2 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/.

5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Christopher Brooks, Ph.D., and Alvin Schexnider, Ph.D., will explore the challenges and opportunities facing Black faculty in higher education today. This event will focus on the importance of diversity in academia, the unique experiences of Black faculty members and the future of inclusion and equity in academic institutions. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5yeMyv_se85kjzeURx3-InYnmwB-3AxfSP5EYlC2eogziYw/viewform.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Design Thinking is all about collaboration and problem-solving. Join the da Vinci Center for an upcoming Design Thinking workshop, which emphasizes problem-solving, adaptability and empathy. Earn an “Introduction to Design Thinking” credential via a credly badge to post on your LinkedIn. This virtual workshop is free and open to all VCU students and community members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-2-27.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Department of Political Science and the Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism for a book talk on "The Unorthodox Presidency of Donald J. Trump." Chapman Rackaway, Ph.D., Radford University, will discuss how Trump's rise — from a campaign outsider to his tenure as president — challenges conventional political norms and tests the very framework of American governance. The talk will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2076 or visit https://idpce.vcu.edu/events/event-items/book-talk-the-unorthodox-presidency-of-donald-j-trump.html.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Learn about the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate programs and how they can help advance your career and professional goals. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/whywilderfeb25.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Undergraduate Society of Bioinformatics is hosting its very first professor panel. All majors are welcome. Come talk to experienced faculty about research opportunities, internships, industry experience and post-undergrad plans related to STEM. Questions can be submitted at vcuusb bio link. The session will be in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 3104, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Suzanne Varughese at varughesess@vcu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Auctus February GBM to learn how to have your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about opportunities to gain leadership experience. Enjoy fresh Insomnia Cookies. The meeting will be held in-person (Honors College Multipurpose Room, 1303, 701 W. Grace St.) and via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6135769251). Updates will be available via RamsConnect: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://auctus.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

The Office of Professional Development in the Graduate School and VCU Career Services invites graduate students from all disciplines to attend the virtual job readiness boot camp. Topics covered will include goal-setting, career gap analysis, networking strategies, using LinkedIn and more. Register on RamsConnect at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936619

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

Monday, Mar. 3, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Have you ever considered a career in wealth management or financial planning? Enjoy free lunch and learn about VCU’s new degree path in Financial Planning and network with individuals in the industry. The event, hosted by VCU Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Department, will be in Snead Hall, Room B3189, 301 W. Main St. 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/?id=5f6b275e-d416-4fd7-962e-9d8077f456be.

Monday, Mar. 3, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a virtual Meet VCU Authors event with Daniel Morales. His new book delves into the creation of modern U.S.-Mexico migration patterns from multiple geographic and institutional perspectives. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/meet-vcu-authors/between-here-and-there-creating-the-political-economy-of-mexican-migration.html.

Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Move from “addition” to “transformation” in your inclusion work, deconstructing existing practices and working with peers to build something new. Choose to attend one or more of the following sessions: Tuesday, March 4, 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 5, noon; or Thursday, March 6, 12:30 p.m. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdu6przouGtQR_ZIDT8t2nlZQs8HgOPok#/registration

For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/workshops/#d.en.723962.

Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Health Humanities Lab and the History and Health Student Advisory Committee will host an exploration of the history of the East Marshall Street Well, where human remains (predominantly of African descent) were discovered on the MCV campus. This roundtable will provide a platform for dialogue on the historical injustices surrounding this site and ongoing efforts toward memorialization and healing. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Christine Cynn, Ph.D., at cjcynn@vcu.edu or visit https://emsw.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Photo/Film Department will host a Pecha Kucha, and all are welcome to support fellow creatives. Enjoy an evening of fast-paced presentations plus free food. Pecha Kucha is a dynamic storytelling format in which each speaker presents 20 slides, with each slide shown for exactly 20 seconds. This event is open to photography, film and cinema students — sophomores, juniors and seniors — to showcase past projects or in-progress thesis work. The event will be at the Pollak Building, 325 N. Harrison St.

For more information, contact Teairrah Green at greentn3@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/od15ayXaFzxqRGst6.

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The VCU Cyber Security Center and FBI Richmond invite students to attend the upcoming FBI National Security Collegiate Academy. This free event will feature presentations and discussions led by experienced FBI agents and analysts on the topics of counterintelligence, counterterrorism, weapons of mass destruction and cybersecurity. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL by Friday. March 14.

For more information, contact Laura Lemza at lemzala@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7411 or visit https://tinyurl.com/478yzkd3.

Ramadan is a significant religious observance for many students, faculty and staff at VCU. The Global Education Office encourages the campus community to engage in learning about this important month to better understand the experiences of those who observe it. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin today, Friday, Feb. 28 and conlude on Saturday, March 29 contingent upon the sighting of the new moon. We encourage everyone to learn more about Ramadan to promote awareness and understanding within our diverse university community.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/ramadan/.

RecWell offers adult beginner swim lessons, intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water but wish to learn basic skills such as floating, treading water and coordination for swimming strokes. Lessons at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., will primarily be taught in shallow water, but participants will practice supporting themselves in deeper water throughout the class. Register through Friday, March 14. Morning lessons - March 18-April 10, Tuesday and Thursday, 7-7:55 a.m. Evening lessons - March 18-April 10, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-6:55 p.m.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally-accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym and how members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged. Orientations are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 5. Open to VCU students and RecWell members. Visit the following URL for an equipment orientation.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

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. March Belay Clinics will be held March 4, March 20 and March 24. 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.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME). The VCU and VCU Health System communities are invited to nominate a faculty member, staff member, academic or administrative leader or organization, or a student or student organization. Submit nominations by Friday, March 7 using this link: https://forms.gle/z1pGNGMH9UWJqxts5

For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://president.vcu.edu/nominations/pacme/.

How are those first exams going? Schedule an appointment to meet with an academic coach from the Campus Learning Center to discuss your academic progress and formalize a plan for success. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting. Get started by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

Students are encouraged to go to eServices to learn if their professors have submitted a Midterm grade for one or more classes. Log on to Student eServices at http://www.eservices.vcu.edu. If you have received a Midterm grade indicating unsatisfactory academic progress, see your instructor or academic adviser. The last day to withdraw from classes or opt into Pass/Fail in the full semester is Friday, March 28.

For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

The public comment period that opened on Jan. 21 for the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy, Concealment of Identity and Student Code of Conduct will close Friday, Feb. 28. Offer feedback by visiting the following URL and click on “Policies Open for Public Comment.”

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at dsa@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/.

Interested in joining Student Government? Email sga@vcu.edu with the subject line "SGA Elections" by end of day today for more information on entering the elections process or visit the SGA office in the Commons during office hours. SGA Elections Chairs will have their office hours today from 10 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu.

Restricting access to a sub-folder or file in Google Drive, a popular feature request, is rolling out now. Soon, in My Drive and Shared Drives, you'll be able to restrict access to a folder or file to specific people.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/02/21/upcoming-changes-to-restricting-sharing-in-folders-in-google-drive/.

Looking for something for your youth to do this summer while you are working or studying? Consider the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. The center will have seven weeks of camp ranging from tennis and pickleball, STEM in Sports and a multi-sport camp at which youth will paddleboard on the James River. All camps are full day Monday through Friday. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are included in the price. Register at https://givepul.se/gdhm8u

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/.

Join the VCU Institute for Women’s Health and Highland Support Project. Spend a week in partnership with indigenous midwives and community leaders, learning about traditional Maya medicine and exploring the history of health care and healing in Guatemala. The group will learn about traditional medicine, midwifery and healing practices. Cost is $1,650 plus air fare. Apply at the following URL by Monday, March 3 (new extended deadline).

For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11474.

VCU's Global Education Office invites students to submit an application at the following URL by Sunday, March 9 for the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. The organization recognizes international service, scholarship, education and involvement.

For more information, contact Global Education Office at geo@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/started/info1/community/phibetadelta//.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion 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.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent, and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. Questions: Contact the REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Adanya Johnson at johnsonad13@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.