Student Issue for September 15, 2025
Today
Study Buddy Socials - Semester Kickoff
12 p.m.
The VCU Science Hub presents Study Buddy Socials - Semester Kickoff in the STEM Building, Room 201E, 817 W. Franklin St. Connect with your peers, learn study skills and form a study group. Sessions will cover a variety of STEM courses and run from Monday, Sept. 15 to Thursday, Sept. 18. Questions: https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/ Register to attend at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOwQ2wG_EW-VvoLwjXLMxYQki-E7KXMuVSZqaNJVX8PTKzZw/viewform?usp=dialog.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: APA and Avoiding Plagiarism
3 p.m.
Learn tips and tools to help make the citation process more manageable and efficient. 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/.
This week
Virginia Capitol Semester Lobby Chat
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a virtual information session to discuss the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program. Join the Zoom meeting to learn about the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative arena while taking classes as a full-time student. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dv0pn1CIQZywLdzfBUEMzw
For more information, contact Adrienne K. Jones at wsinternship@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2791 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/student-support-resources/internships-and-experiential-learning-/virginia-capitol-semester/.
The VCU Writing Center To Present the GEO and ELP Series: Paraphrasing Workshop
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 at 2 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series Workshop: Paraphrasing. This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help you feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. 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/.
First-Gen Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiation Sciences Meetup #1
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Are you a first-generation college student majoring in pre-nursing or pre-radiation sciences? Pre-Health senior adviser Timothy Adams will share information about the nursing radiation sciences application processes as well as other opportunities for preparing to apply. Meet other first-gen students in your major. Snacks will be provided. University Academic Advising and the You First Center are partnering on this event, which will be held in Hibbs Hall, Room 303, 900 Park Ave.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927.
Scoop on CHP
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
VCU College of Health Professions will present Scoop on CHP. Interested in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Radiation Sciences or Health Services? Stop by the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for the scoop on these programs with current students over a bowl of ice cream. Questions: https://chp.vcu.edu/ RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chelsea Gary at garycs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/XjeogitLJouV8bET6.
M.Ed. Educational Leadership Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Already have a master’s degree? The Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership is designed for experienced educators who are ready to move into leadership roles. This flexible, 100 percent online program focuses on applied learning through fieldwork and tailored internships, preparing you for positions like assistant principal, principal or instructional leader. Questions: Visit https://soe.vcu.edu See an administration and supervision endorsement at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/A&SFall2025.
Bond-Building Badge Training
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Pace Center will host “Bond-Building Badge” training at 700 W. Franklin St. The training helps provide the tools to move beyond small talk and build friendships that last. Open to all VCU students. Dinner will be served.
For more information, contact Russell Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
University College Masters of Product Innovation Director Chat
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Want to learn how to turn your big ideas into real-world solutions? Learn about the Master's of Product Innovation during a lunchtime chat with William Benton, program director. The sessions are held monthly on the third Wednesday at noon. Learn more about the MPI at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://uc.vcu.edu/academics/master-of-product-innovation/.
That (Difficult) Patient Is Me: Health Care Professionals In Recovery From Addiction
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Rams in Recovery's speaker series will host Natalie Muncy, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CARN, who has devoted 22 years to nursing and is triple board-certified in Emergency, Pediatric Emergency and Addictions Nursing. Living in long-term recovery, she openly shares her journey to reduce stigma, promote resilience through peer support and inspire hope. The event will be at the School of Nursing, Room 1011, 1100 E. Leigh St. Questions: Email recovery@vcu.edu Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Thomas N. Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or (804) 366-8027 or visit https://bit.ly/MCVRecoverySeries.
Constitution Day 2025
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
The format for the 2025 Constitution Day will be Ask an Expert. Bring your questions to the event in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., Political Science associate professor, will answer questions and give context to the pressing Constitutional questions of the day. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/constitution-day-.html.
Emerging Researchers Academy Workshop: The Research Question
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 at 3 p.m.
This online Writing Center workshop will help you feel more comfortable when beginning a research project and will teach you how to develop a clear, focused and complex research question. Register forthe Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU P.R.I.M.E. and Career Services Pop-Up Shop
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Looking to get primed and ready for the upcoming career fairs and networking events? Come shop for free career clothing at a pop-up shop co-hosted by P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) and the Suit Yourself Closet. Browse the many clothing racks, chat with staff style consultants, and “check your fit” by trying things on. All you need to shop is your student ID; you will be able to take — and keep up to six items. You are encouraged to bring a reusable bag. The event will be in the University Student Commons, VCU Career Services, Room 143, 907 Floyd Ave. (across from the Chick-fil-A). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Suit Yourself Closet at suityourself@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1818313/share_preview.
STEM In Art: Celestial Watercolor Painting
Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
STEM In Art invites you to enjoy learning about astronomy while painting with watercolors (free with snacks). The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.
Pups on the Plaza Is Sept. 18: Pre-Sales Open Today
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Center for Human-Animal Interaction invites you to Pups on the Plaza on Thursday, Sept. 18. The first 200 meals will be complimentary (limit one per those in attendance). Pre-sales will be today, Monday, Sept. 15 on the first floor of Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St. Support the Dogs on Call program by purchasing a Dogs on Call T-shirt or securing a meal ticket in advance (recommended if you may not be among the first 200 or would like more than one ticket).
For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at chai@vcuhealth.og or (804) 628-5232 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.
Wilder School MPA Session With Myung Jin
Thursday, Sep. 18, 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 for the virtual session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/mpa0918.
The VCU Writing Center and Transfer Week Will Present the Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon to Write With Confidence Workshop
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 at 2 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center and Transfer Week present the Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon to Write With Confidence Workshop. Learn to boost your writing confidence by identifying and overcoming the impostor phenomenon. 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/.
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take a look behind the scenes of VCU's grad program in advertising and branding. This virtual session will break down the application process, the four creative concentrations — art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy - and give participants a look at what life is really like as a Brandcenter student. The discussion will also include the kinds of industry careers available and how Brandcenter can help grads get there. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-sept-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 at 11 a.m.
In this interactive Zoom workshop, participants will scrutinize examples of strong, successful personal statements as well as less successful ones. Learn the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.
You First Presents: Demystifying Student Loans
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 from noon to 12:50 p.m.
Join Amy Pridemore, executive director of the VCU Financial Success Center by VACU, for a discussion on student loans. Learn about good debt versus bad debt, how to decide whether to take out loans and what paying them back looks like. Also get information on private versus federal loans and when it may be appropriate to them. Click o the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/r2iDVnMfTaip77YXe26ovw.
Pre-Law Panel: Advice From Recent Alumni
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You are invited to the Pre-Law Panel: Advice from Recent Alumni in the STEM Building, Room 110, 817 W. Franklin St. VCU alumni who are in law school discuss their best advice for current students. A one-hour panel discussion is followed by an opportunity to mingle with the panelists and ask questions one-on-one. Refreshments will be served. The event is co-sponsored by the Philosophy Department, Minorities in Law and the VCU Pre-Law Society.
For more information, contact Catherine Sutton at csutton2@vcu.edu.
RecWell Aquatics Log Rolling Clinic
Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Join RecWell Aquatics for a log rolling clinic. Participants will practice balancing and staying atop the log in the pool's shallow end. Enjoy friendly competition and get a fun workout. Registration is open through the start of the clinic. Beginners are welcome; the intensity level is medium. The class will be at the Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. 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=273c61cc-6561-4f46-b99d-c5c80a0a4062.
'Breathe, River' Sound Installation at Byrd Park Pump House
Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCUarts Department of Kinetic Imaging will present "Breathe, River," an immersive sound installation by KI faculty Sara Bouchard inside Richmond's historic Byrd Park Pump House, 1708 Pump House Drive.
For more information, contact Sara Bouchard at bouchardse@vcu.edu or visit https://www.sarabouchard.com/news/breathe-river-returns-to-the-pump-house-sept-21.
Coming up
Fall 2025 Graduate Studies Virtual Open House
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Explore programs, meet faculty and get your questions answered at the Fall 2025 Virtual Graduate Studies Open House. Plus, you may be a lucky recipient of 50 percent off your application fee. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Haya Hamid at hamidh@vcu.edu or visit https://gradadmissions.vcu.edu/register/Graduate_Virtual_Open_House.
2025 L. Douglas Wilder Symposium 'Virginia's Elections: Our National Importance'
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The 2025 L. Douglas Wilder Symposium, "Virginia’s Elections: Our National Importance," will be held at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. This event will explore Virginia’s historic gubernatorial race and the commonwealth’s role in shaping national politics. The program will bring together thought leaders and scholars including former Gov. Wilder; Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School; Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D., associate dean of the Wilder School; Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., managing partner of DecideSmart and and Niraj Verma, Ph.D., professor of urban and regional planning at the Wilder School. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/wilder-symposium/.
Volunteers Needed for VCU Spirit Day and Field Day at Carver Elementary
Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
VCU will partner with George W. Carver Elementary School, 1110 W. Leigh St., on Friday, Sept. 26 for a Spirit Day Pep Rally (7:30–9 a.m.) or sign up for a Field Day shift to help with games, activities and book giveaways. VCU students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to participate. Sign up to volunteer at the following URL.
For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/hqaxBb9Eem15NVzC8.
Walk to Save Lives — Join the Heart Walk
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at 9:40 a.m.
Join VCU and VCU Health at this year’s Heart Walk to help fight heart disease and stroke. Every step participants take helps fund life-saving research and honors those affected by cardiovascular disease. The walk will begin at Innsbrook North Shore Commons Lawn, 4951 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?company_id=509177&fr_id=12016&pg=company.
Lecture in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Research Symposium
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Registration is open for the ninth annual John and Rosa Cifu Lecture in Brain Injury Rehabilitaion and Sheltering Arms Institute fourth annual Research Symposium. The event will be offered virtually and at Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive. Sponsors include VCU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: TBI Endowment fund, VCU Center for Rehabilitation and Science Engineering (CERSE) and Sheltering Arms Institute. The featured speaker will be Anne McDonnell, executive director for the Brain Injury Association of Virginia from 2006-2023. A poster presentation and reception will follow the lecture. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carolyn Frey at carolyn.frey@vcuhealth.org or (804) 229-9143 or visit https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/research-symposium/.
Notices
VCU Special Events To Offer Pre-paid Parking With EventPass
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 13, VCU will be using the EventPass system for special events parking. This pre-paid system allows those who attend to pre-purchase parking passes for events, ensuring they have a guaranteed spot and a streamlined arrival process. Questions? Contact parking@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Bone Health Research Study
Paid research opportunity to improve bone health among girls and women ages 14-30. This is a 12-month clinical trial in collaboration with UVA Health studying the effects of two medications in addition to estrogen and progesterone on bone health. This will require nine study visits including history and physical exams, blood draws, health questionnaires and bone density scans. Participants will be paid up to $925 and up to $25 per visit to cover travel. For more information and to become involved, please see the full study flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vEGBy9G6FO1VO0oo5s_yRlOmAgS-VE_q/view?usp=share_link
For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://uvahealth.com/clinicaltrials/romosozumab-adjunct-physiologic-estrogen-replacement-adolescents-young-adults#:~:text=434.982.0871-,Romosozumab%20as%20an%20Adjunct%20to%20Physiologic%20Estrogen%20Replacement%20in%20Adolescents,925.
Interdisciplinary Studies at University College Informational Session
Curious about the Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies at VCU? University College holds a weekly virtual informational session at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Get get your questions answered and learn more about designing your own degree at VCU. Learn more at https://uc.vcu.edu/ and register at the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZFnhgFRL4X1poK122rPlQrgFRM44giWUwsBadpduVQHoJaA/viewform.
Participants Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This research study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this 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 Are 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. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group.
For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@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
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RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.