10 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/.

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Join Leo Mazow, Ph.D., Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Curator of American Art, in honoring Black History Month by exploring the museum's American art galleries. This program includes a closer look at a recently acquired sculpture by the Chippewa and African American artist Edmonia Lewis. The program will be at the VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

For more information, contact Leo Mazow at info@vmfa.museum.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the VCU Medical Center Health and Wellness Library on Zoom to learn about how treatments for rare diseases are marketed, including the obstacles and opportunities, and how to increase the likelihood of making rare disease treatments available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/14070247.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Conquering imposter syndrome - Have you ever been surrounded by peers and felt like you didn’t belong? This online workshop is designed to help students, especially first-generation graduate students, address feelings of doubt or inadequacy that may arise in new environments. You’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and thrive in your field. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82670709022#success Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackie Okao at okaoj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/GradSchool/rsvp_boot?id=1936352.

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/.

7 p.m.

Join SCAN (Save the Children Action Network) in the organization's Have a Heart for Kids campaign. Enjoy treats in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 2107, 907 Floyd Ave., and decorate Valentine's postcards to let lawmakers know that you care for kids.

For more information, contact SCAN at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Perhaps you have wondered before: for people who can’t see, would they also watch film and animations? The answer is yes, and the means is audio description. It’s an accessibility service for visually impaired audiences to “listen to” whatever is on the screen. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to be trained by the pioneer of audio description — Joel Snyder, to learn the principle of audio description and get hands-on experience on describing films and animation. Participants will also have a chance to be a describer for the upcoming public experimental animation screening, and get paid by doing that. Both the workshop and being the final describer will have a corresponding certificate of participation. See the Zoom link adt the following URL.

For more information, contact Leilei Xia at xial2@vcu.edu or (804) 263-8233 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84721324768.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Department of Biostatistics will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Roy Sabo, Ph.D., professor, Biostatistics, will discuss the most common study designs used in health sciences research; the characteristics, goals, benefits and limitations of each design and possible adaptations of these designs. Questions: https://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/eIGWKJTjQyqcmRqJoY0_JQ.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center for a Transfer Chat with the VCU Financial Success Center in Room 216, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. Come learn about the complimentary personal and professional financial education they provide to the VCU community.

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

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

STEM In Art will present an event at which students will learn about dreams while making miniature dream catchers. The event will be in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chamber, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 from noon to 12:30 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/.

Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host David P. Turner, Ph.D., for Facts and Faith Fridays via Zoom. Turner is interim co-director of Community Outreach and Engagement for Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vice Chair of Research and Innovation for the Department of Surgery, associate professor in the School of Medicine at VCU and founder and president of the nonprofit Anti-A.G.E. Foundation, He will discuss advanced glycation end products (A.G.E.s) and their effect on our bodies. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact the Rev. Rachel Pierce, at mccfactsfaith@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Bioethics 4 Students for the group's monthly ethics discussion and to prepare for its cancer ribbon service project. The session will be in the Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303, 701 W. Grace St.) Sign up to volunteer for the ribbon-making tables the week of Feb. 24-28 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or (571) 206-7262 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_49W3yukJfAoxkgklKHwQHpF9IV-uD39gSqLDS9BAaCVcdw/viewform?usp=sharing.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

RecWell invites students and RecWell members to test their strength in the spring 2025 Ram Power Challenge. Certified personal trainers will provide guidance on mastering the fundamentals of the squat, bench press and deadlift. Participants will have two opportunities to showcase their strength on each lift. The event will be at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register by Feb. 23 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8ee0c83c-0246-469b-84fe-6e484ddb3ace.

Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The show "Unmoored" features work by transgender artist Ryder Paley, an undergraduate student in the Craft and Material Studies program focusing mainly on ceramic, metal and textile art. The work will be in the Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St., from Monday, Feb. 24 to Saturday, March 1. Ryder's practice explores repression, transformation, destruction, regrowth and their interplay. "Unmoored" (from biological facts) explores these themes during an important part of his gender transition and serves to document that experience.

For more information, contact Cynthia Myron at myroncj@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 10 a.m.

The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series with Brad Campbell, Ph.D. This event will take place virtually via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/spring-speaker-series-efficient-wireless-sensing/.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU's Department of Sculpture and Extended Media will host a lecture by visiting artist Kenneth Tam at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Tam uses video, sculpture, installation, movement, performance and photography to examine themes including the performance of masculinity, the transformative potential of ritual and expressions of intimacy within groups. He often implicates the male body in his projects, using humor and pathos to reveal the performative and unstable nature of identity.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Members of the Breast Cancer in Young Woman Foundation are holding their first ever student summit to kickstart the Richmond chapter. Learn how to push for targeted awareness, advance research and how to be an advocate. The event will be at the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 11th floor conference room, 1201 E. Marshall St. Questions: https://ycbh.org/vcu-richmond-chapter/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vi Nguyen at nguyentv2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScb1twsi0j4JtfwNzZovC8y0zM7t1nWBe_00sjhkv1hA0PvnA/viewform.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The PREP program provides addiction treatment and behavioral health care. The program, administered by Caron, is designed for parents and caregivers of children in elementary, middle and high school. PREP covers youth trends, empowers parents and caregivers with effective communication skills, discusses how to set up clear rules and consequences regarding substance abuse, evaluates factors to help protect children from substance use and provides local resources. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/182/1740524400000.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The PREP program provides addiction treatment and behavioral health care. The program, administered by Caron, is designed for parents and caregivers of children in elementary, middle and high school. PREP covers youth trends, empowers parents and caregivers with effective communication skills, discusses how to set up clear rules and consequences regarding substance abuse, evaluates factors to help protect children from substance use and provides local resources. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/182/1740524400000.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at noon

Join the 2025 Living Legacies conversation as Carlos Smith, DDS, MDiv, speaks with VCU School of Dentistry alumni Tonya A. Parris-Wilkins, DDS, and James Watkins, DDS, as they share their journeys in the dental profession. The event will be in the Baxter Perkinson Jr. Building, Room 3121, 1101 E. Leigh St. Register at the following URL. This series is sponsored by the History and Health program and the School of Dentistry.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at OHIconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYAro9p0PmbAVcqe4YEXl_CcnPsLQq4uLz4a7VNuMinLXX7w/viewform.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 from 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.

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 6 p.m.

Join VCU's Office of Alumni Relations to explore the importance of generational land preservation in this virtual panel discussion. Hear from Tracey Graves (B.S.’08), whose grandmother fought to preserve her family’s land in the Gullah Geechee community. Plus, experts discuss challenges faced by Black landowners as well as innovative solutions and the cultural significance of maintaining ancestral properties. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kendra Robinson at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/BlackLandOwnership.

Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office invites you to participate in Cultural Conversations with students from La Salle University in Oaxaca, Mexico. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss culture and customs with their peers at La Salle and assist them in practicing their English conversation skills. Sessions will take place on Wednesday, March 19; Wednesday, March 26; Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.via Zoom. To express interest, sign up using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexM_1CZzHgEgxb3SPJaOPc7CJVwljjJjh3PSK2SOOjNc9jcw/viewform

For more information, contact English Language Program at geo-elp@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2551 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/cultural_conversations/.

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. Classes are taught at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., and can be scheduled any time the pool is open. Packages may be split into 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/.

RecWell’s spring 2025 personal training packages are available to VCU students and RecWell members. Participants will be guided through an exercise program customized to meet their specific needs and goals by a certified personal trainer. One-on-one and buddy training packages of three-, six-, 12- or 18-hour-long sessions will be offered. All new clients are required to complete the introductory package of three 60-minute sessions.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.

Proposals for funded fellowship opportunities for undergraduate/mentor collaborative research experiences are being accepted by VCU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Fellowship. A variety of undergraduate student fellowship awards will be funded for projects in any discipline, mentored by VCU faculty. Successful student applicants will receive funding support in the amount of $1,500 and $500 for the faculty mentor. Applicants must submit an application at the following URL by March 14.

For more information, contact Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry at urop@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/urop-fellowship/.

Take five minutes to fill out the survey at the following URL to help better assess student transportation needs at VCU. Emails are not collected. Access is limited to VCU only and requires a sign-in.

For more information, contact VCU Graduate and Professional Student Senate Executive Board at gpss@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gTVt6DxSXjiz4soA6.

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 Monday, March 3 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/.

The Office of the Provost is advancing the work of Convergence Labs @VCU - Mental Health by appointing a leadership team as detailed in the Operating Manual. (See the manual at https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/media/faculty-provost/ConvergenceLabsVCUOperatingManualDec2024-InternalUse_copyright.docx.pdf) Leads/Co-Leads should be tenured professors or associate professors with significant research experience in the area and demonstrated experience in working on and/or leading collaborative projects. Faculty are encouraged to submit nominations using the form below. Self-nominations are welcome. Make a nomination at the following URL by Friday, Feb. 21.

For more information, contact Mangala Subramaniam, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost at lblizzard@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/yTKRCjX5euY5Mqhx5.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center offers seven weeks of summer camp for students in the first through ninth grades. Register at https://givepul.se/gdhm8u Visit the registration page for scholarship information. The camps are full day and take place at the center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym.

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

This summer, RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will offer Student Outdoor Leadership Experiences. SOLE is an intensive training program that forms the foundation of OAP trips, focusing on skill development, personal growth and leadership for future OAP student leaders. Using the outdoors as a classroom, participants also connect with nature and learn to provide similar experiences on OAP trips. SOLE will run June 11-July 23. Informational sessions will be held at the Outing Rental Center, 130 S. Linden St., at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, March 27. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at spohncl@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/lead/leadership-programs/student-outdoor-leadership-experience/.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 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 specific focus on blood vessel function. 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.