1 p.m.

Delve into the cultural and historical intersection of AfroLatinidad and social photography. Explore how Afro-Latinx identities are shaped by both African and Latin American heritages. The session will highlight the pivotal role of social photography in documenting and challenging stereotypes. The program will be at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 215.

For more information, contact Anita Nadal at nadalaa@vcu.edu.

12 p.m. 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.

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Connect with government, public services, human services and social assistance organizations looking to hire VCU students for internships and full-time and part-time jobs. Just exploring? Come chat with employers. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. Pre-register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/81856923-8ff5-4411-8bd8-7a2d3f09f8f9/student_preview.

12 p.m.

VCU's Department of Sculpture and Extended Media will present a lecture by visiing artist SCRAAATCH at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. SCRAAATCH is a duo that creates multimedia performances, experimental music, and hybrid DJ sets. They focus on Black diasporan intra-ommunication, generational traumas, social upheaval and the social conditions of urban environments.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/scraaatch-visiting-artist-lecture/.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the VCU Transfer Center and the Transfer Peer Coaches today for lunch in the STEM Building, Room 503, 817 W. Franklin St. Getting involved on campus as a transfer student can sometimes feel like a struggle, but the transfer peer coaches will help you connect. Meet them, ask them questions and get to know other transfer students. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1937184

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

2 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will hold a general informational session for graduate students via Zoom. The session is geared to VCU grad students in all disciplines. Learn about external funding opportunities and how the NSO can offer support through the application process. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-uG8ku2RF6FpU0kLl4ZnZfafHgDXo6bxJgU6-Xi5eYhwhVg/viewform.

3 p.m.

Learn to break writing into manageable chunks and how to avoid procrastination. 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/.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Kevin Byrd, DDS, PhD., VCU School of Dentistry, will discuss his research and offer suggestions on how pre-dental students can become involved. The session will be at the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jumana Meri at merin@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega will partner with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free food will be available and donors will receive a T-shirt plus a $15 E-gift card to the merchant of their choice. Appointments are recommended. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexia Jennings at jenningsac@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Join Karen Getty, educator for the African collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as she shares the experiential power and multisensory dimensions of three objects in the African Art Galleries. Register for the Zoom link at the followoing URL.

For more information, contact Karen Getty, VMFA at info@vmfa.museum or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GOOyMVSFRgW4SE819W5r6A.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.

VCU's Departments of Craft/Material Studies and Art Education will present, “a sky you can’t see: A Hood as Ornamentation and Otherness,” a lecture by visiting artist Nastassja Swift (BFA ’15) at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. In this multi-layered conversation, Swift frames her recent research of hoods and varying head coverings through documented perceptions around these garments across place, time, class, race and religion.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/a-sky-you-cant-see-a-hood-as-ornamentation-and-otherness-visiting-artist-lecture-by-nastassja-swift/.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

STEM In Art will host a discussion about zoology with aor-dry as the art medium. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free snacks and all materials will be provided.

For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu or (804) 549-9154.

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will hold a hybrid National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program in the NSO Conference Room (1210), 701 W. Grace St., or via Zoom. Juniors, seniors and first- and second-year graduate students in STEM fields are encouraged to join to learn more about the NSF's Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which funds up to three years of graduate study in non-medical STEM disciplines. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZhJhqRKxCJvRon4-f2XY-c57oXDPu78ZKShVZGZY5LzlvvA/viewform.

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 is in celebration of Black History Month. Lunch will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1936421.

Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

The Society for Human Resource Management will hold an interest meeting in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. All majors are invited to learn more about joining the SHRM. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ella Henderson at hendersoner@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936959.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual session with Myung Jin, Ph.D., to learn more about the Master of Public Administration program. Register for the virtual session at the following URL. Questions: Email wsrecruit@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/mpa211

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/mpa21125.

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.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PennyAppeal will host a Pack-A-Bag event in the Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303, 701 W. Grace St.) to make care kits for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the organization's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.

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

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at noon

When it comes to leadership, we sometimes fall back on what we know, regardless of our values. In this workshop, participants will come away with concrete strategies for translating inclusive and team-centered values into practice. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcOipqjgoHd0JBq-AOzx63g_OCiG48Q4d#/registration

For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs leadership, faculty and staff for a gathering of Wilder School alumni, policymaking experts, local and state officials and key policy influencers. The session will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, James River Ballroom, second floor, 100 S. 12th St.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations will present: "Historically VCU." In honor of Black History Month, hear from four alumni trailblazers who discuss how Black students, faculty members and staff have built the legacy of VCU and Richmond at large. This event brings together alumni who have made their mark on the university throughout their careers for a fireside chat-style discussion. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and a performance by the Black Awakening Choir. The event, co-hosted by the VCU Black Alumni Council, will be in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Stefani Bonner at bonnersj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/HVCU2025?utm_source=vcua&utm_medium=events&utm_campaign=oar-Calendar-fy25.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Are you a person of color who is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault or do you have a story of resilience to share? Submit your artwork for an upcoming showcase or apply to be a panelist to share your journey of strength and healing. The event is sponsored by VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Student Support Services and will be at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 E. Broad St. Submit artwork via email by Monday, Feb. 10 to barrionk@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Deanie Barrion at barrionk@vcu.edu or visit http:// barrionk@vcu.edu .

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join international crime and ethics expert Jay Albanese, Ph.D., for a virtual discussion on global corruption and steps to tackle a growing problem. Albanese will outline strategies from more than three decades of global crime-fighting research, along with new approaches to cultivate ethics in criminal justice. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8iq5BG1UQDS8VKIxldYU6Q#/registration.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Want to get your start in the legal field? Learn more about the VCU Continuing and Professional Education noncredit Paralegal Studies Certificate program at a live online session. Sign up at the following URL. Registration ends Friday. Feb. 21. The next cohort begins Tuesday, Feb. 25. Discounts are available for VCU faculty and staff. The program adviser is available each Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Sign up at bit.ly/vcuparalegal to speak with an adviser.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/paralegal/.

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.

Nominate a colleague, student, alumni or community member for the 2025 Burnside Watstein Awards, which honor individuals who have positively impacted VCU’s LGBTQIA+ community. Nominations may be made by Feb. 21, 2025 at the following URL. The awards ceremony will be held on March 26, 2025, from 4-6:30 p.m. at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at equality@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0K_-zuE-vReiCs4WUonfCXMuj9WYysnmDy4vbpv6pX9DMuA/viewform.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs announces that registration is open for Spring 2025 VCU graduates (undergraduate, graduate, professional studies) to participate in the end-of-the-semester Cultural Achievement Ceremonies. Register by Monday March 3 at the following URL

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/hEW2MYLtHoMe6UyV7.

This club, affiliated with the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department at VCU, focuses on students in the Health Science concentration of the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science major. (However, anyone passionate about health science is welcome to join.) Connect with fellow health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX) students and health enthusiasts through résumé workshops, networking events, shadowing opportunities, CPR/First Aid certifications and collaborations with organizations like the HPEX Exercise Science and Women in Medicine/Health clubs. Follow the organization on Instagram: vcukhshealthscience and see KHS on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/khshealthscienceclub. A membership form is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact KHS Health Science Club at khsclub@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LVub9jzDJwjV8HCU9.

The 2025 You First Peer Mentor application is open. Rising first-generation sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to apply to mentor first-year, first-generation students and help them get to know VCU and learn about college. Mentors are also part of a close network of peers who support and celebrate each other. Learn about the program and apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D., at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/students/programs-and-initiatives/you-first-mentoring-program/.

Gemini is designed to understand and generate human language in a comprehensive and nuanced way. This allows it to engage in conversations, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content and answer your questions in an informative way. Gemini is now available to all VCU faculty, staff and students at https://gemini.google.com

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/01/29/meet-gemini-googles-answer-to-generative-ai/.

May 2025 graduates, are you interested in sharing your student experience with other VCU graduates, family and alumni? VCU Alumni is looking for a student speaker for the Official Class Ring Ceremony. The selected graduate will receive a complimentary class ring. Apply at the following URL by 5 p.m. Monday, March 3.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBrNffX-9SMuI0i72U9EC2w39MmSZhZ2hoVyXkodOTmBf4eg/viewform.

Youth Futures is an after-school program created by the International Rescue Committee to tutor refugee high school students affiliated with the committee at local high schools. Volunteers will work one-on-one with students on their homework and with concepts they are learning in their classes. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/pxAqo7iPTgi1gQAy7.

PSO seeks candidates to fill its 2025 Executive Board. Responsibilities include event planning, communications, recruiting prospective members and more. Questions: Email pso.vcu@gmail.com or DM on instagram at @PSO.VCU. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ajnadeen Dahman at dahmanan@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgfl15fSIipsVvSMFROssL6kentrlqYU2Qoa8djyU1Dppjyw/viewform.

VCU's Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab is recruiting participants (age 18-22) who are engaging in disordered eating for a fully remote, single-session intervention study. The goal of the study is to evaluate a single-session intervention to help individuals change eating behaviors that may be getting in the way of their life. Compensation is available.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pUvXZU9PLba5r8.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group in addition to individuals who identify as LGBTQ. 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.

For more information, contact Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, at healthyheart@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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on PTSD symptoms with 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.