6:30 p.m.

SPJ@VCU, VCU's Society of Professional Journalists student chapter, will host an interest meeting and Dinner with a Journalist Mentorship Series event featuring Daniela S. Molina, a national team investigative reporter with NBC12 and Gray Television. The interest meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. (Food will be provided). This is the first event in the chapter's new mentorship series, where guests will share their career story and advice for student journalists. The event will be held in Room 1137, T. Edward Temple Building, 901 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Alix Bryan-Campos at bryaneg@vcu.edu.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host Common Grounds, a safe space to discuss various topics and explore common interests. This week participants will share music tastes. A coffee bar and snacks will be provided.

For more information, contact Kayani Jaramillo at jaramillokl@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join VCU Transform for an American Red Cross Blood Drive in Room 1030J, West Grace Street Student Housing – North, 830 W. Grace St. January is National Blood Donor Month. The Red Cross observes this as a time to celebrate volunteer donors and encourage others to participate. Register to donate at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1216 or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=VCU.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Francis Collins, M.D, Ph.D., advisor for special projects for the White House, will join Facts and Faith Fridays to discuss the current state of science and community outreach and engagement. Representatives from the Department of Medical Assistance Services will cover updates to Virginia Medicaid. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Arnethea Sutton at abrahamal@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SyHhkGyYSmaO5LgKIqwjOQ.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at 3 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will host a virtual general informational session for graduate students. Learn more about external funding opportunities and how the NSO can provide support through the application process. Graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to join. Questions: http://nso.vcu.edu/ Register for this session or future sessions or request the recording at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Df2YM85CmgK6FhRz8.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 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 get support during their time at VCU. Bring your curiosity and questions. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Feedback-Jan27.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Implementation of Quest 2028 and its One VCU Strategic Research Plan has launched VCU into the top 50 of U.S. public research universities. This in-person address (College of Health Professions auditorium, 900 E. Leigh St.) to be given by Vice President for Research and Innovation P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., will feature current trends, future direction and celebrate the impactful work being carried out by VCU's researchers and scholars. Learn how the university's unstoppable transformative innovation is addressing societal challenges to serve our community and shape the future. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzO3WTaqYF4ydPwxdMf_LS9lS-gPXKted8rOq1yoAWRofFJQ/viewform.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nutritionist Caitlin Townsend will lead a presentation and discussion on how food impacts your life. The program, in the Senate Chambers of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., will be hosted by Chi Alpha Campus Ministries @ VCU. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Mike Godzwa at magodzwa@vcu.edu or (804) 404-5329 or visit http://www.rvaxa.com.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

VCUarts Dance and Choreography will present the annual screening of "ROUGH CUT," a showcase featuring movement-based student films from across VCUarts. The event will feature brand-new screen work from Dance, Kinetic Imaging, Photo/Film and more. The event will be at the Grace Street Theatre, 934 W. Grace St. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Dance and Choreography Department at dance@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 from noon to 2 p.m.

Shelfies at the 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 their products and/or give them 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/Shelfie-Jan28.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover: visibility of courses, course term ranges, Incomplete sections, Canvas enrollments, using the Rich Content Editor, activating LTIs in Canvas and ways to distribute extra credit. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/canvaslearn Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18097.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs will present a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in the learning environment. ChatGPT is the first of many Generative AI - or Gen-AI - models to be released for public testing and use. This discussion will consider key questions such as what is critical to know about ChatGPT and other Gen-AI tools? The event will be held in Commonwealth Ballroom B, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/YHhKRnjGjPWRTFXYA.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

To build great teams, you have to meet great people. So, why not take time to connect with our greatest community: ourselves? Join students, faculty and staff for da Vinci Networking Nights at Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., to connect with other da Vinci undergraduate and graduate students. If you’re not a da Vinci student, but you’re curious about the program, you’re welcome to join us as well.

For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/networking-jan2023.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Tuition reimbursement is a benefit of VCU employment that you should not squander and VCU Gerontology is a great place to take part in this excellent program. A degree in gerontology provides key professional and personal development for your career and life. Gerontology is the study of aging and VCU Gerontology has a strong commitment to viewing aging as a journey in life.

For more information, contact Catherine S. MacDonald at macdonaldcs@vcu.edu or (571) 484-4511 or visit https://gerontology.chp.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Black Graduate Student Association at VCU will meet in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Suite 215, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ariel Johnson at bgsa@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Bring your concepts to life and develop a professional portfolio. Learn the basics of visual content creation from photo and video to set design, styling and developing a creative process in this new hybrid course with VCUarts alum Emma Manis. Courses meet through March 29. Coupon codes are available for VCU alumni, VCU students, VCU and VCU Health employees, active-duty military, reservists, Guard members, veterans and military spouses. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/coursestatus.awp3?&course=23-SS-197.

Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join VCU Libraries for a virtual book discussion of Sandeep Jauhar's personal work of nonfiction, "Heart: A History." Share your thoughts during a talk about pioneering medical professionals and the patients who risked their lives so that more could be learned about the organ that keeps us going. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/10201040.

VCU employees who have given their eConsent may view and print their 2022 W-2 statement in Employee Self Service at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackie Myers at jhmyers@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/eservices.

This class is open to individuals new to the aquatic environment and those who want to become more independent in the water. Classes will be taught by trained instructors in a small group format. Session 1 classes will be held at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St., Monday/Wednesday, Feb. 6- March 1, 6-6:55 p.m. Register by noon Feb. 3 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at scottm14@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/adult-swim-programs/.

Participating in a summer internship that is unpaid or doesn't pay enough to cover your expenses? Apply for funding for your summer experience through the VCU Internship Funding Program. Funds provided can be used to cover expenses for travel, housing, child care, professional attire, supplies and more. The application for Summer 2023 funding will open on Tuesday, Jan. 24 in the RAMS Scholarship Hub and will close on Sunday, April 2. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Career Services at careers@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram/.

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) at VCU is seeking graduate and undergraduate students to serve in a leadership role to further promote the mission of ASM.

For more information, contact Eva Davis at davisep@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/microbiology/.

Are you a student looking for an immersive research internship for the Spring 2023 semester? Vanessa Sheppard, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy at VCU, is offering a 10-week research internship opportunity. The incumbent will (1) gain concentrated research experience in cancer health disparities, (2) develop qualitative and quantitative research skills and (3) receive mentorship from senior-level researchers. Apply at the following URL by Tuesday, Jan. 31.

For more information, contact Bianca Owens at bianca.owens@vcuhealth.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvQL4CBc2o4MtnzRmk11OZukrYZRAARpe4l-RbBtoOEYtOuQ/viewform.

A draft version of the revised Continuity of Operations Management policy is available for public comment until Thursday, Feb. 9. Visit the following URL and click on "Policies Open for Public Comment" to view the draft policy.

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com.

Do you ever feel as if things keep getting in the way of your goals for a healthier lifestyle? You’re not alone. Many young women find it challenging to be active and maintain a balanced diet. If you’re interested in support for meeting your goals for weight loss and healthy living, check out Ready SET Health at the following URL. It's a free program designed especially for young women by researchers at the VCU School of Medicine.

For more information, contact Morgan Meyer at morgan.meyer@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-2250 or visit http://www.readysethealthvcu.com.

The Queer Research and Advocacy Center (Q Collective) invites scholars to submit a proposal for the 2023 Q Symposium: Policing Bodies. Anyone interested in submitting a proposal must provide a brief (250 words) explication of their work and its connection to the theme by 5 p.m. on Feb. 6. View the full call for proposals at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y_EW7SxpD2vqryVjwFPHcwADtG1h8ITZOf2hSesHzQc/edit?usp=sharing

For more information, contact The Queer Research and Advocacy Center (Q Collective) at qcollective@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.inclusive.vcu.edu/register/q-symposium-proposals.

Va-LEND (Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) is a virtual, interdisciplinary, graduate-level training program that helps people share ideas and learn leadership skills to improve the health and lives of children with disabilities and their families. Trainees complete classes, clinical observations, policy activities, a family mentorship experience and a customized leadership project. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackie R. Brock at valend@vcu.edu or visit https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/.

The VCU Wellbeing Lab invites you to participate in a research study on two stress-reduction programs for undergraduate students. VCU investigators seek to understand how two online stress reduction programs affect students’ mood and stress-related behavior. Compensation is available. Register at the following URL before Wednesday, Feb. 1.

For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at vcu.stress.reduction@gmail.com or (804) 215-6196 or visit https://beloborodp.wixsite.com/stressreduction.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of GAD symptoms on blood vessel function during acute exercise and in response to exercise training. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal investigator is Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.