Student Issue for September 2, 2025
Today
Prototyping Workshop With SHIFT Magazine
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Help create the next edition of SHIFT magazine. Practice sketching, storyboarding and low-fidelity building to co-create concepts for the fourth edition of SHIFT magazine. Learn how prototyping can help to test ideas sooner, gather useful input and make better design decisions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/prototyping-Shift-magazine.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI
11 a.m.
Explore how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. 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/.
Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Pell grant recipients interested in studying abroad are encouraged to join VCU Global Learning at the bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. This workshop will cover award eligibility (this award is for Pell grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. This hybrid session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers (907 Floyd Ave.) or online at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83404195719
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1938799.
VCU Writing Center To Present the GEO and ELP Series Workshop: Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon to Write With Confidence
2 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series Workshop: Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon to Write With Confidence. In this online workshop, build 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/.
This week
Part-Time Job Fair
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.
Looking for a part-time job this year? VCU Career Services is hosting a Part-Time Job Fair for Rams interested in student employment opportunities. Come learn about available jobs, meet off-campus employers and on-campus departments recruiting students, and explore opportunities that can provide hands-on experience, relevant skill-building, professional connections and a paycheck while you are in school. The fair will be in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn more about the fair (like what employers will be there) on Handshake; and register at the following URL to receive reminders and tips.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/PTJobFair25.
Full Test of VCU Alerting System on Wednesday
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 at noon
VCU Emergency Management will conduct a full test of the emergency alert system on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at noon. This test will include activation of outdoor sirens on both Monroe Park and MCV campuses, Alertus boxes and signage across both campuses. VCU Alert subscribers will receive a text message and email 10 minutes before, at the beginning of and the conclusion of these tests. For more information, visit alert.vcu.edu.
For more information, contact VCU Emergency Management at EmergencyMGMT@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/emergency-management/.
Sept. 3 Canvas Training for Students
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
VCU Academic Technologies will host a 30-minute overview via Zoom of Canvas for students during Weeks of Welcome. Students will learn how to log in and navigate Canvas to complete class assignments, projects, and more. Register in VCU RamsConnect at the following URL. Also, be sure to visit the Academic Technologies Group in RamsConnect for student technology resources and more.
For more information, contact Jana Avery at jcavery@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/Tech/CanvasTraining/.
Bridgette’s Tie-Dye Service Event
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Give back while getting colorful — join Alpha Phi Omega to tie-dye children’s shirts for VCU Children’s Hospital. Service is one of APO’s core principles, and this rush event lets you experience it firsthand. The event will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions? Contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona. membership vice president. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161 or visit https://forms.gle/PGPPUukNUdoFyv9x9.
Poetry in the Park | VCU Poetry Club
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Take a break and join the VCU Poetry Club at Monroe Park for an evening of writing, sharing and connecting. Those who attend can hear feedback on their work, hear others’ poetry or simply chill and make new friends. Snacks will be provided. The exact spot where the group will meet will be posted on Instagram (@poetryclubvcu) right before the event. Or, click on the following URL to join the Poetry Club's GroupMe for updates.
For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://groupme.com/join_group/66838025/QCVxJ6q7.
Goldwater Scholarship Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Intended for sophomores and juniors who wish to pursue graduate research in the STEM fields, this session will provide information on the Goldwater Scholarship, which awards its scholars up to $7,500 for educational expenses and a mentoring network. The in-person option will be held in the NSO Conference Room (Room 1210) on the first floor of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. A Zoom link will be sent to registrants the morning of the session.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDR89LUAlPkM6k9nJsLlWl_mMqZEaqxRiuTS3_npUkcKEN1Q/viewform.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025 at 2 p.m.
This informational session is intended for seniors, recent graduates intending to apply to graduate school and first-year graduate students in the STEM fields. Learn more about the Graduate Research Fellowship, which funds up to three years of graduate study in the STEM (non-medical) fields and how the National Scholarship uffice can support you in applying. The in person option will be held in the NSO conference room (Room 1210) on the first floor of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. A Zoom link will be sent to registrants the morning of the session.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0Z3y0aBGBnsJRif3tCfBgFLxB8VQBYTmXFVqOALiK-oK9HQ/viewform.
PEO International Peace Scholarship Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
This informational session is open to women international students in all disciplines who are planning on attending graduate school in the United States or Canada or who are currently graduate students at VCU. The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. Apply at the following URL. Zoom links will be sent to participants the morning of the session.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYrMHXQwWPNl_6rMy5KkEQDyvxxEt8cY6CZcYIXwzm3h4Ytw/viewform.
Walter Lawrence Jr., M.D., Research Retreat
Friday, Sep. 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center invites faculty, students and trainees to the annual Walter Lawrence Jr., M.D., Research Retreat featuring the latest cancer research from Massey. This year's keynote presentation will feature UCLA's Antoni Ribas, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-scientist conducting exploration of melanoma resistance to cancer immunotherapies. The event will be at the Hilton Richmond Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St. Register at vcumassey.org/WL25
For more information, contact Courtney Rose at rosec2@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/5b877e62-7338-45e6-b8ee-7135fa389211/summary.
Walking the Ward With Gary Flowers
Sunday, Sep. 7, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon
The Graduate School invites graduate students to take a walking tour of Richmond's Jackson Ward community with local historian Gary Flowers. Students can register for this event on RamsConnect at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939116.
Coming up
'From The Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop Culture'
Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors talk with Grace Gipson, Ph.D., assistant professor of African American Studies at VCU and author of “From The Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop 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://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/meet-vcu-authors/from-the-wiz-to-wakanda-afrofuturism-in-pop-culture.html.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 at noon
Join Kathy Tossas, Ph.D., M.S., for a session hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on the Chickahominy Truth Project to learn how to align research priorities with community identified needs. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85203819986 Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5OVygtbRsfd2U4AlCRpVFFmHJyd1MxihJrOYV0ZhbevE6bA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111537260593173046274.
MSW/MPH Dual Degree Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Did you know that you can earn two Master's degrees in three years with the MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program? If you are passionate about social justice and public health, come to an informational session on the MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave., Room 1104. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact MSW Program at mswprogram@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fZUTWtP9mbPd191j6.
Faculty Connect at VCU Health Hub at 25th
Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come to The Faculty Connect at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, to explore current programming and collectively envision how VCU’s teaching, research and resources can align with community-identified needs for mutual benefit. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGQNPpMiWa8CiCOanfeyrCR3xslc7VQOabCLoWwwItqxlxdA/viewform?usp=header.
National Conflict Resolution Day
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon
The Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor the 12th annual National Conflict Resolution Day event. "Navigating Difficult Situations in a Moving Landscape" is this year's theme. The event will feature a keynote address from nationally known conflict resolution practitioners, strategies for managing conflict and an interactive dialogue with those in attendance. The event will be in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://ombudsperson.vcu.edu/events/national-conflict-resolution-day/.
Notices
Search for Scholarships at the Rams Scholarship Hub
The Rams Scholarship Hub is a centralized, searchable VCU database managed by Student Financial Services and Development and Alumni Relations for students to view scholarship opportunities available and offered through various VCU colleges, schools and departments. Sign in with your EID, complete the general application, receive a match and search for new opportunities.
For more information, contact Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.academicworks.com/.
Shelfie Application Deadline
Test It. Tweak It. Shift It. The Shift Retail Lab's Shelfie Program helps makers scrutinize, display and improve their ideas in a real-world setting. It’s designed to help participants figure out what works (and what doesn’t) by putting your work to the test. It’s not about being polished, it’s about showing up, getting real feedback and learning by doing. Become a Shelfie today. The first cohort application deadline Wednesday, Sept. 3 at noon. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G7DCG7ETvYgFfc7FFBNp9z2sn6eub7Rdchv6wB1gh90/viewform?edit_requested=true.
Alpha Phi Omega Rush
Alpha Phi Omega 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 our rush. The group will have five "Total Drama Island"-themed events over the next two weeks and all are welcome to participate. For more updates and information, follow Alpha Phi Omega's instagram @apo_adi and fill out the form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161 or visit https://forms.gle/PGPPUukNUdoFyv9x9.
VCUDine September Events
Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, has special events this month. Events include National Gyro Day (through 9/5: 11 a.m.–close); Funnel Cake and Lemonade Pop Up (9/2: 12–2 p.m.); Welln.ess Wednesday: Herb Planting (9/3: 12–1:30 p.m.); Carnival Night (9/3: 5 p.m.–close); National Macadamia Nut Day (9/4: 11 a.m.–close); National Steak Au Poivre Day (9/9: 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.); Happy-tizer Night (9/10: 5 p.m.–close); National Linguine Day (9/15: 11 a.m.–close); Chef Gigi’s Spotlight (9/17: 11 a.m.–close and more. Follow @VCU_Dining for more events.
For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.campusdish.com/.
Participants are 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.
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.