Student Issue for March 28, 2022
Today
Red Cross Blood Drive
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Appointments may be made at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katie Miller at katie.miller2@redcross.org or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.
Changing Winds in the Pharmacy Profession: A Time for Transformation
12 p.m.
Learn more about impending changes in the pharmacy profession and health care as a whole in the next Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation hybrid seminar. Hear from Anandi Law, Ph.D., Western University of Health Sciences, on ways health care professionals can best respond to these changes. Free CE credit will be offered. The session will be held virtually via Zoom and in person in Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Madeleine Wagner at cppi@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/CPPISeminars.
Suit Yourself Closet: Pop-Up Shop (Free)
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
VCU Career Services’ Suit Yourself Closet will host a pop-up shop near the information desk at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Students can shop for free and take up to four items to develop their professional wardrobe. Bring your student ID to shop. The Suit Yourself Closet offers free, gently used professional clothing to students and is located in VCU Career Services on both campuses. (Appointments to access the resource outside of this event can be made on Handshake.)
For more information, contact Cheyenne Darmanie at csambassadors@vcu.edu.
BakerSpace Grand Opening
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Pace Center will have a trial run of its BakerSpace. Baked cookies will be handed out to those who come to the center. Those who attend can learn about the center's BakerSpace kitchen trial run and can explore the center's kitchen space, available equipment and pantry options. Those who attend will also be able to offer feedback on the program. Additionally, trial runs will also be held from 3-5 p.m. March 29 and April 1.
For more information, contact Katie Gooch at director@thepacecenter.com.
Meet VCU's Authors: Patricia W. Cummins, 'Desert Passions' and Tales of Timbuktu
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Humanities Research Center will present Patricia W. Cummins, Ph.D., a professor of World Studies at the university who teaches French language, literature and civilization. She will talk about the book she has translated that was written by exiled Tuareg author Zakiyatou oualet Halatine. Cummins will discuss the 21st-century nomadic Tuaregs of Timbuktu and their culture as part of an ethnic Berber minority in present-day Mali. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3JGiZuy.
You First Presents: Building Community and Opportunity in Service-Learning Courses
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Lindsay Chudzik, associate professor, Department of Focused Inquiry, Matthew Vechinski, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Focused Inquiry, and service-learning students for a discussion on how experiential learning in the core curriculum differs from service learning in capstone courses, emphasizing the benefits of investing in the Richmond community. Learn about the transformational learning that takes place, often leading to stronger relationships with faculty and peers that can shape career or academic trajectories. Questions: http://youfirst.vcu.edu. The session will be held virtually and in Room 1100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://bit.ly/YouFirstPresents032822.
Berglund Seminar: VCU Libraries: Resources, Services and Spaces
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Honors College will host a virtual Berglund Seminar in which a librarian will discuss how to access and effectively use library resources. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news--events/berglund-seminars/.
Leadership, Innovation, and the Future: How Blockchain and New Technologies are Accelerating Systems Change
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join VCU da Vinci Center in a conversation with Sunayna Tuteja, chief innovation officer for the Federal Reserve System, on how blockchain and new technologies are accelerating systems change. Sunayna brings 10-plus years of global experience leading change and innovation at the nexus of finance, technology and policy. Most recently, Sunayna was the global head of emerging tech and strategic partnerships at TD Ameritrade. The event will be in the in the University Student Commons auditorium, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erika Boltz at boltzef2@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3CZeisM.
Panel Event: Health Disparities Within the Latinx LGBTQ+ Community
5:30 p.m.
Collective Corazón will host a virtual discussion of the disparities within the Latinx LGBTQ+ community that affect accessibility to health care. The discussion will be led by LGBTQ+ and Latinx student speakers and Matilde Moros, Ph.D. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Daniela at collectivecorazon@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94972185869.
This week
NIH Undergraduate Research Scholarship Informational Session
Tuesday, Mar. 29, 2022 at noon
Join the Science Hub and presenter Anirban Mahanty as he virtually discusses the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program award. Mahanty is a VCU senior who received the competitive $20,000 NIH undergraduate scholarship. 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/j/84522704771.
Count Your Zzz's
Tuesday, Mar. 29, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Join the Peer Health Educators of VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) to discuss good sleep habits. The event, at the VCU Compass, will include sleep assessments and tips for healthier rest.
For more information, contact VCU Peer Health Educators at peerhealth@vcu.edu.
RVA NOW Networking Event
Tuesday, Mar. 29, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
VCU's da Vinci Center for Innovation will host a casual networking event by RVA NOW at Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., geared toward college students and recent graduates who wish to learn more about RVA's growing entrepreneurial scene. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erika Boltz at boltzef2@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/3wdwRIl.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing
Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn to feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU da Vinci Center Undergraduate Informational Session
Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend an informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at the da Vinci Center. This virtual event will be open to all VCU students. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erika Boltz at boltzef2@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/UG033022.
Diversity Dialogues - Women's History Month
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.
Honors College Informational Session for Continuing Students
Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Are you a current student who is interested in joining the Honors College? Attend a virtual informational session and learn more about life in the Honors College. The discussion will include the benefits and requirements for applying. Questions: https://honors.vcu.edu/admissions/continuing-students/. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carrie Connolly at cgconnolly@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5512070127.
Cultural Conversations: Connecting Through Ramadan
Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VCU's Muslim Student Association and the Global Education Office welcome students, faculty and staff (both Muslim and non-Muslim) to learn more about Ramadan through a virtual cultural conversation. The MSA will lead with a presentation of the meaning, practices and resources for members of the VCU community. Questions: https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/cultural_conversations/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtceyuqTgjG9EE_TFXHIiCmV1PMk4QJYAn.
Love, Friendship and Mindfulness Workshop
Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.
The Mindful Ambassador Program of VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) will present a virtual discussion about mindfulness and how it can improve relationships with partners, family and friends. This session is open to students, faculty and staff. Register on Rams Connect or at the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1548475.
Study Abroad Informational Session With VCU Education Abroad and SAI Programs
Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Are you interested in learning more about studying abroad in Italy, Spain or France? Join the VCU Education Abroad Office and SAI Programs for a general information session to learn about semester and summer opportunities to study abroad. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amy Leap Miller at millera16@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/96702281830.
Afghanistan in Crisis
Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
VCU's Department of Political Science will present "Afghanistan in Crisis." Panelists will discuss the implications of this crisis from a variety of perspectives, including its regional and U.S. foreign policy implications. Join panelists and the department in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tabrielle Roberts at polistaff@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2076 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afghanistan-in-crisis-tickets-292617355387?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-s.
Bike Maintenance 101 With RamBikes
Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
RamBikes will host a Bike Maintenance 101 workshop at 1106 W. Broad St. (near the intersection of Broad and Harrison streets) for all levels of bike riders. This introductory workshop will cover parts of the bicycle and how to discuss them with your mechanic, sights and sounds that indicate a problem and routine maintenance. The workshop will also include cleaning of components and what normal wear and tear looks like. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carter Barker at rambikes@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://bikes.vcu.edu/events/.
From Hate to Hope: The Deradicalization of an Extremist
Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Shannon Foley Martinez, a former far-right extremist who now helps extremists transition out of violent and hate-based groups, will speak at a virtual event hosted by VCU's Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Department in collaboration with the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Learn why people join these hate groups and how they can be helped to successfully leave. Assistant Professor Benjamin Young, Ph.D., will moderate. Join the webinar at the following URL.
For more information, contact Benjamin Young at youngb9@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/91728761468.
VCU Transform Blood Drive
Friday, Apr. 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU Transform will partner with the American Red Cross for a blood drive in Room 1030J, West Grace Street Student Housing – North, 830 W. Grace St. Schedule an appointment (sponsor code: VCU) at the following URL. Donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt.
For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or visit http://redcrossblood.org.
Graduate Organization of Biology Students 2022 Spring Symposium Keynote
Friday, Apr. 1, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.
Ariana Sutton-Grier, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address at the spring symposium of the graduate organization of biology students at VCU. Sutton-Grier, University of Maryland, is an ecosystem ecologist whose interest is at the nexus of science and policy. The hybrid talk will be at the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and also via Zoom. Her talk will be titled "From Green Infrastructure to Human Health: Science to Support Policy and Decision-Making." Lunch will follow. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Laura Hickey at hickeylj@vcu.edu or (540) 604-6041 or visit https://bit.ly/3JeXHn3.
TEDxVCU 2022 Live Stream
Saturday, Apr. 2, 2022 at 4 p.m.
TEDxVCU will bring a diverse lineup of speakers from the VCU community with a variety of ideas to the stage and your screen. Questions: Visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/home/ or email tedx@vcu.edu. Watch the live stream (open to the public) on RamsConnect at the following URL.
For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at jraibolt@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1561582.
BNFOTHON 2022
Saturday, Apr. 2, 2022 at 8 a.m.
VCU's Center for Biological Data Science announces that registration for BNFOthon 2022 is now open. This 24-hour hackathon will take place over the weekend of April 2-3 at Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. Students with any experience from any year and major are encouraged to take part in a weekend of hacking, networking, food and prizes. Learn more and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Molly Creighton at bnfothon@vcu.edu or (757) 754-0460 or visit http://rampages.us/bnfothon.
Coming up
Evening MBA Informational Session
Monday, Apr. 4, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more about VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide applicants with an overview of the program structure, curriculum, and admissions process. A Q&A session will also be included. Questions: Call (804) 828-4622 or visit gsib@vcu.edu. The Zoom link is at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/95476306117. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Austen Gouldman at gouldmana@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6408 or visit https://business.vcu.edu/about-us/events/graduate-studies/webinar/evening-mba-program-webinar-040422.html.
Product Innovation Showcase
Monday, Apr. 4, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU's da Vinci Center will present its final Product Innovation Showcase of the Spring 2022 semester at Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. See prototypes of projects from the center's Master of Product Innovation students and share your feedback.
For more information, contact Patricia Bradby at bradbyp@vcu.edu.
Interest Meeting: Crushing Medical Debt at VCU
Monday, Apr. 4, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Learn more about the Crushing Medical Debt Club at VCU at a virtual meeting. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL. The meeting ID is 934 1020 4197. The passcode is gY576W.
For more information, contact Rebecca Gunnin at gunninrl@vcu.edu or visit https://zoom.us/j/93410204197?pwd=cU1GaDZmVEtmSGQ1VTcxWHQveFRIUT09.
Lecture by Visiting Artist Ling Chun
Thursday, Apr. 7, 2022 at 12:30 p.m.
VCU's Department of Craft/Material Studies will present a lecture by Ling Chun, a Hong Kong multimedia artist. Chun’s work represents the coexistence of multicultural identities within a single society. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the ArtBridge Fellowship 2020 sponsored by Chihuly Garden and Glass and was selected as an NCECA emerging artist in 2020. The talk will be in Room 535, Bowe Street Parking Deck, 609 Bowe St.
For more information, contact Kat Wilson at kawilson@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/ling-chun-visiting-artist-lecture/.
Communication Arts Senior Expo
Friday, Apr. 8, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU'S Department of Communication Arts will present the 2022 Senior Expo on two days (April 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 9 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.) in the Richmond Salons of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Meet this year’s Communication Arts graduates as they showcase their work and offer goods for sale. Masks are strongly recommended.
For more information, contact Kt Nowak at nowakkj@vcu.edu.
Queer Easter
Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host another LGBTQIA+ community dinner called "Queer Easter." A similar dinner was held at Thanksgiving. Catered Indian and Thai food are on the menu, as well as desserts from Shyndigz. The event will be in the ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL by April 5.
For more information, contact Beck Oh at ohrn@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://forms.gle/apeMm4eW3EUJZJsY8.
Central Virginia SOCRA Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022 from 11 a.m. to noon
The Central Virginia Chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will provide a Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation webinar titled "Straight Talk on Clinical Trials: Patient Perspectives on Clinical Trial Participation." Zoom registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItdOmuqD8sHdI14YonsAq4FNQGhcpia-PJ.
Bench to Community Seminar Series: Managing Conflict of Interest
Thursday, Apr. 14, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
VCU's Institute for Engineering and Medicine will host its eighth session of the Bench to Community seminar series. When working with a company outside the university setting, a written conflict of interest agreement should be established with the university. Those who attend the seminar will learn the general parameters for these agreements and answers to frequently asked questions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Laura Osborne at lmnosborne@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0349 or visit https://iem.vcu.edu/events/bench-to-community/.
Earth Day of Service
Friday, Apr. 22, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Enrichmond Foundation will host an outing to restore the Historic East End and Evergreen cemeteries on Earth Day, April 22. Sign up with The Commons at the following URL to reserve a spot.
For more information, contact Nico Orsini at orsinin@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1552377.
Notices
VCU First Destination Survey
The VCU First Destination Survey is now live for May 2022 graduates on Handshake at VCU. Answers to the survey will help VCU to improve career and academic advising, student recruitment and overall student services. The survey is open to both undergraduate seniors and graduate/professional students completing their degrees in May. Graduating students who complete the survey will be eligible to win prizes (AirPods, air fryer, robot vacuum, VCU luggage set or a $250 Amazon gift card).
For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS22.
All Tea, All Shade
Q Collective will host a multi-day scholar-artist visit featuring E. Patrick Johnson, Ph.D., known for his research, artistry and leadership in the African-American LGBTQIA+ community. All Tea, All Shade will take place March 28-30 at multiple locations. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Archana Pathak at qcollective@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/institutes-and-centers/q-collective/q-events/.
Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) Group Exercise Resumes at MCV Campus
The MCV Campus Recreation Center’s Group Exercise studio has reopened. Classes are currently being scheduled week to week. VCU students and RecWell members may view the current schedule and register for classes at the following link.
For more information, contact Jessica Norman at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/group-exercise/.
Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Are Invited To Participate in a Study of a Potential New Treatment
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 thakkarbs2@vcu.edu or (804) 300-5578.
Healthy MoVR Study
Are you between the ages of 18-60 years old, want to help in developing treatment tools for movement disabilities and interested in the possibility of three hours of virtual reality gaming? If you answered yes to all three you may qualify for our research - visit the following URL. What? New, innovative, and fun virtual reality games designed to help people move and feel better. Where? All appointments and testing are conducted at VCU. When? Participation in the study involves three one-hour or one three-hour appointment(s). Who? The MoVR Study team consists of professionals in the field who have been selectively chosen and extensively trained. Interested? Contact us. As a thank-you for your time, participants will get a VCU Motor Control Lab MoVR T-shirt.
For more information, contact Tiffany Amos at mcl@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4766 or visit http://www.movr.vcu.edu.
VCU Students Invited To Participate in a Survey: How Has the Covid-19 Pandemic Affected Your College Experience?
We are seeking Black, male undergraduate students to share their experiences and knowledge to help us understand how the pandemic has affected their sense of belonging and connection to VCU. We are doctoral students in Educational Leadership conducting research for EDLP 713. Respondents who complete the brief survey can enter to win a $10 Kroger Gift Card. Please invite students you know to participate. Read the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Karen Belanger at kbelanger@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/XCdzByDng7w71doR8.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.