1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Pace Center will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Jan. 29 and Jan 30. The U.S. is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Blood donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.

For more information, contact Jean Linnell at operations@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit the table outside VCU Career Services' office (University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) to learn about the Seasonal and Part-Time Job Fair to be held Wednesday, Jan. 31 (two days later). A team member will be available with resources (spring career fair lineup and career fair tip sheet) and will answer questions about career fairs hosted by Career Services. Plus, you can grab a free cookie (while supplies last).

For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit http://vcu.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/45897.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors event with Cristina Stanciu, Ph.D. Stanciu's book, "The Makings and Unmakings of Americans," explores the ways in which new immigrants and Native Americans shaped the intellectual and cultural debates over inclusion and exclusion during the Progressive Era, challenging ideas of national belonging, citizenship, literary, and cultural production. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/the-makings-and-unmakings-of-americans-indians-and-immigrants-in-american-culture.html.

4 p.m.

Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn how to avoid scammers who take advantage of students. VCU's School of Business will sponsor a presentation in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=3b40ff5f-d77b-44d7-bcd4-4c476208249d&utm_source=telegram.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon

This training session seeks to increase knowledge of identities and terminology related to gender and gender expression, recognize pivotal times in youth development related to gender, identify pronoun use and variations and dispel associated assumptions, practice how to ask about and honor an individual’s pronouns and increase knowledge of the unique mental and behavioral health considerations related to transgender and gender nonconforming youth. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/60/1706626800000.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 at noon

VCU's Department of Painting and Printmaking will present a lecture by Catalina Ouyang in Room 301, Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. Ouyang is a sculptor, writer and interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans themes of desire, subjugation, race, gender, resistance, healing and intersectionality. Ouyang uses organic and inorganic media often related to the body.

For more information, contact Emmy Garca at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/catalina-ouyang-visiting-artist-lecture-2/.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 at noon

VCU's Health Sciences Library will offer webinars starting Tuesday, Jan. 30. Topics will include "Getting to Know Zotero," "PubMed and CINAHL: Basics of Doing a Good Search," "Covidence," "Finding Health Statistics Online" and more. The series is free and open to all, but registration is required. After registering participants will receive the class URL via email. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Moss at mosssr2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3737 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/healthwebinars.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 at noon

VCU's Global Education Office will host an informational session via Zoom about the university's Phi Beta Delta international honor society, which recognizes international service, scholarship, education and involvement. Register in advance at https://forms.gle/57kqL27rPpF6yyGY9

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/phibetadelta.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join the Financial Success Center in Room 108, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., for any quick personal finance questions. Register at the following URL. (Registration is not required.)

For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=82208573-54e7-411f-9a81-867826a887a4&utm_source=telegram.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Richmond Peace Education Center and Healing in Community, along with sponsor Richmond Youth Development Network, will host an event to share personal experiences to develop empathy and raise awareness of oppression. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/116/1706655600000.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

The Black Entrepreneurship Network will host four guest panelists who will speak about how to become a better entrepreneur. The guests will be announced on the group's Instagram page, @B.E.N_vcu. The meeting will be in Virginia Room A, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register with the organization on Rams Connect.

For more information, contact Taylor Johnson at ben.vcu23@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon

RecWell’s Mindful Ambassador Program aims to identify students, faculty and staff interested in creating a mindful revolution and healthier campus community. Participants learn about various types of meditation, belly breathing, mindful posture and special considerations for leading meditation with others. Those who complete the workshop will receive additional resources to lead meditation in the community along with a campus leadership sticker. No registration necessary. The session will be held in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/lead/leadership-programs/mindful-ambassador-program-/.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a seminar via Zoom. Patrick Shi and Brian Cassel, Ph.D., both Wright Center clinical research informatics, will provide an overview of TriNetX, a HIPAA-compliant, real-world data platform that facilitates cohort discovery and helps answer research questions by leveraging analytics tools. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu Register 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/tZEvdumhrjMvGtP3iWsgTBjdmCFQqQh95sm4.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join BareSOUL Wellness for this guided practice will introduce breathing practices, gentle movement and relaxation techniques that may be used to gain skills to manage stress and self-regulate on and off of the mat. Wear comfortable clothes. There is an option to practice in a chair or on a mat. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/95/1706720400000.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Human Research Protection Program is collaborating with the National Institutes of Health Science Policy and Extramural Research divisions to provide updated information to the research community about NIH data-sharing policies and requirements that are relevant to human subjects research. Registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuuqpz4uHtRwVYwiEEK7vUx4weChQK6x.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 at 6 p.m.

InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministry will host an evening of board games and pizza for grad students. The event will be in Room 228, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP to the following email address or DM @vcu.gfm.

For more information, contact Annelies Rowell at annelies.rowell@intervarsity.org or (804) 236-6298.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 at 7 p.m.

VCU piano professor Magdalena Adamek, DMA, will perform in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Adamek will be joined by fellow piano professors Eri Nakamura, Master of Music, and Dimitrije Vasilievic, DMA. Tickets are $5 for VCU students and $10 for general admission.

For more information, contact Jessica Casey at music@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

John Ryan, Ph.D., professor, Biology, will discuss strategies for developing and refining competitive research questions in the next grant-writing session hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu 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/tZYkf-GspzssG9P636wH4YN2UbLVMo9la7XK.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will host Lyn Koonce and Ram Bhagat for a workshop in community building through creative movement and healing. This event is open to the VCU community and their families. The workshop is limited to 25 registrations. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Rene Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or (804) 305-1134 or visit https://forms.gle/FYDHZqsMfBY1R9xU9.

Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 at noon

VCU's Provost Office, Graduate School and Career Services are partnering to bring the university community the first Experiential Learning Week. The Feb. 5-9 series of events will highlight the opportunities VCU provides to take learning outside the classroom. All events are free and open to the VCU community. Register on RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events_list.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

VCU's Center for Corporate Education will present Society for Human Resource Management Exam Prep. Prepare for your SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CSP) exam with a practicing HR leader and SHRM-certified instructor. This course runs for 14 weeks, (Tuesdays) Feb. 6-May 7, 5:45–8:30 p.m. The $1,600 registration fee includes all materials and online learning software. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katie Fauth at fauthkm@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/center-for-corporate-education/?post=1447.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at 7 p.m.

Shirlene Obuobi, M.D., is a third-year general cardiology fellow at The University of Chicago Medical Center. Obuobi has nearly 38,000 followers on her Instagram account. Her comics explore the challenges of medical school and developing a professional identity. Bias is a frequent topic. The lecture will be available in person (James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave.) and via Zoom. Register at https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/BHM2024.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0129 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2023-2024/black-history-month-lecture-2024.html.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Join VCU President Michael Rao for the State of the University Address in the lecture hall (Room 303) at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Pace Center and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy will host a Mocktail Hour and Advocacy 101 training at the Black History Museum, 122 W. Leigh St. Join college students from around Virginia to learn about issues such as racial equity, affordable housing and environmental justice. Learn how to be an advocate to your legislative representatives at the Virginia General Assembly. (Day two at the General Assembly will be Feb. 9, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Jean Linnell at operations@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Pace Center and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy will host General Assembly legislative visits, lunch and workshops at the Valentine Museum. 1015 E. Clay St. Join college students from around Virginia to learn about issues such as racial equity, affordable housing, and environmental justice. Learn how to advocate to your legislative representatives at the Virginia General Assembly.

For more information, contact Jean Linnell at operations@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for teaching children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Questions: http://teachrtr.org Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at teachrtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-9801 or visit http://tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSeshFeb14.

VCU students and RecWell members are invited to build their fundamental swimming technique in our Spring 2023 adult swim lesson program. Lessons are designed for older teens and adults. Participants should be comfortable learning basic skills in both shallow and deep water. Program dates are Feb. 5-28. Register by noon Friday, Feb. 2 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=7ed7ea86-88d1-4cc7-8094-d6560f38fd1d.

Applications are being accepted for those in training in Va-LEND, 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. Those in training complete classes, clinical observations, policy activities, a family mentorship experience and a customized leadership project.

For more information, contact Jackie Robinson Brock at valend@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0073 or visit https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/.

VCU students who open an account through the following link will receive an initial $25 deposit. And those who meet with a Financial Success Center coach before May 1 will receive an additional $25.

For more information, contact Amy Pridemore at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://memberconnect.vacu.org/#/anonymous-configurable-product?loanType=ACCOUNT_OPENING&productId=FEPSav&promoCode=VCU.

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. Sign up for the study at the following URL.

For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at vcu.stress.reduction@gmail.com or visit https://beloborodp.wixsite.com/stressreduction.

VCU's Department of African American Studies is soliciting submissions for the 2024 Black History in the Making Awards. Recipients are typically chosen based on criteria such as academic excellence, community service or excellence in their field. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, Jan. 31. All information on the submission process can be found at the following URL.

For more information, contact Grace D. Gipson, Ph.D., at bhitm@vcu.edu or visit https://afam.vcu.edu/program/scholarships-and-awards/black-history-in-the-making-awards/.

VCU Transform is the living-learning program centered on developing participants as community change agents. Through courses, community-wide programs and a specialized support team, VCU Transform provides space for participants to transform their VCU experience. Transform students enjoy guaranteed placement in West Grace Street Student Housing – North, early course registration for all semesters they are in the program and, upon graduation, receive a certificate of leadership studies. Apply at the following URL by Wednesday, Feb. 7.

For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or visit https://lead.vcu.edu/transform-llp/.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will fund a variety of undergraduate research fellowship awards for projects mentored by VCU faculty in any discipline. Successful student and faculty collaborators will receive funding support for selected projects. Applicants must submit a proposal no later than March 14 for review. UROP Fellowships: https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/urop-fellowship/ CCTR Fellowships: https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/cctr-fellowship/

For more information, contact Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research, at urop@vcu.edu.

ACE-IT in College, a VCU program for students with intellectual disability, is recruiting student peer mentors. Do you want to make new friends on campus while earning volunteer hours? Spend some free time on campus welcoming a student with a disability to VCU's inclusive campus. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hannah Ramsey at ramseyhe@vcu.edu or (757) 287-9573 or visit https://forms.gle/jYQfdzw2P9u2nGd36.

VCU Libraries now offers the VCU community free, unlimited access to the Wall Street Journal via the Wall Street Journal Higher Education Program. Users simply sign up with their VCU email address to access articles, videos, podcasts and more. The program also offers resources for teaching. To create an account, go to https://www.wsj.com/VCU and sign in using your VCU login.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0129 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2024-news/wall-street-journal.html.

Individuals between the ages of 21 and 55 who vape electronic cigarettes daily and also occasionally drink alcohol are needed to participate in a research study that requires multiple laboratory visits. The purpose of this research study is to find out how ethanol (alcohol)-containing e-cigarettes impact ethanol breath tests, field sobriety tests and other tests of sobriety. (Ethanol is a common part of e-cigarette liquids.) Compensation may be provided. This study will be conducted at VCU’s Center for the Study of Tobacco Products at 100 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Alison Breland, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, at abbrelan@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3562 or visit http://cstp.vcu.edu/studies.

This study is seeking young females and males (18 to 35 years) to take part in nine weeks of aerobic exercise training. The purpose of this research study is to examine sex differences in cardiovascular adaptations in response to varying aerobic exercise training regimens. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The principal investigator is Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

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

We are inviting male and female participants with elevated blood pressure between the ages of 18-45 years to participate in a study to examine how the time of day that you eat affects your blood pressure, blood vessel function and kidney function. This study involves a screening visit to determine eligibility; two single-day interventions where you will eat a meal that we provide in the morning or late at night; and two visits to our laboratory. The study involves collection of blood, saliva and urine samples, in addition to blood pressure, blood vessel and body composition assessments. The study is conducted at VCU Kinesiology and Health Sciences Building on the Monroe Park Campus. Participants will be compensated for their time completing the study. Questions: Email Natalie Bohmke at the following address or Danielle Kirkman at dlkirkman@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Natalie Bohmke at bohmkenj@vcu.edu.

Are you a college/university student who has experienced housing instability while enrolled in classes (e.g., eviction, termination of room and board package, having trouble paying rent, overcrowding, moving often or spending the bulk of household income on housing)? In this study, you will be asked to participate in a survey about your experience.

For more information, contact Chelsie Dunn, Ph.D., at dunnce@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1892 or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bC86dhZzC0mT16m.

Would you be interested in helping to assess the effectiveness of prepared AI prompts to support students in career planning and setting SMART goals? Fully complete a two-survey study on AI-mentoring to receive a $100 gift card. Spots are limited. Interested students should complete the participant survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/EZfApm5SJSx3o13h9 .