12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for an online Meet VCU Authors event with Hala Auji, Raphael Cormack and Alaaeldin Mahmoud. These co-editors will discuss their book, which investigates the past, present and future of the Arab Nahda in mass culture. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-yopjkjE9AWzCZVjpG544wb0yLtALX_#/registration.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Come to the VCU Biology Seminar in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 253, 1000 W. Cary St., for a talk by Salvatore Agosta, VCU Center for Environmental Studies. His talk, "The Persistent Biosphere, and What It Means for Parasites and Emerging Disease in a Period of Global Change," will examine how ecological resilience shapes parasite-host dynamics and disease emergence in a changing world.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at biology@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.

5 p.m.

Build your writing confidence by identifying and overcoming the imposter phenomenon. Register at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Health Hub @ 25th, 1330 N. 25th St., and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in learning about colorectal health, prevention, screening, early detection and what we can do as a community to protect our health. Sign up by emailing engagemassey@vcu.edu or calling the following number.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0896.

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 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 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/mpa0325.

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Join Spit for Science members at Rhoads and Brandt Residence Hall, 710 W. Franklin St., to play trivia to raise awareness about eating disorders and win prizes.

For more information, contact Autumn Shifflett at shifflettaf@vcu.edu or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.

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

Learn about AI in this interactive Zoom workshop and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Members of PennyAppeal will be at the Gladding Residence Center Service Showcase, 711 W Main St., to make care kits for the local homeless population and accept clothing drive donations. The organization is seeking men's baggy clothes, shoes and hats, but all clothes are welcome. Join the group's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect.

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

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

This interactive workshop will provide best practices and strategies for giving and receiving feedback in professional settings. You’ll learn how to deliver both positive and constructive feedback effectively, determine the right timing and approach and apply feedback to enhance your performance. Whether you're a leader or a team member, mastering feedback is essential for success in any work environment. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936388.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at noon

Learn about the structural roots of social identities, focusing on group membership, individual agency and strategies for relating to one another in context. The workshop will be offered twice: Wednesday, March 26 at noon: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/-fhEypkERd69SiKJgkHJKA#/registration Thursday, March 27 at 3:30 p.m.: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/BsgZsDS0Tw-MUrEPg9tB4A#/registration

For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture's Graduate Program will hold a tabling event at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Stop by and learn more about a master's degree in Integrated Communication, Media Leadership or certificate in Media and Leadership.

For more information, contact Veronica Garabelli at garabelliva@vcu.edu or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/ms-in-mass-communications/.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at 3 p.m.

This Zoom workshop will provide the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's College of Engineering celebrates the scholarship of its graduate students at the annual VCU Engineering Research Showcase. This event includes poster presentations from all engineering disciplines as well as computer science. The showcase will be in the Engineering Research Building Atrium, 401 W. Cary St.

For more information, contact Engineering Graduate Studies at gradengr@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at 5 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help participants feel comfortable with paraphrasing in academic writing. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Do you need help building your professional network? Join the Health Professions Organization to improve your LinkedIn profile and connect with others. The session will be in Harris Hall, Room 2105, 1015 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dylan Abaidoo at abaidooda@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938234.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

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

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and advancing their growth? Join the VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center, Division Of Community Engagement and Continuing and Professional Education to gain insights into the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development and how to register for the 2025-26 cohort. This non-credit certificate program is designed for youth development practitioners, educators, health professionals and anyone dedicated to positively impacting the lives of young people. The program will be offered in-person (at the center, 120 S. Linden St.) and via Zoom (register at the following URL).

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/rydn/ydncertificate/.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Spring 2025 Powell-Edwards Lecture Series will explore the interconnections of spiritual practice, scholarly inquiry and artmaking. Cliff Edwards, Ph.D., emeritus professor of the School of World Studies, is the author of several books on Vincent van Gogh, including “Van Gogh and God” and “Van Gogh's Second Gift: A Spiritual Path to Deeper Creativity.” The lecture will be in the STEM Building, second floor, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mimi Winick at mpwinick@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_-PRFmAOnPbGSclpJs-X5t__xBnYDFbUcYcBxhcwNFmbfg/viewform.

Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Join the VCU Office of Health Initiatives and the VCU School of Social Work for a discussion on intersectionality and racial equity in public health, health care and research. Explore how overlapping identities impact health outcomes and strategies for advancing equitable care. Seize the opportunity to connect and broaden your perspective at the VCU Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W.Broad St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Clayton at claytonle2@vcu.edu or (804) 389-2710 or visit https://forms.gle/ofL6n7Lh6zXk8aT16.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 at 1 p.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. Register at the following URL.

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

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In collaboration with the American Pharmacist Organization and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, the VCU School of Pharmacy will host its annual blood drive in front of the School of Pharmacy building, 410 N. 12th St. Each donor will receive a $30 E-gift card and $10 will be donated on the participant's behalf to Feed More. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ahmed Nour at nourai@vcu.edu or (703) 357-8807 or visit https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/284534.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The VCU Graduate School - in collaboration with VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, VCU School of Business and VCU Career Services - will bring Startup Bazaar to VCU. This event created by the American Bazaar brings together entrepreneurs, students and community members for panels, discussions and networking opportunities. Topics will include how to start a business, raising capital and scaling up. The event, at Snead Hall, School of Business, 301 W. Main St., is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-bazaar-vcu-tickets-1254761648869.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 at noon

Demystify the college writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, including brainstorming and how to get started. 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/.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and the Center on Transition Innovations will host a webcast about the pivotal role of assistive technology in educational settings and beyond. The session will focus on documentation and self-advocacy. Explore the shift from paper to digital portfolios with examples of digital platforms and sample templates. Learn the essential components of AT transition portfolios for student success. Register for free at the following URL.

For more information, contact Teri Blankenship at tcblanke@vcu.edu or visit https://centerontransition.org/resources/webcasts/.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

STAR@VCU (Students Together Assisting Refugees) will host a cultural immersion movie night with food and entertainment. "The Good Lie," a film based on the obstacles faced by a group of orphaned Sudanese siblings on their journey to the United States during the Second Sudanese Civil War, will be screened. Food will be catered by 2M Mediterranean Market and Deli. The screening will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C and D, 907 Floyd Ave. See a trailer from the film at the following URL.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=c2tI5zW3IU8.

Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual meeting of the Central Virginia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience will be held at the Delta-Marriott Hotel, 555 E. Canal St. Register or submit an abstract at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeffrey Dupree, Ph.D., at jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org or visit https://www.kmjacobs.org/cvcsn.

Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 10 a.m.

The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series via Zoom with Negin Alemazkoor, Ph.D. The topic will be "Graph Neural Networks for Smart Infrastructure Systems with Large Number of Heterogeneous IoT Sensors." Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/spring-speaker-series-graph-neural-networks-for-smart-infrastructure-systems-with-large-number-of-heterogeneous-iot-sensors/.

Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.

Move from “addition” to “transformation” in your inclusion work, deconstructing existing practices and working with peers to build something new. The workshop presented by VCU Incclusion will be held three times. Register at these URLs: April 1 (Tuesday) at 3 p.m: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/511B0cIoR_ScFCWW5MpoAA. April 2 (Wednesday) at noon: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/NuMXWtv1Si6MGPu6lKEZgw. April 3 (Thursday) at 12:30 p.m.: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/02ZkJIuFSN6hGgZX9E9LNQ

For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Academic writing can be complex, but this online session, led by the Writing Center, offers strategies for effectively integrating sources into your work. Learn to maintain your voice, avoid plagiarism and ensure cohesion in your writing. Ideal for students working on longer papers, theses or dissertations. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936393.

Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU Financial Success Center will present a workshop for beginning investors at Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Learn the basics of investing, key financial concepts and tips to grow your wealth. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Investing.

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 8 a.m. to noon

You First is offering a free First Aid, CPR and AED Training, including Basic Life Support certification approved for professional rescuers and health care providers. To secure your spot, you must complete an in-person interview and the required online modules prior to the in-person training date. This event at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., is open to all friends, allies and supporters of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

For more information, contact Zisu Liao, AAPI Student Success coach, at liaoz@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fAaWq5Da6V43GvX38.

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at noon

VCU Gerontology and the Virginia Center on Aging will host a presentation about being a geriatric care manager. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Edmund Boxley at boxleyek@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdOqhqj4qHtZ00gVzVM9tUzmOH0KUR0ML.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

VCU Gerontology will present an informational session via Zoom about its accelerated master's program. This program is currently available in partnership with the following undergraduate programs: Health Services, Bachelor of Science; Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science; and Sociology, Bachelor of Science. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Edmund Boxley at boxleyek@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdeqvrjkjH93_ssvc7FlH-J7nj0SZPq4w#/registration.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host a number of free activities for VCU students and RecWell members in April. Activities include mindful stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, adventure photography clinic and whitewater kayaking. Activities are open to VCU students and RecWell members. Spaces for all activities are limited, so register early. Register at the following URL.

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

VCU RecWell Intramural Sports runs leagues and tournaments for all experience levels. No prior experience or skill with the sport needed. Make friends while going for bragging rights in friendly competition with other Rams. Players may join with others or as free agents. One $10 IM semester pass covers individual participation in any/all Intramural tournaments and leagues for the semester. April features the 2v2 Pickleball Tournament. Register by Friday, April 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Delaydia Frink at intramurals@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

Are you interviewing for or have you accepted a summer internship but are concerned about costs? Apply for VCU's Internship Funding Program. Register for the virtual informational session at the following URL. Registration details and a recording will be available on the website. Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, April 1.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.

VCU’s Women’s Impact Network was created with a vision to ignite change for VCU to encourage women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy. Membership levels begin at a $3,000 commitment over three years. Recent graduates can access membership at a reduced rate. Questions: Visit: go.vcu.edu/WIN.

For more information, contact Amy Gray Beck, (Ph.D.’19), executive director, Inclusive Engagement and Philanthropy, at acbeck@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/WIN.

Your help is needed to encourage upcoming May 2025 graduates to complete the VCU First Destination Survey. Open to undergraduate seniors and graduate/professional students completing their degree programs, survey data helps VCU improve student services and recruitment. Graduating students who complete the survey will be eligible to win prizes. Students can access the survey at the following URL. Questions: Email Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS25.

The VCU Student Government Association (SGA) elections are officially open. It's your chance to help shape the future of student life at VCU. Voting is now live on Rams Connect. Voting closes Thursday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, contact VCU SGA at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcusga/home/.

Graduating? Looking for an internship or experiential opportunity? The VCU Spring Career Fair will be noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons and Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with organizations looking to hire VCU students for internships as well as full-time and part-time jobs. Not sure if you're ready for a job? Come chat with employers. Participating organizations will outline the skills and experiences they are looking for in an employee and help students learn about affinity groups and internal opportunities. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tay Knighting at knightingta@vcu.edu or visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/3650bc1f-fda6-4084-8ab8-b5224128e6e1/student_preview.

VCU's Department of Rehabilitation Counseling is offering a summer class on American Sign Language (ASL) 1 via Zoom. The beginner class will be held on Mondays from May 19-Aug. 8 from 4-6:40 p.m. Students from all disciplines are welcome. The College Reference Number is 42018. Questions: Email B Paulette Lail Kashiri, MPH, at plkashiri@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Paige Berry at peberry@vcu.edu.

Boost your productivity with the newest Google Workspace improvements. Google Chat is bringing the fun with polls and group chat names, while Google Docs is making cover images more versatile than ever. Google Meet's mobile makeover is sleek and intuitive and Google Sheets is delivering lightning-fast performance and smart data conversions.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/03/14/google-updates-recap-march-2025/.

PennyAppeal is holding a clothing drive through Monday, March 31 in the Commons next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Donations will go to the local homeless community.

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

PennyAppeal, an organization dedicated to helping the local homeless community, is now accepting applications for the organization's social chair, secretary and marketing coordinator. Apply until Friday, March 28 at the following URL.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/j4YmmjPEq2FUotz27.

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/e/1FAIpQLSctIBpT8H0TVLHzE4sq66PB1aEx8HCkKwtNtbG8odN3VY0qIA/viewform?usp=sf.

The March newsletter celebrates growth, fresh opportunities and community impact. Read about the division's first Professional Skill-Building Day, upcoming research support and events and how to become involved at place-based sites.

For more information, contact Division of Community Engagement at engage@vcu.edu or visit https://mailchi.mp/vcu/division-of-community-engagement-february-2025-newsletter-11438281.

Nominations for the Daniel Cordero-Laske Memorial Award and the Ram Pride Award are being accepted by the Student Government Association through Friday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. Make a nomination for the Daniel Cordero-Laske Memorial Award at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZRfy3S2WffvaxOJTNfp1zR3zciOE6QunUnR9z4BVP1PEaDQ/viewform Make a nomination for the Ram Pride Award at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCd7hcFbMgNhGfOHC6eDQxm8Ce4wwa5KmeOG9oQp82h6Mh7w/viewform Nominees will be invited to the Student Leadership Awards on April 17 and winners will be announced at that time. Questions: Email the following address or studentorgs@vcu.edu

For more information, contact VCU SGA at SGA@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/leadershipawards/home/.

This survey aims to gather insights from graduate students regarding their awareness and utilization of the university's Career Services Office. Your responses will help us understand how effectively these services meet the needs of graduate students and identify areas for improvement. All responses will be kept confidential and used for internal assessment purposes only. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jessica Koroma at battenj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF-KAR7atvGZTaL1cTf21Cbe0VQwm4eCBX-ErrbezoV1bMxg/viewform?usp=header.

We're seeking volunteers to participate in our single-visit study, the Human Trunk Behavior Project, happening at the Physical Therapy Department at VCU’s College of Health Professions. In this study, we'll assess how well you can stabilize your torso against external forces in various directions. We'll use surface EMG sensors to measure trunk muscle activity and a new index developed by our team to gauge trunk stiffness. Would you be interested in participating? Questions: Email mcl@vcu.edu Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, contact James Thomas, P.T., Ph.D., at jthomas32@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0234.

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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.

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

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. 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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

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