12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a Lunch and Learn featuring M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A., commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health. Oliver will discuss Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign and administration response. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. For more information, contact James Wasilewski, director of development, at wasilewskijr@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-articles/virginias-covid-19-vaccine-planning-and-administration-response.html.

For more information, contact Katie Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu or (703) 269-8237 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__d6-0BxjTES24EvWRYh8cw.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Money Spot is seeking applicants for fall 2021 and spring 2022. The program is for undergraduate students at VCU to receive financial education through one-to-one coaching appointments and through workshops or programs throughout the academic year. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact The Money Spot at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/96036450338.

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

With the rising popularity of independent media and the increasing accessibility of podcasts, it can sometimes be difficult to make sense of what's really going on out in the world. This session covers tips and techniques for engaging with the political realm of podcasting, in terms of both the technical and the ethical. The session will be hosted by the VCU Libraries Workshop.

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.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 from noon to 6 p.m.

VCUarts and The Anderson, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St., will present the 2021 Senior Capstone Exhibitions, an annual celebration of the VCUarts studio art majors. Round One will take place March 18-22 and will include exhibitions from the Craft and Sculpture departments and one Kinetic Imaging project. Round Two, March 26-30, will include exhibitions from Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking and Photo and Film.

For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/community/news/spring-2021-vcuarts-senior-capstone-exhibitions/.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 at noon

Do you have questions about applying for the VCU Police Academy's next class? If you’re getting ready to graduate from VCU, you could be in the academy by summer. An identical session will also be held on March 18 at 4 p.m. Current sworn officers will be available to answer questions. Questions: Email csimms2@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact VCUPD Recruiter Conrad Simms at csimms2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1225 or visit https://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Angela Bartee, assistant director for development, VCU School of Business and Brandcenter, and Devin Bowers, associate director of research development, Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, will discuss topics unique to first-generation professionals including identity, finances and mental health. They will offer advice based on their personal and professional experiences. Come listen, ask questions and meet other first-gen students. Questions: http://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://bit.ly/YouFirstPresents030421.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The VCU Honors College will host Ben Teresa, Ph.D., assistant professor of urban and regional planning, for a Berglund seminar. Teresa will discuss the state of housing in the United States, especially in Richmond and Virginia, where eviction rates are particularly high. He will focus on the RVA Eviction Lab, including its work with engaging both grassroots efforts and policy change in order to create housing stability. Email the following address for the event link.

For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 at 4 p.m.

Third Thursdays is kicking off with speaker Charlotte Torrence (Art History graduate student, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts faculty), who will discuss the secrets of “bullet” journaling. Learn the art of organizing the chaos in your life. This event is sponsored by The Commons Underground. Register at the following URL. Questions? Email studentorgs@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Donté Sharpe at dsharpe2@vcu.edu or visit https://thecommonsvcu.com/BulletJournalingCharlotte.

Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021 at 8:15 a.m.

Self-care Day is March 24. As a part of their #HerdMentality mental health campaign, The Well is partnering with organizations across VCU to bring self-care kits to students. This time they’re partnering with VCU Libraries. Self-care kits can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., and VCU's Health Sciences Library, 509 N. 12th St. Look for more pop-up events advertised throughout the month on RamsConnect and the TelegRAM.

For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu.

Friday, Mar. 19, 2021 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU Career Services advisors are offering multiple sessions based on industry and/or specialty. This Q&A session will focus on health careers. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Haley Sims at careers@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/704909/share_preview.

Friday, Mar. 19, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

VCU Career Services and the da Vinci Center will host an entrepreneurial-focused panel showcasing VCU alumni who have launched businesses. The focus will be on the logistics of going from an idea to a reality including business licenses, finding space, sourcing materials, and how to tap into resources in the greater Richmond community for support. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Anna Umbreit at umbreita@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/701096/share_preview.

Friday, Mar. 19, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

As part of Women's HerStory Month, VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will present a virtual discussion with Kim Graziano from Black Rabbit Tattoo and Thea Brown from World of Mirth. The event will focus on how they discovered their current career field, as well as how they own or operate a nontraditional small business. A Q&A and drawing for two gift certificates will follow.

For more information, contact David Brown at dgbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa.

Tuesday, Mar. 23, 2021 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Join the Office of Student Experience as guest speaker Mariah Williams of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Inc. will explore the federal and state policies that can impact minority populations. This session is designed with health sciences students in mind. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Office of Student Experience at studentexp@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/vphs/OSEReg/Form.aspx?EventTypeID=3.

Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Health and Wellness Library and Massey Cancer Center will host a Zoom presentation by Khalid Matin, M.D., who will provide an overview of colorectal cancer and discuss preventive steps to remain healthy. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact K.J. Ricasata at ricasatakj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/7548059.

Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2021 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The VCU School of Social Work and Child Welfare Stipend Program at VCU will host a panel discussion on the impact of systemic racism and inequities in intersecting systems, including child welfare. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Naomi Sutton Reddish at cwstipend@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Google has added many exciting features to Meet and Chat for team collaboration. Collaboration Services invites you to learn all about Meet and Chat to make you the master of team collaboration. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.

Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Women on Fire will host a discussion via Zoom about multiple mental health topics and the effect on women. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL. Questions: Taylor Jackson, jacksontl4@vcu.edu/womenonfireatvcu@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Taylor Jackson at womenonfireatvcu@gmail.com or (202) 705-8887 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/97429557533.

Friday, Apr. 2, 2021 at 7 p.m.

The Pharmacology and Toxicology Student Organization will be hosting a "Paint and Sip" virtual event on April's First Friday. The organization will be purchasing small flower pots and painting kits for anyone who wishes to decorate a pot to then plant something of their choosing. Sign up at the following URL. Pots will be available for pick up March 29-April 2. Click on the Zoom link at https://zoom.us/j/91701211308?pwd=b0FkME55WVZDQXcyY1BvVFY4VWwzQT09.

For more information, contact Alaina Jaster at jastera@mymail.vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1KOrBDTv59yLSA1BoRLMRIJQ4MHVjzP1uzsiurAazE/edit#gid=0.

Wednesday, Apr. 7, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The purpose of Safe Zone is to reduce anti-queerness, cissexism, transphobia, biphobia and heterosexism at VCU, thereby making the campus a safer and freer environment for all members of the community regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Register at the following URL and search "Safe Zone."

For more information, contact C.J. Polihronakis, Ph.D., (he/him), at safezone@vcu.edu or visit http://training.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021 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 the Zoom URL.

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

The VCU Human Research Protection Program invites members of the VCU and VCU Health research community who are familiar with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to take an anonymous satisfaction survey. The survey will be available through March 26. Results will help to evaluate current services and plan for the next year. The survey is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elicia Preslan at preslaned@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=4FYFTYKD3F.

The VCU First Destination Survey is live for May 2021 graduates on Handshake at VCU. Responses will help VCU to improve career and academic advising, student recruitment and student services. Prizes for completing the survey include AirPods, a Roku player, a robot vacuum, a VCU luggage set and Amazon gift cards. For six months after graduation, those who participate will be able to review/change responses and remain eligible for prize drawings.

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS21.

VCU Recreational Sports and The Well are teaming up to offer a free four-week mindfulness training course for students to learn methods to build resilience using Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction techniques. These two-hour, interactive virtual classes will provide resources on topics such as mindfulness in the face of stress and uncertainty, how individuals can tune in to thoughts and emotions through mindful practice and how to live compassionately. VCU students, faculty, and staff who complete the program will be eligible to join The Health Promotion and Well-being Center's Mindful Ambassador Program.

For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/about/virtual-programs/virtual-fitness/.

Students are encouraged to go to eServices to see if their professors have submitted a midterm grade for one or more classes. Log on to Student eServices at the following URL. 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 May 5.

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

As authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, VCU received $20,288,998 in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II, of which $10,144,499 was designated to provide student grants for financial assistance related to the coronavirus pandemic. While the HEERF II online application process has concluded, the university had a great response from students requesting funds. Approximately 5,500 students have been assisted.

For more information, contact Student Financial Management Center at semcares@vcu.edu.

The National Weather Service has declared March 15-19 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Virginia, a time to focus on preparing for weather emergencies. In spring and summer, the risk increases for severe weather. If the NWS issues a tornado warning in Richmond, VCU’s Alert system will be activated. Take shelter indoors in the lowest level of the building you’re in, or innermost room. Close doors; stay away from windows, doors and outer walls. Sign up for VCU Alerts at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Emergency Management Staff at vcualert@vcu.edu or visit https://alert.vcu.edu/signup/index.html.

VCU TRIO is now accepting applications for its Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services programs. The programs provide academic development and support to students who are first-generation, low income or have a self-identified disability in order to ensure successful completion of their college education.

For more information, contact Chimene Boone at trio@vcu.edu or visit https://trio.vcu.edu/support/.

The History and Health: Racial Equity series offers learning opportunities to enhance cultural awareness and understanding. The series will focus on historical practices, current local health disparities and opportunities to enhance care for local communities. Events begin March 24 and run through May.

For more information, contact Roy Roach III at rfroach@vcu.edu or visit https://rampages.us/historyandhealth/event-calendar/.

Registration is open for VCU Recreational Sports' Intramural Wiffleball League and Intramural Spikeball Tournament, which will be held outdoors on Cary Street Field in April. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Will Adams at wpadams@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recsports.vcu.edu/DivisionRegistration.

VCU's ASPEN Lab (Advanced Signal Processing in Engineering and Neuroscience) is enrolling individuals for a study involving virtual reality and EEG brain signal measurements. Participants must be 18 years or older and in good general health with no pre-existing serious medical conditions. Dates and times for participating are flexible. Questions: Dean Krusienski, Ph.D., principal investigator.

For more information, contact Meghan Kumar, study coordinator, at kumarm2@vcu.edu or visit https://sites.google.com/vcu.edu/aspenlab.