Student Issue for August 5, 2025
Today
VIRBs (VCU IRB System) Research Community Open Lab
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In preparation for implementation of the new IRB system (VIRBs), the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP)/IRB will hold a VIRBs open lab for the research community. The labs will include VIRBs real-time practice and Q&A sessions. Several lab sessions will be held through August. A complete schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required. Labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during the sessions. A Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the labs schedule. Join the lab at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89679536817
For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/human-research/hrppirb/virbs/.
Master of Public Health Virtual Informational Session
12 p.m.
Join the VCU School of Public Health for a virtual informational session for the Master of Public Health program. The program will be offered online and in-person beginning Spring 2026. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/atxku4bSQGKd6Om8jI1vPw.
This week
Volunteer Opportunity: Carver Day of Service
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at 8 a.m.
VCU Division of Community Engagement, VCU Police and Kiwanis Club will host Carver Days of Service at George Washington Carver Elementary School, 1110 W. Leigh St. Volunteers are invited to help beautify the school grounds on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and the following Wednesday, Aug. 13 with outdoor cleanup, mulching and planting in preparation for the coming school year. All ages are welcome. Bring water, gloves and sun protection. Tools and snacks will be provided.
For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/.
Coming up
Tech Duels at VCU: Apply to Be a Debater or Register to Attend
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at 11 a.m.
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Central Virginia Node will host Tech Duels at VCU, a live student debate event exploring the future of technology. VCU students can apply to debate or register to attend in person or virtually at the following URL. The event will be in VCU's Engineering Research Building, Room 1313, 401 W. Cary St.
For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/tech-duels-fall-2025/.
Notices
VCU Parking and Transportation To Implement Cashless Payment Effective Oct. 1
Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, accounts management will be transitioning to fully cashless payment. All payments must be made via card - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), mobile (tap), or check.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Free Store Volunteers Needed To Help Prepare for Fall Semester
VCU Sustainability is recruiting volunteers Tuesday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 7 from noon-2 p.m. to help with preparations for the Free Store's reopening at 930 W. Grace St. Questions: https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs/ Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ann Kildahl at kildahlac@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUtMWpBJ4dWAIY7VdUqQOqBljDvzltk73Zmqk4gAeDEagFGQ/viewform.
Join the Choir
Looking for a welcoming way to become involved on campus? Join a VCU Choir this fall. Make music, make friends and be part of something meaningful. Open to all majors. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359, CRN 29766) No audition required. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358, CRN 29770) is an advanced mixed choral ensemble. Audition required. Vox Concordia (APPM 378, CRN 32996) is an advanced treble choral ensemble. Audition required.
For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/.
RecWell Aquatics Fitness Swim
The Fitness Swimming program focuses on enhancing swimming techniques, endurance and physical conditioning in the water. Participants should expect to develop their swimming proficiency for fitness or competitive purposes. This is an advanced-level class and will average about 1,000 yards of swimming per class. Classes are held on Fridays from 7-7:55 a.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=e9401580-e161-45db-9b79-9ef3ddebb02a.
Participants Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. 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 Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
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 LGBTQ.
For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@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.