Student Issue for September 1, 2021
Special Announcement
VCU to Test Emergency Communications at Noon Today
VCU will conduct a full test of its emergency communications and alerting systems, including sirens throughout the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, at noon today, Sept. 1. The full test will include the sirens along with text messages, Alertus boxes, mass email, digital signs, desktop alerts, LiveSafe, VCU Mobile, social media and VCU website information — all part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community. VCU Police will send out a text message to let the community know that all testing has concluded.
Today
Pause and Reflect: Afghanistan
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
ToGather is hosting a Pause and Reflect event at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to process recent occurrences in Afghanistan. As the U.S. military withdraws and conflict ensues, VCU students are processing what is happening to their loved ones in Afghanistan. How have the last two weeks changed you? Join The Pace Center and ToGather as we reflect on events in Afghanistan as a community. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jean Linnell at operations@thepacecenter.com or (804) 677-3820 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/pacecenter/rsvp_boot?id=1197522.
VCU Freshman: Spit 4 Science Student Survey Events
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
If you are a freshman at VCU age 18+, you are eligible to take part in Spit for Science: The VCU Student Survey. This research project looks at how environmental and genetic factors contribute to emotional health along with alcohol and substance use habits. The project now also aims to learn about the impact of COVID-19. The session will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free snacks and T-shirts will be available while supplies last. RSVP on RamsConnect at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1195519. An event will also be held virtually from 1-2 p.m. Sept. 2. RSVP on RamsConnect at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1195549.
For more information, contact Joanna E. Penick at penickje@vcu.edu or (804) 205-8047 or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.
UCS Suicide Prevention Awareness Prize Wheel
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Drop by the University Counseling Services Prize Wheel in the lobby of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., to meet counseling staff and peer health educators. Learn about suicide prevention, how to support a friend in distress and get information about helpful resources within UCS and across campus. Prizes and giveaways for all participants.
For more information, contact Caroline Coffill at cscoffill@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit http://counseling.vcu.edu.
Volunteer Fair
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Commons Civic Engagement and Leadership Team and V-Cubed will co-sponsor a Volunteer Fair in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Meet representatives from more than 15 local nonprofits who are seeking volunteers. Advance registration is not required, but those who pre-register at the following URL will receive a reminder email.
For more information, contact Nico Orsini at orsinin@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1192608.
Goldwater Scholarship Informational Session
2 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will host an informational session about the Goldwater Scholarship, an award that provides up to $7,500 in funds for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM-field research. Questions: Email natlscholar@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar.
Career Exploration Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Curious about potential career paths? VCU Career Services will host a career exploration workshop in the Alumni Board Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Participate in hands-on activities to explore your interests, skills, values and potential career options. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rebecca McCallister at careers@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/788894/share_preview.
Berglund Seminar Series: The Bad Environmentalism of 'Nature Is Healing' Memes
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
VCU's Honors College Berglund Seminar Series will host "The Bad Environmentalism of 'Nature is Healing' Memes." Join Kai Bosworth, Ph.D., a geographer and assistant professor of international studies in the School of World Studies, for a discussion of the “nature is healing” meme format that circulated widely on social media last year amid COVID-19 lockdowns. Email the following address for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news--events/events/.
Biomedical Engineering Society To Meet
6 p.m.
Biomedical Engineering Society at VCU will hold its first general body meeting on Zoom. Meet the officers, learn more about upcoming events and perhaps win a T-shirt. Questions: https://sites.google.com/view/bmesatvcu. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Raymond Hang at hangr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/97407197620.
This week
Intro STEM Student Hours
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Science Hub at the Campus Learning Center will host weekly student hour sessions both on Zoom and in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Meeting your faculty for the first time? Want to connect with multiple faculty in different disciplines? Science Hub Student Hours will bring multiple Intro STEM faculty members together to a shared space in order to help answer course-specific questions, provide support for STEM students and help build a positive and productive relationship. Zoom links are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brian Cone at coneb2@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.
Honors College Interest Session
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
The Honors College is seeking students for the Spring 2022 semester. Attend an interest session at 701 W. Grace St., Room 1303 to learn more about the application process and what to expect when enrolled in Honors. Questions: Email honors@vcu.edu. Register for an interest session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jenna Venable at venablejl@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/admissions/continuing-students/.
Undergraduate Informational Session at da Vinci Center
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 at noon
Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend an informational session to learn about the da Vinci Center's undergraduate certificates. Find out about the center's programs in product innovation, venture creation and human-centered design. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/ugrad-sept-2.
VCU REAL Open House and Launch Awards Celebration
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
VCU REAL will host its first REAL Open House and Launch Awards Celebration in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Celebrate the 2021 recipients of the UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) and Launch Awards, meet with potential mentors and learn how you can engage in undergraduate research, peer leadership, service learning and study abroad. Open House participants will earn tickets for Kona Ice and Jiji’s Frozen Custard.
For more information, contact Starr Robinson at real@vcu.edu or visit https://real.vcu.edu/.
Students Today Alumni Tomorrow General Body Meeting
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students Today Alumni Tomorrow will host its first general body meeting in the Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn about STAT and become involved in leadership opportunities. Come learn about VCU traditions, networking with alumni and philanthropy. STAT is giving away a VCU sweatshirt to one participant of the event.
For more information, contact Ashley Victor at victora@vcu.edu.
General Body Meeting of Pre-Law Society
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Learn more about the Pre-Law Society at VCU and how to become involved. Meet the officers and see the events planned for the semester. The meeting will be held in Virginia Room A, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Hala Almustafa at almustafahr@vcu.edu.
Fall 2021 Biostatistics Student Research Symposium (Day II)
Friday, Sep. 3, 2021 at 9 a.m.
Attend via Zoom the Fall 2021 Biostatistics Student Research Symposium (Day II) hosted by VCU's Department of Biostatistics. Students enrolled in the Biostatistics graduate program will present their research conducted during Summer 2021. The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/95733658725?pwd=OFBRaUdJd2RwdU9QUWNPY0RWRmxUdz09. The meeting ID is 957 3365 8725. The passcode is 373907.
For more information, contact Dipankar Bandyopadhyay at dbandyop@vcu.edu or visit https://biostatistics.vcu.edu/news/student-research-symposium-2021/.
Coming up
Virginia Capitol Semester Internship Program Lobby Chat
Tuesday, Sep. 7, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School School of Government and Public Affairs Office of Student Success will host the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship Program Lobby Chat. The session will be held in person in the lobby of the Raleigh Building, 1001 W. Franklin St. Students of all majors are encouraged to stop by for a snack and to learn about the program. Wilder School representatives will be available on the hour.
For more information, contact Ashley Harrison at harrisona2@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/students/student-success/virginia-capitol-semester/.
Getting to Know Google Meet and Chat
Thursday, Sep. 9, 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.
Health and Wellness Library Event: Managing Caregiver Expenses
Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
As you take care of a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is money. Still, it is important to be in control of your finances. Join VirginiaNavigator and the VCU Health and Wellness library via Zoom as Bonnie Scimone (VirginiaNavigator’s lead community specialist and marketing assistant) and a representative from Truist Bank share budgeting tips and resources. Questions: https://www.vcuhealth.org/for-your-health/health-and-wellness-library/. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/8097842.
Play Therapy and the Therapeutic Power of Play
Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Jan Williamson, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, to learn about the therapeutic power of play and how it is used. VCU's Office of Continuing and Professional Education will present this session as part of the 3rd Wednesdays FREE Community Series. An overview will be included and information will be shared about the VCU Play Therapy Training Program. VCU is an approved continuing education provider by the Association for Play Therapy. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/community.
Know Your Worth: Finding a Job and Comparing Benefits
Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Money Spot and VCU Career Services will help to learn about finding a job with the right benefits for you. Explore the job search based on what you need and want with a focus on using Handshake. Also learn how to compare benefits to support your goals and circumstances, particularly financial. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carley Toney at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/yy7iuz.
Coaching for Leaders and Managers
Wednesday, Sep. 29, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Center for Corporate Education at VCU's School of Business will present a workshop at Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St., geared for managers, supervisors and leaders who want to strengthen their skills and empower their staff. The registration fee is $395. Questions: Email corp-ed@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carrie Hawes at cjhawes@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3165 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Coaching_Fall_2021.
Notices
Now Accepting Applications: 2022 Leadership Programs
Applications are now available for the 2022 cohorts of the VCU Leadership, HIGHER Ground, and Minority Political Leadership Institute programs in the VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/.
Join the Student Financial Services Advisory Board
The board will actively participate in topic-focused projects to gain ideas and feedback concerning various Student Financial Services processes. All currently enrolled VCU students familiar with or have working knowledge of Student Financial Services can apply at the following URL by Sept. 6.
For more information, contact Elisha Winston at s2etwins@vcu.edu or visit https://sfs.vcu.edu/money-management/student-advisory-board/.
Fall 2021 Health Sciences Webinars
VCU's Health Sciences Library will host webinars on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and more to help students, faculty and staff with research. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandon Burneson at burnesonbp@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/healthwebinars.
Call for Nominations: Burnside Watstein LGBTQ Award
Equality VCU is soliciting nominations for the 2021 LGBTQ Burnside Watstein Award, awarded annually to recognize individuals who enrich the sense of community at VCU and make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ faculty, staff and students. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are eligible for nomination. Submit nominations by Sept. 24 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Dae Newman at newmanad@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Afi8gHfAzaXkEJk57.
Submissions Open for Three Minute Thesis Competition
This fall, VCU's Graduate School is hosting a Three Minute Thesis competition for research-based Master's and Ph.D. students. The competition challenges students to synthesize their research into an engaging three-minute presentation. The winner will take home $500 and sponsorship to travel and compete at the regional level. Register at the following URL by Sept. 3.
For more information, contact Emily Humberson at humbersone@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ZAzrHAsFT3fRJtmk8.
Application for Diversity Ambassador Due Sept. 5 (VCU Resident Life and Housing)
VCU's Diversity Ambassadors act as advocates of social justice for a marginalized community by creating a program or event on campus (one to two each semester) and assist with advertisements of the programs (social media, creation of flyers/posters, tabling). Questions: Email Nana Ferdnance at the following address or Noura Allen at allennc@vcu.edu. Apply by Sept. 5 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nana Ferdnance at rlhmaga@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/DiversityAPP2021.
New, Free, Online Course Will Build Bioinformatic Skills
VCU Libraries and the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will offer a new online genomic databases course. "The Introduction to the Genomic Databases" asynchronous course is open for Fall 2021. Enroll and learn how to use National Center for Biotechnology Information databases like BLAST, GEO and GDC. This self-paced, six-module course will allow you to build your bioinformatic skills and obtain an official certificate of completion. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://virginiacommonwealth.instructure.com/enroll/9LX44P.
Application for Business Student Ambassadors Is Live
Business Student Ambassadors serve VCU's School of Business alumni and prospective students and volunteer at various school events. The group's application is now available and recruitment events are in full swing. Follow the group's Instagram @bsa_vcu for details of each event. Applicants are accepted only in the fall. Register at the following URL by 5 p.m. Sept. 29.
For more information, contact Asia Parker at parkerjk2@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/BSAapplication2021.
RecWell's Weekly Virtual Guided Meditation
Looking for ways to restore the calm? Join RecWell each Tuesday at 11 a.m. and Wednesday at 2 p.m. for a virtual, 20-minute group guided meditation. Meditation is suitable for all levels of practice. The Tuesday Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/93553842102. The Wednesday Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/99912588557.
For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6919 or visit https://thewell.vcu.edu/programs/resilience-lab/.
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.