We hope that the Spring semester is off to a great start! This is the first ReFILL newsletter of the new term. The newsletter goes out to students in all Focused Inquiry courses: UNIV 111, 112, 200, and 299. It will update you on resources and opportunities you can take advantage of to reach your full potential as a student and strengthen your connection to the VCU community.

 

The Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (The FILL) is located on the fifth floor of Harris Hall in Room 5116, directly across from the main elevators! We are open to students Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

It’s the perfect space study or work on your assignments and is a great alternative to the library, especially during midterms and exam weeks! We have independent or collaborative study rooms to meet your needs as well as a mini computer lab and OnePrint printer.

If you're taking a Focused Inquiry (UNIV) class this fall and seeking some support, take a look on Navigate to view the FILL Peer Mentors' availabilities! FILL Peer Mentors offer drop-in consultations in The FILL and online consultations on Zoom by appointment. They provide personalized assistance to help you with your Focused Inquiry coursework and can direct you to helpful campus resources.
 

Did you know that 1 in 3 VCU rams are affected by food insecurity?
 

Access to nutritious food is fundamental to general well-being, including successful academic outcomes. With this correlation in mind, Ram Pantry strives to ensure food security, provided in a dignified manner, for all VCU students.

To address this issue, Ram Pantry has installed “Little Ram Pantries” in convenient spots across campus. Locations include the Academic Learning Commons, Cabell Library, Broad & Belvidere Student Apartments, the Cary Street Gym, and now, right outside The FILL (Harris 5116).

Students in need are encouraged to pick up items at any of these locations––no questions asked. You are also welcome to visit the staffed Ram Pantry in the University Student Commons (Room 121) which is open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. Little Ram Pantries are accessible whenever these buildings are open.

Here at The FILL, we are proud to be a part of the expansion of the Ram Pantry mission. We hope this new pantry location will increase awareness of and access to this vital resource. For those interested in further information on Ram Pantry, and an expansive list of additional resources for students facing food insecurity, visit their website.
 

Peer Leader and Mentor Fair
Wednesday, February 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. • Virginia Rooms, Student Commons, 2nd floor

Looking to learn more about how you can become a peer leader or mentor at VCU? Do you have a strong desire to serve your peers? Are you interested in building your leadership and mentoring skills? As part of the First-Year Rising series, First Year Experiences/Second Year Experiences and Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning are hosting this fair open to all VCU students. The event will showcase VCU's peer leader and mentor programs, including the FILL Peer Mentors, and also offer food, prizes, and more!


Designing Your Life
Thursday, February 2 at noon • The FILL (Harris 5116)

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 da Vinci Center, will introduce you to design thinking methods that can help channel your curiosity and creativity so that you can find your way toward joy and fulfillment. Register on RamsConnect (registration encouraged but not required).
 

Wishing you a strong start to the Spring semester!