1 p.m.

The Men's Multicultural Collective will have a book reading group for Men of Color. The group will read together "A Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. The group will meet weekly starting the week of Jan. 30 in Room 222, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Two weekly sessions will be offered: Monday from 1-2 p.m. (https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926681) and Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. (https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926677).

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/mmc/home/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The first Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation seminar of the year will feature Kelly Goode, Pharm.D. The event will be in-person (Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Sydney Weber at cppi@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/CPPISeminar.

4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Share something that you are passionate about and know how to do well. This could be any talents, hobbies or study techniques. The event will be held at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

6 p.m.

Learn to break writing into manageable chunks and how to avoid procrastination. 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/.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sisters and Stethoscopes and the American Red Cross will co-sponsor a blood drive at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Participants will receive a free T-shirt; one pint of blood can save up to three patients. Appointments are recommended and can be made at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sisters and Stethoscopes at sasatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

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

Join VCU's School of Education for information on the M.Ed. in Adult Learning with a focus in Human Resource Development and Instructional Design and Technology. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jazmin Tilfas at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/?id=fc0fe04f-220c-4b8a-8ce1-27648f0d0104.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Myriam T. Kadeba, Ph.D., director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, will lead an interactive discussion around the experiences of Black first-generation college students. The session will be both in-person (SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and via Zoom at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D., at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://bit.ly/YouFirstPresents013123.

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.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 a virtual informational session to learn about the da Vinci's undergraduate certificates. The session will cover exactly what a certificate is and then talk about programs in Product Innovation, Venture Creation and Human-centered Design and how they fit into individual academic plans. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/UGInfo-Feb1.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Interested in a Study Abroad Opportunity to Ghana this summer? Join the School of Social Work, the Global Education Office and VCU's REAL program for an informational session in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. The session will also be held from 1-2 p.m. Sessions will also be held Feb. 8 (10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. in Room 4100) and Feb. 15 (10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. in Room 3100). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Corley at NCorley@VCU.edu or visit https://forms.gle/7hhUKdF8SZFCKXoq6.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Robertson School of Media and Culture will host two virtual informational sessions about its online graduate programs at noon-12:30 p.m. and 6-6:30 p.m. today, Feb. 1. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexandra Chapman at chapmanam3@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/6684061425.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join staff from VCU's da Vinci Center to learn about the Master of Product Innovation program. The program is a cross-disciplinary master’s program focused on students' applying knowledge in advanced product innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship topics with real-life clients. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/MPI-Feb1.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCUarts and The Anderson will present Black Fidelity, a showcase of art and performances from Black Art Student Empowerment (BASE), Creative Production Collective (CPC) and BLKinFashion for Black History Month. The opening reception on the top floors of The Anderson, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St., will kick off the exhibition and series of events exploring Afrorealism and Afrofuturism through Feb. 23.

For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/community/news/black-fidelity-a-multimedia-exhibition-exploring-afrorealism-afrofuturism/.

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.

Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sound artist Nadah el Shazly will be featured in a February First Friday musical performance at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Seychelle Stableford at stablefords@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/.

Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pace Center and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light will host a Student Day of Action at Seven Hills Hostel, 7 N. Second St., and the Virginia State Capitol. Join college students from around Virginia to learn about racial equity, affordable housing, and environmental justice and advocate to legislative representatives at the Virginia General Assembly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/get-involved/2023-student-day-of-action/.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 at 3 p.m.

This faculty learning community is designed for both tenure track and term faculty to come together to discuss opportunities, strategies and techniques for addressing first-generation and Asian American Pacific Islander inclusiveness in their courses and programs. With an awareness and understanding of the issues and challenges that first-generation and AAPI students often experience, and the unique strengths that they bring to these situations, the faculty learning community will explore ways faculty can develop awareness about and generate strategies to support first-generation and AAPI students through their scholarship, teaching, and/or service activities. Register at the following link. Questions: Email Acevedo, Ellen Carpenter (emcarpenter@vcu.edu) or Christine Bae (clbae@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Ed Acevedo at eoacevedo@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf63yek2rb87_fU3r7OM9moq3GhmKSqcYDWz0lo-2CswfPO3A/viewform?usp=pp_url.

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023 at noon

VCU Homecoming 2023, to be Feb. 12-18, is fast approaching. Check out the events planned for the week on Ramsconnect at the following URL. Join the fun and have your department participate in the door/office/cubicle decorating competition. The judging criteria are 1) Theme: FRAMEABLE: Capture the Moment. Memories that Last a Legacy. 2) VCU + Ram Pride 3) Overall Creativity 4) Craftsmanship/Execution. Offices must be decorated by Monday, Feb. 13. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926843

For more information, contact Carole Dowell at dowellc2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3261 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=12699778.

Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Baby Box Project at VCU will hold a Valentine's Day Pretzel Gram Sale in Monroe Park. All profits will go toward creating care packages for new and expecting mothers in the RVA community. Order a pretzel gram in advance at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sama Monjazeb at monjazebsm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1l8i_ljF6-axW7HbPhgYlEEHUFfhEv6_au9tWJH31EHY/edit.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates Chapter together with the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host the group's next meeting, which will feature an online discussion led by CeeAnn Davis, M.D., MPH, FACPM, FACOG. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/events/calendar/ Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsd-yqpzMpG9EzRz3-LUvpHtXL6gXHSKCL.

VCU's Global Education Office seeks people interested in participating in its Global Buddies Program, which matches domestic English-speaking students with international students. Participation in this program provides the opportunity to make friends and connect with people from around the world. Register at the following URL by Sunday, Feb. 5.

For more information, contact Colleen Choate at choatecl@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/globalbuddies/.

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 today, 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.

The Sustainable Food Access Core at VCU invites students who have used any of the Little Ram Pantries across campus to participate in a focus group to share their experiences. The focus group will take place in February. Participants will be compensated. View the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J8mR3-WT70d6djH5pprGn_t94SUTlHaMxVUokox0GB8/edit to get started.

For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ko5rgjDxPxlIX4n0adDpWjbGkb-aKL4i/view.

If you've ever wondered what new features and changes are available or are upcoming for your VCU Google Workspace, check out Doctor Gee's Collaboration Services News and Updates blog by visiting the following URL. Two new posts are jam-packed with announcements that will further enhance collaboration for departments, projects or other type of team or solo efforts.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee.

Looking for additional support on campus? Let's Chat! provides ongoing opportunities for one-on-one support with a graduate assistant in VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Students can expect to receive guidance and mentorship on a variety of topics, including self-care, current events, graduate school planning and study skills. Appointments are required; schedule an appointment at the following URL.

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/C7cq44PR9Zza8pdh9.

VCU Alumni is seeking nominations for the 2023 10 Under 10 awards, which recognize +achievements by alumni who have earned their first VCU degree within the past 10 years. Nominations can be made by any person or group affiliated with VCU. Nominees must have graduated with their first degree from VCU between 2013 and 2022. Nominees are evaluated on their professional success, community contributions or commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the university. This award recognizes accomplishments of the individual after graduation from VCU, although their student experience can be one factor in their nomination. Consideration is also given to alumni who embody VCU’s core values, have a unique or distinctive life experience or career and represent VCU’s diverse alumni population. Questions: https://www.vcualumni.org/events/10-under-10/ Make a nomination at the following URL by Wednesday, March 1.

For more information, contact Jared Kline at klinejc2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=JmX7n%2BQZjdgECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.

Alternative Spring Breaks is a student-led program that promotes service and reflection on a variety of community needs through service-learning trips during spring break. Participants will travel to one of four locations and volunteer in the community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Questions: Email Brook Keltner at keltnerb@vcu.edu or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Deepa Rao at raodl@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/alternativebreaks/who-we-are-/.

The VCU English Department will host a book drive from today, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 3 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day. Books of any genre can be donated in the main office, Room 306, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. Books will be used to replenish the free little library in the student study center.

For more information, contact Alicia Bonilla at bonillaab@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1331.

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.

The Lost Leader At VCU is a club that provides students with an informal environment to work out their ideas. Discussions include current events and culture. All are welcome, regardless of background or major.

For more information, contact Jeremy Hill at hilljl5@vcu.edu.

This week VCU’s Equity and Access Services office published its first annual report, outlining a human-centered approach to creating a more inclusive, equitable and fair learning, living and working environment. Questions: http://equity.vcu.edu Read the full report at the following URL.

For more information, contact Equity and Access Services at equity@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/ies/2023/01/25/equity-and-access-services-publishes-its-first-annual-report/.

VCU School of Nursing's Mindful Moms Program welcomes those who are 12-26 weeks pregnant to join us for free prenatal yoga or education classes during their pregnancy. Mindful Moms is an NIH-funded study seeking to understand how to best enhance mental health and well-being during pregnancy. The classes are geared for those who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.

For more information, contact Christine Aubry at mindfulmoms@vcu.edu or (804) 273-7267 or visit http://www.mindful4moms.org.

Each spring, VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosts a variety of cultural achievement ceremonies or graduation ceremonies for students of underrepresented communities. Join in the planning process for the ceremonies at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/WbATBC6no9BXQRN69.

TEDxVCU, sponsored by The Commons, is looking for volunteer musicians or dancers to perform at its annual independently organized TED event. The event will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the Institute for Contemporary Art. Questions: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/home/ If interested, fill out the form at the following URL to be considered.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU Team at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/xEqnbXNFpYDUmG7o9.

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.

Are you a South Asian woman between the ages of 18 and 30? If so, you are invited to participate in a research study at VCU. Researchers in VCU’s Department of Psychology are interested in learning more about eating and wellness in the South Asian community. Participation is easy. Involvement includes completing a series of online health questionnaires. Compensation is available.

For more information, contact Neha Goel at eatingandwellnessvcu@gmail.com or (602) 578-8777 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=DXLDLMCRXC3RWY4E.

Researchers at the Institute of Drug and Alcohol Studies are inviting volunteers aged 18-70 to participate in a study to explore different levels of alcohol drinkers as a way to better provide specialized treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. The study involves one to four visits to the CARI Clinic and involves interviews, tasks on a computer, a physical by a nurse and an MRI scan. Volunteers are paid for their time. Call the following telephone number to complete a 10-minute phone interview to see if you may be eligible.

For more information, contact Tiffany Pignatello at tfitz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3784.

This is a research study aiming to receive feedback on a sexual health intervention designed for couples. To be eligible to participate, you have to identity as Black or African American and be 18 to 35 years of age. The study requires participation in a 120-minute session and completion of a questionnaire. Amazon gift card compensation is available. Participation in this research study is voluntary.

For more information, contact Kristina Hood, Ph.D., at progresslab@vcu.edu or visit https://progress.vcu.edu/participate/.