Student Issue for January 28, 2025
Today
Title IX Office Virtual Office Hours
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Equity and Access Services is offering additional virtual office hours for consultations. The EAS 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 http://www.equity.vcu.edu.
Study Abroad Day 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Study Abroad Day with VCU Global Education Office on the Compass. Rams in Recovery's Coffee Bike will be available for hot coffee, cocoa and conversation. GEO will also be hosting drop-in U.S. Passport Style photos and the bi-annual Gilman Writing Workshop. See the full schedule of events at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://bit.ly/4iFpGOZ.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
11 a.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/.
Gilman Writing Workshop
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join VCU Global Learning at its bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. The workshop will cover award eligibility (award is for Pell grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. The workshop is designed to help maximize participants' chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. The meeting will be in the SGA Senate Chambers (University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and available online (https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84123197754). Register at the following URL or on RamsConnect.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936343.
Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Virtual Office Hours
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Equity and Access Services will offer additional virtual office hours for consultations. The EAS 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.
Next-Level Living: Sophomore Housing Webinar
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/r1936995.
Spring 2025 Medical Journal Club GBM
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/.
This week
StudyWell and ConnectED
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how to get the most out of your General Education classes. ConnectED faculty will be on hand with prizes and pizza in the lobby of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., for an interactive study break.
For more information, contact Christy Tyndall at tyndallcl@vcu.edu or visit http://www.connected.vcu.edu.
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Sessions
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at 4 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 Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad The school also offers a certificate in Media and Leadership. Join a session here: https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
Alpha Phi Omega Rush
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Come have a dirt cup with the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the Metro Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.
Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics Mezcla
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.
Secondary Clinical Data Analysis Pathways Using TriNetX, Cosmos and Honest Brokers
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Tamas Gal, Ph.D., director, Research Informatics, will discuss the use of VCUHS clinical data for research, including the regulatory and practical differences in pathways to access clinical data for secondary analysis. Questions: Visit 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/t8ByB6tSQRecf2S6KF4bLQ.
SEEDS: GBM and Eco-Printing
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 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936912.
January Auctus GBM (+ Insomnia Cookies)
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.
Brandcenter Open House
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.
Coming up
Informational Sessions for the 2025 Women's Health and Healing Trip to Guatemala: May 11-18
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at noon
Join us for an informational meeting about the upcoming trip to Guatemala sponsored by the Institute for Women's Health in partnership with the Highland Support Project. There are two upcoming meetings, one on Feb. 4 at noon (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88335299629) and another on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83230843586)
For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/education/womens-health-and-healing-in-guatemala/.
Improving Relationships: Mitigating Bias, Fostering Healthy Interactions Across Differences
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Consider foundational strategies for communicating across differences, preventing harm and fostering cultures of respect and inclusion. The Social Identity workshop is strongly suggested as a pre-requisite. You can choose to attend one or more of the following virtual sessions: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 5 at noon or Thursday, Feb. 6 at 12:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/workshops/#d.en.723962.
Michael M. Crow, President, Arizona State University, Presented by School of Education, Educational Leadership Lecture Series
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join the Department of Educational Leadership at VCU’s School of Education for the inaugural Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. Michael M. Crow, Ph.D., president, Arizona State University, will speak virtually on "Leading for Innovation. He will be introduced by Fotis Sotiropoulos, VCU Provost and SVP Academic Affairs. All are welcome. Sign up at bit.ly/VCU-EDLP-Lecture
For more information, contact Whitney Newcomb at wsnewcomb@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/leadership/distinguished-leadership-lecture-series/.
Gordon Ginder Innovations in Cancer Symposium
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center for the annual Gordon Ginder Innovations in Cancer Symposium at the Dewey Gottwald Center, 2301 W Leigh St. This in-person event will be focused on AI and Data Science: A New Frontier for Oncology and will feature several nationally recognized experts in this field. This event will provide learning and networking opportunities to Massey members, students and trainees. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Courtney Rose at rosec2@vcu.edu or visit http://vcumassey.org/ginder2025.
Notices
RecWell Aquatics Certification: Lifeguard Instructor Course
RecWell’s Lifeguard Instructor Course is for those interested in planning and teaching American Red Cross Lifeguard courses. Lifeguard instructors can also bridge to other disciplines within the American Red Cross program, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, basic CPR/AED, First Aid and Basic Life Support. Class Dates are Feb. 17-28, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4-8 p.m. Prerequisites: Current Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) certification. Register by Monday, Feb. 10 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=212c2835-0e59-439a-85e6-cc97af81db3e.
RecWell’s Unlock Your Fitness: A Journey through Equipment Orientation
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, 101 S. Linden St., and how members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged. Orientations will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 5 and are open to VCU students and RecWell members.
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.
Start Your Semester Strong
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/.
Join the Shelfie Program This Spring
The first group of Shelfies at SHIFT Retail Lab spend a month bringing their ideas to life. Whether they’re building on an existing product or starting with a new idea, they’ll get a stipend and take part in activities like a boot camp, Feedback Friday and a group pop-up market. Apply by today, Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/P5tSVdR57TdoCJ2p6.
Equity and Access Service's Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Will Offer Additional Office Hours
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.
Alpha Phi Omega Rush
Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? You're invited to attend APO rush. The grouip has three "Peanuts"-themed events this week and you are invited. For more updates and information, the group's instagram @apo_adi and fill out the google form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405 or visit https://forms.gle/1pZFKeiws5wuoxr2A.
VCU Child Development Center, Now Enrolling
The Monroe Park Campus VCU Child Development Center has immediate openings for children ages 16 months to 5 years. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enroll your child in a nurturing, full-day child-care experience. Open to families from VCU and the general public.
For more information, contact Tessa NeSmith, Center Director at cdcsoe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7377 or visit https://cdc.soe.vcu.edu/.
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. 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.
Risk-Taking in Eating Disorders Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12-25) for a brain imaging study to understand how risky decision-making differs between individuals with bulimia nervosa and individuals without a psychological disorder. Compensation is available for participation.
For more information, contact TREAT Lab (or Serena Gu, Clinical Research Coordinator, or Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.
Recruiting Adults for Brain-Imaging Study
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 struggling with an excessive need for control, perfectionism and/or productivity. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. Questions: Contact the REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or visit the following URL.
For more information, contact Adanya Johnson at johnsonad13@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on PTSD 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 at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for a Study on Student Awareness of 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/1I3jkZe3oTGVt0ufnnNU1aK1zlvbVzSRSAqoCfZ3AnIE/viewform?edit_requested=true.
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.