12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Black History Month committee invites participation in a lunch and learn which will unpack the impact of social messages, ideals and perceptions of Black women as being “strong." This program, part of a series about misperceptions of Black women, will also focus on dismantling myths and building a common cultural knowledge. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abey Wachira, Ph.D., at wachiraam@vcu.edu or visit http://thecommonsvcu.com/StrongBlackWomen-Lunch.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Poetry Club will virtually hold its first event, an introduction to the club. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Maheen Farooqi at farooqims@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/99428908072.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a workshop on strategies for writing productivity. The goal of the workshop is to allow a safe space for academics to ask questions, receive feedback and develop a plan incorporating the strategies discussed. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/BxfzEUS7a6VbeuQp6.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The first step to a good podcast isn’t a good podcast idea. It’s a good podcast pitch. If you are just starting out, you may not know the difference. If you are working on your pitch, you might need some help with refinement. This session will be led by Chioke I’Anson, Ph.D., VPM + ICA Community Media Center's director of community media.

For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/developing-your-podcast-pitch/.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 at noon

Learn how to track spending and establish savings goals at a program hosted by VCU HR, VCUHS HR and Virginia Credit Union about practical advice for creating and sticking to a budget. Register in Talent at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/2O4lJd3.

Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 at 8 p.m.

The Jazz 4 Justice virtual concert will feature the VCU Jazz Orchestra I, Jazz Orchestra II, Small Jazz Ensembles, Choral Arts Society, Vox Concordia, J4J scholarship recipients, retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice John Charles Thomas (whose poetry speaks of social justice) and former Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia Anne Holton, directing the VCU JO I. The free concert can be streamed at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's School of World Studies will present a Zoom webinar, "Black Jews in North America." The panel will feature three speakers: Rebecca Pierce, Tema Smith and Sherrina Gibson. David Weinfeld will moderate. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Weinfeld at daweinfeld@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ca0nZdQwTUaPB0BexICSyg.

Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU's Human Research Protection Program are hosting open consulting hours virtually via Zoom. Consultants from various research areas will be available for consultations with faculty, staff and students from any school or department at VCU. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nyssa Towsley at ntowsley@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1157 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=9PEXYCJTYN.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a workshop on exploring the magical power you possess when you believe you are a capable writer. Walk away with strategies to gain more of that magic for your own writing. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/a7WX9J3mfUhn12hs9.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Join VCU Human Resources and Anthem EAP for a positive look at negative events. The discussion will also include the topic of grit. Register in Talent at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3jnqv0R.

Friday, Mar. 19, 2021 at 5 p.m.

One Simple Wish is an organization dedicated to helping spread joy to children who have been in foster care. V3 (Virtual Volunteer at VCU) will be hosting a virtual talent show fundraiser, for all VCU students to share their talents. Share their talent by submitting a video through the following URL. Those who attend can vote for their favorite talent by donating $2 each for a raffle ticket to win a separate prize.

For more information, contact Sneha R. Gade at gadesr2@vcu.edu or (703) 537-9085 or visit https://forms.gle/e7Dt1kKemRMC9L216.

Do you know an outstanding administrative and office support staff who enhances the image and mission of VCU and VCU Health? The nomination site for the Dorris Douglas Budd Award is now open. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/recognition-and-awards/. Submit nominations at the following URL by Feb. 28.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSek6puAneAZfuUcM9e27g3iLdnhG0qj2y4SKVJ-lbArkqRIuw/viewform?usp=sf_link.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will hold a virtual teaching symposia on April 2 and April 23. Proposals are sought that highlight teaching and learning excellence, especially inclusive teaching practices. Presentations are welcome that have been presented nationally, as well as works in progress. Presentations should be 15 to 20 minutes. Submissions are due no later than 11:30 p.m. Feb. 19.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://ctle.vcu.edu/events/symposium/.

VCUDine has modified dining hours and locations based on results from a recent survey of dining plan holders. Beginning Feb. 15, Hours will be changed at the following locations: Market 810, AVO, Cabell Starbucks, Au Bon Pain, Pizza Hut and Chili’s. Bleecker Street will return soon in M810. See the new hours at the following URL or follow @VCU_Dining on social.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

TEDx is returning to VCU on April 10. TEDxVCU, sponsored by The Commons, is seeking out big ideas worth hearing from students, staff, faculty and alumni. A diverse and idea-driven lineup is sought, including talks and performances from a wide variety of voices in the university community. Questions: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/home/. Applications are being accepted through March 5 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at jraibolt@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Ba5oBY3ypUpsx1sy8.