Student Issue for February 4, 2025
Today
Cookies and Career Fair Prep With Peers
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come to VCU Career Services to get on-the-spot support the day before the Nonprofit, Public and Human Services Fair. Peer Career Advising offers a review of your résumé, job search help and the Suit Yourself Closet provides free career clothing. Plus, have a free cookie while supplies last. Staff will be available to answer questions. (What is a career fair? Which employers will be there? What do I need to bring?). The event will be in VCU Career Services, University Student Commons, first floor, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn more on Handshake under "Events."
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1688780.
Transfer Tuesdays in Cabell
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the fall semester.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.
CHP Vibe Check
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The mixer is intended to cultivate a safe space and community where students, faculty and staff who identify as persons of color are able to discuss their own experiences, challenges and issues that they confront as people and students of color. The event will be in the College of Health Professions, Room 1030, 900 E. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chelsea Gary at garycs@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3a-Rx1tsTUi2-_7pjtRZQvcsu6JZxYZG72_aLZjui2w8MSQ/viewform.
Postgraduate Scholarship Informational Session
3:30 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will hold a hybrid postgraduate scholarship informational session in person (NSO Conference Room, Room 1210, 701 W. Grace St.) or via Zoom. Learn about funded opportunities for postgraduate study in the U.S., UK, Ireland, China and at Stanford University, as well as how the NSO can offer support throughout the application process. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-uG8ku2RF6FpU0kLl4ZnZfafHgDXo6bxJgU6-Xi5eYhwhVg/viewform.
Improving Relationships: Mitigating Bias, Fostering Healthy Interactions Across Differences
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 Barlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/workshops/#d.en.723962.
Annual General Faculty Meeting With President Rao
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The VCU Faculty Senate will sponsor the Annual General Faculty Meeting with President Michael Rao, Ph.D., in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Typically at this annual meeting, the president will briefly address the faculty and answer questions/concerns from the faculty in attendance. The meeting is open to all VCU faculty and is accessible on Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/faculty-senate-vcu/
For more information, contact VCU Faculty Senate at facultysenate@vcu.edu or visit https://facultysenate.vcu.edu/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
5 p.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/.
Alpha Phi Omega Inductions
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization which focuses on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? All are invited to attend the group's induction ceremony. Pledges have the opportunity to attend various service events, socials and retreats within the brotherhood. Upon successful completion of all requirements, pledges are initiated as brothers of APO. Email the following address for the zoom link.
For more information, contact Annie Lebow, membership vice president, at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.
Katie's Art Project Vision Board Making Event
5:30 p.m.
Join Katie's Art Project to make vision boards to set the mood for the rest of your semester. All materials will be provided. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Alumni Association Board Room, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Areej Ghazenfer at ghazenfera@vcu.edu.
VCUarts Lecture Series: Amber Esseiva (B.A. ’12) 'A Love Letter to Amaza Lee Meredith'
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join Amber Esseiva, Senior Curator, Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., for an evening dedicated to the making of Dear Mazie, an exhibition exploring the life and work of Amaza Lee Meredith, the first known Black queer woman to practice as an architect in the United States. Esseiva will also discuss the collaborative process behind the exhibition, which brought together archivists, architects, designers and artists to honor Meredith’s legacy. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carmenita D. Higginbotham, Ph.D at higginbothac@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSep0dL9zXVvkDZqCB6KzWd9iFTCN5x2tZDqK5gLSd30N0mEdA/viewform.
VCU Libraries' Black History Month Lecture: 'Building a Home for Change: The Obama Presidential Center'
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Obama Presidential Center’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Crystal M. Moten, Ph.D., will provide an overview of the center, focusing on its exhibits. She will highlight the historical predecessors who made President and Mrs. Obama's stories possible and share the museum’s storytelling goals as they relate to the events of the Obama presidency. The event will be in the lecture hall of the James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/BHM2025.
This week
Full Test of VCU Alerting System and Lockdown Procedures
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at noon
VCU and VCU Health will conduct a full test of the emergency alert system and lockdown protocols on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at noon. This test includes activation of outdoor sirens on both Monroe Park and MCV campuses, Alertus boxes and lockdown of specific academic and medical buildings. VCU Alert subscribers will receive a text message and email 10 minutes before, at the beginning of and the conclusion of these tests. Visit alert.vcu.edu for more detailed information.
For more information, contact Jake Burns at burnsjh2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3907 or visit https://alert.vcu.edu/.
SCRAAATCH Visiting Artist Lecture
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at noon
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/.
VCU Nonprofit, Public and Human Services Fair
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 from noon 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.
Lunch With the Transfer Peer Coaches
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.
Join the VCU Transfer Center and the Transfer Peer Coaches for lunch in the STEM Building, Room 503, 817 W. Franklin St. Becoming 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/.
Kevin Byrd, DDS, Ph.D., To Address Dental Club at VCU
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 from 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.
Fulbright Scholarship
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
The National Scholarship Office will hold a hybrid Fulbright Scholarship informational session. Come to Room 121o, NSO Conference Room, 701 W. Grace St. (or join via Zoom), to learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which provides funding for recent graduates and graduate students to spend an academic year abroad pursuing an independent project or a year of postgraduate study, or teaching English. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScreoCOy2V-Jj3zC0nORWNha9awAhuRG0HZ3QFhiGSSLGTpaQ/viewform.
Coming up
Exercise as Medicine for Brain Health: Implications for Brain Injury and Beyond
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a Discovery Dialogues seminar via Zoom. Jessie Oldham, Ph.D., and Sam Walton, Ph.D., Assistant Professors, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will present. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuCvqzMsHdKuiumhD6e3DLjOUUY5AcYp.
CCI CVN Spring Speaker Series Kicks Off With Madhur Behl on SafePath: Enhancing Autonomous Vehicle Safety
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at 10 a.m.
The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU kicks off its spring speaker series with Madhur Behl, 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-safepath-automated-extraction-of-temporal-logic-based-trajectory-embeddings-for-enhanced-autonomous-vehicle-safety/.
PennyAppeal Pack-A-Bag
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.
Unhoused Crisis: Film Screening and Workshop With Bruce Mau's Massive Change Network Hosted by the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the Massive Change Network at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., for a screening of the documentary short film "I Have A Name" by partner Theorem Media followed by an immersive Massive Action Life-Centered Design workshop with Bruce Mau and Bisi Williams. This event is free and all are welcome.
For more information, contact Kristin Carleton at carletonkr@vcu.edu or visit https://ihaveanamedcworkshop.rsvpify.com/?securityToken=n6vMjs3WSbV6GO9qGY8KDeKybt3yEWIE.
Walking the Talk: Centering Values in Institutional and Team Leadership
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/.
Falling in Love on a Budget
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Love may not cost a thing, but relationships often come with financial decisions. Join the VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union for a workshop focused on building strong connections while staying financially smart. Learn how to create and stick to a budget as a couple, plan for shared goals, and navigate conversations about money with ease. The event will be in Snead Hall, Room B4307, 301 W. Main St. Questions: Email finsuccess@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604.
A Legacy of Firsts: The William S. Cooper Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the VCU School of Pharmacy and the Black Student Pharmacy Organization for an evening to celebrate the groundbreaking legacy of William S. Cooper (B.S.’57), the first Black graduate of the School of Pharmacy, recognizing his contributions to both the university and the broader community. The evening will showcase the importance of diversity, perseverance and excellence in pharmacy education and beyond. The event will be at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. Space is limited. Register by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chrissy Bowdren at bowdrence@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/Cooper.
Notices
RecWell Aquatics Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
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 Well-Being Coaching
RecWell's well-being coaching program offers personalized appointments to help students support their well-being and reach their personal goals. Coaches are available to provide information and resources on a variety of health topics, including stress-management, self-care and more. Register for an appointment at the following URL.
For more information, contact Starr Robinson at coachwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/well-being-coaching/grow-your-well-being-goals/.
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/.
Join the New KHS Health Science Club
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.
VCUarts Investigation Now Spring 2025 Registration Open
VCUarts Program for eighth-10th grade students, Investigation Now, is back for the Spring. This fiur-week program encompasses a 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 at 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/.
Call for Abstracts: VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity
The poster symposium, organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry and part of VCU Student Research Weeks, is an opportunity for undergraduates to present their research endeavors and creative scholarship to their academic peers, members of the VCU faculty and campus community. All undergrads from every discipline are encouraged to present and attend. Presentations may be for completed research projects, completed papers or research in progress. Submit entries by Friday, March 21 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicole Concepcion, Coordinator of Undergraduate Research, at urop@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/poster/.
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.
Participants Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
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.
Tell Us About Your Experiences Using On-Campus Rresources
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.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining Sex Differences in Response to Exercise
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.
Postmenopausal Females Are Invited For Study the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
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.
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.