Student Issue for November 14, 2025
Today
First-Gen Week: School of Pharmacy Social
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
In celebration of First-Gen Week, join the School of Pharmacy for a First-Gen Social in the Robert Blackwell Smith Building, Room 129, 410 N. 12th St. Meet fellow first-generation pharmacy students, connect with faculty and enjoy some snacks and conversation in a supportive space.
For more information, contact Maggie Brocklebank at brocklebankm@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.
First-Gen Week: You First Mentor-Led Paint and Sip
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Unwind with You First peer mentors at the You First Paint and Sip. Enjoy a creative evening of painting, conversation and connection — no experience needed. Participation in the mentoring program is not required. All first-gen students are welcome. The event will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 207, 900 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.
VCU Mass Communications MS and Graduate Certificate Programs Informational Session
3 p.m. to 3:45 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 Master of Science in Mass Communications and Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Sessions will be held at noon and 3 p.m. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad Questions: Visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/
For more information, contact Jonathan BRown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/media-and-leadership-certificate/.
Demo Days at Feedback Friday
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VCU Demo Days is a twice-yearly pitch competition held each fall and spring semester at Shift Retail Lab's Feedback Friday events. Participants have the opportunity to deliver investor-style pitches and compete for seed funding and support. All friends, family and community members are welcome to attend and cheer on the pitches. Following the pitches, everyone is invited to stay for an awards ceremony and networking session at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Demo-Day-Nov-14.
'A Stroll in the Air' by Eugene Ionesco, Directed by Zeke Taylor
7 p.m.
Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theater (S.A.L.T.) will present "A Stroll in the Air" by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Zeke Taylor, at Newdick Theater in Shafer Street Playhouse, 221 N. Shafer St. The production will run Friday and Saturday (Nov. 14 and 15) at 7 p.m. nightly and 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 16). Questions: @VCUsalt on Instagram
For more information, contact Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre at taylorz4@vcu.edu.
This week
Mindful Mornings: Mindful Eating and Neurographic Art
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Mindful Mornings at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU’s Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., is a free weekend program that pairs mindfulness practices with the goal of fostering well-being and a deeper connection to the natural world. This month’s Mindful Morning aims to reduce stress and unlock creativity with a multisensory journey of taste, touch and spontaneous expression, rooted in the principles of biophilia—our innate connection to nature.
For more information, contact Michael Lease at leasemk@vcu.edu or (804) 200-8859 or visit https://icavcu.org/events/mindful-mornings-mindful-eating-and-neurographic-art/.
VCU Women's Volleyball vs. Fordham
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at 4 p.m.
The women's volleyball team will play Fordham in the Siegel Center.
For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@gmail.com.
VCU Guitar and Community Guitar Ensembles
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at 4 p.m.
The combined VCU Guitar Ensemble and the VCU Community Guitar Ensemble will be featured in concert in VCU’s James W. Black Music Center Recital Hall, 1015 Grove Ave. The program will include works by Handel, Ponce, Chet Atkins and José Feliciano. Admission is free. The concert will also be livestreamed at go.vcu.edu/recitalhall.
For more information, contact Department of Music at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/.
Coming up
Eastern Africa: Development and Democracy Study Abroad Summer 2026 Informational Session
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Douglas Kimemia, Ph.D., for an informational session about a study abroad trip to Eastern Africa highlighting the democrafy and development of Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The session will be in Founders Hall, Room 328, 827 W. Franklin St.
For more information, contact Douglas Kimemia at kimemiadk@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11302.
VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Global Education Office's Immigration Services will hold a webinar as part of the VISA series during International Education Week. The session will cover a number of travel-related topics, including the process for obtaining a travel signature, renewing an expired F-1 visa and gathering the proper documentation to present upon re-entry. Those looking to take a vacation or return home to visit friends and family is encouraged to attend. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jane Nucup at geois@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/nxBdQ6_pS22pZA7zeuE7mg#/registration.
Effective Intercultural Communication for Graduate Students - International Education Week
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
This webinar, hosted by the Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, provides graduate students with essential skills for navigating the globalized academic and professional world. Those who attend will learn to identify common barriers in cross-cultural interactions, such as differing communication styles and assumptions. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve understanding, reduce conflict and build stronger, more collaborative relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hali Massey at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942496.
Study Abroad in Chile Informational Session
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from noon to 12:45 p.m.
The Global Education Office and the Department of Focused Inquiry will offer the opportunity to study on-site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break. During International Education Week, come to the session to hear how students will explore the relationship between art, politics and social change in Chile through visits to contemporary art spaces, cultural centers and museums and meetings with community groups. An informational session will be held at 5116 Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. in the Broad Street Room). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hilary Levinson at hlevinson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/international-ed-week/.
Fashion in France Summer Program - Informational Sessions
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In celebration of International Education Week, the VCU Fashion Department's Mediterranean Textiles program will explain how students can travel to Provence, France. Earn three credits while immersed in French culture and participating in hands-on textile work such as indigo dyeing and block printing. Explore the French fashion industry and complete a final project aligned with your major. This virtual session will cover course content, expectations, cost, application process and more.
For more information, contact Renee Lamb at rslamb@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83650697784?jst=2#success.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at 3 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help participants 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/.
Kidney Screenings With VCU Health at the VCU Health Hub at 25th
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Health Hub will offer free kidney health screenings with simple tests and education tips at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Learn about kidney health and resources to support your well-being.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
VCU Globe Speaker Series, International Education Week
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
As International Education Week is celebrated Nov. 17-21, the Global Education Office will host the second VCU Globe Speakers Series featuring VCU Humphrey Fellow Lorato Koosaletse. She will share her journey and insights in a lecture followed by a Q&A. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1941435.
Morton B. Gulak Lecture in Urban and Regional Planning: 'Building Adaptive Community Capacity in Stressful Times'
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at the 2025 Morton B. Gulak Lecture in Urban and Regional Planning featuring Barbara Brown Wilson, Ph.D., associate professor of urban and environmental planning at the University of Virginia. Learn about creative and successful co-design tactics for working with neighborhoods, towns and rural regions grappling with socio-environmental crises. The talk will be given at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-posts/morton-b-gulak-lecture-preview-barbara-brown-wilson-examines-community-capacity-during-uncertain-times.html.
Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health research seminar
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at noon
VCU School of Medicine assistant professor S. "Obi" Aseem, M.D., Ph.D., will discuss "Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Regulation of Cholangiocyte Fibroinflammatory Signaling in Biliary Fibrosis" in the latest SSI research webinar. Join in person (James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, MMEC, Room 3-101, 1201 E Marshall St.), or online by registering at https://bit.ly/47F069n.
For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.
Celebrate National Rural Health Day at VCU With Two Events
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 from noon to 4:30 p.m.
VCU and VCU Health invite you to celebrate National Rural Health Day with two events that highlight the contributions of faculty, staff and students advancing rural health. A virtual roundtable discussion and optional networking will be from noon-1:30 p.m. An in-person gathering will feature the opportunity for networking from 3-4:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/UZnWDKqc8afBoUTM9.
Objects + Methods Lecture Series: Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's Department of Graphic Design will host visiting artists Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme, who work together across a range of sound, image, text, installation and performance practices. Their work is engaged in the intersections between performativity, political imaginaries, the body and virtuality. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87302825915.
'Discerning Truth in a Digital Age: Media Literacy and the Power of AI'
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Facts and Faith Fridays via Zoom. In a world in which headlines, hashtags and AI-generated content flood our screens, discerning what's true has never been more important - or more complex. In this session Lisa Mangenello will discuss how we can be better equipped to navigate today's digital landscape with wisdom, integrity and a commitment to truth. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration
For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.
The Hub Club Presents: Managing Seasonal Depression Featuring the Massey Cancer Center
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants will receive information, share stories and receive support about seasonal affective disorder then will be guided through five “pick-me-ups,” supporting uplifted mood through beauty and practical tips. The event will be at the Hub Club, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Notices
Hourly Research Assistant Position
The Research in Athletes and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) is seeking an hourly research assistant to assist with a new musculoskeletal injury research project. This individual will assist with research operations, including study organization and scheduling, data collection and timely project completion. Applicants will need to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to this position for about 48 weeks (Anticipated start date: late fall 2025). Individuals from all backgrounds will be encouraged to apply, but we expect that those with a background in sports medicine, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or related fields will be most aligned with the position expectations and goals. Apply at https://vcujobs.com/jobs/research-assistant-for-musculoskeletal-research-project-mcv-main-campus-virginia-united-states
For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://vcujobs.com/jobs/research-assistant-for-musculoskeletal-research-project-mcv-main-campus-virginia-united-states__;!!JqxBPMk!l1o_oLbzx5N5B3p7wDrP0t6vrwOusXWCFet_HNId0zc0bfQKKx8_BF8XSfGrYyYjgHkzPGJn9fTSF_tjqaNOumY$.
Feeling Overwhelmed as the Semester Comes To an End?
The Campus Learning Center's Academic Coaches are here to help undergraduate students tackle their to-do list and get organized for final exams. Set up an appointment at https://forms.gle/GSNMQpBx94bf94MXA
For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8108 or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.
TEDxVCU Speaker/Performer Applications - Final Deadline
Do you want to deliver a TEDx Talk on campus? Or do you have a talent you want to showcase to your peers? Questions: Visit tedx@vcu.edu Speaker/performer applications will be accepted at the following URL until Friday, Nov. 14.
For more information, contact Sruthi Ravindran at ravindrans@vcu.edu.
International Education Week - Nov. 17-21
International Education Week promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. Historically, International Education Week has provided institutions in the United States with an opportunity to showcase the people, places and power of global connections among its students, faculty and staff. The Global Education Office has coordinated events and activities throughout the week, which can be viewed at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/iew.
Service-Learning Teaching Assistant Applications
Applications are now open for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the upcoming semesters. SLTAs are undergraduate students who assist an instructor with a service-learning course. SLTAs provide an average of two to five hours per week of teaching assistance throughout the semester, including ongoing group and individual supervision with service-learning administration through a seminar course. Contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/W6kGbynrY3KanoHs7.
Spring 2026 Student Permit Sales
Monroe Park Campus Spring student permit sales will take place Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. For the MCV Lottery process: Lottery signups will be Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. to Thursday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. Lottery assignments will be made Friday, Dec. 5. Lottery award letters will be posted Monday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. Lottery permit sales will be Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. to Friday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. Leftover sales will be Monday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Thinking About 2026 Internships? Drop By Career Services
Now is a great time to start looking for and applying to 2026 internships. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 143 or the satellite office in Hunton Student Center, Suite 205, 1110 E. Broad St. Meet with a Peer Career Counselor during drop-in hours Tuesday-Friday weekly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.
RecWell OAP Spring Break 2026 New Mexico Mountain-Desert Ramble
Travel with VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program for a week of hiking and skiing in the rugged mountains of the New Mexico Rockies. Travel from sunny desert landscapes to the cool powdery ski slopes of Taos Mountain Resort. No camping, hiking or ski experience is necessary, but comfort in cold weather is a must. $1,000/students, $1,500/RecWell members, $2,000/nonmembers. Includes New Mexico ground transportation, two-day lift ticket, food and four nights lodging (two nights tent camping and two nights RV "glamping"). The fee does not include airfare to or from the Albuquerque airport or ski/snowboard rentals. Ski lessons will be available for purchase separately. Email outdoors@vcu.edu for an interest packet or attend an upcoming meeting on Friday. Dec. 12.
For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=64f1bff4-83dd-4b86-a3a8-f6b67a1c17d5.
VCU Band: Come Play With Us
Registration is now open for the University Band (APPM 357), which is open to all VCU students and faculty regardless of experience. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. and performs one to two concerts of music for all each semester. The band is under the direction of professor Duane Coston.
For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.
Be Part of Our Study on Family Meal Ttimes and Health Among Black Families (Compensation Provided)
Black parents, caregivers and their children (ages 8-12) are invited to share their experiences with race, family meal times and health through small group conversations in the Richmond area. This feedback will inform future community programming that promotes family discussions about race, nutritious meals and more. Participating caregivers and youth will receive compensation for their time and insights. If you are still interested, complete our study screener at the following URL.
For more information, contact AYA Research Team at ayaresearch@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o4YLtcFE7mVnkq.
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.