Student Issue for March 21, 2024
Today
Design Thinking Workshop Facilitated by Jerica Simmons
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as design thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and empathy to current as well as future job roles. VCU da Vinci Center is offering the opportunity to earn an “Introduction to Design Thinking” credential via a credly badge that you can post on your LinkedIn. This virtual workshop is free and open to all VCU students and community members. Register at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Mar-21-Noon
For more information, contact Jerica Simmons at simmonsjj4@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
Mindful Creativity at the Pace Center
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A small group will gather to creatively journal, collage, paint, crochet and write at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Bring your own project or begin a new one. Writing prompts, materials, and snacks all provided. No experience necessary and no cost. Come be creative and make a new friend!
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
Rams All In: Adaptive Recreation Day
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rams All In: Adaptive Recreation Day will feature an afternoon of inclusive activities, free food, giveaways and raffle prizes. Play wheelchair sports such as basketball, pickleball, goal ball and boccia ball at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. This event, free to all, is co-sponsored by VCU RecWell, Sportable RVA, OMSA, SAEO and Pi Lambda Phi. Bring a canned food item to donate to VCU Ram Pantry to support Pi Lambda Phi's Week of Justice.
For more information, contact Trisha Saunders at trsaunders@vcu.edu or visit http://recwell.vcu.edu.
VCU da Vinci Center Undergraduate Q&A Session
3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Learn about the da Vinci Center's undergraduate certificates and programs in Product Innovation and Venture Creation. Classes about human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans will also be discussed. Register for the virtual session at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Q&A-March-21
For more information, contact Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
Women's Herstory Month Paint 'n' Sip Mixer
5:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host its Women's Herstory Month Paint 'n' Sip Mixer in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Women in the VCU community (faculty, staff, students) can come together, mingle and make connections. Sample food, drink mocktails and use your creative side as the group paints together. Bring a friend. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932171.
Design Thinking Workshop Facilitated by Manjari Kumarappan
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as design thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and empathy to current as well as future job roles. VCU da Vinci Center is offering the opportunity to earn an “Introduction to Design Thinking” credential via a credly badge that you can post on your LinkedIn. This virtual workshop is free and open to all VCU students and community members. Register at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Mar-21-6pm
For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Personal Statement
6 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/.
This week
EmpowHER: A Panel Discussion of Women of Color in Human Focused Professions
Friday, Mar. 22, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
Come to VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Suite 215, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for a celebration of the voices of women of color in human-focused professions. Food will be provided. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amala Thomas at thomasac4@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932417.
VCU School of Pharmacy Open House
Friday, Mar. 22, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open houses are available to those interested in the Pharm.D. program at VCU School of Pharmacy. Attending an open house gives you the opportunity to learn more about the Pharm.D. program, ask questions about the admissions process, tour the MCV campus and gain a sense of student life from current Pharm.D. students. The open house will be a the Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Madeleine Wagner at pharmacy@vcu.edu or visit https://apply.pharmacy.vcu.edu/register/?id=3c14b896-853c-4962-bcb5-021f610c3cbf.
Coming up
The Undergraduate Research Series
Tuesday, Mar. 26, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
The Science Hub and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program will host a program to explore the projects our students are leading, gain insights into their journeys and uncover the possibilities of becoming involved in research at VCU. The program will be in Room 201, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mariah Maxwell at maxwellmc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAdp-oyvTpgpFExkOKWasloXDJqykppjJV-2T63mg9L0W5bw/viewform?usp=sf_link.
Morning Tai Chi
Tuesday, Mar. 26, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Join Richmond Youth Development Network for morning tai chi at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. This introductory class is intended for anyone interested in starting their day by destressing and connecting to their bodies and breath through slow, soft and rooted movement. The class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 2.
For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/138/1711454400000.
Burnside Watstein Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, Mar. 27, 2024 at 4 p.m.
The annual Burnside Watstein Awards, which will honor members of VCU's LGBTQ+ community, will be held in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXu7xRAIbIT6Qos3HimV3Ha9-Vx73qLhZ3EPpBxHjXQ0PiBw/viewform.
Answering the Call: Thriving as Men of Color in Health Care
Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence, Ethics and Community Engagement at VCU School of Dentistry invites all students, faculty and staff to its Thriving as Men of Color in Health Care Event in Room 3121, VCU School of Dentistry, W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. Building, 1101 E. Leigh St. Two panels will be followed by an hour of networking and mingling. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in the health professions and health sciences to learn from health care professionals.
For more information, contact Ruth Bravo-Anez at bravoanezrm@vcu.edu.
Criteria for IRB Approval and the Role of Post-Approval Monitoring
Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Join the VCU Human Research Protections Program/Institutional Review Board for online training about the criteria for approval of human subjects research and the role of post-approval monitoring. This training is relevant to those who conduct or oversee research of human subjects. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU HRPP at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdeqqqjMpHdcvUOzqL4NOcfAvcD6gxbAX.
RAMmalogues: Disability Equity and Ableism
Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Whether living with or without disability, ableism affects daily life for all of us, and we need connections with diverse groups of staff, students and faculty where we can share personal experiences and understand the unique stories of others. RAMmalogues, led by trained facilitators, is a respectful space for dialogue about who we are and what matters to us. The session will be held in Room 2121, 912 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jan Altman at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/KE4X13H2kLrPtzN56.
DEI Education Lunch & Learn Series - Belonging Matters: Why’s and How’s of Building a Culture of Belonging in Health Care
Friday, Apr. 12, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
Kevin Harris, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and various Department DEI Leaders will cohost a series of discussions with colleagues and learners to come to a common understanding of what DEIB is and how it functions within our work, academic and clinical environments. The meeting will be in person (Learning Theater of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St.) and via Zoom.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/11489678.
Research Weeks Keynote Address
Monday, Apr. 15, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will give the 2024 Research Weeks: UNlimited Impact keynote address, titled "The Importance of Research at a Public Institution" at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6bc854f5bfb04632affa7d2e06a8ea0d.
DEI Education Lunch & Learn Series- Wellness Matters: I’m OK – You’re OK: The Employee/Learner Wellness Imperative
Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
Those who attend will develop a shared understanding of wellness from an individual and organizational perspective. This presentation will include a discussion about wellness and mental health in the context of the workplace and a DEI framework. The talk will also cover individual and organizational support needed to build a community of wellness and positive mental health. The meeting will be in person (Learning Theater of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St.) and via Zoom.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/11489808.
Notices
Design a Winner and Earn $500 in VCU Libraries' Annual Contest
The Friends of VCU Libraries invite students and recent alumni (2019-2023) to submit designs for use on VCU Libraries T-shirt and other promotional materials. Deadline for submission is Sunday, April 21. The prize is $500. In keeping with the recent opening of the new Reflection Room, the 2024 design prompt is: VCU Libraries: Reflection. See details at go.vcu.edu/foldesigncontest
For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or (804) 591-5865 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/giving/design-contest/.
Recreation and Well-Being Intramural Sports Volleyball, Softball, Outdoor Soccer Leagues
RecWell’s Intramural Sports spring season continues with 6v6 Volleyball, 9v9 Softball and 9v9 Outdoor Soccer Leagues. Games will be played March 24-April 30. Registration ends today, March 21. To register, participants must purchase a $10 season pass that allows access for all Intramural Sports activities throughout the semester.
For more information, contact Alex Bruman at brumana@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Join RecWell, Rams and Recovery and the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies for events to recognize National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Learn more about events on Rams Connect at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/RecWell/club_signup.
Call for Applications: Health Humanities Curriculum Development Fellows
VCU's Health Humanities Lab is calling for 2024-25 undergraduate student fellows for the East Marshall Street Well Oral History and Memorialization Project. Students successfully completing the fellowship will each receive a $1,000 stipend. Questions: visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/labs/health-humanities-lab/emswp-oral-history-and-memorialization/ Apply by 5 p.m. Monday, April 15 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chris Cynn, lab director, at cjcynn@vcu.edu or (347) 645-9622 or visit https://forms.gle/BP1SrcMzHCYUP7Hv5.
Google Updates Recap: February 2024
This month VCU's Collaboration Services announces major upgrades to Appointment Schedules in Google Calendar, a fresh coat of paint for the Google sign-in page, a new feature that allows a presentation recording to be attached to Google Slides and more.
For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2024/03/19/google-updates-recap-february-2024/.
Sociology Career Fair Open to All Social Science Students
The Sociology Career Fair will be held March 25-29 and is open to all social science students. Activities include résumé-building workshops, internship opportunities, informational sessions about postgraduate programs, professional headshots and an alumni luncheon. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sociology Department at sociology@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zmrbWYE58y7lGqKQsJbj7tFqzgiJeIbs0WiprwQ84lk/edit.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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 cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
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.