Student Issue for April 22, 2024
Today
Earth Day Workshop: 'Sustainable Thinking From Innovation to Implementation'
10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment will host a workshop on climate change and renewable energies at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Lunch will be provided for those who register. Register at the following email address.
For more information, contact Mary Wagner at wagnermc@vcu.edu or visit https://isee.vcu.edu/.
VCU da Vinci Center Undergraduate Q&A Session
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.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-April-22
For more information, contact Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
Signs of Hope and Gratitude
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join VCU's School of Education for puppies, painting and positivity before finals. Take a moment to reflect on what brings you hope and gratitude, then paint your reflections on wooden planks at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.
For more information, contact Jill Raugh at raughj@vcu.edu or (804) 295-8013.
Reading the Invisible Script: How Black Dance Pioneers of the 1930's-40's Danced Between the Lines
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Humanities Research Center will host a Meet VCU Authors talk via Zoom with E. Gaynell Sherrod, Ph.D., who will discuss how Black dance artists of the 1930's and 1940's pioneered dance pedagogy for decades to come. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/she0422.
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Session
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. The school also offers a certificate in Media and Leadership. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
CPPI Seminar: 'Can Pharmacists Provide Affordable and Effective Hypertension Care in the United States?'
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Dave Dixon, Pharm.D., VCU School of Pharmacy, will speak via Zoom at the next Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation seminar. Faculty, staff and students can view the talk in Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sydney Weber at webers2@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/CPPISeminar.
Paint Pots 4 Earth Day
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Save the Children Action Network will paint pots on Earth Day at the Underground. Planting pots will be provided, but get recyclable jars if available to paint. Come out to de-stress through art and prizes (candy).
For more information, contact SCAN at scanatvcu@gmail.com.
EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cassandra Willis, Ph.D., will discuss "Empowering Resilient Learners: Navigating Challenges Through Education and Well Being" at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Faith Wilkerson at fawilker@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9yRE4QBnSJJmQ03RcuZVFppuPAhxb1PJOSmEBwfnY5C6Wjg/viewform.
This week
Doing Translational Research: Understanding and Navigating Impactful and Meaningful Research
Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Want to learn more about translational research? Join the Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health and their board of panelists from across VCU to discuss its challenges and benefits. Network with guests, learn from professionals involved in research and ask questions about translational research. Refreshments will be provided. The event will be in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., at baldwinwhia@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/KVvbNQsjV2fTj7m16.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.
Harmony Across Borders
Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2024 from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Vox Concordia Choir in conjunction with The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will present a one-hour interactive workshop with folk songs from countries represented within the choir. The event will include discussion and light snacks.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Writing Process
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon
Learn to map your research writing in a cohesive, manageable step-by-step process. 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/.
Indigenous Community-Centered Solutions: Best Practices For Serving Indigenous Populations Webinar
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m.
VCU's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center will host a webinar in which organizations will discuss effective models created to better provide services to Indigenous youth and adults with disabilities. Presenters will discuss the challenges faced and the actions taken to form Indigenous Disability Service Models. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Teri Blankenship at tcblanke@vcu.edu or visit https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/1666.
Resettled: A Survivor's Story
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a guided discussion with Khushnood Nabizada in the OMSA offices at Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. He will tell his personal stories of working as chief of staff to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming a refugee and his adjustment to his new life in Virginia. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amala Thomas at thomasac4@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932462.
16th Annual VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry.
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry invites all to visit the undergraduates as they present their research and scholarly endeavors at the 16th Annual Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry. A signature event of VCU Research Weeks, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program symposium will be held in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Session 1 will be 10:30 a.m.-noon, Session 2 will be 1-2:30 p.m. and remarks will be delivered at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Herb Hill, Ed.D., Dir. of Undergraduate Research, at hhill@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/poster/.
VCU Gerontology: Accelerated Master's Program
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Did you know some eligible majors can graduate in five years with both a bachelor's and a master's degree? Register at the following URL for a Zoom session to learn if a master's degree in gerontology, the study of aging, is the right path for you - plus how to take advantage of the 4+1 program. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Catherine MacDonald at macdonaldcs@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlcOuhrDwvHtS8oDP2vqih8QnVpTtyrjgh#/registration.
Evening MBA: Lunchtime Webinar
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 at noon
Learn more about VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats, curriculum and admissions process. No registration is required; join at the following Zoom link.
For more information, contact Hawley Smyth at smythh@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5127 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82716278117.
Navigating the NIH Career Development (K Award) Grant Process
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will continue its grant-writing series with a session via Zoom. Pat Nana-Sinkam, Ph.D., Wright Center Associate Director, Career Development and Mentoring, will discuss the National Institutes of Health’s career development application and review process. 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/tZ0qf-GhrTMpE9fl4AfmaHvqyd7VTL74mLwu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Question
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to develop a clear, focused, complex research question. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Writing Center Presents the Writing Club
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Writing Center hosts a writing club for all VCU students. The club is a welcoming space to join a community of peers who enjoy writing and want to enhance their confidence in their own writing process. The organization will provide generative writing exercises, with opportunities to share work and collaborate on personal projects. The meeting will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. 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/.
Student Leaders' Roundtable With Tavares Floyd, Esq., Candidate for City Council
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
RVA Relationship Builders will hold a roundtable discussion with Tavares Floyd, Esq., Sixth District candidate for Richmond City Council, for VCU students to voice their opinions on student needs, Richmond policy and the future of Richmond. This event will be held in Conference Room 228, Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Rohan Rathi at rathir2@vcu.edu or (757) 754-0460.
Health Equity and Implicit Bias in Health Care
Thursday, Apr. 25, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Participants will learn important definitions, Richmond's landscape and history of health care, VCU’s role in that history as well as implicit bias and cultural humility. The session at Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will end with a Q&A and will be facilitated by the VCU Office of Health Equity. Register at the following email address.
For more information, contact Garland Vaughn at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/125/1714050000000.
Goldwater Scholarship
Friday, Apr. 26, 2024 at 11 a.m.
This session, geared for sophomores and juniors intending to pursue graduate research in the STEM fields, will provide information on the Goldwater Scholarship, which awards its scholars with up to $7,500 for educational expenses and a mentoring network. The session will be held in person (Room 1210, VCU's National Scholarship office conference room, first floor, Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.) and online. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LJq7r4A86Z7sMDgHA.
Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine 32nd Annual Leadership Conference
Friday, Apr. 26, 2024 from noon to 5 p.m.
The WISDM faculty organization will host an afternoon of networking and professional development through enhancement of leadership skills. The theme, "Breaking Barriers: A New Perspective on the Workplace," will focus on identifying barriers, breaking free of gendered expectations at work, challenges in advancing from associate to full professor, NIH's efforts in empowering inclusive excellence for women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine), how to recognize if you are the barrier and how to enhance your visibility at work. The session will be at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=33046.
RISE Germany/Professional
Friday, Apr. 26, 2024 at 2 p.m.
This session is intended for undergraduates with at least one year of study remaining and current graduate students in STEM-field majors. Learn about RISE, a three-month research internship in Germany (working language is English). Get a two-fer study abroad and research experience (funded). The session will be held in person (Room 1210, VCU's National Scholarship office conference room, first floor, Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.) and online. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/NarVE5MJa5FuVTvA8.
'Vivienne Westwood: The Royal Rebellion'
Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Creative Production Collective will present “Vivienne Westwood: The Royal Rebellion,” its 2024 Fashion Presentation to be held at The Collective, 217 W. Grace St. All are invited to celebrate the legacy of the British fashion designer alongside nine emerging designers, live models and desserts. Dress in your most Westwood-inspired look. Not sure What to wear? Check out @cpcatvcu on IG for inspiration and ticket information.
For more information, contact Kayla Bostic at bostickm2@vcu.edu.
Community Service: Children's Museum of Richmond - See Me Play in RVA
Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024 from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Are you looking to get involved in the community? The Health Sciences Career Community is seeking volunteers to help support the community through participating in The Children's Museum of Richmond I See Me Play in RVA, a free field day for families in Richmond and surrounding communities at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave. Volunteers will run activity tents in the zones of "Build," "Create," "Grow" and "Read."
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Zjgf0saPJ0WGIs76R_6WMgh8HDdS4JFBlUETtP8iw6xUNEhSV0pNNFpGQU8wMUM5Sk9UTUo4UkMzNy4u.
Coming up
'Advancing Equity in Cancer Prevention and Control'
Monday, Apr. 29, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
In recognition of Minority Health Month, the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a virtual presentation by Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D., titled "Advancing Equity in Cancer Prevention and Control." This presentation will apply an equity lens about the current state of cancer prevention and control and to discuss ongoing and needed efforts to reduce disparities. This event is open to all faculty, staff, team members and students. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12207686.
From Offer Letter to Retirement Plan: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Salary and Benefits
Monday, Apr. 29, 2024 at noon
Calling all seniors: This is an essential workshop for navigating the complexities of employment compensation, from understanding your initial job offer to planning for retirement. This event provides valuable strategies and insights on maximizing your benefits and optimizing your salary throughout your career. It will be held in person (Room B2165, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL. The webinar link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83848493878
For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at forrestjf@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=67067dee-bb0c-4c75-ab7b-f9c63a4b530d&utm_source=telegram.
Bioinformatics Bites: TCGA-Data Analysis Walkthrough
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at noon
The Bioinformatics Shared Resource at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host a 30-minute webinar overview of Cancer Research Data Commons and go through a typical Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Data Analysis workflow. Learn about shared resources for Massey researchers from bioinformatics experts and core leaders followed by a Q&A session regarding the Bioinformatics Share Resource with staff and core leader. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Bioinformatics Shared Resource at mccbioinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtc-isrTkoGdChD9zVoLVekxlXQwHzt9wz#.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the VCU Staff Senate Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group to celebrate the 13th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This half-day event will be held via Zoom with four sessions that give participants a foundational understanding of the group, web accessibility and workshops on plain language and empathy. The keynote speaker will be John Robinson from OurAbility, who will discuss the work done for accessibility with AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katie Cappuccio at cappucciok@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N_2oerS_pHb1xe1UYk68H7S5i5j0-nFIvAhUucsnTak/edit.
Notices
VCUDine April Events
VCUDine offers a number of April events at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. The events include Food Truck Fest (Monday, April 22: 3-7 p.m.), Prime Rib Day (Wednesday, April 24: 11 a.m.-close), National Pretzel Day (Friday, April 26: 11 a.m.-close) and Midnight Breakfast (April 30: 8 p.m.-midnight). Questions: Follow @VCU_Dining on Instagram.
For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.
Join the Katie's Art Project Executive Board
Are you passionate about making a difference in children's lives through art? Do you have leadership skills and a drive to create impactful opportunities? Katie's Art Project at VCU is looking for individuals to join its executive board. See the application at the following URL.
For more information, contact Safa Saad at saads@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/eUAbV5Kv9JGwrssJ8.
New Minor in Virtual Reality Available to All Undergraduate Students
What happens when a crime occurs virtually? How can video games help with chronic pain? How will culture evolve as more interaction takes place virtually? The Interdisciplinary Studies Program's new minor in Mixed and Immersive Reality Studies will consider technology and its role in society. Learn more at the following URL.
For more information, contact Zach Hilpert at zhilpert@vcu.edu or visit https://ids.vcu.edu/ids-minors/mixed-and-immersive-reality-studies-minor/.
Career Opportunities for Students Interested in Criminal Justice and Public Service Fields
Students interested in law enforcement are invited to speak with VCU Police. Take courses in all levels of degree programs for free, work toward student loan forgiveness and receive a competitive salary and benefits as an officer. VCU students receive a $5,000 bonus upon completing the academy and field training. The 50th academy starts in fall 2024. Applicants who are made a conditional offer may qualify for the department’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP).
For more information, contact Recruiter Conrad Simms at policerecruit@vcu.edu or visit http://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.
Seeking Graduate Students in STEM to Participate in a Feedback Survey of AI-Mentors Regarding Career Development
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.
Vox Concordia Treble Choir Sign-up
Fall semester registration is open for Vox Concordia. Do you enjoy singing with a group of supportive friends and performing diverse songs by female and POC composers? You don’t have to be a music major to sign up for APPM-378 - only an override form and brief audition in August are necessary. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lisa Fusco at fuscolc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/vocal-ensemble-audition-info/.
Rallying Rams
Are you interested in joining a new student organization supporting school spirit at VCU? VCU's Division of Student Affairs is seeking students this upcoming fall who want to boost school spirit by forming a new student organization. An informational session will be held via Zoom at 6 p.m. today, April 22. Join the session at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86998625706 A meeting will also be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23 in the Senate Chambers. University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. A sandwich bar will be provided by Aramark. At 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, a meeting will be held in the lobby of the University Student Commons. Light snacks will be provided by Aramark.
For more information, contact NyAsia Shaw at shawn4@vcu.edu.
Join the Wellbeing Lab in Mapping Social Spaces at VCU
The Wellbeing Lab at VCU is entering a project to study the effects of stress management programs on student behavior. The lab needs your input to map social locations across campus for thorough analysis. Your participation is key to the study and will help to uncover insights into how stress management impacts social behaviors within the VCU community. Visit the following URL to participate.
For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at beloborodp@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/p52xUiBeqfgUf5G28.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
LGBTQIA+/First-Generation Student Research Study - Paid Opportunity
Participants are sought who can attend three 90-minute sessions, are open to sharing their experience and willing to photograph their "voice." $25 paid for each session for participation. Participants must be a first-generation student and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For more information, contact Traci Wike, Ph.D., at twike@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.