Student Issue for February 28, 2025
Today
Bioinformatics Professor Panel
1 p.m.
Undergraduate Society of Bioinformatics is hosting its very first professor panel. All majors are welcome. Come talk to experienced faculty about research opportunities, internships, industry experience and post-undergrad plans related to STEM. Questions can be submitted at vcuusb bio link. The session will be in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 3104, 1015 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Suzanne Varughese at varughesess@vcu.edu.
Plotting Bigamy: Marital Surplus in the 18th-Century Novel
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Humanities Research Center will present a Work-in-Progress Seminar with Rachel Gevlin, Ph.D., to explore the crime of bigamy — in its essence a problem of too much marriage — and the curious role it has played in the history of marriage and divorce in England. The talk will be at the Valentine House, Room 201, 920 W. Franklin St. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenFRYbcZHNxs3pq1ElRLPnPFGhtKeU6EtvildzZH7x19aF2g/viewform.
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Session
12 p.m. 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/.
Preserving Our Soil: Celebrating Black Land Stewardship
6 p.m.
Explore the importance of generational land preservation in this hybrid panel discussion. Experts will discuss challenges faced by Black landowners as well as innovative solutions and the cultural significance of maintaining ancestral properties. Plus, hear from Tracey Graves (B.S.’08), Lowcountry chapter leader, whose grandmother fought to preserve her family’s land in the Gullah Geechee community. VCU Alumni Council member Altimese Curry (B.S.’07) will moderate. Join at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kendra Robinson at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86890993702.
Halal and Heritage: A NIght of Celebration
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Come to the da Vinci Center, 1229 W. Broad St., for an evening honoring Ramadan, Saudi Founding Day and Kuwait's National and Founding Days. The event will feature henna, cultural storytelling, a themed photo area and traditional dishes and will be hosted by VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Nawaf Tamim at tamimnk@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Dental Hygiene Workshop at the VCU Health Hub
Monday, Mar. 3, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU Dental Hygiene students will host an educational event at the VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 26th St. Spend the day with dental hygiene students and learn about the vital role of oral health care. Learn the connection between oral health and overall health. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3XcBHlL.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Crafting a Strong Introduction, Abstract or Proposal Narrative
Monday, Mar. 3, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Learn the necessary steps to establish your ideas in a logical way that will 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/.
VCU SGA Senate Meeting
Monday, Mar. 3, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The VCU Student Government Association will hold its weekly Senate meeting in the Senate Chambers of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Meredith Weiss, Ph.D., and David Allen, Ph.D., from the President's Office will be visiting, and SGA will present updates and statements regarding the university during the open forum. Additionally, the Chief Justice application will be discussed.
For more information, contact Johanna Adams at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcusga/home/.
Transformation: Moving Beyond Inclusion, Making Structural Change in Our Work
Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Move from “addition” to “transformation” in your inclusion work, deconstructing existing practices and working with peers to build something new. Choose to attend one or more of the following sessions: Tuesday, March 4, 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 5, noon; or Thursday, March 6, 12:30 p.m. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdu6przouGtQR_ZIDT8t2nlZQs8HgOPok#/registration
For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/workshops/#d.en.723962.
Sociology Spring Break Kickoff
Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
VCU's Sociology Department will host a spring break kickoff event with faculty and staff in the second-floor conference room of Founders Hall, Room 101, 827 W. Franklin St. Food will be available, as will the opportunity to mingle with peers and professors. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nena Foster at fosternv@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1937641.
Hope Blossoms: Crafting Resilience Through Scrapbooking
Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
STEM In Art will hold an event for students to learn about invisible disabilities. Also, try scrapbooking and creating mini dreamcatchers. Free snacks and materials will be provided. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.
Notices
Celebrating Ramadan
Ramadan is a significant religious observance for many students, faculty and staff at VCU. The Global Education Office encourages the campus community to engage in learning about this important month to better understand the experiences of those who observe it. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin today, Friday, Feb. 28 and conlude on Saturday, March 29 contingent upon the sighting of the new moon. We encourage everyone to learn more about Ramadan to promote awareness and understanding within our diverse university community.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/ramadan/.
Graduate Student Stipend and Cost of Living Survey
Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey at the following URL. 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/K5iRLPrnLSDoUUceA.
Call for Nominations: 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment
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 Friday, March 7 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/.
Summer Study Away Trip - Civil Rights Trail
VCU's Department of Political Science will offer the opportunity to travel along the Civil Rights Trail this summer from June 24-July 4 (10 nights). Thanks to generous donors, there is no cost associated with travel (air and ground), lodging (hotels) and entrance to historic sites. Meals (up to $40 per day) and textbooks (related to two courses) will also be covered by the donations. Students are responsible for tuition (6 credits) and a $250 application fee. This will be refunded if an applicant is determined to be ineligible or is otherwise not selected for the program. Applications are due Sunday, March 9 at 11:59 p.m. An informational session will be held Wednesday, March 5 at 4-4:30 p.m. in Founders Hall (Room 101) 827 W. Franklin St. at the corner of Franklin and Schafer. All majors are encouraged to apply.
For more information, contact Alexandra Reckendorf at anreckendorf@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11678.
Deadline Extended - Women's Health and Healing Trip to Guatemala: May 11-18
Join the VCU Institute for Women’s Health and Highland Support Project. Spend a week in partnership with indigenous midwives and community leaders, learning about traditional Maya medicine and exploring the history of health care and healing in Guatemala. The group will learn about traditional medicine, midwifery and healing practices. Cost is $1,650 plus air fare. Apply at the following URL by Monday, March 3 (new extended deadline).
For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11474.
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.