1 p.m.

Judith Klein-Seetharaman, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines, will speak at an online seminar hosted by VCU Chemical and Life Science Engineering. Her topic will be "Signaling by Sensory Receptors in Pocillopora damicornis." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The password is CLSE091620.

For more information, contact Desiney Lowery at dlowery3@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7789 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94046536325.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present a workshop, Understanding Your Writing Process, via Zoom. The link is hosted on the center's events page at the following URL. The workshop will help demystify the college writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, including brainstorming and how to get started to avoid procrastinating until the last minute. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or (540) 598-8097 or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/events/.

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This workshop covers basic and advanced techniques for using your smartphone for quality audio and video recordings. From hidden built-in options to additional applications that can be installed for manual controls, this session will help you feel more confident and comfortable using your smartphone as a recording device. The session will be hosted by the VCU Libraries Workshop. See details at the following URL.

For more information, contact Gregory Kimbrell at kimbrellgg@vcu.edu or (804) 393-2951 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2020-2021/wednesdays-in-the-workshop.html.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will host a virtual informational session for graduate students. Learn how the National Scholarship Office can be supportive in applying for external funding opportunities and the opportunities that are available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar.

6 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will present "Social Justice and Also Economic Justice." This program will highlight economic justice, how it benefits everyone and actions that can be taken to promote it. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Monquell Middleton at mamiddleton@vcu.edu or visit http://linktr.ee/vcuomsa.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCUarts The Anderson, in collaboration with the VCUarts Department of Dance and Choreography, will present a prerecorded broadcast of a performance of "Facets of Esoterics" choreographed by faculty member Sinclair Emoghene. The link to the video will be posted Sept. 16 on the event page at the following URL.

For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or (703) 282-0530 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/sinclair-emoghene-facets-of-esoterics-prerecorded-broadcast/.

12 p.m.

VCU librarians Erica Brody and Hillary Miller will talk participants through a session on "During the COVID-19 pandemic, how do we balance the 'need for speed' with the risks of moving too fast when evaluating the quality of research to make important decisions?" Free. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2020-2021-ongoing/ayr-webinars-2020-21.html.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, in partnership with Virginia Union University, will host a virtual symposium honoring the legacy of L. Douglas Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia, the country’s first elected African American governor and the namesake of the school. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Wilder’s inauguration. The symposium will feature lectures, panel discussions and a keynote address by Wilder. Register at wilder30 to attend the entire event or individual sessions.

For more information, contact Katie Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0867 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-articles/virtual-symposium-to-commemorate-30th-anniversary-of-gov-l-douglas-wilders-inauguration.html.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

You First at VCU will present an interactive discussion at which Denisha Scott (Altria Scholars) will explore the impact college terminology can have on first-generation students. She will focus on solutions for a better understanding of the language. Visit the following URL for a list of topics in the series.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will host a virtual informational session about the Truman Scholarship, an award geared toward juniors planning to pursue careers in public service. The scholarship provides leadership development, an internship opportunity in Washington, D.C., and up to $30,000 for graduate studies. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Carrie Peterson, Ph.D., assistant professor, Biomedical Engineering, will discuss the NIH’s Loan Repayment Program and how it has impacted her research career. Register at the following URL. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Pam Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1519 or visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwrc-qspz8jEtKHunOCzbR3hLNvc52E58qj.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will host two identical virtual informational sessions geared toward current graduate students and recent graduate alumni about the Presidential Management Fellowship, an award that aims to prepare future government leaders through a two-year appointment within a federal agency. The sessions will be held at noon Sept. 17 and 2 p.m. Sept. 18. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

University Counseling Services will sponsor a virtual prize wheel. Gain information and resources about suicide prevention. All participants are entered into a raffle for a UCS care package. Questions: http://counseling.vcu.edu. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Coffill at cscoffill@vcu.edu or (646) 753-0011 or visit https://zoom.us/j/91320243425?pwd=S1VBazN1aDBsZm9QWnFod3BiY29nUT09.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn more about VCU's Online MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This 45-minute online presentation will provide an overview of the program, ranked 35th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and how to apply. A question-and-answer segment will follow the presentation. Questions, https://business.vcu.edu/academics/mba-options/online-mba/. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Robert Clarkson at rmclarkson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1597 or visit https://business.vcu.edu/academics/mba-options/online-mba/.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The VCU Honors College will host Elizabeth Redford, executive director and co-founder of the Next Move Program, for a Berglund seminar. She will discuss common diverse abilities and their challenges, the Disability Civil Rights Movement and the best ways to advocate for this group and push for inclusive change. Contact the following email address for the event link.

For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/220384549275064/.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 at 7 p.m.

The Society of Bioinformatics will hold its first general body meeting to connect with students and faculty and to learn about the field of bioinformatics. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jacob Essig at societyofbioinformatics1@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/my/sobnfo.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 at 7 p.m.

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native American in Science, SACNAS, is an inclusive student organization dedicated to help Hispanic and Native American students achieve academic success in STEM. The members of the group will discuss upcoming events at its first general body meeting of the semester. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact SACNAS at VCU at sacnasatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81901917716?pwd=b1g0UDdrOVlFM1J5RXJTSlYxcWdTdz09.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The International Pre-Health Student Association will host a National Eczema Association event on the VCU Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave. The event will focus on involvement in eczema research.

For more information, contact Hala Idris at idrish@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Working committees for the GSA's representative council will be assigned and relevant topics will be discussed. Register via RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Ann Kee at keesa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/gsa/rsvp_boot?id=775060.

Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Acute Care and Systems Strengthening in Low-Resource Settings Program at the VCU School of Medicine will present the symposium. Explore factors limiting acute-care delivery across the globe, hear from health care leaders working to mitigate these challenges and learn how individuals can help. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hunter Hewlett at hewlettwh@vcu.edu or (757) 761-4543 or visit http://Rampages.us/access/symposium.

Monday, Sep. 21, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join VCU Human Resources and Recreational Sports to strengthen all the body's major muscle groups by participating in a bodyweight strength fitness class. Participants will be guided through a series of high-repetition exercises targeting the chest, back, arms, legs, glutes and core. Register in Talent@VCU.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU Environmental Health and Safety will hold online training for those who handle dangerous goods. Register for the class through BioRaft for Zoom information.

For more information, contact Barbara Back at bjback@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0345.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to noon

The Center for Corporate Education will present the Coaching for Leaders and Managers program online for Fall 2020. This course is geared for managers, supervisors and leaders who want to strengthen their skills and empower their staff. This class will run on two half-day mornings, on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Carrie Hawes at cjhawes@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/corped.

Beginning at 10 p.m. on Sept. 16, VCU Technology Services will complete the upgrade to the Avaya Telecommunications servers. Users should expect two, five-to-10-minute outages of all phones on the VCU, VCUHealth and Children’s Hospital of Richmond-Brook Road campuses. Make sure to have an alternate means of communication during the entire maintenance outage.

For more information, contact Lynne Williams at ljwillia@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2880 or visit https://ts.vcu.edu/askit/knowledge-base/telecommunications/.

VCU Human Resources and Walgreens are bringing flu immunization clinics to both campuses in September and October. Appointments must be made in advance and all CDC guidelines will be followed including social distancing and screening. See details at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

VCU's Health Promotion and Well-Being Center (The Well) is partnering with VCU Recreational Sports to offer two weekly virtual, group-guided meditation sessions for VCU students, faculty and staff. Thirty-minute sessions, suitable for all levels of practice, will be offered at noon on Tuesdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Schedule an appointment at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or visit https://thewell.vcu.edu/programs/resilience-lab/.

The VCU Work-Study Research Assistant Program was designed to give undergraduates the opportunity to gain insight into the research process while providing assistance to faculty mentors and research groups. The program is in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid to utilize federal work-study funds to support undergraduate research assistants for VCU mentors. The program is funded by financial aid awards and paid by the hour at no cost to faculty or their departments. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research at hhill@vcu.edu or visit https://provost.vcu.edu/initiatives/urop/work-study-research-assistant-program/.

Annual Member Benefit Profiles are now available for Virginia Retirement System participants, reflecting data through June 30. VRS participants can access their profiles by logging in at the following URL. Employees without computer access may request printed copies by contacting VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration, at the following telephone number.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://myvrs.varetire.org/login/.

Active Minds at VCU is a mental health advocacy club on campus dedicated to encouraging peer-to-peer conversations about mental health and providing resources to those in need. The organization is currently looking to fill officer positions. Apply at the following URL. Individuals whose applications are approved may be called for a Zoom interview.

For more information, contact Rachel Bastien at activeminds4vcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/BdgSiWkoQMJXrc7v7.

A clinical trial in the emergency department finds no difference in efficacy or adverse effects of three commonly used treatments for patients with refractory status epilepticus. The ESETT trial was conducted through the NIH-funded Neurological Emergencies Treatment Trials Network. VCU Medical Center enrolled one patient or 0.2% of the total trial enrollment. The trial compared three medications commonly given to patients with status epilepticus. The three medicines that were studied were levetiracetam (Keppra), fosphenytoin (Cerebryx) and valproate (Depacon). The research found that all three medicines were similarly effective and similarly safe. None of the three medicines were better than the others. Doctors can now confidently use any of these medications to treat patients with status epilepticus. The results were published in the Nov. 28, 2019 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. More details about the research results are available at the study website esett.org.

For more information, contact Kyle Narron at knarron@vcu.edu or (804) 628-1072 or visit http://esett.org.