Student Issue for September 7, 2022
Special Announcement
VCU to Conduct Test of Emergency Communications Today
VCU will conduct a full test of its emergency communications and alerting systems, including sirens throughout the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, at noon today, Sept. 7. The full test will include the sirens along with text messages, Alertus boxes, mass email, digital signs, desktop alerts, LiveSafe, VCU Mobile, social media and VCU website information — all part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community. VCU Police will send out a text message to let the community know that all testing has concluded. Feedback can be emailed to VCU Emergency Management staff at vcualert@vcu.edu.
Today
SHIFT Your Mindset
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join students, faculty and staff of the da Vinci Center and SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., in an open meditation and morning networking event the first Wednesday of every month. Coffee and tea included.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Using CPR to Write a Strong Introduction, Abstract, or Proposal Narrative
11 a.m.
Learn how to establish your ideas in a strong, 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/.
My Life, My Scholarship Symposium
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The VCU Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation (iCubed) hosts My Life, My Scholarship with iCubed scholar Dwayne Ray Cormier, Ph.D. Cormier will present on his lived experiences and how they are intertwined with his research and scholarship. The session will be at 1111 W. Broad St.
For more information, contact iCubed at icubed@vcu.edu or visit http://icubed.vcu.edu.
National Scholarships for Graduate Students
12 p.m.
Join VCU's National Scholarship Office for a virtual informational session on national scholarship opportunities for graduate students. The session will feature an overview of available external funding opportunities, how to find them and how the NSO can offer support through the application process. Register at https://forms.gle/NH8Q5RqM4tnY3wtHA.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit http://nso.vcu.edu.
Funded Opportunity to Study a Critical Language Abroad
2 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will offer a virtual information session about the Critical Language Scholarship. The scholarship sends students abroad for a summer to study a critical language and is open to both undergraduates and graduate students in all majors. Register at https://forms.gle/i3gEEZkaMLbzA14Z6.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit http://nso.vcu.edu.
Honors College Berglund Seminar: Music Therapy and Disability Studies
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Honors College will host a virtual Berglund Seminar in which students can learn how disability studies push us to reconsider how we imagine bodies and open up potentials to different perspectives and ways of learning and being. Visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news/berglund-seminar-series/ for more information.
For more information, contact Nancy Vestal at vestalne@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news/berglund-seminar-series/.
You First Presents: Decoding College Lingo
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Feeling like college has its own language? Come hear how this session’s first-gen speakers navigated their mastery of college lingo and how you can, too. Speakers will be Nicolette Zbell, academic adviser, Wilder School, and Denisha Scott, career development specialist, Office of Health Innovation. The session will be held in Room 1201, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave., and online. 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://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlde2grj0iHdAfbQ6ixG2OTRTMOo54O8Yc.
Thinking at the End of the World: The Work of the Environmental Humanities
6 p.m.
To kick off the Humanities Research Center's annual theme of environmental humanities, Stephanie Foote, Ph.D., will discuss the current state of the field. Foote is the Jackson and Nichols chair and professor of English at West Virginia University, where she researches and teaches American literature and culture from the 19th century to the present with a particular focus on environmental issues. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sjCa4gyCQeCcX2pg_RwFsg.
This week
Stories and Lunch
Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.
Storytelling allows people to learn about diverse experiences and embrace a sense of belonging to a community. Various story topics are chosen to provide students the opportunity to grasp these ideals. A homemade lunch is also provided. The event is hosted by the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St.
For more information, contact Elijah Bustamante at bustamantees@vcu.edu.
VCU Police Back-to-School Safety Table
Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The VCU Police Department will host a safety and bicycle U-Lock table on the MPC campus. VCU students, faculty and staff can receive a free U-Lock (show valid VCU ID) and instructions on how to register their bicycle. A limited supply of U-Locks will be provided. The event will take place at the Compass, 828 Park Ave. Follow VCU Police on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for future U-Lock giveaway dates.
For more information, contact Officer Amy Murray at crimeprevreq@vcu.edu.
Lobby Chat About Va. Capitol Semester Internship
Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a lobby chat to discuss its Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program. Stop by the Raleigh Building lobby (1001 W. Franklin St.) for a snack and to learn about the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative arena while taking classes as a full-time student. The Wilder School Office of Student Success and Virginia Capitol Semester alum will be available to share information about the program on the hour, each hour. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Register at https://vcu.campusgroups.com/WoW/rsvp_boot?id=1634011. Can’t make it to the in-person session? Join a virtual chat between 3 and 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 (drop-in). No need to register. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81114664621.
For more information, contact Adrienne Jones at jonesak8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-9922 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/students/student-success/virginia-capitol-semester/.
Community Café
Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.
The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host its $1 Thursday Community Café. Food will be provided by the Highland Support Project.
For more information, contact Selma Ait-bella at aitbellash@vcu.edu.
Mixer: Queer Coffee Hour and Rams in Recovery
Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Queer Coffee Hour and Rams in Recovery for a mixer in the Rams Lounge, 907 Floyd Ave. Enjoy doughnuts and fresh coffee and meet fellow LGBTQIA+ students and students in recovery. The event will be co-sponsored by VCU's Office of Minority Student Affairs and Rams in Recovery. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Beck Oh at ohrn@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ar85x8m5kWk8sres7.
Exploring Health Care Options
Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Are you a pre-health student or interested in health care as a potential career path? United Healthcare Network will host its first event of the semester to help students navigate which field fits best with their preferences. This event will cover multiple health care fields, the requirements and application process for each. Connect with other pre-health students. Snacks will be provided. The meeting will be in Virginia Room A, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Parisa Zalmai at zalmaip@vcu.edu.
Fall 2022 Biostatistics Seminar Series
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.
Alexander Alekseyenko, Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina, will give a talk titled "Tools and Methods for Study of the Microbiome Associated With COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing" in Room 305, One Capitol Square, 830 E. Main St.
For more information, contact Dipankar Bandyopadhyay at dbandyop@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center: Research Writing Process Workshop
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Learn to 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/.
Feedback Friday at SHIFT Lab
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Feedback Friday is designed as a roundtable discussion with peers, community members and staff. Come to SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., to help student entrepreneurs make iterations and gain support during their time at VCU. Bring your curiosity and questions. Snacks and beverages will be provided. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/feedback-sept9.
Strings 'n Things - Crochet and Knitting Club
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A new crochet and knitting club, Strings 'n Things is open to all levels. Some materials will be available for those who need them, but bringing your own materials is encouraged. The session will be held at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St.
For more information, contact Grace Conklin at conklingc@vcu.edu.
Free Friday Movie at The Commons: 'Lightyear'
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
VCU's Activities Programming Board and The Commons will host a free screening of the movie “Lightyear” in the Commons Theater, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Bria Taylor at taylorbc7@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1753830.
9/11 Ruck to Remember
Friday, Sep. 9, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Military Student Services will remember the sacrifices of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001 and those who answered the call to serve in the years following. Join participants for a formal ceremony with a wreath placement at the flagpole in the University Student Commons plaza, followed by a volunteer memorial “ruck” with each lap marking a floor of the World Trade Center and pushups for each life lost. The event is open to all VCU students, faculty and staff.
For more information, contact Military Student Services at militaryserv@vcu.edu or visit https://militaryservices.vcu.edu/.
Pop-Up Market at SHIFT Retail Lab
Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022 from noon to 2 p.m.
The Shelfies at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., have about a month to showcase and test their ideas and need your help. They could be working on a product or service that is already developed or starting at the beginning, with just an idea. During their time on the shelves they will collaborate on a group pop-up market. Join students and alumni at this market to purchase products and/or give invaluable insight that will help take their idea to the next level.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/shelfie1.
VCU P.R.I.M.E. To Present P.R.I.M.E. Day
Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn about campus resources and the VCU community at P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) Day. Connect with fellow future health care professionals through engaging activities. Join a Q&A to ask upper-class P.R.I.M.E. E-board members about their individual experiences. The event will be held in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Muhammad Usman Babar at babarm@vcu.edu or (703) 577-0124 or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1091970.
Paint ’n Sip Class and Picnic With Mocktails
Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All students are invited to sign up for APB's Paint ’n Sip Picnic with Mocktails in the Ram Horns Plaza at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This is a paint project class with a professional host with a picnic and mocktails. All supplies will be provided. This free event will be hosted by the student-run Activities Programming Board and The Commons. Register on RamsConnect at the following URL. Space is limited.
For more information, contact Bria Taylor at taylorbc7@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1758979.
Coming up
'Biomedical Data Sharing, FAIR and the 2023 NIH Data Policy'
Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU Libraries and the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a seminar via Zoom on data management to be presented by Nina Exner, Ph.D., research data librarian. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOuhqzwoH9XLsS_EDq24AWkalwIlm2VV.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.
Adobe Creative Cloud Student Event
Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
VCU will host a hands-on Adobe workshop activity for students at a table and kiosks outside the University Student Commons. 907 Floyd Ave.. Unleash your creative side as Adobe student ambassadors guide you through designing, cutting and applying your creations to totes and hats. For more information, contact Andrew Ilnicki at ilnickiap@vcu.edu. To learn more about this event, visit https://adobe.vcu.edu/learn/student-learning-hub/.
For more information, contact Jana Avery at jcavery@vcu.edu or visit https://adobe.vcu.edu.
Adobe Premiere for Artists Virtual Workshops
Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Workshop in James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., will host two online Adobe Premiere training sessions which will focus on applications that can be the most useful for creative expression. The two workshops will be on Sept. 14 and 15, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Oscar Keyes at keyesok@vcu.edu or visit https://adobe.vcu.edu/learn/student-learning-hub/.
Workshop: Gilman Scholarship Writing
Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office and National Scholarship Office will host the Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The Gilman Scholarship is a federal study abroad scholarship that awards up to $8,000 to Pell-eligible undergraduate students to study or intern abroad. This writing workshop is designed to maximize the chances of receiving a Gilman scholarship and to help participants fully understand the application process. The event will also be livestreamed at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88537302163.
For more information, contact Sarah Carrier at syoung8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1228 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=33AAF1BF-5056-BA1F-733E14854E4A320B&Link_ID=86F78AB9-A956-36AB-80077AB5C487520B.
Majors Fair
Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022 from noon to 3 p.m.
Are you exploring majors or considering a minor? Or just wanting to learn more about the major you have chosen? Check out the annual Majors Fair, hosted by VCU's Discovery Advising team. Connect with all the majors the university has to offer and learn more about various campus resources. Majors Fair will be held in the second-floor Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Gregory Miller at millerg6@vcu.edu.
Notices
Apply to Leadership Council of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow
Gain leadership skills, meet VCU alumni, plan events and have fun. Applicants must be available for leadership council meetings every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Apply by Sept. 9 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Allison Toney at stat@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/mnHJ2ZrMCedAuzG46.
Recreation and Well-Being Beginner Adult Swim Fall Session One
This class is open to individuals who are new to the aquatic environment and those who want to become more independent in the water. Classes are taught by trained instructors in a small group format. Session One classes will be held at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St., Monday/Wednesday, Sept. 12-Oct. 5, 6-6:55 p.m. Register at the following URL by Friday, Sept. 9.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at scottm14@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/adult-swim-programs/.
VCU Police Seeks Recruits and Dispatchers
The VCU Police Department is hiring 48th Academy police recruits, pre-certified police officers, an emergency communications manager, dispatch shift supervisors and part-time and full-time dispatchers. The next VCU Police Academy starts in late May 2023. Employees receive free tuition for college courses and state benefits, including health care, retirement and paid vacation time. Hiring incentives are available for qualified candidates. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Recruiter Conrad Simms at csimms2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1225 or visit https://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.
TEDxVCU Now Recruiting Team Members
TEDxVCU, sponsored by The Commons, is now seeking applications for team members. Current students interested in becoming a part of the TEDxVCU team and planning events can apply at the following URL. Five teams will be formed, including Curation, Communications, Creative, Production and Experience, and Salons.
For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/home/.
Orientation Sessions for Safety and Protection of Minors
VCU Equity and Access Services will host orientation sessions for the Safety and Protection of Minors policy. Orientation is designed for those who are involved in conducting programs or activities involving minors. Orientation will provide guidance on how to put the policy into practice and an opportunity to ask questions. This orientation does not take the place of the required online tier training. Sessions will be held Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-noon and Sept. 27, noon-1 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Charles Johnson at youth@vcu.edu or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/protection-of-minors/.
Grace Street Eats by Pi Sigma Epsilon (Alpha Kappa @ VCU)
PSE Alpha Kappa is partnering with restaurants on campus. Ten percent of net proceeds will go to Connor’s Heroes, a childhood cancer foundation dedicated to families of Central Virginia. All participants need to do is mention at checkout that they are supporting PSE. Participating restaurants are Chipotle, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 5-9 p.m.; Panera, Friday, Sept. 9, 4-8 p.m.; Kung Fu Tea, Saturday, Sept. 10, Noon-10 p.m. and &Pizza, Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
For more information, contact Harold Franklin Eisenberg at eisenbergh@vcu.edu or (757) 439-6000.
Do You Vape Electronic Cigarettes?
Individuals who vape/use electronic cigarettes daily are needed to participate in a research study that requires multiple laboratory visits. Compensation will be provided. This study will be conducted at VCU. Principal investigator os Alison Breland, Ph.D., Department of Psychology.
For more information, contact Alison Breland at abbrelan@vcu.edu or (802) 827-3562 or visit http://cstp.vcu.edu/studies.
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.