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Feb. 1st - TRIO Weekly Newsletter

Aurora Turmelle - Wednesday, February 1, 2023
 Events 

TRIO SSS Weekly Updates

February 1st, 2023

TRIO students have a new financial aid counselor. If you have questions about anything financial aid-related, reach out to Mrs. Colette Reid directly via Navigate or at reidc2@vcu.edu.

When sending an email, use this as your subject line, "TRIO Student Assistance Needed - [your first initial & last name]. Also, copy your TRIO advisor on the email so that we can stay in the loop.



 

TRIO Office Updates




Please submit all printing requests to trio@vcu.edu up to 30 minutes before the office closing for same-day pickup. Printed materials left in the office longer than 3 days will be recycled.

Need scantrons for your exam? We have those as well! Stop by the front desk to grab one before your next exam.

Upcoming TRIO Events

EVENT

TRIO Spring Welcome Back Event

Wednesday, February 1
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Private Location (sign in to display)
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Welcome back for the spring semester, we're so excited to have you back on campus!

Join us for our spring welcome back meeting, we have lots of cool things in store that we want to tell you about! Who knows, we might even be raffling off some TRIO Swag? Only way to find is to show up!
RSVP

Upcoming On-Campus Events

Events

Wednesday, February 1
Start End   Event         Location
2:00pm 3:00pm Book Reading Group: An Experience for Men of Color Private Location (sign in to display)
7:00pm 9:00pm Black Fidelity Art Gallery Opening Private Location (sign in to display)
Thursday, February 2
1:00pm 2:00pm Financial Aid & Scholarships for Study Abroad Info Session Online Event
2:00pm 3:00pm American College of Greece (ACG) Webinar Online Event
Friday, February 3
10:00am 11:00am Walk-A-Dog The Pace Center
4:00pm 5:00pm Transformative Innovation Private Location (sign in to display)
Monday, February 6
12:00pm 1:00pm Travel and African American Imagination Online Event
5:00pm 5:30pm Transfer Student Leadership Program Information Session Private Location (register to display)
7:00pm 8:00pm SEA GBM: Guest Speaker Professor Stephen Day Private Location (sign in to display)
Tuesday, February 7
4:00pm 5:00pm The Black Disabled Experience Private Location (sign in to display)
5:00pm 6:00pm Elevator Pitch Workshop by SHRM Private Location (sign in to display)
7:00pm 8:00pm Welcome Back Party Private Location (sign in to display)

Want to stay up to date with what's happening with TRIO?
Subscribe to the TRIO Google Calendar! Follow the steps below to stay caught up with us!



 

CAMPUS PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
 

Wednesday, Feb. 1st
VCU Robertson School Graduate Programs Informational Sessions
12:00-12:30pm

VCU's Robertson School of Media and Culture will host two virtual informational sessions about its online graduate programs at noon-12:30 p.m. and 6-6:30 p.m. today, Feb. 1. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL. For more information, contact Alexandra Chapman at chapmanam3@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/6684061425.
 

Wednesday, Feb. 1st
Book Reading Group: An Experience for Men of Color
2:00pm

The Men's Multicultural Collective will have a book reading group for Men of Color. The group will read together "A Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. The group will meet weekly starting the week of Jan. 30 in Room 222, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Two weekly sessions will be offered: Monday from 1-2 p.m. (https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926681) and Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. (https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926677). For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Feb. 1st
Reception for Black Fidelity
7:00-9:00pm

VCUarts and The Anderson will present Black Fidelity, a showcase of art and performances from Black Art Student Empowerment (BASE), Creative Production Collective (CPC) and BLKinFashion for Black History Month. The opening reception on the top floors of The Anderson, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St., will kick off the exhibition and series of events exploring Afrorealism and Afrofuturism through Feb. 23. For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/community/news/black-fidelity-a-multimedia-exhibition-exploring-afrorealism-afrofuturism/.
 

Thursday, Feb. 2nd
Designing Your Life at the Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge
12:00pm

The University College Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (FILL) and VCU da Vinci Center will present a “Designing Your Life” workshop in Room 5116, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. How do you take action in your first years of college to discover and pursue what you are most passionate about? Mary-Chris Escobar, Associate Director of Student Success at VCU's da Vinci Center, will introduce design-thinking methods that can help channel your curiosity and creativity to reconnect with your “why” for being at VCU. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Matthew James Vechinski at mjvechinski@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926900.
 


 Undergraduate Certificate in Disability Studies Program

First and only Undergraduate Certificate in Disability Studies within Virginia!

Disability Studies is all about engaging students in interdisciplinary experiences and helping them understand contemporary disability issues, research and practices within a social, political, cultural and historical context. At the end of the certificate program (9 credit hours), the students will have an applied project that integrates the concepts in Disability Studies and their major field of study.

In the courses, you will learn different theoretical frameworks, such as DisCrit, Crip Theory, Queer Theory and others. In the certificate, you will take three required courses, and the third course is where you will design and create your application project. Students from across the University participate in this program, which creates a multidisciplinary learning environment to examine disability in our modern world.

Required Coursework: 

  • IDDS 200 Disability History and Culture – This course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of disability within American society and internationally throughout history. The class uses an intersectional approach to examine disability history and culture.
  • IDDS 201: Disability, Diversity, and Human Rights – This course is an exploration of diverse populations and the variety of ways in which people learn and identify themselves, and how they interact with and connect with the world at large.
  • IDDS 300: Applications of Disability Studies – This course provides students the opportunity to apply material from previous courses in disability studies to their own disciplinary major.
For more information, please visit the website at https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/certificate-disability-studies/ or email the program at disabstudies@vcu.edu 



Have You Ever Used A Little Ram Pantry?
The Sustainable Food Access Core at VCU invites students who have used any of the Little Ram Pantries across campus to participate in a focus group to share their experiences. The focus group will take place in February. Participants will be compensated. View the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J8mR3-WT70d6djH5pprGn_t94SUTlHaMxVUokox0GB8/edit to get started. For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ko5rgjDxPxlIX4n0adDpWjbGkb-aKL4i/view.

Upcoming Opportunities


Apply by Wednesday, Feb. 1st
Student Advisory Council for the Vice President for Student Affairs

 

 Members of this council will provide feedback about services, programs, and issues impacting students. Interested students can complete the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Advisory Council form by Feb. 1, 2023.
 


Apply by Sunday, Feb. 12th
Student Representative to the State Council of Higher Education

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, February 12 from students interested in serving as the VCU student representative to the Student Advisory Committee for the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. Additional information about the council can be found online here. To apply, please complete this form.
 


Apply by Sunday, Feb. 12th
Chesterfield County Summer Internship Program

Each summer, the Department of Human Resources sponsors the Chesterfield County college summer internship program to provide students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a realistic preview of what it is like to work in local government. The county is committed to administering a successful, efficient and inclusive program that will allow interns to make a positive contribution to the community while gaining valuable work experience in their field of study. During the 10-week program, interns will experience networking and professional development opportunities, gain professional experience in their assigned county department, and learn about the mission and vision of Chesterfield County. View the internship program video. To apply, visit Career Opportunities.


Apply by Friday, Feb. 17th
Student Representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors for 2023-24

 Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 17, 2023 from students interested in serving as a student representative to the VCU Board of Visitors during the 2023-24 academic year. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found online.
 

 

Applications Now Open for the 2023 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program in The Netherlands -June 23-July 15, 2023



The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) works with university and international partners to offer a short-term, summer study abroad experience for TRIO participants in Student Support Services and McNair Scholars programs in institutions that are COE members. There is no better place to learn and practice world citizenship than in The Hague (Den Haag), the International City of Peace and Justice, and the political, cultural heart of the Netherlands. Interested students are encouraged to apply! Opportunities to lead the group are available for staff. Students and staff must apply before Wednesday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Student program costs $2,300; a $250 student deposit is due with application.

Application Deadline: February 15th, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Students apply and get more information here.

Upcoming Scholarships & Grad School Opportunities

 

AFAM Major Scholarship

Students who have declared African American studies as their major are eligible for a $500 AFAM scholarship from the VCU AFAM Department to study abroad on Dr. Bernard Moitt’s summer program to Barbados from July-August, 2023. Please reference the Barbados study abroad brochure.
 
Amount: $500
Deadline: 2/10/23
Apply HERE!
 
 

Study Abroad Airfare Voucher Award

The Airfare Voucher Award was established on behalf of VCU students pursuing study abroad through the VCU Office of Procurement Services. This award program uses airfare miles the university accrues through employee travel and donates them to students to support study abroad. This award offers an airline voucher, equivalent to an economy class seat, through Delta and American Airlines (not including taxes and fees) for travel on an approved program.

The award is open to full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in any major.

Eligible applicants must be a degree seeking student at VCU with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater, be participating on a credit-bearing, approved study abroad program, and have registered their program with the Education Abroad Office prior to departure. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to share their experience abroad at a number of VCU Education Abroad sponsored events upon return.

Deadline: 2/10/23
Apply HERE!
 

 

Eric W. Witzig Scholarship in Criminal Justice

Established by Mr. Eric W. Witzig (M.S. in Criminal Justice ’95) to support an undergraduate student in criminal justice. Mr. Witzig was in law enforcement for 43 years. He was a homicide detective for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department until 1989 and then went on to serve as a crime analyst and supervisor for the FBI until he retired in 2012. He passed away in February 2020.

• Undergraduate student in criminal justice
• First generation student (preference)
• Need-based award (preference)
 

Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/15/23
Apply HERE!

 

 

Excellence in Virginia Government Awards Scholarship

The Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) scholarships honor the previous year’s EVGA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The scholarship is awarded to students who exhibit a commitment to community service and a deep interest in the practice of government and public affairs. Scholarship awards are made each year thanks to the generous sponsorships of individuals, and public and private organizations in the Commonwealth.

• Undergraduate or graduate student
• Merit-based award
• Recipient should attend the annual EVGA ceremony in the spring

Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/15/23
Apply HERE!
 


Lindsey and Larry Bowman Scholarship in Criminal Justice
 

The Lindsey and Larry Bowman (B.S. in Administration of Justice & Public Safety ‘73; M.S. in Administration of Justice & Public Safety ‘82) Scholarship in Criminal Justice will provide financial assistance to an undergraduate student in criminal justice in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. The student will have at least 54 credit hours completed and a demonstrated interest in criminal justice. Preference will be given to students who are pursuing a career in law enforcement as well as to students who identify as first-generation and/or have demonstrated financial need.

  • Undergraduate student in Criminal Justice
  • A minimum of 54 hours completed at the time of the award
  • First-generation (preference)
  • Need-based award (preference)
  • Pursuing a career in law enforcement (preference)


Amount: 10,000
Deadline: 2/15/23
Apply HERE!
 


Kohlbeck Memorial Scholarship for Service & Excellence

Established by Thomas J. Kohlbeck (B.S. in Justice ’08, B.A. in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness ’08) in memory of his grandfather, Victor J. Kohlbeck (United States Army – WWII, Vietnam and Korea), and his great uncle, Kenneth J. Kohlbeck (United States Marine Corps – Korea), who both sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Their commitment to service and excellence inspired a legacy of careers in the field of public service for his family. Thomas and his father, Gunnar (B.S. in Administration of Justice and Public Safety ’74), continued this commitment in the fields of homeland security and criminal justice. This scholarship will support an undergraduate student in criminal justice and/or homeland security and emergency preparedness with ambitions to pursue a career related to either academic program.

  • Undergraduate student in Criminal Justice and/or Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness programs
  • Full-time student (preference)
  • Required 500-word essay to address the pursuit of a career in either discipline or both disciplines and a commitment to service and excellence in the field
  • Students with demonstrated service in the field through volunteer efforts and/or an internship experience (preference to unpaid internship)
  • Merit-based award
  • Need-based award (preference)
  • 3.0 min cumulative GPA
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/15/23
Apply HERE!
 


Albert T. Sneden III Scholarship in Chemistry


The Albert T. Sneden III Scholarship in chemistry was established by alumni, friends and associates of Sneden upon his retirement to honor his 28-year career at VCU. Sneden was the former executive associate dean of the College and is a professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry. The scholarship is available to qualified undergraduate or graduate students majoring in chemistry who are in good academic standing. Graduate student applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no grade lower than a B. Undergraduate applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and are ‘true’ chemistry majors (not pre-med students).
 
Amount: 1,000-1,500
Deadline: 3/20/23
Apply HERE!

What's Happening Off Campus?


Jan. 28th - Feb. 18th 2023
January - February Exhibits at ArtWorks
11am-5pm daily



See 4 new exhibits and 80 artist studios. Visit us Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 5pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Exhibits include:

Simply Photography 2023
Photographers get an opportunity to showcase their signature photographs in this juried show. You will see photography of all types including traditional, digital, manipulated, and photographic mixed media. This exhibit will be juried by professional photographer, John Henley. There are cash prizes. The exhibit will be in the main gallery.

Out / Side / In by Daniel Travis Bice
Daniel Bice is inspired by dramatic emotions, and he explores these through kinetic scenes, harsh lighting and contrasting colors. He investigates the various facets of isolation—self-imposed and isolation through society, including self-isolation fed by thoughts, solitude or fear. In this exhibit he achieves a kind of juxtaposition of the tangled and surreal intensity of inner emotions with the serenity or unbearable cacophony of social reality.
This exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery.

All Stories Great and Small by Wendy Nelson
Where life exists, stories happen. Wendy Nelson, a Virginia Master Naturalist has been known to sit in the same spot for days to capture just the perfect moment. In this exhibit she brings these moments to us through the lens of her fine art photography. Her work has been published on National Geographic.com and in The Virginia Wildlife Magazine. Her hope is to share the amazing world, glimpses of different lives from all perspectives, from creatures great and small. She says: “With each picture, we can see a glimpse into the life of another. With each glimpse, we can better envision the different stories of our world. One story alone does not compose the book of life; I hope that through my collection, I can record more chapters of that book for you to read, as you see All Stories Great and Small.” This exhibit will be in the Corner Gallery.

On Broad Rocks by Joseph Gottlich
This exhibition is a photographic essay about Richmond’s treasure on the James. The broad rocks of Belle Isle have been the site of industrial and historical significance for the city; from a nail factory and ironworks that provided steel for Chrysler, to a notorious Civil War POW camp, to providing electricity to the first city-wide electric power transit system in the country. It is the intersection of this history, the island’s natural elements, and the current industrial decay that is explored in the exhibit. Understanding the history of a place or object brings depth to the photography. This exhibition features industrial/urban decay locations as nature reclaims the space. An avid photographer, Gottlich tends to focus on industrial and urban elements, juxtaposed with natural elements. This exhibit will be in the Skylight Gallery.

 


Thursday, Feb. 2nd, 2023
VMFA ART AFTER HOURS: RHYTHM AND ROOTS
8:00pm-9:30pm

Improv comedy from Mer¢hant, Pack & more!
Come out every First Thursday of the month for a night of awesome improv comedy produced by Nick Leveski and Patrick Gantz, two veteran improvisers together known as Pack. Each month they'll invite guest acts to join the show and the audience will have a chance to get in on the action as well! Be there or be told "you had to be there."

Pack is Nick Leveski and Patrick Gantz, both refugees from the esteemed Chicago improv scene who moved to Richmond for their wives but have found true partners in one another.

Mer¢hant is Emma Bailey, Harrison Brooks, Meagan Dalton, Samantha Merz, Jamie Rule, Robert Torrence, Nicholas Waddell, Tyler Webb, Hannah Zaino

Do you yearn for strange oddities, ancient trinkets, and bizarre wares? Well, luckily for you, Mer¢hant peddles the most sensational wares on the improv stage that will leave you coming back for more. But buyers beware! You may get more than you bargained for...

COVID-19 Protocol: Masks and proof of vax required. Please remain masked when not consuming snacks or drinks. Proof of full vaccination is mandatory. Thanks for understanding.


Saturday, Feb. 4th 2023
AKOMA DE GADO PRESENTS AFRICAN THREAD, AMERICAN TREAD!
2:00pm-8:30pm

This production will display certain dances and rhythms that have sustained black folk throughout the diaspora for centuries. Living in America presents challenges of its own and some traditions/customs may evolve into new creations upon a different land. Akoma de Gado will take you on a journey from the African American perspective and bringing it to audiences during this 21st century.

2pm & 7pm.

 

Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2023
Chinafest: Year of the Rabbit
10:00am - 4:30pm



Celebrate the Lunar New Year at VMFA. Explore Chinese art and culture through art-making activities, collaborative projects, films, artist demonstrations, and performances. Make a paper
plate dragon, design a nature scroll, and watch the dynamic Lion Dance and performances by Yu Dance Arts, as well as presentations by Richmond Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy.
 


Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2023
DRAGSTRAVAGANZA!: LET LOVE RULE

*Pay-What-You-Can Ticket required for Entry!*
https://bit.ly/Dragstravaganza

Join us for a kid and family-friendly dragtastic celebration of LGBTQ+ LOVE, community, and art! Hosted by TransJam Events & MC’d by Michelle Livigne!
Enjoy tacos from Intergalactic Tacos! We’ll have an all LGBTQ+ mini makers market, drag performances and story time, music, a photobooth, crafts, face painting, and more!
Mini Maker Vendors:, Dayum Jam RVA, Fragment Jewelry Co.,Angry Black Grxl Art, Casha is Nervous, Burn with Cassie, HxcCrafts, Bra Full of Sawdust, Bud & Thorn, Petty’s Pastries, Haus Valtieri, M Brill Art, Pistil + Stamen

While you’re with us, be sure to visit with Community Partners He She Ze & We, Karnage Construction, and Seven Hills Family Medicine for crafts, fun, and info!
This is a family friendly event - tickets required for entry. Sliding scale in advance or $10 at the door!

TRIO Student Support Services

Hibbs Hall- 2nd Floor, Suite 211
900 Park Ave
Campus Box 843065

Richmond, Virginia 23284-3065

Tel: 804-828-9517
Our mailing address is:
trio@vcu.edu

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