Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Human Resources and VCU Staff Senate will sponsor the 2025 Career Development Conference which will be held on Tuesday, March 11 (virtual) and Thursday, March 13 (in person). The conference theme is "Empowerment in Action: Career Development for Everyone." Sessions will be a series of interactive development activities designed to meet the needs of staff and their career development goals. The event is free to all VCU and VCU Health System employees. Register at the following URL. The in-person session will be in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jadyn Eaton at ssconference@vcu.edu or visit https://staffsenateconference.vcu.edu/registration/.

Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

Leah Gregory, MPH, MSW, will discuss Engaging Communities in Research at a virtual meeting of the Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Chapter hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. CE will be provided to SOCRA members. All are welcome. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ffVreD95SKScdfsCXWcfdw.

Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 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 offersr 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/.

Thursday, Mar. 13, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, VCU Staff Senate celebrates the seventh annual VCU Staff Senate Awards of Excellence. Two winners in each category will be presented their awards at the ceremony in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maya Rogers, Staff Senate President, at staffsenate@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Interested in special education teacher licensure in general curriculum (K-12) or early childhood (birth-5)? Join this informational session hosted by the School of Education to learn about VCU's online program options for meeting your professional goals. This combination session will represent the Graduate Certificate program in Special Education Teaching K-12 and the M.Ed. in Special Education, General Education and Early Childhood concentrations. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/CertSpecialEducationk-12sp25.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will host a session exploring the intersection of Gen AI and student accessibility in the classroom. The virtual discussion will explore how these tools may enhance learning for some students while remaining inaccessible to others due to technological, financial or ability-based barriers. Participants will gain insights into fostering equity by understanding these limitations and identifying approaches to create classroom environments that support students effectively. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/WzNqRcKsaH1jA1DM7.

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union will present a session which will simplify credit by covering what a credit score is, why it matters and how to build or improve yours with actionable steps. Learn tips for using credit cards responsibly, avoiding pitfalls like high-interest debt and maintaining a healthy credit history. The session will be in person (Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St.) and virtually.

For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604 or visit https://business.vcu.edu/centers-institutes-and-labs/vcu-financial-success-center/.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at noon

VCU Gerontology and the Virginia Center on Aging will host a presentation about gerontology via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Edmund Boxley at boxleyek@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdeigqz0tHNMZXV61C3n8QtC_Mfhevn0s.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Global Education Office will hold its Global Initiatives Master Class Series: Global Engagement Strategies in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Malaika Marable Serrano, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging of Guild Education, will present. The workshop, "Inclusive Program Design in International Education," will explore strategies for prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility and emphasize the importance of equitable access to global learning. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/master-class-series/.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The VCU Graduate School, in collaboration with VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, VCU School of Business and VCU Career Services, will bring a startup bazaar to VCU. This event created by the American Bazaar will bring together entrepreneurs, students and community members for panels, discussions and networking opportunities. Topics will include how to start a business, raising capital and scaling up. The event is Free and open to students, faculty and staff. It will be held at the School of Business, 301 W. Main St. Reserve a spot at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-bazaar-vcu-tickets-1254761648869.

VCU and Richmond Police will hold an active shooter training exercise from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the 900 block of West Franklin Street. The exercise will involve the sound of simulated gunfire, SWAT team personnel and drones. Starting at 6 a.m. on March 12, the 900 block of West Franklin Street and the parking lot between 900 and 910 West Franklin Street will be closed. Sidewalks and buildings will remain open, with the exception of the sidewalk in front of the Office of the President.

For more information, contact Jake Burns at burnsjh2@vcu.edu.

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.

Private and semi-private swimming lessons are available to VCU Students and RecWell members ages 2 and older. RecWell’s water safety instructors work with participants to create tailored, individual lesson plans that allow time to focus on specific skills. Lessons can be scheduled any time the pool is open. Packages may be split in to 30-, 45- or 60-minute sessions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/private-and-semi-private-swim-lessons/.

Did you know that VCU offers up to $5,000 in funding for undergraduate students seeking summer internships? Apply at the following URL by Tuesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.

The 2025 You First at VCU Student Success Research Grants application deadline has been extended to Monday, March 17. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, You First invites applications for funds to support scholarly activity focused on (a) first-generation student success and (b) improving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) first-generation and/or low-income college student success. Apply at the following URL by 5 p.m. Monday, March 17.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D., at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/faculty-and-staff/research-opportunities/first-generation-student-success-research-grants/.

The 2025 Research to Recovery Conference at VCU is accepting undergrad/grad/postdoctoral research submissions to be presented at the conference from May 20-22. Select submissions will be invited to present to the conference for a 10 minute presentation. Submit an entry at the following URL.

For more information, contact James Bacon at baconj2@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/R2R-Poster-Presentation.

PennyAppeal will hold a clothing drive from Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 31 in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are needed, but all clothes are welcome.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

In appreciation of VCU's faculty and staff, RecWell is offering three special promotions through Sunday, March 16. Faculty and staff will have free access to RecWell facilities when they show their VCU ID at the service desk at either Cary Street Gym or MCV Campus Rec Center. Visit the link for RecWell Spring Break facility hours. Additionally, the first five faculty/staff who purchase an annual RecWell membership will receive a $50 credit to be used toward future services. Lastly, RecWell is offering $10 off on a 60-minute massage session for faculty and staff during this time. Use promo code TENOFF at checkout, email massage@vcu.edu for further information.

For more information, contact Trisha Saunders at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/.

The Black Graduate Student Association announces the Black Excellence Student Organization Awards, which will be presented at its Black Excellence Celebration Reception. The awards recognize outstanding Black-centered student organizations that have demonstrated leadership, impact and commitment to excellence in various areas. The award categories are: Organization of the Year, Excellence in Community Service, Academic Excellence, Cultural Legacy, Advocacy and Social Justice, Trailblazer, Emerging Organization and Best Event or Program. Apply at the following URL by Wednesday, March 26. Responses should be 250-500 words.

For more information, contact Eva Davis at davisep@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmz7BJ9gYRl6-WhkbcFarut_FRQWq8DyobhXd1234DDle_5g/viewform?usp=header.

Va-LEND (Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) is a virtual, interdisciplinary, graduate-level training program that helps people share ideas and learn leadership skills to improve the health and lives of children with disabilities and their families. Trainees complete classes, clinical observations, policy activities, a family mentorship experience and a customized leadership project. Those who take Va-LEND for credit can receive the Certificate in Disability Leadership. Apply at the following URL. The priority due date is April 15 and the final due date is May 15.

For more information, contact Jackie Robinson Brock, Va-LEND Assistant Director at valend@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0073 or visit https://virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu/.

VCU's Council for Community Engagement invites nominations for Excellence in Community Engagement. For all awards, nominees should exemplify the values of community engagement, collaboration and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Submit a nomination by Friday. April 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/1NoV9qarvauPBKnF6.

VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence is seeking VCU students, staff and faculty to take part in an in-person focus group to discuss personal experiences regarding sense of belonging, care and community. Information shared in the questionnaire linked below will help identify potential participants who will then be sent an invitation to attend a focus group. If you do not attend a focus group, your answers to these questions will not be used. See the questionnaire at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kim Case at casek3@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduKK40A3aIz-bigZo4NwNGhAKYiZMxnwtaPUzfqegCYtVYog/viewform.

VCU School of Education's Department of Educational Leadership is now seeking Problems of Practice from VCU units. Submissions will be considered to match with an EdD Capstone team in 2025-2026. The teams use analytical, diagnostic, communication, leadership and research skills, with faculty supervision, to help effect improvements targeted to your unique challenges and context. Submit a request for partnership at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoB9uDD4Q6hFeUMBsa4SJSilv82YjTs5vaIWZACGF_wcFIIQ/viewform Submit a request by Friday, March 14 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kim Bridges, Ed.L.D. at bridgeskm@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/leadership/leadership-edd/capstone-partnerships/.

The Office of the Provost-Faculty Affairs invites applications from tenure-eligible assistant and tenured associate professors for the Expanding Network of Expert Scholars initiative. This initiative provides funding for faculty to engage with national and international experts in their respective disciplines and in the process expanding their scholarly networks. Questions: Visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/faculty-recognition/expanding-networks-of-expert-scholars/ Submit an application by Monday, March 17 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mangala Subramaniam at strunkk2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Fc6VQyU91HYgVD8DA.

Have you contributed to community-engaged scholarly work between 2022 and 2024? Whether it is a presentation, article, video or other work, we want to help showcase it. The Division of Community Engagement and VCU Libraries are partnering to feature your work on Scholars Compass. Submit your work by Wednesday, April 7 at https://forms.gle/n69mPtmrgxfyD3Em9. Submissions must include an abstract, authors and dates and will be reviewed to ensure they align with VCU’s definition of community engagement. See the definition at the following URL. Future submissions will also be accepted on an ongoing basis.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/rescources/community-engagement-glossary/.

We're looking for volunteers for our single-visit study, the Human Trunk Behavior Project, taking place at the Physical Therapy Department of VCU’s College of Health Professions. This study assesses trunk stability against external forces using surface EMG sensors and a new index for trunk stiffness. Interested? Email the following adddress or mcl@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact James Thomas, PT, Ph.D., at jthomas32@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0234.

This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training 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.