1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Decorate Snoopy's doghouse sugar cookies with the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the Alumni Boardroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. APO 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 the group's rush. Peanuts-themed events are scheduled over the next two weeks and you are invited. Follo APO's Instagram @apo_adi and fill out the google form linked.

For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.

10 a.m.

Find out about the services provided by VCU's Writing Center and learn how to break down the process of writing into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.

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

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Want to study abroad in the U.K.? Join VCU Global Education Office and VCU GEO's partner university, University of Bristol, at this virtual informational session about studying in Bristol. Register on RamsConnect athttps://bristol-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/98271967880?pwd=OF3JDSWet4gsXfKfBJy3Uc4BQ1rGcs.1

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1936344.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Feeling overwhelmed by your VCU bill? Wondering how you can pay it? Join the Student Financial Management Center for a Financial Wellness Workshop where we'll break down your expenses and help you create a clear, manageable plan for paying for college. Register on RamsConnect to join via Zoom or join in person in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and grab a slice of free pizza. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936757.

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Dental Club at VCU will collaborate with Career Services for a workshop which will include tips on interviews, personal statements and applying to summer programs. The session will be held in the Alumni Boardroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

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

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a walkthrough of the graduate student online application and live support for applicants. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit http://bit.ly/sp25appwalkthrough.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Chinese New Year is around the corner and STEM in Art will host a cultural event to pay homage to this festive tradition while introducing some unique STEM perspectives. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free snacks will be available, along with the opportunity to meet new people.

For more information, contact Aleah Nguyen at nguyena51@vcu.edu or (804) 464-5000.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All are invited to join the VCU Health Systems Office of Inclusive Excellence's second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Walk. This event is free and open to the public. Registration not required. The walk starts at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 1000 E, Broad St

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13705559.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thinking about moving into your own place but worried about the cost? Join the Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union to learn more about the essentials of saving money and budgeting for housing. You will learn how to set realistic financial goals, plan for upfront costs like deposits and furniture and build habits that help you save for the long term. Whether you’re renting your first apartment or preparing for a future home, we’ll provide the tools and tips to help you. The program wil be held in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Amy Pridemore at finsuccess@vcu.edu.

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.

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.

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 will focus on global leadership through the lens of Black identity to provide meaningful conversation, insight and action items for students in the community. During the event's lunch break, GEO will host a Global Café and resource fair to help Rams connect on campus. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at global@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936421.

Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Health Sciences Career Community Leadership and Development Committee, in collaboration with the Community Service Committee, announces a partnership with the Department of Workforce and Career Development and Technical Education to conduct mock interviews for their students. As an interviewer, you will be assigned to a table where you will conduct mock interviews with students. The event will take place at the Innovation Core, ACE Center at Highland Springs, 100 Tech Drive, Highland Springs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13680139.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Statewide VEA will host a Praxis Workshop designed specifically for aspiring educators at Oliver Hall, Room 3108, School of Education, 1015 W. Main St. This workshop will offer a comprehensive review of the Praxis exams, providing essential tips, strategies and practice to help you succeed. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact SVEA at VCU at sveaeboard@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/CL78a6RLAUaH2k6Q9.

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/.

First-year students, elevate your academic performance with Peer Academic Coaching. Work with an upperclass student who can personalize a plan to help you level up your academic performance this semester. Peer Academic Coaching provides personalized guidance in time management techniques, study strategies and effective goal setting. Sign up at https://forms.gle/2jAmQaRUo2twpp7u9

For more information, contact Ian Anderson at andersoni2@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

Juniors and seniors, a ring sales event will be held at the Student Commons outside the P.O.D. Market through Thursday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse the official ring collection, learn about interest-free payment plans and ensure your ring arrives in time for the ring ceremony and graduation. You can also view options and order your ring at balfour.com/vcu. For the latest updates, check RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit http://www.balfour.com/VCU.

The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus is dedicated to acting as an advocate for equitable access to education, advancing disability-focused policies and fostering a campus environment where accessibility allows all students — both with and without disabilities — to thrive. The caucus partners with the VCU Student Government Association and is open to all VCU students and faculty. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/noqf5mAiqAicW2cN8.

VCUDine will offer special events during January at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. They include National Hot Sauce Day (Wednesday, Jan. 22: 11 a.m.-close), Brunch Bash (Thursday, Jan. 23: 11 a.m.-close), National Hot Chocolate Day (Saturday, Jan. 25: 11 a.m.-close) and Lunar New Year (Wednesday, Jan. 29: 11 a.m.-close). Sign up for a spring dining plan by Monday, Jan. 31 to be entered to win VCU basketball tickets.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

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 Google Workspace updates post for January includes: Google Calendar dark mode, Google Chat improvements (density, split pane replies, multiple media files), Google Docs with new templates and building blocks and Google Sheets with enhanced table references. See the recap at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/01/16/google-updates-recap-january-2025-welcome-to-the-2025-spring-semester/.

VCU's Global Education Office announces that registration is open for its spring semester Global Buddies Program. The program provides international students and domestic students the opportunity to learn about other people, places and cultures and make meaningful connections with people from around the world. Apply by Saturday, Feb. 1 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/globalbuddies/.

The public comment period, which is required to be open for 10 business days, is now open for the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy, Concealment of Identity and Student Code of Conduct. To ensure maximum participation in this process, VCU will have the comment period open 25 business days, closing on Friday, Feb. 28. Offer feedback by visiting the following URL and clicking on “Policies Open for Public Comment.”

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at skillmanj2@vcu.edu or (317) 908-9617 or visit http://policy.vcu.edu.

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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion 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.

This research is being done to investigate how you learn new movements with your non-dominant hand. You will be asked to complete a tracing game on a touchscreen tablet while wearing an electrode cap. You must be right-handed and between the ages of 18 and 40 to participate. $20 compensation is available for your participation. The study takes about one hour. The study will take place in the research laboratory location in the VCU College of Health Professions building, 900 E. Leigh St.

For more information, contact Narges Yaghoubi at yaghoubin@vcu.edu.