Student Issue for February 12, 2024
Today
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
1 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/.
Diversity Dialogues - A Black History Month Lecture
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU School of Dentistry continues it's Diversity Dialogues series with a Black History Month lecture by historian Elvatrice Parker Belsches, B.A., B.S. Pharm, M.A., who will bring to light her decades of research unearthing the history of Virginia's Black dentists. The session will be held in person (Room 3121, W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. Building, 1101 E. Leigh St.) or virtually via Zoom. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ruth Bravo-Anez at bravoanezrm@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucuyupzMtHdY0t7FZq5VYYdumt5g9AZ5N?_x_zm_rtaid=CzFRmdZATCOWDIAVYQOszw.1706884678144.8979eaa6d8fe9e233c0486ccd0882382&_x_zm_rhtaid=203#/registration.
'Cliffhanger!' The First Movie Superheroes
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Humanities Research Center will present a n online Meet VCU Authors talk featuring Christopher Irving, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts at VCU and author of "Cliffhanger!" In his book, Irving explores the origins of the first on-screen superheroes, offering insights into the comic creators, filmmakers and actors who brought them to life. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/irv0212.
VCU Homecoming Spirit Week
5 p.m.
Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to kick off Homecoming Spirit Week at the Compass (in front of the library) for photos and a celebration. Activities for the week include Monochrome Monday, Flannel Tuesday, Black and Gold Wednesday, PJ Thursday and Homecoming Fit Friday.
For more information, contact Tobi Ojo at ojote@vcu.edu.
Blue and White Week
6:30 p.m.
The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Eta Theta Chapter will host a week of events with their fraternal brothers, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Delta Upsilon Chapter. Follow them on instagram @etathetazetas or at the following URL. Activities (at various locations) include Black Jeopardy (Monday), Service Second (Tuesday), Dove Love (Wednesday), Salon Talks (Thursday) and Diner Dining With Frat (Friday).
For more information, contact Ashley Miller at etatheta.1977@gmail.com or visit http://etathetazetas.com.
Weeknight Cooking
7 p.m.
Join a group of students at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to prepare and eat a meal with one another. No kitchen experience is required in order to attend. The cost is free.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
DIY Valentines
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Come out and make DIY valentines for a loved one or to donate to a cancer patient. The event will be in Room 2101, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Neha Periyapatna at relayatvcu@gmail.com.
This week
VCU Massey Proteomics Shared Resource Ribbon Cutting and Tour
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the VCU Massey Proteomics Shared Resource for a celebration of a new lab space and instrumentation during a ribbon cutting and tour in Room 2001, Molecular Medicine Research Building, 1220 E. Broad St. Resource services are available to investigators at Massey, VCU Health, across VCU and externally.
For more information, contact Adam Hawkridge at amhawkridge@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Writing Process Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at 4 p.m.
Meet the needs of a target audience by writing strong, logical, structurally sound work. 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/.
Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) Pancake Dinner
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of Lent by attending a pancake dinner at Reveille United Methodist Church. Students will meet at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., at 5 p.m. to ride together and return by 7:30 p.m. The dinner is free, but an RSVP at the following URL is encouraged.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
Financial Success Center Drop-In Hours
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 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=ac68a1c2-b4dd-48ba-9d63-9211a4c433d2&utm_source=telegram.
'Cybersecurity Initiative in Bioprinting'
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Nastassja A. Lewinski, Ph.D., will give an address via Zoom as part of the spring speaker series hosted by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)- Central Virginia Node (CVN). Lewinski teaches Chemical and Life Science Engineering at VCU and has expertise in nanomaterial toxicity, nanomedicine. and nanoinformatics. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvce-qrTwsHNEvu9pXIAga_0aeZ06Od3Qu Questions: http://cci-cvn.org Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Zahra Ndirangu at ndiranguzw@vcu.edu or (757) 478-8839 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvce-qrTwsHNEvu9pXIAga_0aeZ06Od3Qu.
VCU Robertson School Graduate Program Informational Sessions
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
VCU's Robertson School will host two virtual informational sessions for prospective students to learn more about the graduate programs on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 12-12:30 p.m and 5-5:30 p.m. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
Black 'n' Black: A Mixer Between Black Students and Black Faculty/Staff
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will partner with the Black Education Association and the Division of Inclusive Excellence to host Black 'n' Black in the ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This will be an opportunity for the Black VCU community (faculty, staff, students) to come together, mingle and make connections. Catered food will be available. Games will be played and prizes will be raffled off. A photographer will to take/print free photos for students. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1931770.
MentorVA: Combating White Saviorism
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon
We have the power to combat systemic racism and racial inequality. In spaces of youth and young adult programs we have a moral obligation to do no harm to the youth, families and communities. In this workshop, participants explore what White saviorism looks like as well as the harmful impact it has on others. The facilitator will be Tamice Spencer-Helms. The session 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/68/1708009200000.
How to Find and Appraise Secondary Datasets
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 at 11 a.m.
As part of Love Data Week, VCU Libraries will provide access to several resources that curate secondary data sets for research and teaching purposes. This webinar is designed to introduce participants to these resources, demonstrate where to find them using VCU Libraries guides and to explore how some secondary data set records are organized. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sue Moss at mosssr2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/11896550.
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ever wonder who is behind your favorite Super Bowl ad? VCU Brandcenter alumni are. If this sounds like something you might want to do in the future, check out the Brandcenter (103 S. Jefferson St.), the top program in the country for advertising and branding. Join us Thursday for a virtual informational session with our admission team and faculty. Questions: http://brandcenter@vcu.edu Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/BCVirtualInfoSessionFeb24?utm_source=TelegRam.
VCU Dance NOW
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
VCUarts Dance and Choreography will present VCUarts Dance NOW 2024 on Thursday (Feb. 15), Friday (Feb. 16) and Saturday (Feb. 17) at 7:30 p.m. nightly at Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. Tickets will be $5 for VCU students and $10 general admission. The performance will feature new choreographic works by professors Trebien Pollard, Scott Putman, MK Abadoo, Robbie Kinter, Autumn Proctor Waddell, Eric Rivera and guest artists Stephanie Martinez and Norbert De La Cruz III.
For more information, contact Jessica Casey at dance@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Sushi-Making Night
Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join VCU's Global Education Office, the Global Village LLC and the visiting students of Shimane University in Matsue, Japan for a night of sushi-making fun. Learn how to roll your own norimaki and engage with other students from VCU and abroad. The event will be in Room 1030J, West Grace Street Student Housing – North, 830 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at global@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1931964.
Black and Abroad: Global Citizenship
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a panel discussion in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with global citizenship and international travel through the lens of Black identity. This event will be followed by a social hour in the OMSA office, Room 215, Student Commons. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Global Education Office at geo@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1931935.
VCU Inclusive Excellence: Cultural Humility Webinar
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Have you heard the term "cultural humility" and wondered what it means or how it affects your personal or professional life? Join Jan Altman, Ph.D., to learn about cultural competence and its relationship to cultural humility. Kyle Mason, Ph.D., will moderate a discussion with Kim Case, Ph.D.; Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE, FNAP, FHFMA, FAAN and Brooke Berry, J.D. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jan Altman at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMpLf5D6iyeo2uV8b2WyP1NwbsJlsrdT94L8aszdnbizYQXg/viewform.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Monday, Mar. 25, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This course begins with an in-depth description of the Six Sigma phases, roles and related statistical tools required for success. The curriculum follows both the DMAIC (Green Belt) and DMADV (Black Belt) methodologies, teaching candidates how to integrate Six Sigma into an overall approach to process improvement. Prior Green Belt course work is highly recommended. The cost is $3,300 due at registration. The class will be held at Snead Hall, VCU School of Business, 301 W. Main St.
For more information, contact Katie Fauth at corp-ed@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/center-for-corporate-education/?post=1445.
Notices
Recreation and Well-Being Personal Training Packages
RecWell’s personal training packages are available to VCU students and RecWell members. Participants are guided through an exercise program customized to meet their specific needs and goals by a certified personal trainer. RecWell offers one-on-one and buddy training packages of three-, six-, 12- or 18-hour-long sessions. Registration information is available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.
Recreation and Well-Being OAP Kayak Roll Clinics
RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program invites students and RecWell members to learn new skills this spring with free activities. Kayak roll clinics will be held Feb. 1, 15 and 29, 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Registration is open through the day of the activity.
For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.
Recreation and Well-Being Lifeguarding Instructor Training
This course will prepare individuals to plan and teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses. Lifeguarding Instructors can also bridge to other disciplines within the American Red Cross program, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, basic CPR/AED, First Aid, and Basic Life Support. The program runs March 19-April 4, Tuesday/Thursday, 4-8 p.m. at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Register by March 11.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=2ce927aa-e031-40e6-b64c-d3a8ac5d6876.
VCU Internship Funding Program
Are you thinking about internships but concerned about summer costs? Apply for VCU's Internship Funding Program. Register at https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1421767/share_preview for the virtual information session that will be held Feb. 14 from 2-3 p.m. (recording available after this date). Apply for an internship between Feb. 7-April 1 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.
Soteria Leadership Application
Soteria: Promoting Healthy Love is a student organization that aims to raise awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The group raises funds for local related agencies and shelters. Soteria is looking for people to join its leadership team next semester. Open positions include vice president and secretary. Apply by Thursday, Feb. 15 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jillian Fortney at fortneyj@vcu.edu or (703) 582-1391 or visit https://forms.gle/NVajvRPr9WwHQXus5.
Registration for Cultural Graduation Ceremonies Through OMSA
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs announces that registration is open for Spring 2024 VCU graduates (undergraduate, graduate, professional studies) to participate in the end-of-the-semester Cultural Achievement Ceremony. Register by 5 p.m. March 1 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/N1kHPQXFUz8xayLF8.
Career Opportunities for Students in Criminal Justice and Public Service
Students interested in law enforcement are invited to speak with VCU Police staff. Take courses or classes in all levels of degree programs for free, work toward student loan forgiveness and receive a full salary and benefits as a VCU Police officer. VCU students receive a $5,000 bonus after completing the academy and field training. The next academy starts in May, after VCU’s commencement.
For more information, contact Lt. Joel Abernathy at policedept@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.
Phi Beta Delta Applications Are Open
Spring applications to join the VCU chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the first honor society dedicated to recognizing achievement in international education, are now open. This honor society is an academic and professional organization with over 200 chapters internationally. Apply at the following URL by March 1.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at global@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/started/info1/community/phibetadelta//.
Individuals Age 21-55 Who Both Vape and Occasionally Drink Are Invited to Participate in a Research Study
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. For further information, go to the following URL or call the following number. This study will be conducted at VCU’s Center for the Study of Tobacco Products at 100 W. Franklin St. Principal investigator is Alison Breland, Ph.D., Department of Psychology.
For more information, contact Alison Breland, Ph.D., at abbrelan@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3562 or visit http://cstp.vcu.edu/studies.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The principle investigator is Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Seeking Participants for the 'Aqui Entre Nos' Study ('Here Between Us')
I am Nixon Arauz, a doctoral candidate in Social and Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Health Behavior and Policy at VCU’s School of Population Health. I would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the "Aqui Entre Nos" study (translation: "Here Between Us"). Our objective is to engage self-identifying Black (Afro) Hispanic/Latino (H/L) men aged 18-34 to explore their lived experiences and gather perspectives on Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, vaccine-seeking behaviors and communication preferences. To be eligible, you must be a Black (Afro) H/L man between the ages of 18-34. Participation will involve a 45-to-60-minute interview in a private room on campus, and you will be compensated $15 for your time. If you choose to participate, please contact Nixon Arauz at the following email address or telephone number.
For more information, contact Nixon Arauz at arauzn@vcu.edu or (374) 839-4500.
Are You Stressed? Participate in a Stress Reduction Study
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 beloborodp@vcu.edu or visit https://beloborodp.wixsite.com/stressreduction.
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.