Student Issue for October 8, 2020

Special Announcement

University Events Impacted Due to COVID-19

Events featured in TelegRAM have been moved to an online setting to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Please check with organizers for assistance in accessing the online venue. Information about the university's One VCU: Responsible Together plan for a phased return to campus is available at https://together.vcu.edu. It is the source for the latest VCU updates. You can also receive VCU Together notifications. Download "VCU Mobile" from your iOS or Android App Store, or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu with your smartphone and select the appropriate link.

Today

Gabbidon To Headline October Doctoral Lecture

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 11:00:00 08-10-2020 12:15:00 America/New_York Gabbidon To Headline October Doctoral Lecture The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a lecture featuring Shaun L. Gabbidon, Ph.D., author and professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg. Gabbidon is an expert contributor to the field of race and ethnic issues in criminology. His talk will be "Perceptions of Criminality and Victimization Among Pennsylvanians: Exploring Whether Racial/Ethnic Minorities Get a Fair Shake." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Zoom Katie Huynh huynhkp@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a lecture featuring Shaun L. Gabbidon, Ph.D., author and professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg. Gabbidon is an expert contributor to the field of race and ethnic issues in criminology. His talk will be "Perceptions of Criminality and Victimization Among Pennsylvanians: Exploring Whether Racial/Ethnic Minorities Get a Fair Shake." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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/-gabbidon-headlines-october-doctoral-lecture.html.

How to Connect With Professors

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 14:00:00 08-10-2020 14:50:00 America/New_York How to Connect With Professors Daphne Rankin, Ph.D., associate vice president, Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, will speak at a virtual workshop hosted by You First at VCU. Participants will learn techniques for communicating with professors, including how to structure that first "office hours" visit. Ever feel like you're intruding on their time? You're actually not! Learn how connecting with them can begin a lifetime of support. Questions: https://youfirst.vcu.edu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlcOiuqjMjH9EHBZyErT7aX2K3KgRomebm Elizabeth Bambacus bambacuses@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Daphne Rankin, Ph.D., associate vice president, Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, will speak at a virtual workshop hosted by You First at VCU. Participants will learn techniques for communicating with professors, including how to structure that first "office hours" visit. Ever feel like you're intruding on their time? You're actually not! Learn how connecting with them can begin a lifetime of support. Questions: https://youfirst.vcu.edu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlcOiuqjMjH9EHBZyErT7aX2K3KgRomebm.

Managing Your Time and Energy as a College Student in a Pandemic

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 15:30:00 08-10-2020 16:30:00 America/New_York Managing Your Time and Energy as a College Student in a Pandemic The Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge will host a student workshop focusing on tips to help participants prioritize and feel more in control of time and energy. Hear from two FILL Peer Mentors, former successful Focused Inquiry students, each of whom has a different approach to scheduling time. Questions: https://linktr.ee/vcufill. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Zoom Hannah Franz askinh@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

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

The Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge will host a student workshop focusing on tips to help participants prioritize and feel more in control of time and energy. Hear from two FILL Peer Mentors, former successful Focused Inquiry students, each of whom has a different approach to scheduling time. Questions: https://linktr.ee/vcufill. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hannah Franz at askinh@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3ivHxry.

VCU Health Webinar Series: It Takes a Team to Heal From Breast Cancer

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 17:30:00 08-10-2020 18:30:00 America/New_York VCU Health Webinar Series: It Takes a Team to Heal From Breast Cancer No woman should face breast cancer alone. And they don't have to. Treatment of breast cancer involves a team of experts across many different specialties. At VCU Massey Cancer Center, team members combine their knowledge, expertise and experience to coordinate breast cancer care. Join Massey experts for a panel discussion on the importance of a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach during breast cancer care. https://www.facebook.com/VCUMasseyCancerCenter Blake Belden beldenba@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

No woman should face breast cancer alone. And they don't have to. Treatment of breast cancer involves a team of experts across many different specialties. At VCU Massey Cancer Center, team members combine their knowledge, expertise and experience to coordinate breast cancer care. Join Massey experts for a panel discussion on the importance of a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach during breast cancer care.

For more information, contact Blake Belden at beldenba@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/VCUMasseyCancerCenter.

Camp Kesem First General Board Meeting

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 18:00:00 08-10-2020 19:00:00 America/New_York Camp Kesem First General Board Meeting Learn more about Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit organization that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. The VCU chapter hosts free summer camps and year-round programming to provide these children with a supportive community. The organization has opportunities for volunteers to gain student leadership experience. Questions: https://www.campkesem.org/find-a-camp/camp-kesem-at-virginia-commonwealth-university. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The meeting ID is 945 0312 0024. https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94503120024 Meeting ID: 945 0312 0024 Sumaya Smarony vcu.volunteer@campkesem.org DD/MM/YYYY

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn more about Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit organization that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. The VCU chapter hosts free summer camps and year-round programming to provide these children with a supportive community. The organization has opportunities for volunteers to gain student leadership experience. Questions: https://www.campkesem.org/find-a-camp/camp-kesem-at-virginia-commonwealth-university. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The meeting ID is 945 0312 0024.

For more information, contact Sumaya Smarony at vcu.volunteer@campkesem.org or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94503120024.

Exploration of Different Fields in Health Care

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 19:00:00 08-10-2020 America/New_York Exploration of Different Fields in Health Care United Healthcare Network will hold an interactive discussion about the different fields of health care open to those with a degree. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The password is ajRLUnNtT0p0eVdtZkcrVE9YOVEwUT09. Zoom Suzannah Boaz uhcnatvcu@gmail.com DD/MM/YYYY

7 p.m.

United Healthcare Network will hold an interactive discussion about the different fields of health care open to those with a degree. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The password is ajRLUnNtT0p0eVdtZkcrVE9YOVEwUT09.

For more information, contact Suzannah Boaz at uhcnatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81081302747?.

Let's Talk: Being Latinx in STEM Discussion

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 19:00:00 08-10-2020 America/New_York Let's Talk: Being Latinx in STEM Discussion As part of Latinx Heritage Month, join the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science at VCU for an open-ended discussion about experiences as a Latinx student in STEM. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Virtual Kim Green greenk2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

7 p.m.

As part of Latinx Heritage Month, join the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science at VCU for an open-ended discussion about experiences as a Latinx student in STEM. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kim Green at greenk2@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa.

VCU Fall Jazz Festival

Add to calendar 08-10-2020 20:00:00 08-10-2020 America/New_York VCU Fall Jazz Festival Hear VCU Jazz Orchestras I and II and faculty perform in a special free four-set concert, livestreamed at the URL below, at the first VCU Music ensemble concert since March. The event will feature music by Bob Brookmeyer, Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Bill Holman, Oliver Nelson, Sonny Rollins, Ann Ronell, Wayne Shorter, Sadao Watanabe, Victor Young and more. Questions: http://jazz.vcu.edu. livestream at go.vcu.edu/concerthall Antonio Garcia, director of Jazz Studies, ajgarcia@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

8 p.m.

Hear VCU Jazz Orchestras I and II and faculty perform in a special free four-set concert, livestreamed at the URL below, at the first VCU Music ensemble concert since March. The event will feature music by Bob Brookmeyer, Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Bill Holman, Oliver Nelson, Sonny Rollins, Ann Ronell, Wayne Shorter, Sadao Watanabe, Victor Young and more. Questions: http://jazz.vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Antonio Garcia, director of Jazz Studies, at ajgarcia@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/concerthall.

This week

One in Christ Fellowship General Body Meeting

Add to calendar 09-10-2020 19:15:00 09-10-2020 21:00:00 America/New_York One in Christ Fellowship General Body Meeting One in Christ Fellowship will meet via Zoom. The link will be posted on the organization's Facebook group on Oct. 9. zoom Yeji Hwang hwangy3@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.

One in Christ Fellowship will meet via Zoom. The link will be posted on the organization's Facebook group on Oct. 9.

For more information, contact Yeji Hwang at hwangy3@vcu.edu or (703) 861-4056 or visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/oneinchristfellowship.

Application and Interview Tips and Tricks Workshop

Add to calendar 11-10-2020 14:00:00 11-10-2020 America/New_York Application and Interview Tips and Tricks Workshop MEDLIFE at VCU will present its Application and Interview Tips and Tricks Workshop for all students via Zoom. The focus will be on strengthening job applications and the keys to a strong interview. Questions: https://www.instagram.com/medlifevcu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. https://vcu.zoom.us/j/95537321031 MEDLIFE at VCU medlifevcu@gmail.com DD/MM/YYYY

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at 2 p.m.

MEDLIFE at VCU will present its Application and Interview Tips and Tricks Workshop for all students via Zoom. The focus will be on strengthening job applications and the keys to a strong interview. Questions: https://www.instagram.com/medlifevcu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact MEDLIFE at VCU at medlifevcu@gmail.com or visit https://www.instagram.com/medlifevcu/.

Coming up

Black Mental Health Matters: The Black Experience Unplugged

Add to calendar 13-10-2020 16:00:00 13-10-2020 17:00:00 America/New_York Black Mental Health Matters: The Black Experience Unplugged Join Myriam T. Kadeba, Ph.D., staff clinician, University Counseling Center, for an interactive session on why black mental health matters for first-year black students. What do racial identity and mental health have to do with each other? What are the psychological effects of navigating a predominantly white institution? And where on campus can black students find culturally relevant support for their mental health and well-being? This program is a safe space for black students. This program will be hosted by University Academic Advising. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Register on the provided URL for the Zoom link Allison Norden nordenan@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Myriam T. Kadeba, Ph.D., staff clinician, University Counseling Center, for an interactive session on why black mental health matters for first-year black students. What do racial identity and mental health have to do with each other? What are the psychological effects of navigating a predominantly white institution? And where on campus can black students find culturally relevant support for their mental health and well-being? This program is a safe space for black students. This program will be hosted by University Academic Advising. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Allison Norden at nordenan@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAod-iprT8iHtAjVI1xXe8gDIdCFPsJ67TQ.

'Disruptive Situations: Fractal Orientalism and Queer Strategies in Beirut'

Add to calendar 13-10-2020 16:00:00 13-10-2020 America/New_York 'Disruptive Situations: Fractal Orientalism and Queer Strategies in Beirut' Sociology@VCU and Alpha Kappa Delta's Distinguished Lecture Series will present Ghassan Moussawi, Ph.D., assistant professor of Gender and Women’s Studies and Sociology at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. He will present findings from his book, uncovering the underlying processes of “fractal orientalism,” a relational understanding of modernity and cosmopolitanism that illustrates how transnational discourses of national and sexual exceptionalism operate on multiple scales in the Arab world. Email the following address for the RSPV link. Zoom: https://rb.gy/g7qksw Alexandria Quezada arquezada@mymail.vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Sociology@VCU and Alpha Kappa Delta's Distinguished Lecture Series will present Ghassan Moussawi, Ph.D., assistant professor of Gender and Women’s Studies and Sociology at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. He will present findings from his book, uncovering the underlying processes of “fractal orientalism,” a relational understanding of modernity and cosmopolitanism that illustrates how transnational discourses of national and sexual exceptionalism operate on multiple scales in the Arab world. Email the following address for the RSPV link.

For more information, contact Alexandria Quezada at arquezada@mymail.vcu.edu or visit https://rb.gy/g7qksw.

One VCU Clinical Research Teams Meeting

Add to calendar 13-10-2020 09:00:00 13-10-2020 09:50:00 America/New_York One VCU Clinical Research Teams Meeting VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host the monthly One VCU Clinical Research Teams meeting via Zoom. Register for the link at the following URL. Zoom Emily Komornik komornikea@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host the monthly One VCU Clinical Research Teams meeting via Zoom. Register for the link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or (434) 334-9254 or visit https://zoom.us/j/94469711463.

Success Seminar Series: Cultivating Healthy Habits

Add to calendar 14-10-2020 12:00:00 14-10-2020 12:45:00 America/New_York Success Seminar Series: Cultivating Healthy Habits Bernadette Snyder, M.S., Division of Academic Success, will help participants explore virtual self-care routines and guidance in finding work-life balance at an event hosted by VCU's Office of Student Experience. Register at the following URL. Virtual Chelsea Gary garycs@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Bernadette Snyder, M.S., Division of Academic Success, will help participants explore virtual self-care routines and guidance in finding work-life balance at an event hosted by VCU's Office of Student Experience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chelsea Gary at garycs@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/vphs/OSEReg/Form.aspx?EventTypeID=1.

Recovery Ally Training

Add to calendar 14-10-2020 09:00:00 14-10-2020 12:00:00 America/New_York Recovery Ally Training Rams in Recovery invites faculty, staff and students to a training session designed to help participants better support students and loved ones in recovery. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. via Zoom Thomas N. Bannard bannardtn@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 from 9 a.m. to noon

Rams in Recovery invites faculty, staff and students to a training session designed to help participants better support students and loved ones in recovery. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Thomas N. Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or (804) 366-8027 or visit https://goo.gl/2hY6KC.

GSA October General Body Meeting

Add to calendar 15-10-2020 12:00:00 15-10-2020 America/New_York GSA October General Body Meeting Reuban Rodriguez, Ph.D., will give a brief talk about the upcoming election and voter information at a general body meeting of the Graduate Student Association. Register via RamsConnect. https://vcu.campusgroups.com/gsa/rsvp_boot?id=838039 Ann Kee gsa@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 at noon

Reuban Rodriguez, Ph.D., will give a brief talk about the upcoming election and voter information at a general body meeting of the Graduate Student Association. Register via RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Ann Kee at gsa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/gsa/rsvp_boot?id=838039.

Dollar$ and Sen$e: Cleaning Up Your Credit

Add to calendar 15-10-2020 12:00:00 15-10-2020 12:45:00 America/New_York Dollar$ and Sen$e: Cleaning Up Your Credit Pemra Cetin, assistant dean of VCU's School of Medicine, will discuss the importance of managing debt at a session hosted by the Office of Student Experience. No credit? No problem. She will also cover what to look out for when applying for credit. Register at the following URL. Virtual Chelsea Gary garycs@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Pemra Cetin, assistant dean of VCU's School of Medicine, will discuss the importance of managing debt at a session hosted by the Office of Student Experience. No credit? No problem. She will also cover what to look out for when applying for credit. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chelsea Gary at garycs@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/vphs/OSEReg/Form.aspx?EventTypeID=2.

Notices

Free Flu Vaccines Available

University Student Health Services offers free flu vaccines to all students on both campuses. The flu vaccine is available during immunization hours by appointment only or immediately following a scheduled medical appointment. Call Monroe Park Campus at (804) 827-8047 or MCV at (804) 828-9220 to schedule an appointment for the flu vaccine. University Student Health Services is located on both campuses: Monroe Park Campus at 1300 W. Broad St., Suite 2200, and MCV campus at 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305.

For more information, contact University Student Health Services at ushsimmuniz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8047 or visit https://health.students.vcu.edu/.

Applications Open for Presidential Student Ambassador Program

The Presidential Student Ambassadors Program is looking for new ambassadors to represent VCU. Ambassadors will gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, network with VCU administrators and public officials, serve as university hosts at various events and interact with a wide network of students, faculty and staff. Apply at the following URL by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11.

For more information, contact Stephen Davenport at psambassadors@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1juSmAo7OCS0M72a0DZynwXsP9bRJNnfdLP-jTwt8aLA/edit?usp=sharing.

Fall Midterm Grades Are Now Available

Students are encouraged to log onto eServices to begin checking whether their professors submitted a Midterm grade for one or more classes. If you have received a Midterm grade indicating unsatisfactory academic progress, see your instructor or academic advisor. The last day to withdraw from classes is Nov. 24.

For more information, contact The Office of Records and Registration at rar@vcu.edu or visit http://www.eservices.vcu.edu.

Degree Works System To Be Upgraded

The Degree Works system will be upgraded from Version 4 to Version 5 in November. Degree Works is a web-based degree audit tool that helps students and advisers monitor progress toward degree completion. The functionality will be the same, but the look and feel will be very different. Degree Works 5 will be available to students through eServices beginning Nov. 9. It is very important to become familiar with Degree Works 5 because Degree Works 4 will no longer be available after Dec. 18. Until that time, both systems may be used.

For more information, contact the Degree Audit Office at degreeaudit@vcu.edu or visit https://rar.vcu.edu/audit/.

Support for Pell Grant Students With Children

The VCU Child Development Center is accepting applications from Pell Grant recipients who are VCU undergraduate students with children between 16 months and 5 years of age. The purpose of this grant is to provide child-care support for VCU students to ensure their retention and persistence to graduation. To complete a wait-list application, go to: https://bit.ly/2F15w3U. To learn more: https://bit.ly/36zpmyP.

For more information, contact Thomas Beatty, Ed.D., at thbeatty@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7377 or visit https://cdc.soe.vcu.edu/.

Regalia Assistance

A Division of Student Affairs fund provides relief for students needing financial assistance purchasing regalia. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students who will participate in Commencement activities may apply for assistance. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Reuban Rodriguez, Ph.D., at vcudean@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8940 or visit https://dos.vcu.edu/services/financial-support/.

Volunteers Needed for Study Evaluating Neural Pathway Excitability

The VCU Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking volunteers participate in an investigation into the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation and its relationship to brain anatomy. This study involves transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is a noninvasive and widely used brain stimulation technique, and MRI, which is a nonradiation-based form of imaging. Volunteers will be compensated for their time and travel. At 737 N. Fifth St. and the Collaborative Advanced Research Imaging Center, 203 E. Cary St.

For more information, contact Neil Mittal at mittaln3@mymail.vcu.edu or visit https://real.lab.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.