Student Issue for September 11, 2025
Today
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
4 p.m.
Learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. 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
Bioethics 4 Students Kickoff Meeting
Friday, Sep. 12, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Bioethics 4 Students Club at VCU will host a Kickoff Meeting and Rapid-Fire Ethics Night at the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Learn about the club, connect with fellow students and take part in ethics discussions. Enjoy s’mores, a giveaway at the end of the night and automatic entry into the group's raffle for free club merchandise.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.
Paint and Sip With Soteria
Friday, Sep. 12, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Soteria will hold a Paint and Sip event in the Alumni Association Board Room in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Meet other members, learn about the organization and enjoy refreshments. Supplies will be provided.
For more information, contact Penelope Copetas at copetaspe@vcu.edu.
First-Gen Belle Isle Hike
Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join You First Peer Mentors for a walk to Belle Isle. Everyone is welcome regardless of participation in the mentoring program. Meet at the gazebo in Monroe Park. Bring water/snacks and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Information about the mentoring program is available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/students/programs-and-initiatives/you-first-mentoring-program/.
Dodgeballs and Dragons Character Building Workshop
Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Always been curious about Dungeons and Dragons but don’t know where to start? Want to have the chance to audition for a wildly fun improvised show? Come to the Dodgeballs and Dragons character building workshop. Through theatrical exercises and group storytelling you’ll build the foundational elements of your D&D Fifth Edition character. Willing participants will be considered for a live show on Saturday, Sept. 20. Be the Hero. Be the Monster. Be the Dodgeball. The event will be at the Shafer Street Playhouse, 221 N. Shafer St., Room 204.
For more information, contact Teddy McPherson at mcphersont@vcu.edu or (414) 477-7921 or visit https://www.instagram.com/dodgeballsanddragons?igsh=MW12MWcwcG5udWppZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr.
Coming up
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.
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/.
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/.
Statistical Thinking: How to Interpret Confidence Intervals
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Department of Biostatistics will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Roy Sabo, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics, will discuss the critical roles of sampling and variability in interpreting research data. Learn how to effectively use confidence intervals to enhance the accuracy and reliability of your research findings. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/cEv-2e50TEeT5eB4ejGJ5w.
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 5 p.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.
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/.
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/.
Ph.D. in Education - Educational Leadership, Policy and Justice Informational Session
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Learn more about the Ph.D. in Education, Leadership, Policy and Justice concentration, a program designed for scholars and changemakers committed to advancing equity and transforming systems. Rooted in an urban context and grounded in social justice, this interdisciplinary program prepares leaders to critically examine the barriers to educational equity and develop innovative, research-based solutions that make a real-world impact. Questions: https://soe.vcu.edu Register for the session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/25FallELPJ.
Notices
RecWell Small Group Training: Weights of Wellness Session 2
Start achieving your fitness goals through knowledge and strength. A certified personal trainer will teach the foundational methods of resistance training and workout design. Each week, learn about new equipment and exercises to increase confidence in the weight room. Use strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build skill and knowledge of proper technique and progressions. The morning session will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, The evening session wil be Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes are open to students and RecWell members. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.
Rams Aging and Engaging: Student Leaders Sought
Are you looking for a way to make a larger impact on the Richmond community? Rams Aging and Engaging is a student chapter that advocates for and supports the nonprofit Richmond Aging and Engaging, an organization that aims to boost community engagement and revive the aspects of everyday life to low-income communities of elderly individuals. The VCU undergraduate and graduate chapter is recruiting several officers; if interested, contact the following email address.
For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu or visit https://agingandengaging.org/about-us/.
Volunteers Needed for VCU Spirit Day and Field Day at Carver Elementary
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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeolJZbbNGEzHGVPDyjKwvZI1_mdjoT_OQwAxTzJW5mqxgQ7w/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 Gprgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Risk-Taking in Eating Disorders Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely, or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation. Take the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ..
A One-Time Interview To Understand the Experiences or Lack of Experience With Resistance Exercise and Mobile Apps in Young Black Women
Black women ages 18-35 who have little to no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share these experiences along with their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.
Endurance Race Participation Survey
One-time survey to assess health behaviors and performance among adults enrolled in an upcoming endurance race. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EE4CW7XX7F7YPW4H.
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.