2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Play a fun Bingo game with the brothers of APO in the Alumni Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and possibly win a prize.

For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.

3 p.m.

Find out about the services provided by VCU's Writing Center and learn how to break down the process of writing into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

In this program at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., participants will be updated on the latest significant substance use trends (vaping, cannabis and opiates) as well as prevention messaging, signs and symptoms of use and where to go with concerns about a young person. The facilitator/partner will be Kierra Price, Caron Treatment Centers. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/179/1738076400000.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Medical Journal Club will host its first GBM of the spring semester in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 2108, 1015 Floyd Ave. Through Medical Journal Club, participants can make article presentations on medical research topics and have them published through the VCU Scholars Compass. Participants can also connect and network with potential researchers and PIs to join in their labs.

For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at VCU at mjc.vcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/mjc/home/.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Does your preclinical research interest involve imaging deep-tissue disease (e.g., fibrosis) that could benefit from direct collagen imaging? Can your current research needs benefit from localized or whole body mouse imaging? iThera applications specialist Thomas Sardella, Ph.D., will present a 60-minute overview session of optoacoustic imaging applications explaining what is possible at Bioimaging and Applied Research Core along with a Q&A session. The session will be at the Ambulatory Care Clinic, Conference Room B-018, 417 N 11th St.

For more information, contact Mackenzie Newman at mackenzie.newman@vcuhealth.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

Increase knowledge of identities and terminology related to gender and gender expression. Recognize pivotal times in youth development related to gender. Identify pronoun use and variations and dispel associated assumptions. Practice how to ask about and honor an individual’s pronouns. Increase knowledge of the unique mental and behavioral health considerations related to transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Explore the congruence process for transgender individuals. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/71/1738162800000.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2025-2026 academic year is coming soon - have you figured out your plans for housing? Students and families are encouraged to attend Next-Level Living to explore their housing options for the next academic year. Learn via Zoom from Residential Life and Housing about the returning student housing process and application timeline. Hear from Off-Campus Student Services and the Office of Student Advocacy about the best next steps you can take to live in an apartment or other housing options. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fyesye@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936997.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Join President Michael Rao, Ph.D., for the State of the University Address in the James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics (HCHA) for a mezcla (mixer) open to all at James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Enjoy conversations and Latin American food and enhance Hispanic visibility in the health sciences. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13545959.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU's Department of Painting and Printmaking will present a lecture by visiting artist Louis Osmosis in the Murry N. DePillars Building, Room 301, 1000 W. Broad St. Working primarily in sculpture, installation, drawing and text, Louis Osmosis takes a speculative approach to form to interrogate systems of representation, duration and performativity that enact contemporary culture. His practice revolves heavily around manufacture/craft and humor.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/95888/.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The first general body meeting of SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability Program) will be held in the Alumni Boardroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Those who attend will decorate tote bags and canvases using eco-printing methods. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact SEEDS at VCU at seedsatvcu@gmail.com.

Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Auctus January GBM to learn how your research, art and creative works can be published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Find out how to join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about opportunities to gain leadership experience. Come enjoy fresh Insomnia Cookies. Those who cannot attend in-person (Honors College, Room 1303, Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St.) can join on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6135769251, and receive updates through RamsConnect: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu.

Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 at 6 p.m.

The Workshop at VCU Libraries, RVA Games, Game Creators Coalition and the departments of Communication Arts and Kinetic Imaging will present a localized version of Global Game Jam. The free event is held worldwide among game creators who collaborate to develop original, experimental video games based on a secret theme. The event will be held at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250, 901 Park Ave. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday. Coworking space will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 and a final showcase will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Oscar Keyes at keyesok@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/global-game-jam.html.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interested in entering the advertising and branding industry? Learn more about the Brandcenter at VCU, which combines the best of portfolio schools with the best of academic programs. Brandcenter's in-person open house allows prospective students to tour the center's spaces and classrooms, meet world-class faculty and speak with current students about life at the Brandcenter and recent projects. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Brandcenter-Open-house?utm_source=TelegRam.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center’s Health Humanities Lab and the Office of Health Equity during Black History Month to reflect upon important Black history in the making — the East Marshall Street Well Project, which works to address some of the exploitative medical practices perpetrated by VCU on Richmond’s Black communities since the 1800s. The event will be at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center or Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://bit.ly/hhl0201.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

February's session of "Bioinformatics Bites" will explore via Zoom the Loop Catalog, a web-based database featuring HiChIP loop. Gain insights into chromatin conformation and its influence on disease and discover tools for investigating SNP-gene connections and DNA-binding proteins. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Questions: Email MCCBioinfo@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Hillary Boucher at connollyh@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrceyurT8oHNOFwyCUpPUPXw1UDwl0xsY8#/registration.

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host a mini conference in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event will focus on global leadership through the lens of Black identity to provide meaningful conversation, insight and action items for students in the community. During the event's lunch break, GEO will host a Global Café and resource fair to help Rams connect on campus. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at global@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936421.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 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/tZMocequrzgjHtX0lBftA_u-uxEVbDt8WngR.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn about graduate programs in health care leadership (Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Administration) at the Department of Health Administration's virtual informational session. The discussion will include the program's mission, curriculum, administrative residency (MHA) and the application process for both programs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.

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

Erica Memoli, MS, RDN, CNSC, CCRC, CCMA will discuss Consent and Assent Considerations: Regulatory Framework and Real-World Scenarios at a virtual meeting of the Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates Chapter hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane 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 visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtdu-hpz8jHtQGs1NsnwlSXmWD_lHiLObl.

Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Attend Experienced Supervisors Institute, a professional development course. The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration. This three-day course will help participants build the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor and become an influential leader. The institute focuses on advanced supervision tools and tips and takes an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The course will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Deborah Taminger at dktaminger@vcu.edu or visit http://www.gehli.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 between Sunday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Morning lessons - Feb. 4-27, Tuesday and Thursday, 7-7:55 a.m. Evening lessons - Feb. 3-26, Monday and Wednesday, 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.

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 - Tuesday, 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.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will offer a variety of climbing clinics at the Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall, 101 S. Linden St. January and February clinics include belay, intro to rock climbing, sport climbing, rappelling and gym to crag. Registration closes the day of the clinic. See details at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

Undergraduate students, schedule an appointment with a coach at the Campus Learning Center to discuss your goals for the semester and create an action plan. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting and can support you as you work toward your goals. Start by filling out the questionnaire at https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98

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

Interested in meeting new people and becoming more connected on campus? Volunteer as a Peer Mentor with ACE-IT in College, a VCU program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission of peer mentors is to help ACE-IT students make authentic friendships and connections during college and beyond. From grabbing a bite to eat to attending club meetings together, you can do whatever works best for you and your mentee. Email aceit@vcu.edu for more.

For more information, contact Hannah Carignan at ramseyhe@vcu.edu or visit https://aceitincollege.vcu.edu/.

Help VCU's Division of Community Engagement make a difference in the lives of those in need by contributing to the 7 City Shoe Drive for Winter's Place. The initiative collects shoes to support youth in grades K-12 and families lacking adequate footwear during the colder months. Collection boxes will be placed across the VCU campus and the VCU Health System until Friday, Jan. 31. See the list of drop-off sites at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kendra Light at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://mlkday.vcu.edu/#d.en.743633.

VCU's Global Education Office announces that registration is open for its spring semester Global Buddies Program. The program provides international students and domestic students the opportunity to learn about other people, places and cultures and make meaningful connections with people from around the world. Apply by Saturday, Feb. 1 at the following URL.

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

VCUarts Program for eighth-10th grade students, Investigation Now, is back for the Spring. This four-week program encompasses a wide range of contemporary art concepts and artmaking techniques taught by VCU Art Education students. Registration is now open. The registration fee is $90 (food and materials will be provided). Investigation Now will take place on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. beginning Feb. 14 and ending March 7. Register here: https://apps.art.vcu.edu/investigationnow/

For more information, contact Lia New at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/investigation-now/.

VCU faculty, staff and students, it's time to come together and celebrate what makes the university unique, vibrant and unstoppable. Be part of the excitement Feb. 16-23 with special events, school spirit and the chance to reconnect with the VCU community. Whether you’re a student or faculty member, show your Ram spirit by taking part in homecoming events.

For more information, contact Lisa Cooper at lcooper4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3419 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcuhomecoming/home-final/.

Equity and Access Services is offering additional virtual office hours for consultations. Effective immediately, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action will offer additional hours on Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. Book an appointment at the following email address or telephone number.

For more information, contact Equity and Access Services at equity@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1347 or visit http://www.equity.vcu.edu.

Equity and Access Services will offer additional virtual office hours for consultations. Effective immediately, the Title IX Office will offer additional hours on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. Book an appointment at the following email address or telephone number.

For more information, contact Equity and Access Services at titleix@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1347 or visit https://www.equity.vcu.edu.

Adobe has delayed the discontinuation of cloud-based file syncing services to now take place on Monday, Feb. 3 for all Enterprise/Federated customers (including VCU). VCU end-users need to back up/migrate any data and files stored within Adobe’s Cloud storage platform to their local computer, USB storage and/or Google Drive storage. A complete backup/migration guide can be found at https://go.vcu.edu/adobe/backup.

For more information, contact Instructional Computing Services at adobe@vcu.edu or visit https://adobe.vcu.edu/security/file-sync.

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. The principal investigator is Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Email the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with a specific focus 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, Ph.D., at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

This research is being done to investigate how you learn new movements with your non-dominant hand. You will be asked to complete a tracing game on a touchscreen tablet while wearing an electrode cap. You must be right-handed and between the ages of 18 and 40 to participate. $20 compensation is available for your participation. The study takes about one hour. The study will take place in the research laboratory location in the VCU College of Health Professions building, 900 E. Leigh St.

For more information, contact Narges Yaghoubi at yaghoubin@vcu.edu.

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.

This study is seeking young females and males (18 to 35 years) to take part in a research study examining potential sex differences in how the heart and blood vessels respond to exercise. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

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/1I3jkZe3oTGVt0ufnnNU1aK1zlvbVzSRSAqoCfZ3AnIE/viewform?edit_requested=true.