Student Issue for March 12, 2026
Today
A New Way of Life (AA Meeting)
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join A New Way of Life, held every Thursday. This program is a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that provides a supportive and confidential environment. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or length of sobriety. Meetings are held at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
'DAIR' (Disability Advocates in Research) to Engage: Trust and Tailored Recruitment Strategies for Inclusive IDD (Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities) Research
12 p.m.
You are invited to the next session in the Division of Community Engagement’s Community Engaged Research Series, which will highlight inclusive and disability-affirming approaches to research with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPNzwbLujL7y2EhhfqAgEMaMLgPWQJhV0LZMU9mtc9LswazA/viewform?usp=header.
Professional Skill-Building Day
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Richmond Youth Development Network at the Mary and Frances Youth Center in the Division of Community Engagement will host a professional skill building day at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond Teen Center, 1830 Creighton Road. The session is open to professionals in youth services, health, education and more. The event will feature interactive workshops on bio writing, social media networking, AI-powered writing tools, plus free professional headshots and opportunities to connect with Richmond leaders. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYx8mfxLG6wUyK-siC3MUkp4T189EIKwxvW4tMnnBrjwaHVw/viewform.
This week
Informational Session: VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program
Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture for a virtual informational session to explore the school's M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how these programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. Join the meeting directly at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
Enjoy a Cup of Kindness With the VCU Health Hub
Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cup of Kindness is a two-hour, open-invitation program with a mindfulness and stress management activity followed by warm beverages and social time at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Join us on the second Friday of each month for a conversation led by Leslie Stelljes Nanson, co-founder and clinical psychologist from Aspen Grove Wellness, centered on the importance of social well-being and the relationships in our lives. Explore how connection supports mental health, resilience and our sense of belonging. This conversation is designed to spark reflection, encourage curiosity and inspire us to build and strengthen the relationships in our social universe. All are welcome.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Side-by-Side Exchange
Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026 at noon
Faculty, community leaders and government practitioners will convene for a side-by-side exchange exploring collaborative solutions to food access and security challenges. Join the conversation via Zoom hosted by VCU's Division of Community Engagement as academic insight and community expertise come together. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7bIQgfuukfLnhGyFTppj1fCLPsiqMG5QfZHIazemjvxoUzg/viewform?usp=header.
Second Year Experience Design Thinking Session 2
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join the Office of First and Second Year Experiences and the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation for an engaging design thinking workshop at which you will help to map the student experience at VCU. The session will be at SHIFT Retai Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Earn a Credly badge in design thinking for participating, enjoy free pizza and even have a chance to win LEGO kits. No experience needed, just bring your curiosity, ideas and energy. Gain hands-on practice with design thinking tools while shaping how future students learn and connect.
For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu.
Get Your Hands Dirty: Spring Landscaping Workshop at the Institute for Contemporary Art
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026 at 9 a.m.
Come to the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., to help with landscaping for spring. Work alongside experts from VCU’s Sustainability and Grounds teams. Learn professional techniques for natural landscape management, including trimming and weeding native grasses to promote healthy growth and identifying sustainable plant care practices.
For more information, contact Michael Lease at leasemk@vcu.edu.
Service-Learning Informational Session
Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon
Join this informational session to learn how service-learning enhances student learning through real-world experience, supports faculty with high-impact teaching and community partnerships and creates meaningful, reciprocal service that benefits the community. Participants will explore available resources, course options and designations, and easy ways to become involved in service-learning and experiential education across the institution. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fnkgEiYh4zbDvcYz6.
Peer Career Advisers Tabling at Honors College - Learn About Internship Funding
Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about jobs and internships, or what the Career Services office has to offer? Come chat with the Peer Career Advisers (PCAs) at the Honors College. PCAs will be tabling and ready to answer your questions or direct you to helpful resources. You can also ask about the VCU Internship Funding Program, which provides undergraduate students with up to $5,000 in funding to support summer internships. The event will be in the lobby of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram/.
The Fourth Annual Accounting Expo
Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Department of Accounting will host its fourth annual Accounting Expo in the School of Business atrium in Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. The expo will include free food, free VCU swag, free professional headshots, a balloon artist and a whole lot of career paths you've probably never considered. The carnival-style event is designed for every VCU student, whether you're studying engineering, political science, medicine, the arts, business or anything in between. This is not a career fair. Think of it more like a backstage pass to some of the most interesting careers you didn't know existed.
For more information, contact Alisa Brink at busaccounting@vcu.edu.
VCU Day of Service: Serving With Purpose
Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Day of Service – a universitywide opportunity to partner with local organizations and support meaningful work across the greater Richmond region. Join colleagues in strengthening community partnerships while contributing to shared impact beyond campus. Employees are encouraged to use their allotted community service hours to participate. Sign up for a service project at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/events/dayofservice/.
Just Write! Data Stories: Communicating Clearly With Charts and Graphs
Friday, Mar. 20, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At this workshop for graduate students, learn how to help your audience better understand your quantitative information, including picking the right chart type, how to draw viewer attention to important points and a big emphasis on how (and why) to declutter your your visualizations. The workshop will be in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. The Writing Center will also offer consultations from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberry@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942946.
Stack The Deck: The Entrepreneurship Edition
Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Join the Activities Programming Board to explore the parallels between the game of Spades and the world of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned Spades player or a novice, this event will teach you how to think ahead, strategize, partner effectively and take calculated risks; all essential skills for successful entrepreneurship. The event will be in the ballrooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris at thompkinshs@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/apb/events/.
Shabbat Dinner With VCU President and Mrs. Michael Rao
Friday, Mar. 27, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Jewish Life at VCU will host a shabbat dinner with VCU President and Mrs. Michael Rao at Chabad House, 1003 Grove Ave., for an evening of fine food, community, connection and celebration. An RSVP is required. Text President to (804) 735-1070.
For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/47054.
Notices
Keep Voting: VCU Advances in STAT Madness
VCU has made it to the second round of STAT Madness, the national bracket-style competition to determine the year’s best innovation in biomedical research. Voting is now open for the second round, which closes at 4 a.m. ET on Monday, March 16. Those interested can vote once per day and can sign up to receive updates through STAT when each new round of voting begins.
For more information, contact Mary Kate Brogan at broganm2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.statnews.com/feature/stat-madness/bracket-voting-now-open/.
Help Us Build a Fitness App That Reflects the Needs of Young Black Women
Black women ages 18-35 who have no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share their perspectives about resistance exercise and 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 for 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.
Collaborating for a New Kind of Health
Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months.
For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.
Spotlight on National Brain Injury Awareness Month: Participants Sought for the VCU HERO Study
March marks National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with the long-term effects of brain injury and the continued need for innovative research to support their recovery. In recognition of this, the VCU HERO Study is currently enrolling veterans and active-duty service members to help researchers better understand how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback may support recovery from persistent symptoms after concussion mild traumatic brain injury. The study involves noninvasive assessments and guided HRV biofeedback or educational sessions, conducted at the VCU Medical Center West Hospital, located at 1200 E. Broad St. Compensation is available for eligible participants. We are seeking individuals who meet the following criteria: You are a veteran or active-duty service member. (Civilians may become eligible in the future and can request placement on a wait list.) You experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) at least one year ago. You continue to experience ongoing symptoms from that injury (e.g., headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue). You live within driving distance of Richmond. If you or someone in your network may be eligible, contact our study team at the following telephonenumber or email address.
For more information, contact Urenna Orazulike at HEROStudy@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9692 or visit http://www.hero-study.org/.
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.