Student Issue for March 28, 2025
Today
VCU Writing Center and the Graduate School Workshop - The Effective Communicator Series: Professional Communication
1 p.m.
In this interactive Zoom workshop, learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Writing Center and the Graduate School Present Effective Communicator Series Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
12 p.m.
Demystify the college writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, including brainstorming and how to get started. 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/.
Join Bioethics 4 Students Discussion
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join Bioethics 4 Students to learn about upcoming service opportunities, events, how to become involved and a discussion on human engineering and environmental ethics. The session will be in the Multipurpose Room (1303), the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.
STAR@VCU Cultural Immersion Movie Night (+ 2M Mediterranean Market and Deli Catering)
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
STAR@VCU (Students Together Assisting Refugees) will host a cultural immersion movie night with food and entertainment. "The Good Lie," a film based on the obstacles faced by a group of orphaned Sudanese siblings on their journey to the United States during the Second Sudanese Civil War, will be screened. Food will be catered by 2M Mediterranean Market and Deli. The screening will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C and D, 907 Floyd Ave. See a trailer from the film at the following URL.
For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=c2tI5zW3IU8.
Latinx Scholarship Symposium
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Migration Studies Lab at the Humanities Research Center will host a gathering of scholars in Latino and migration studies from across Virginia and North Carolina to present and discuss new research and collaborations. This event, at James Branch Cabell LIbrary, Room 303, 901 Park Ave., is free and open to all.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7z5_HUzrTianrFbIRcBMnubvPqtpU5R5qtQPvhTyTAfBYBQ/viewform.
This week
Central Virginia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience Conference
Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual meeting of the Central Virginia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience will be held at the Delta-Marriott Hotel, 555 E. Canal St. Register or submit an abstract at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeffrey Dupree, Ph.D., at jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org or visit https://www.kmjacobs.org/cvcsn.
Out of the Darkness Campus Walk
Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Walk, volunteer or donate to help stop suicide at VCU's Out of the Darkness walk. Check in at 9 a.m. at Monroe Park. The walk starts at 10. and is sponsored by University Student Health Services and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Sing up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lynne Foreman at lforeman2@vcu.edu or visit http://afsp.org/vcu.
Coming up
Dental Hygiene Workshop at the VCU Health Hub
Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU Dental Hygiene students will be hosting an educational event at the VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 25th St. Spend the day with dental hygiene students and learn about the role of oral health care. Learn the connection between oral health and overall health. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3XcBHlL.
VCU Biology Seminar Featuring Emily Van Syoc, Penn State
Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join VCU Biology for a seminar featuring Emily Van Syoc, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Researcher from Penn State. Van Syoc will present her research on the human gut fungal microbiome, exploring how evolution and host genetics shape fungal abundance and diversity. The seminar, titled "The Fungus Among Us: How Evolution and Host Genetics Influence the Human Gut Fungal Microbiom," will be given in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 151, 1000 W. Cary St.
For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at biology@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.
Participate in Two Social Psychology Studies
Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
VCU Social Psychology invites you to participate in two studies (compensation is available): (1) a study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging, (2) a study on how people react to fictional characters. You will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take approximately one hour. See more details at the following URL and find out if you are eligible.
For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhhs@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
CCI CVN Spring Speaker Series To Feature Negin Alemazkoor
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 10 a.m.
The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series via Zoom with Negin Alemazkoor, Ph.D. The topic will be "Graph Neural Networks for Smart Infrastructure Systems with Large Number of Heterogeneous IoT Sensors." Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/spring-speaker-series-graph-neural-networks-for-smart-infrastructure-systems-with-large-number-of-heterogeneous-iot-sensors/.
Meet and Greet Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia's 2025 Teacher of the Year
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU's School of Education will host Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia's 2025 teacher of the year. Yamamoto graduated from VCU in 2012 and now teaches precalculus at Atlee High School in Hanover County. A meet-and-greet session will be held in Oliver Hall, Room 21118, 1015 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/AvantiMeetSpring25.
Prepare for the Fair (Drop-in Support and Prizes)
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come to VCU Career Services for career clothing, a résumé review, job search support, a headshot and prizes — as you prepare for the Spring Career Fair the week after. Drop by the first floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Get your résumé reviewed or help searching for a part-time or full-time job or internship, get clothing for the fair or an interview afterward and get a professional headshot. All of these resources are free, there will be cookies, and you could win a Dot digital business card or $50 gift card.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1716391/share_preview.
Investing for Beginners - Workshop
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU Financial Success Center will present a workshop for beginning investors at Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Learn the basics of investing, key financial concepts and tips to grow your wealth. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Investing.
Rural Rams Communi-Tea Meeting
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Rural Rams will hold its final Communi-Tea of the semester in Hibbs Hall, Room 107, 900 Park Ave. Those who attend are asked to bring a rural recipe to share - something you grew up making or is traditionally made at your home. Members will make recipe cards to share.
For more information, contact Sara Rafuse at rafusese@vcu.edu.
2025 Heart Rate Variability International Conference
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 8 a.m.
The VCU Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, along with the HRV Institute, will host the 2025 Heart Rate Variability Workshop and Conference on April 3-4 at Maymont, 1001 Spottswood Road. The theme, Integration of Heart Rate Variability Into Clinical Practice, will feature speakers, discussions and networking opportunities. A pre-conference workshop on HRV and HRV biofeedback will be held on April 3. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Muna Ali at alim28@vcu.edu or visit https://heartratevariabilityinstitute.org/hrv-conference.
Brandcenter Preview Day
Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Want to learn more about the No.1 graduate program for advertising and branding in the U.S.? Come to the Brandcenter, 103 S. Jefferson St., for Preview Day to see what it’s like to be a Brandcenter student. Meet current students and faculty, learn about Brandcenter programs and attend the center's Friday Forum Speaker series featuring an alum who works for the National Hockey League brand.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/preview-day-april-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
Master of Product Innovation Informational Session
Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Discover the Master of Product Innovation program at VCU. Join da Vinci Center staff to virtually explore this cross-disciplinary master’s degree which offers participants the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges in product innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact da Vinci Center at davincicenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/MPI-Info-04-04.
Tickets Available for TEDxVCU Bloom
Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.
Global Health Leadership Symposium
Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Global Health Leadership Symposium - The Humphrey Fellowship Program at VCU and Emory University With Reynolds College: Driving Change, Building Partnerships m will take place in a hybrid format with limited in-person seating at the Reynolds Community College, Downtown Campus, Room 633. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tFkGkyuizLfuS4KF8.
Women's Health Research Day: Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended
Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The 19th Annual Women's Health Research Day will be at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. The symposium this year, titled "Nutrition and Women's Health," begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a poster session and reception from 3-4:30 p.m. Abstracts from all fields with elements of women's health and/or sex/gender differences are due by Friday, March 28. Awards will be given for best posters in basic, clinical/translational and community sciences. Monetary awards will be given for young investigator and best interdisciplinary abstract. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lillia Thumma at thummadl@vcu.edu or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/womens-health-research-day-2025/.
Unburying Voices: Community-Engaged Reparative Justice
Saturday, Apr. 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join the VCU Health Humanities Lab's symposium, Unburying Voices: Community-Engaged Reparative Justice. The symposium will include presentations by East Marshall Street Well (EMSW) Project Family Representative Council members; Ana Edwards, interviewer for the EMSW Oral History Project; Health Humanities Lab undergraduate fellows; and a roundtable discussion with Carmen Foster and Stephanie Smith, Family Representative Council, East Marshall Street Well Project; Jazmin Benton, Sacharja Cunningham and Lex Wilson, Finding Ceremony, Philadelphia and Jessica Harris and DeTeasa Gathers, Descendants of Enslaved Communities at University of Virginia. The East Marshall Street Well Project at VCU addresses the discovery of human remains and artifacts from the 19th century found in an abandoned well on the MCV campus in 1994. The project aims to ensure the remains, primarily of African descent, receive appropriate study, memorialization and reburial, reflecting the dignity they were denied in life and death. The event will be at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Christine Cynn, Ph.D., at cjcynn@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/289mXVYo18MR4pSq9.
Field Day and Health Fair at Mary and Frances Youth Center
Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will host a field day and health fair. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Register at https://forms.gle/tkDuZ4EE1LKEXfcs6
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/.
Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics Conference
Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for a conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited to join; students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. The meeting will be in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQn69LwwoMkWpdGJG80osulkx3oVrznDxUob1PqMMlBSDPQ/viewform.
Notices
RecWell Aquatics April Log Rolling Clinics
Join RecWell Aquatics for a log rolling clinic at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St. Participants will practice balancing and staying atop the log in the pool's shallow end. Registration is open through the day of the clinic. April clinics will be held Friday, April 4 and Friday, April 18, 7:30-8:45 p.m. Beginners welcome; intensity level is medium.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=273c61cc-6561-4f46-b99d-c5c80a0a4062.
RecWell OAP April Belay Clinics
Learn belaying, or climbing with a partner, a fundamental skill for all rock climbers. VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program staff will teach current best practices for belaying and answer questions about climbing. The session will be in the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Registration opens the day before the clinic. April Belay Clinics will be held April 1, April 9, April 18 and April 23. See times and registration at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cd4e0a05-814b-415e-9ef8-43e49fe1f7fb.
VCU Spring Career Fair
Graduating? Looking for an internship or experiential opportunity? The VCU Spring Career Fair will be noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons and Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with organizations looking to hire VCU students for internships as well as full-time and part-time jobs. Not sure if you're ready for a job? Come chat with employers. Participating organizations will outline the skills and experiences they are looking for in an employee and help students learn about affinity groups and internal opportunities. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tay Knighting at knightingta@vcu.edu or visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/3650bc1f-fda6-4084-8ab8-b5224128e6e1/student_preview.
Tell Us About Your Experiences Using On-Campus Resources
VCU students are asked to share their experiences with and awareness of on-campus offices and organizations that offer services or resources to students. VCU staff member Jess Hoy, M.S.W., is conducting a research survey that can be completed online and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Students are not required to have ever used a VCU resource to participate. Students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $25 gift cards to the VCU bookstore.
For more information, contact Jess Hoy at hoyj2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctIBpT8H0TVLHzE4sq66PB1aEx8HCkKwtNtbG8odN3VY0qIA/viewform?usp=sf.
Excellence in Community Engagement
VCU's Council for Community Engagement invites nominations for the following awards for Excellence in Community Engagement: Transformative Educational Experiences, Community Engaged Research Partnership, Demonstrated Impact in Community Engagement, Outstanding Community Engagement by a Student or Group of Students and Outstanding Community Partner. For all awards, nominees should exemplify the values of community engagement, collaboration and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Submit nominations at the following URL by Friday, April 4.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.
PennyAppeal Officer Applications Due Soon
PennyAppeal, an organization dedicated to helping the local homeless community, is accepting applications for the organization's positions of social Media chair, secretary and marketing coordinator until Friday, March 28. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/j4YmmjPEq2FUotz27.
Student Advocacy: Share Your Experiences on the Impact of Federal Direct PLUS Loans
S.308 - Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. If this bill were to pass, it would mean the end of Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students. As this bill will directly affect the education of many students, the American Medical Association (AMA/MSV) at VCU asks for your help in sharing your voice and amplifying the effort in opposing this bill. Complete this form (https://forms.gle/htzaAAqexAbTKy9E6) by Friday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. if you are interested in sharing your experiences. American Medical Association (AMA/MSV) at VCU will be compiling all the responses and sending out a letter to U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. More information about S.308 can be found here (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/308/text). Questions: Email the following address.
For more information, contact AMA/MSV at VCU at kunuthurua@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Y7wozkWayAARDAn27.
PennyAppeal Clothing Drive
PennyAppeal is holding a clothing drive to Monday, March 31 in the University Student Commons next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Donations will go to the local homeless community.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
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. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of chronic psychosocial stress and vascular inflammation to an acute mental challenge. This study will be conducted 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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@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
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RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.