Student Issue for April 28, 2025
Today
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
11 a.m.
Learn the necessary tools to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful, confident manner. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Uzbekistan Cultural Day
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the School of Education and the Global Education Office to welcome guests from Andijan State University in Uzbekistan and celebrate Uzbekistan's cultural heritage, learn about their traditions and global influence through music, dance and food. The session will be held at the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 387-3319 or visit https://forms.gle/ZGnh9h4jMjDmRaJy6.
Wilder School Graduate Student Application Walkthrough and Support
12 p.m.
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for the final walkthrough of the graduate student online application with live support for applicants before the fall 2025 deadline. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/428appwalkthrough.
Improving Collaboration Between Primary Care Providers and Community Pharmacists
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join a seminar hosted by VCU's Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation featuring Marie Smith, Pharm.D., UConn School of Pharmacy. She will discuss improving collaboration between primary care providers and community pharmacists in Connecticut. Smith will join via Zoom. The seminar will also be available in the VCU School of Pharmacy, Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sydney Weber at webers2@vcu.edu or visit https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/seminars/.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU - Come to the Puppy-Kissing Booth
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Come love a puppy in training, meet the group's volunteers and learn how you can become involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind at the Compass in front of Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.
For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu.
Graduate Research Symposium: Topics in U.S. History
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the history department to hear M.A. thesis students and graduate students from the History 631 research course "20th Century U.S. History" present on topics related to their research. The course is taught by Emilie Raymond, Ph.D. Refreshments will be served. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. Visit the following URL for information about topics and format.
For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/history-graduate-research-symposium.html.
This week
Story Swap: Lessons in Learning and Leading
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Transformative Learning for an hour of storytelling and connection as students and faculty come together to reflect on their most powerful learning experiences this semester. Using fun conversation prompts, share moments of growth, challenge and transformation — because best lessons often come from one other. The session, in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave., is open to faculty, staff and students. No public speaking required. Just come ready to share, listen, and reflect.
For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.
Wrapping Up Your Spring 2025 Course in Canvas
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover final gradebook configuration, submitting final grades and configuring Incomplete sections. Please use VCU eID and password to enter Zoom meeting. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18497
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/.
Palooza on the Plaza
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.
VCU's Office of First- and Second-Year Experiences will host an afternoon of live music, free food, games, activities and exclusive merchandise giveaways at the University Student Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with friends, celebrate your achievements and enjoy one last hurrah before finals hit.
For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fyesye@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938541.
Teaching Across Generational Divides
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Today’s classrooms often include students from multiple generations, each bringing unique perspectives, learning preferences and motivations. In this session, offered by the Learning Experience Design Studio, explore strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that engages learners across age groups and experience levels. Learn how to adapt your teaching methods, leverage diverse perspectives, and incorporate flexible approaches into your presentations. Register for the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/vLv6EjcvQFS948fZ7EGsVA
For more information, contact Cario Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The APA and Avoiding Plagiarism
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Learn how to articulate your own, unique ideas in the style of your discipline. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
PennyAppeal First on Scene: CPR and First Aid Basics
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Come join PennyAppeal as the group hosts a CPR and First Aid Basic Training session in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St. Can't make it? Join the group's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
Challenges in the Care of Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals With Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
Join the School of Nursing for a lecture by Katherine Wisner, M.D., M.S., a general and child psychiatrist and a pioneer in perinatal psychiatry. Her research has advanced understanding of mood disorders during and after pregnancy, benefit-harm decision-making for medication use during pregnancy and lactation and the pharmacokinetics of medications during these periods. Wisner is the associate chief of perinatal mental health at the Developing Brain Institute and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University. The talk will be in the VCU School of Nursing, Younger Auditorium, 1100 E. Leigh St.
For more information, contact Caitlin Hanbury at cshanbury@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcuson/detail/157/1746025200000.
Recharge and Reflect: A Guided Wrap-Up Workshop
Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
As the semester draws to a close, take a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge with Transformative Learning. In this interactive session, you’ll create a personal map to visually capture your semester’s biggest takeaways including what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown and what you’re taking with you. Through guided reflection and small group discussions, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose for what’s ahead. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.
Salary Negotiation
Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
You’ve received a job offer — now it’s time to negotiate. Join Senior Associate Director of Career Services Megan Hollis in this workshop to learn a step-by-step approach to navigating salary negotiations. Gain insights on aligning compensation with your skills, abilities and the market for your field. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936391.
Inaugural English Language Program Symposium
Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11:45 a.m.
VCU's Global Education Office has issued an invitation to the inaugural English Language Program Symposium on the third floor of 912 W. Grace St. International students, representing several countries, will share their perspectives and insights through poster presentations and a Turkish marbling art demonstration and workshop.
For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu.
Coming up
SHIFT Retail Lab Open House
Monday, May 5, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop by SHIFT Retail Lab (1235 W. Broad St.) and stay as long as you’d like at this laid-back event designed to spark curiosity and connection. Interested in learning more about the SHIFT Retail Lab, the Shelfie Program or da Vinci Center courses? Join the session at the top of the hour for a brief presentation.
For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/events/.
AI as the Bridge: Strengthening Community Engagement Through Responsible Innovation
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement and AI Ready RVA for an interactive webinar on how to responsibly harness AI to support community work, meet local needs and navigate tech challenges. Register at https://forms.gle/WpSE7N2jvTTtpX4c7
For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.
GEO Study Abroad/Away Program Development 101
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10 a.m.
VCU's Global Education Office will host an interactive webinar for faculty or staff interested in leading a faculty-led study abroad/away program. Join the Global Learning staff to learn more about your next steps in developing a study abroad program with GEO at the following URL. Questions: Email Amy Leap, leapae@vcu.edu or Stephanie Tignor, davenportse@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89023616086?jst=2.
Master of Science in Health Administration Virtual Informational Session
Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Learn about the Master of Science in Health Administration in an upcoming virtual informational session. The hybrid program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, prepares leaders in health care with full- and part-time completion options. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.
Central Va. SOCRA Chapter Meeting: Differentiating Research and Quality Improvement
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
Heather Fudala, Ph.D., RN, CCRP, will discuss Differentiating Research and Quality Improvement at a virtual meeting of the Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Chapter hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. CE will be provided to SOCRA members. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ All are welcome. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/v8BYfUdBRq2JwKD4moUJiA.
Notices
Career Services Drop-In Advising Extended Through Friday, May 9
Graduating this year and applying to jobs? Looking to maximize your summer break by finding a volunteer or shadowing opportunity? Stop by the VCU Career Services Office during drop-in hours to meet with a peer career counselor and review your résumé, cover letters or job search strategies. No appointment is needed. The office is located in the University Sudent Commons, Room 143, 907 Floyd Ave. Drop-in advising hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sessions are open to all VCU students and recent alumni.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.
RecWell’s Unlock Your Fitness: A Journey through Equipment Orientation
Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., and how members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged. Orientations will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 5 and are open to VCU Students and RecWell members.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.
May Graduates: Complete the VCU First Destination Survey
Your help is needed to encourage upcoming May 2025 graduates to complete the VCU First Destination Survey. Open to undergraduate seniors and graduate/professional students completing their degree programs, survey data helps VCU improve student services and recruitment. Graduating students who complete the survey will be eligible to win prizes. Students can access the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS25.
Call for Proposals: Global Impact Awards
VCU's Global Education Office has opened a call for proposals for the 2025-26 Global Impact Awards. Two awards, the Global Learning Program Development Awards and the Global Partnership Impact Awards, will fund proposals from VCU academic units to develop partnership collaborations with institutions abroad or new global learning programs. For each CFP, there will be five awards of up to $5,000. Completed proposals for both CFPs are due by Thursday, May 15, with awards announced by June 15.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/newsroom/2024/global-impact-awards/.
Grad Week 2025
VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites members of the Class of 2025 to Grad Week. Celebrate graduation season with fellow graduates-to-be, friends and family. Enjoy refreshments, pick up VCU Alumni swag and learn about VCU Alumni resources. View Grad Week events and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey, director of alumni and student engagement, at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcualumni.org/students/grad-week/.
Call for High School Volunteers: Creative Arts Day Camp 2025
Creative Arts Day Camp, a camp for rising K-ninth grade students, offers the opportunity for high school students to earn volunteer hours by working with VCUarts' Department of Art Education program. Students will assist teachers in the classroom with a variety of tasks. Interested candidates will work closely with K-ninth grade students and are expected to maintain a level of responsibility and take initiative in their role. Applications close today, Monday, April 28. Interested students can apply at https://forms.gle/bhfyhFNpAM4uUiZS9
For more information, contact Lia New at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/creative-arts-day-camp/.
Tell Us About Your Experiences Using On-Campus Resources
VCU students are asked to share their experiences with and awareness of on-campus offices and organizations that offer services or resources to students. VCU staff member Jess Hoy, M.S.W., is conducting a research survey that can be completed online and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Students are not required to have ever used a VCU resource to participate. Students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $25 gift cards to the VCU bookstore.
For more information, contact Jess Hoy at hoyj2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctIBpT8H0TVLHzE4sq66PB1aEx8HCkKwtNtbG8odN3VY0qIA/viewform?usp=sf.
Applications Open for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants
Applications are now open for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the upcoming semesters. SLTAs are exceptional undergraduate students who assist an instructor with a service-learning course. SLTAs provide a weekly average of two to five hours of teaching assistance throughout the semester. If you are interested in being an SLTA, contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application at https://forms.gle/W6kGbynrY3KanoHs7
For more information, contact Shanza Isom, Director of Engaged Transformative Learning at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/service-learning/.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of chronic psychosocial stress and vascular inflammation to an acute mental challenge. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Seeking International Graduate Students in STEM to Participate in a Feedback Survey o Navigating Careers With AI
Would you be interested in using AI to navigate your STEM career? Test AI prompts and complete a test report on AI mentoring to receive an $80 gift card. Spots are limited. Interested students should complete the participant survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ymcdpRxDQQhUQTHw8.
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.