatistics, will discuss the roles that sampling, probability and variability play in interpreting research data in the virtual Whetting Your Appetite for Research series hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and the Department of Biostatistics. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdu2gqTMqHtLPd9FBWmJE9P5UJHuW_sQE.

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

What does it take to compete in the recently legalized cannabis industry in Virginia? What are the best ways to effectively navigate policy concerns and regulations across this uncharted landscape? Preparing Virginia for the business side of marijuana is no small task. Join regulatory experts Kelly L. Donovan and Tricia L. Harper for a virtual presentation hosted by the Wilder School to learn about the processes, challenges and legal implications for successfully launching a new industry in the commonwealth. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UB4x9DHbTfKIH5zu0lSUjA.

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A virtual discussion on considerations for pursuing and maximizing postdoctoral fellowships will be sponsored by the Pauley Heart Center and VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Moriah Bellissimo at moriah.bellissimomyers@vcuhealth.org or visit https://tinyurl.com/PHCMar2022.

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join the VPM and ICA Community Media Center for a free, virtual Q&A session from podcast audio engineer Rob Byers ("Criminal," "All Things Considered," "Morning Edition"). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/cmc-audio-rob-byers/.

Thursday, Mar. 24, 2022 at noon

The Calm Your Nerves program presented by VCU HR and CommonHealth will help participants find healthy ways to release the buildup of stress before it takes a toll. The key is to balance time, budget and social ties. Program participants will have a chance to see and practice simple stress-relieving techniques that can take as little as 30 seconds. Register for the Zoom link in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3BOMner.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Mar. 24, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs for a virtual Womxn's HERstory Month presentation by Mari Julienne, education and outreach specialist with the Library of Virginia, who will touch on lesser known, but nevertheless, important womxn of RVA throughout HERstory. Questions: https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Savannah J. Smith at smithsj2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3143 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqcOuhqTMjHtATiCrGfC2gk7vzqlEjN_q-.

Saturday, Mar. 26, 2022 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU's da Vinci Center for Innovation will hold a Shelfie Market at Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Some of the market's shelfies will be on site selling their wares is required.

For more information, contact Erika Boltz at boltzef2@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/events/.

Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 at 5 p.m.

Join VCU School of Dentistry's DEI Director Carlos Smith, D.D.S, M.Div., for a celebration of Women's History Month with Sheila S. Price, D.D.S; Jeanne C. Sinkford, D.D.S; and Marilyn P. Woolfolk, D.D.S, authors of the new book "Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact John Wallace at wallacej@vcu.edu or (804) 628-7454 or visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_msb8q8caQp2MXpk2nHB75g?fbclid=IwAR2AThAwPucRn2NiIqL7TEqXU-CwnSHimf3SdxfWM2cF7UunfRpass4gHKc.

Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 from 9 a.m. to noon

Learn to be an advocate and ally for people struggling with substance use disorders and those in recovery at a virtual session hosted by Rams in Recovery. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer Hall at lawjl@vcu.edu or (804) 586-7746 or visit https://recovery.vcu.edu/recovery-ally/.

Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 at noon

The REAL External Outreach committee will share the results of a recent audit of VCU's formal mentoring programs. The virtual session will also include the current mentoring definition for REAL, a discussion of best practices and suggestions for scalability of mentoring at VCU. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at real@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/REALMentorship.

Thursday, Apr. 7, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

How does ability and disability impact your daily life? Do you wonder how that differs for others? Come engage with students, faculty and staff in an upcoming RAMmalogues session about ability and disability. Share your experience with neurodiversity, physical and mental disabilities or ways that you’ve come to understand ability and disability in our society. Bear witness to what others have to share in open dialogue. RAMmalogues is a space for intercultural, multigenerational and community-wide dialogues around who we are and what matters to us. The session will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. All faculty, staff and students are invited, but registration is limited to 25, so register now at the following URL to reserve your spot.

For more information, contact Jan Altman, Ph.D., at IExcel@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/iexcel/rammalogues/.

March 18 is the last day to make a nomination for the 2022 VCU Student Leadership Awards. They are the premier university awards for student leadership and service, and celebrate innovative, courageous and socially engaged leaders. Nominate a student, student organization or an advisor at thecommonsvcu.com/Leaders22.The awards ceremony will be held April 14 at the Commons.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at nlpatterson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/leadershipawards/home/.

Earn The Capital CoLab Digital Tech Credential by completing a prerequisite course in Computers and Programming, and courses in both Data Science Skills and Cybersecurity Skills through the Department of Computer Science in VCU's College of Engineering. Summer and fall courses are available. Nondegree-seeking students, including VCU and VCU Health employees, can register through VCU Continuing and Professional Education. Eligible employees may use their tuition benefit/education assistance.

For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/cs-fundamentals.

VCU's Global Education Office, in partnership with the university's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, is now accepting applications for the 2022 Harris Manchester College Summer Research Institute to take place July 3-9 at Oxford University. The institute is an opportunity for faculty to enhance a research project through a week of focused study. Participants' time is their own for study and writing, as well as taking advantage of cultural activities offered at Oxford University. Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 18.

For more information, contact Jill Blondin, Ph.D., at geo@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/harrismanchester/.

Power Hour utilizes strength and cardiovascular training over the course of six weeks to break through plateaus and provide maximum fitness benefits. Work out on specialty fitness equipment with a small group of no more than 12 participants. No prior experience is needed; trainers can modify all exercises to each participant's skill and fitness level. Power Hour, open to RecWell members, starts March 22. Register by March 25 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/instructional-programs/.

Learn foundational methods of resistance training and program design. Participants start with basic movements in the group exercise studio to build confidence and progress to the fitness center for more advanced programming. Use strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build skill and knowledge of proper technique and progressions. Two sections are offered. The program starts the week of March 21. Register by March 25 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/instructional-programs/.

Spring and summer bring an increased chance for tornadoes and severe weather, such as thunderstorms and flooding. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning in Richmond, VCU’s Alert system will be activated. You should take shelter indoors in the lowest level of the building you’re in, or innermost room. Close doors; stay away from windows, doors and outer walls. VCU will issue an all-clear once the immediate threat passes. Sign up for VCU Alerts at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Emergency Management at vcualert@vcu.edu or visit https://alert.vcu.edu/signup/.

We are inviting male and female Type 2 diabetes patients with painful diabetic neuropathy ages 18-75 to participate in a research investigation of a new treatment to alleviate pain and examine its effects on pain perception. In addition to the new treatment, this study involves completing surveys and undergoing tests to evaluate perceptions of pain. Volunteers will be compensated for their time. Participants are only required to come once for the study. The study is conducted within the VCU Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Lab. Questions: Email Bhushan Thakkar at the following address or Edmund Acevedo, Ph.D., FACSM, at eoacevedo@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Bhushan Thakkar at or (804) 300-5578.

Youssef Roman, Pharm.D., Ph.D., of VCU's School of Pharmacy is conducting an epidemiological study to assess the prevalence and causes of heart diseases in Filipino Americans. This study is for those who consider themselves Filipino with both biological parents of Filipino heritage. The study is funded by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research.

For more information, contact Youssef Roman at romany2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-8384 or visit https://forms.gle/jR9s1jgKncieSKxQ7.