Noon ET Wednesday, Sept. 18, Zoom

Join VCU’s Wilder School for a critical discussion on the escalating eviction crisis in Virginia with Ben Teresa, Ph.D., director of the RVA Eviction Lab. Explore the latest trends in eviction rates, the financial impact on tenants, and the effectiveness of legal representation in preventing evictions. Policy recommendations will also be discussed to support vulnerable households.

>> Register

2:30-5 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 19
Cabell Library, 250

All are welcome to come to the launch of El Centro and learn about the organization's work to empower the VCU community, foster understanding and support interactions between VCU-affiliated individuals who identify as Latino/e. The group seeks to conduct research in the community through enhancing scholarship and cultural and social experience on campus. Questions: Email Oswaldo Moreno at oamoreno@vcu.edu or Anita Nadal nadalaa@vcu.edu.

11 a.m.-4 p.m.ET Saturday, Sept. 21
University Student Commons, Richmond Salons

The Mentoring Circle program will host its inaugural Black Leadership Summit,  featuring a series of panels, learning sessions and a resource fair designed to help students navigate college life at VCU and beyond. Those who attend will also have opportunities to learn from and connect with Black alumni and leaders. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact social work alum Sharron McDaniel (B.S.W.’17), mentoring coordinator, at mcdanielst@vcu.edu.

>> Register

3 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 22

The VCU Graduate School is sponsoring a tour of historic Jackson Ward with Richmond historian Gary Flowers that is free and open to graduate students. This walking tour, roughly one mile, may be of particular interest to students who live in the area and want to learn more about this unique part of Richmond right outside of VCU's campus. The tour touches on the topics of race, education, class, urban planning and more.

>> Register

Next meeting: 6 p.m. ET Monday, Sept. 30, Zoom

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is the branch of VCU's Student Government Association that represents graduate and professional students. The executive board and senators come from various programs, schools and colleges across the university, working together to be the unified voice of graduate and professional students at all levels of administration. The group also leads initiatives and addresses issues that affect this unique student population.

>> Learn more

5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22
The Commons Theater

VCU Survivor Support Services presents a screen of The Last Drop, a short sci-fi film about relationship abuse and ignoring the warning signs. There will be a student-focused discussion and question-and-answer afterward

>> Register

• "I think I was sexually assaulted": Resource sheet on your rights and options (PDF)

The Honey Club, VCU’s first Black-centric LGBTQ+ organization, seeks new members interested in finding community with other Black queer students at the university. The mission of the organization is to uplift one another while providing a safe, joyful space for like-minded individuals. For more information, contact Mychal Young at youngm19@vcu.edu.

>> Learn more

12:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 10, ALC 3100 or Zoom
7 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 12, Zoom

Register to learn more about a new winter break study abroad opportunity in Kerala, India. Join Denise Burnette, Ph.D, professor, and Stephanie Odera, Ed.D., B.S.W. Program director, from Dec. 27, 2024 to Jan. 11, 2025, and explore India’s ancient humanistic principles of rights and justice in the “Kerala Model” of social welfare.

Open to undergraduates of all majors. For more information, email Dr. Burnette at jdburnette@vcu.edu. (See SSWeekly email for Zoom links.)

March 7-16, 2025; application opening soon

Join Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., associate professor, for Camp Qmunity Cape Town & Johannesburg: LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa. Through an intersectional lens that includes gender, sexuality, race and class, this program will highlight social issues and how local organizations address issues experienced by the local LGBTQIA+ community. 

Students will engage in lectures and dialogues where they will listen and learn from individual lived experiences and stories of local community members from all walks of life. For more information, email Dr. Gattis at gattism@vcu.edu.

M.S.W. assistantships for the 2024-25 academic year are available with faculty members Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D.; Nicole Corley, Ph.D.; Youngmi Kim, Ph.D.; and Sunny Shin, Ph.D.

7:30-9 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 19, ALC 3100

Join the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association for its first meeting of the semester. Build community with fellow social work students and learn about planned activities for this term, including social events, volunteer opportunities and more. For more information and to join, visit RamsConnect.

Are you a freshman at VCU age 18+? If so, 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. 

Freshmen ages 18 and older have been sent an email invitation to the survey, so be sure to check your inbox. Twenty dollars cash is available for completion and an additional $20 for providing DNA (optional). For more information, contact Emily Lilley at spit4science@vcu.edu.

Info session: Noon ET Friday, Sept. 6

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans honors immigrants and children of immigrants by supporting one to two years of graduate study in any field in the United States. This online informational session is geared toward juniors and seniors and early-career graduate students interested in this opportunity. A Zoom link will be emailed the morning of the session to those who have registered. For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at mrsisson@vcu.edu. 

>> Register

Info session: 2 p.m. ET Friday, Sept. 6

The PEO International Peace Scholarship provides up to $12,500 in support of international women pursuing graduate study in the United States or Canada. This online informational session is geared toward international women who are juniors, seniors and early-career graduate students. A Zoom link will be emailed the morning of the session to those who have registered. For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at mrsisson@vcu.edu.

>> Register

11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET Monday, Sept. 23-Tuesday, Sept. 24
Deadline: Thursday, Sept. 19

VCU's Graduate School will sponsor the 2024 Three-Minute Thesis competition. This fast-paced, communication competition brings together graduate students from various majors to discuss their research.

They have three minutes and one static slide. Students who are interested can attend informational sessions sponsored by the Graduate School. For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu.

>> Apply

Apply by Friday, Sept. 20

TEDxVCU is seeking a diverse lineup of speakers from the VCU community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. This is a unique opportunity to share innovative and well-formed ideas with VCU and the world. Learn more about becoming a speaker, or email tedx@vcu.edu if you have questions.

>> Apply

3-5 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 28
University Student Commons, Richmond Rooms

The VCU Black Alumni Council will host the second annual Sankofa Pinning Ceremony, a free event open to all new and current students (undergraduate, transfer and graduate/professional) as well as VCU alumni. This even draws inspiration from the African Diaspora and was created to foster a sense of belonging and community​ at VCU.​ A reception will follow. For more information, contact Robert Chisley at chisleyrl@vcu.edu.

>> Register

Noon-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2
Library of Virginia, 8008 W. Broad St.

The 2024 History and Health annual symposium will explore the history of reproductive health care and policies, the social determinants of health driving the current Black maternal health crisis, and strategies to ameliorate the health and health care disparities. The free program will include a keynote lecture by Monica McLemore, Ph.D., M.P.H., RN; lunch; panel presentations; and open discussions. For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at healthequity@vcu.edu.

>> Register

Apply by Friday, Sept. 6

We look forward to celebrating graduates' momentous achievements at the school’s December Commencement ceremony, 1 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 13, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. More details to follow. 

If you are scheduled to graduate at the end of the Fall 2024 term, by now you have received an email from the VCU Office of Records and Registration. This application should be completed and submitted by Sept. 6. 

The successful submission of your graduation application is required. Those who are pursuing a certificate or dual degree, including double majors, along with your degree, please fill out the online approval form.

Pronunciation guide: All B.S.W. & M.S.W. Fall 2024 graduates who intend to participate in the School of Social Work’s Commencement ceremony, please fill out our pronunciation guide form. You may also consider recording and uploading an audio file to ensure your name is pronounced correctly.

2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 8, Zoom

Writing is essential to success in graduate school, but it causes anxiety for so many people. This interactive workshop with Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., student success writing advisor, will give graduate students strategies for overcoming writing stress as you head into the new school year. (See SSWeekly email for Zoom links.)

>> Register

2:30-4 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 24

Social workers hold important roles in public and non-governmental agencies, guided by international ethical principles but usually working within national legal frameworks. They are directly involved in dealing with some of the most difficult and contentious social problems, such as crime, poverty, abuse and physical violence, social exclusion and family life. 

History shows that social work can too easily be co-opted to implement policies which override human rights of vulnerable groups. But social workers have also challenged and overcome attacks on minority groups and human rights and promoted respect for diversity, equity and inclusion. This webinar will explore typologies of complicity and resistance, drawing on the recent book with that title.

>> Register

Unbelievably awesome study space? Let’s see it!

Also tell us about your “social work why”

Students, we'd like to see your go-to spot for studying, whether that's a campus location, a cozy nook at home or a coffee shop in your local community if you're attending remotely. Show us your space, or show us your space and your face – it's up to you.

We will share photos on the SSW Instagram account and award a t-shirt for the photo that receives the most likes, and will follow up with you individually about the possibility of using your photo for additional promotional opportunities.  

Submit a photo from Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Sept. 2. Photos will be posted for voting Monday, Sept. 9, through Sunday, Sept. 15. A photo release is required – use "SSW study space" as the project title.

We'd also like for you to share your "social work why,” including your skills and what makes a great social worker. Your submissions can accompany your Instagram photo post. Questions? sswnews@vcu.edu.

And don’t forget to follow us on our other social accounts: Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

12:30-1:30 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 12, Raleigh Building lobby
3-4 p.m. ET Monday, Sept. 30, Zoom

The Wilder School's Virginia Capitol Semester internship program is your chance to gain firsthand experience in the legislative arena this spring while taking classes as an undergraduate student at VCU.

Juniors and seniors may apply to be paired with a Virginia delegate or senator during the 2025 General Assembly session and work 20 hours per week on public policy issues. Join the Wilder team for a Lobby Chat info session, open to all students, to learn more about the program and applications. (See SSWeekly email for Zoom links.)

>> Apply (opens Sept. 1)

Students are invited to view the virtual presentations of four candidates for the position of dean of the VCU School of Social Work. Sessions are noon-1:30 p.m. ET each day:

• Thursday, Aug. 22 - Candidate 1
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 - Candidate 2
• Thursday, Aug. 29 - Candidate 3
• Thursday, Sept. 5 - Candidate 4

See the separate email from Interim Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Stevara Haley Clark, Ed.D., with details about Zoom access for the sessions.

Rebecca Smith, Ph.D., is searching for a teaching assistant (TA) who can assist with the service-learning component of the Spit for Science (S4S) undergraduate research class. A TA will have the opportunity to gain experience with data collection and science communication for Spit for Science: The VCU Study Survey and to guest lecture at least once a semester. 

Dr. Smith is an instructor and program manager of undergraduate research for the Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health in the School of Social Work.

> Learn more

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 17
VCU School of Nursing, Younger auditorium & Zoom

Speaker Danny Avula, M.D., M.P.H., is a public health physician specializing in pediatrics and preventive medicine and continues to practice clinically as a pediatric hospitalist. He served the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts for 12 years, including as the director for six years. 

In January 2021, he was appointed to lead the statewide COVID-19 vaccination effort in Virginia. From 2022-2024, Avula served as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. He is also an affiliate faculty member at VCU, where he regularly serves as an advisor and preceptor to graduate and medical students, and is a candidate in the 2024 mayoral election for the City of Richmond, Virginia.

3-5 p.m. ET Thursday, Aug. 22, Grace E. Harris Hall lawn
Pop in for popcorn, popsicles and yard games on the lawn with the SSW community! Games will include cornhole, giant Jenga, badminton and horseshoes.

4-6 p.m. ET Friday, Aug. 16
Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom
Join former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell; Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Barry DuVal; Executive Director of the White House Initiatives on HBCUs Dietra Trent, Ph.D.; and others for an evening of reflection on the U.S. Supreme Court case that desegregated education and the impact on Virginia business today. 

A reception will begin at 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by Virginians for Reconciliation and the Office of Government Relations. For more information, contact Cindy Martin at cwmartin@vcu.edu.

>> RSVP

Deadline: Friday, Aug. 30
VCU's Division of Inclusive Excellence is accepting applications for the Inclusive Excellence Student Fellows program. This program aims to empower students to actively contribute to campus-wide inclusion initiatives, enhance their leadership skills and promote inclusive excellence throughout the university and the broader Richmond community. For more information, contact Brooke Berry at inclusive@vcu.edu.

>> Apply 

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 5
VCU's Student Alumni Council is seeking aspiring leaders to apply for the organization's leadership council and support VCU philanthropy and traditions. For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu.

>> Apply

Applications open Wednesday, Aug. 21
Sister Cities International will be accepting applications through its website for youth ambassadors (ages 19-27) to support the U.S. Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, for three to six months. The expo will be held from April 12, 2025, to Oct. 13, 2025.

Japanese language ability (as well as other languages) and previous travel experience are highly preferred, but not required. The World Expo is a twice-a-decade global event, and Osaka is expected to draw 28 million people. Richmond is a sister city with Saitama, Japan.

Clinical Skills Lab will give students an opportunity to practice their social work skill set outside the classroom and their internships. During this hour, students will engage in a variety of case studies, role plays and activities with the goal to increase clinical social work skills that are applicable in real-world settings.

As each clinical skill lab is facilitated by a different instructor with their own area of expertise, returning students will gain new skills with each lab attended. DSMs will be raffled after each lab for any students that participate. Some of our facilitating instructors this semester include:

• Katrice Byrd, D.S.W., LCSW 
• Samantha Day, D.S.W., LCSW 
• Klara Prachar (M.S.W.10), LCSW, an alum and new assistant professor in teaching
• Brittani Sanders (M.S.W.’11), LCSW, also an alum

There will be two Clinical Skills Labs held in person this semester, and two held virtually on Zoom:

• 11 a.m.-noon ET Tuesday, Sept. 17 (in person)
• 7-8 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 19 (virtual)
• 11 a.m.-noon ET Tuesday, Oct. 22 (in person)
• 6-7 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 22 (virtual)

Email Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., assistant professor in teaching and director of mental health initiatives, with questions: jacobsc2@vcu.edu.

>> Register

Are you eligible for Federal Work Study and a highly motivated B.S.W. or M.S.W. student? Do you enjoy working with others as a team to create a sense of community?

Do you have fresh ideas for student programming events and enjoy serving the community? If you answered yes to all of those questions, you may want to consider applying in Handshake to serve as a 2024-25 SSW student ambassador!

Send questions to Lakesha Bennett, senior recruitment specialist, at sswinfo@vcu.edu. 

The Basic Needs Program at VCU is seeking a qualified graduate student to apply for a graduate assistant position. The Basic Needs Program is a new program at VCU under Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success that aims to support the basic needs of underserved student populations (e.g. students who have aged out of foster care, students experiencing homelessness, students with dependents, etc.). The goal is to alleviate basic need insecurity at VCU and promote the persistence and graduation rates of underserved students.

To apply, please send a resume or CV and a cover letter to Madison Woodroof, M.S.W., Basic Needs Program coordinator, at woodroofm@vcu.edu. The position will remain open until filled.

The VCU Office of Student Affairs is looking for volunteer peer support specialists who can help other students who are in crisis. These are students who have experienced gender-based violence, are experiencing mental health issues, or are having academic concerns. This position will require you to listen and provide resources. You will not be responsible for counseling students. This position will require a one-year commitment, and you have the ability to earn academic credit for being peer support. 

If you are interested, please email Stephanie Coats, assistant director of student advocacy, at coatss@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 8
Get ready for a host of events over three-plus weeks with VCU’s Weeks of Welcome. Key events include:

• New student convocation, 4-4:45 p.m. ET Monday, Aug. 19, Monroe Park
• Ram Spirit Walk, 4:40-5:15 p.m. ET Monday, Aug. 19, Monroe Park

In 2005, VCU was among the first universities to earn the Carnegie Community Engaged University classification. This self-study brings together the university and its partners to assess and improve community engagement. As the Division of Community Engagement seeks reclassification, input is sought to describe the university's work with communities. The final results will be shared. For more information, contact Division of Community Engagement at engage@vcu.edu.

>> Submit

Over Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, Shruti Syal, Ph.D., an assistant professor  from the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, will hire one to two graduate research assistants (RAs) for 10-20 hours per week on a project mapping the institutional network of organizations involved in water governance in India. RAs will be part of a research team with undergraduate and Ph.D. student researchers, who are working on related aspects of the overall project. RAs’ contributions are credited in the open-access web resource that the team creates, with the potential for co-authoring a research paper. RAs have typically also presented at the VCU graduate research symposium organized at the end of April each year. 

Please send an email to syals@vcu.edu with a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the position, eligibility and specific experiences or qualifications that make you suitable for the position.

VCU students who use the Ram Pantry have access to more fresh fruits, vegetables and prepared foods thanks to a partnership with Birdhouse Farmers Market, a community-focused operation that neighbors the VCU campus.

In 2023, Ram Pantry moved to a location at 930 W. Grace St. in a building shared with the Free Store. There are also Little Ram Pantry kiosks across both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses.

“Everything [the farmers market] donates is perishable, so it’s nice to have fresh food available to our students,” says Lisa Mathews-Ailsworth, VCU’s assistant director for student support.

>> Learn more

Deadline: Friday, July 12

Sometimes unexpected challenges or opportunities may require you to reevaluate the steps of your educational path. Through Friday, July 12, all current B.S.W. and M.S.W. students will have the opportunity to request to change their program format — full-time to part-time and/or on-campus to online, and vice versa. Students must complete the official form and meet with their student success advisor in order for their request to be considered.

Keep in mind:

• Requests to change format will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and granted based on space availability.
• Students may only change from on-campus to online or vice versa one time during the course of their enrollment in the program.
• Format changes may result in changes to your tuition billing and/or financial aid — contact VCU Student Financial Services before you initiate the change request.
• Students must meet with their student success advisor prior to July 12, 2024, in order to officially request to change their program format. You may schedule an appointment online with your advisor.

>> Submit

Deadline: Friday, July 12
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is hiring nine-month part-time positions for Federal Work Study assistants for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants must be registered as full-time on-campus students and have accepted their Federal Work Study award. For more information, contact David Brown at dgbrown@vcu.edu.

>> Apply

TEACH BP, a VCU Health Pauley Heart Center program, teaches the importance of blood pressure to 4th graders in the Hopewell community. It runs in-classroom programs at elementary schools in Hopewell, as well as summer camps and community events in the Richmond area. The program is seeking volunteers to assist in educating young people about hypertension! Learn more about the program.

>> Register

TEDxVCU is now accepting applications to join its 2024-2025 planning team. Roles include marketing, production and engagement, and curation. All applicants are welcome, but applicants for marketing and production and engagement are encouraged. Applications will be accepted throughout the summer. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

>> Apply