Faculty/staff Issue for March 31, 2025
Today
Dental Hygiene Workshop at the VCU Health Hub
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU Dental Hygiene students will be hosting an educational event at the VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 25th St. Spend the day with dental hygiene students and learn about the role of oral health care. Learn the connection between oral health and overall health. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3XcBHlL.
Women, Faith and Family: Reclaiming Gender Justice Through Religious Activism
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for an online Meet VCU Authors talk with Samaneh Oladi Ghadikolaei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Religious Studies. In her new book, Oladi Ghadikolaei discusses the Women’s Islamic Coalition's mission of pursuing gender justice. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArc-CgrDwqE9xYYn3XNP2FKrsH2eKj5_wr#/registration.
VCU Biology Seminar Featuring Emily Van Syoc, Penn State
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join VCU Biology for a seminar featuring Emily Van Syoc, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Researcher from Penn State. Van Syoc will present her research on the human gut fungal microbiome, exploring how evolution and host genetics shape fungal abundance and diversity. The seminar, titled "The Fungus Among Us: How Evolution and Host Genetics Influence the Human Gut Fungal Microbiom," will be given in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 151, 1000 W. Cary St.
For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at biology@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.
This week
Transfer Tuesdays in Cabell
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the spring semester.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.
Spit for Science DNA Extraction Booth
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.
Curious about genetics? Stop by the Spit4Science information booth at Gladding Residence Center, 711 W. Main St., to learn how DNA is extracted - from strawberries.
For more information, contact Autumn Shifflett at shifflettaf@vcu.edu or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.
VCU Sustainability Open House
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Attend the VCU Sustainability open house at 930 W. Grace St. Talk with with Sustainability staff, check out the VCU Free Store and the VCU Ram Pantry, and enjoy snacks.
For more information, contact Sara Barton at sqbarton@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 5 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help participants feel comfortable with paraphrasing in academic writing. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Academic writing can be complex, but this online session, led by the Writing Center, offers strategies for effectively integrating sources into your work. Learn to maintain your voice, avoid plagiarism and ensure cohesion in your writing. Ideal for students working on longer papers, theses or dissertations. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936393.
Bridging Research and Community: Strategies for Trust, Engagement and Impact
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research continues its grant-writing series with a session via Zoom. Brynn Sheehan, Ph.D., associate professor, Old Dominion University Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will discuss strategies for building trusted relationships in community-engaged research, including different levels of engagement and key planning considerations. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/S6KmF0VDRfaIMDsjuS6y3g.
Campus Safety Day
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.
Join VCU Occupational Health and Safety – in partnership with VCU Emergency Management, Rams in Recovery, RecWell and Survivor Support Services – in the Student Commons Plaza to learn about safety and preparedness topics.
For more information, contact Christopher D'Anna at dannac@vcu.edu or visit https://srm.vcu.edu/.
Lunch With the Transfer Peer Coaches
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.
The transfer peer coaches are available to help transfer students tap into life at VCU. Enjoy food and conversations with other transfer students in the STEM Buiilding, 817 W. Franklin St. Questions: Visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1937186.
The Emerging Researchers Academy Research Writing Workshop Series Presents the Structuring Your Writing for Your Audience Workshop
Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 at 3 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: AI Prompt Crafting (Part 2)
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 11 a.m.
In this interactive Zoom workshop, participants will learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Nursing Research — The Unexpected Researchers
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nursing research at the VCU School of Nursing spans a wide array of impactful topics, from patient safety and chronic illness to integrative health, self-management, interprofessional education and biomarker discovery. This year's Research Weeks event will feature a keynote delivered by Ashley Kathleen Apple, D.N.P., and Kimberly Deanne Acquaviva, Ph.D., who will discuss using generative AI tools to shape health policy. Lunch and a poster session will follow. The event will be at VCU School of Nursing, Room 1013, 1100 E. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Caitlin Hanbury at cshanbury@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcuson/detail/151/1743692400000.
Plyometric Circuits
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at noon
Spring into spring with this plyometrics class, hosted by VCU HR and RecWell. Bouncing exercises have been shown to improve balance, cardio and joint mobility. All fitness levels are welcome to participate in this 30-minute virtual exercise class. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/41YS8nl
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Transfer Chat With the VCU Graduate School
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Graduate School at VCU is home to more than 140 master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Come to Hibbs Hall, Room 216,, 900 Park Ave., to learn about these programs and their admissions requirements. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938375.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.
STEM In Art: Layers of Life: Painting The Microbial World
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
STEM in Art will present Layers of Life: Painting The Microbial World. Learn about microbiology while painting and enjoying free snacks. The workshop will be held in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.
PennyAppeal x Dental Hygiene Club Pack-A-Bag
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PennyAppeal and Dental Hygiene Club will have a Pack-A-Bag event in the the Honors College, Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St., to make dental-themed care kits for the local homeless population. The organization is also holding a clothing drive through Monday, March 31 in the Commons next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Join PennyAppeal'sInstagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect for upcoming events.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 at 1 p.m.
In this interactive Zoom workshop, participants will learn to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Brandcenter Preview Day
Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Want to learn more about the No.1 graduate program for advertising and branding in the U.S.? Come to the Brandcenter, 103 S. Jefferson St., for Preview Day to see what it’s like to be a Brandcenter student. Meet current students and faculty, learn about Brandcenter programs and attend the center's Friday Forum Speaker series featuring an alum who works for the National Hockey League brand.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/preview-day-april-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
Tickets Available for TEDxVCU Bloom
Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.
Coming up
How Students Can Impact the Field of Public Health
Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
To kick off National Public Health Week, Jeffrey Stover, Chief of Staff, Virginia Department of Public Health, will discuss the many winding paths to successful careers in public health, including academic majors, professional networking, mentor building and experiential learning opportunities. The event will be at One Capitol Square, Room 644, 830 E. Main St., and virtual.
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/education/nphw2025/.
SHIFT Retail Lab Open House
Monday, Apr. 7, 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/.
Design Thinking With Manjari Kumarappan
Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Design Thinking is all about collaboration and problem-solving. Join the da Vinci Center for an upcoming Design Thinking workshop, which emphasizes problem-solving, adaptability and empathy. Earn an “Introduction to Design Thinking” credential via a credly badge to post on your LinkedIn. This virtual workshop is free and open to all VCU students and community members. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-4-7.
Cheers to Giving Back
Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join VCU's Office of Alumni Relations Blue Bee Cider, 4811 Bethlehem Road, for an evening of peer-to-peer networking with VCU alumni. Enjoy tasty bites, a complimentary drink and discover the volunteer opportunities available. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kendra Light at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/VolunCheers2025.
Make a Difference: Become a Geriatric Care Manager
Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at noon
VCU Gerontology and the Virginia Center on Aging will host a presentation about being a geriatric care manager. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Edmund Boxley at boxleyek@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdOqhqj4qHtZ00gVzVM9tUzmOH0KUR0ML.
Community Engagement Impact Learning Collaborative Research Series
Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at noon
The Impact Learning Collaborative, a group of faculty and staff, has been exploring one of the most pressing questions in the field of community engagement: How do we assess impact? The group has examined national models, institutional best practices and methodological approaches used to assess the impact on community engagement. Their work has focused on identifying gaps, strengths and emerging trends in evaluation strategies. The group will discuss via Zoom its insights. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/BnjL5ez5XhFcQmLM8.
Donate Life Month Expo
Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Explore opportunities in research, clinical experience and community service at the Donate Life Month Expo, an afternoon of impactful conversations, expert panels and meaningful connections. Hear from a Virginia delegate, transplant surgeons, organ recipients and health care professionals. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward room, 900 Turpin St. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Aashka Patel at patelas13@vcu.edu or (757) 576-3673 or visit https://linktr.ee/hosaatvcu.
Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics Conference
Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for a conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited to join; students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. The meeting will be in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQn69LwwoMkWpdGJG80osulkx3oVrznDxUob1PqMMlBSDPQ/viewform.
International Dance Day
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.
HPEX x Dance will host a celebration of all cultures and styles of dance in our community. This event will be held in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL to present, perform,or teach.
For more information, contact Valerie Shcherbakov at vshcherbakova@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/iXVqdfH3qtHEXf9j8.
Notices
Learn More About VCU's Internship Funding Program
Did you know that VCU offers up to $5,000 in funding for undergraduate students seeking summer internships? Apply at the following URL by Tuesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.
Save the Date for the 2025 VCU HR Benefits and Well-Being Fair
It's time to WORKOUT your UNlimited Benefits and Well-Being. Put on your legwarmers and jazzercise your way through over 40 benefits, well-being and discount providers to learn all about the UNlimited rewards of being a VCU employee. Salaried employees can also visit the open enrollment center to ask questions about the upcoming annual open enrollment for health coverage and flexible spending accounts. Mark your calendar for Monday, April 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact VCU HR Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0177 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/benefits-and-well-being-fair/.
VCU Campus Learning Center Is Hiring
The VCU Campus Learning Center is hiring student tutors, supplemental instruction leaders and peer academic coaches for the fall 2025 semester. Apply at the following URL by Sunday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information, contact Campus Learning Center at clc@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/our-team/work-for-us/.
Applications Open for Recent Grad Council
VCU Alumni is looking for leaders and visionaries to serve on the Recent Graduate Council. The council helps alumni from the past 10 years connect with one another to shape VCU’s engagement with the recent graduate community. Apply by Wednesday, April 30 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kendra Light, assistant director, regional programs and volunteer engagement, at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/recentgradcouncil.
PennyAppeal Clothing Drive
PennyAppeal is holding a clothing drive to Monday, March 31 in the University Student Commons next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Donations will go to the local homeless community.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
Nominations for Excellence in Community Engagement
The Council for Community Engagement invites nominations for the following awards for Excellence in Community Engagement. The categories include Transformative Educational Experiences, Community Engaged Research Partnership, Demonstrated Impact in Community Engagement, Outstanding Community Engagement by a Student or Group of Students and Outstanding Community Partner. Nominees should exemplify the values of community engagement, collaboration and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Submit nominations at the following URL by Friday, April 4. Nominees will be notified and asked to submit a letter of support from their community partner. Those who receive an award will also receive a $1,000 stipend.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tPAER2mxvvViwoba9.
Are You Passionate About Politics?
Help shape the future of political discourse by highlighting the importance of your personal values. Your input will reveal how values drive political identity and related processes. This study seeks equal representation from all sides of the political spectrum — your perspective matters. First, fill out the survey at the following URL. If eligible, you will take part in a one-hour lab session to complete computer-based tasks. Participants will receive $50.
For more information, contact Sydney Kavanaugh at kavanaughs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/bJeLuvsPu8r5mMTR6.
Participate in Two Psychology Studies
VCU Social Psychology invites you to participate in two studies. Compensation is available. One: a study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging. Two: a study on how people react to fictional characters. You will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. Find out if you are eligible at the following URL. New sign-up dates are available. If you have already completed the eligibility survey but the listed times did not work for you, email or call t the researchers to schedule a different session time.
For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
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. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.
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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@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.