VCU news

By VCU News staff

The second annual Transformative Learning Week at Virginia Commonwealth University will feature a schedule of events and activities that puts a spotlight on the value of experiential learning and the powerful experiences available through VCU.

The theme for this year’s program, which runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, is “Every Ram Connects. Every Ram Creates. Every Ram Contributes.” At VCU, transformative learning experiences include internships, clinical placements, community engagement, global learning experiences and undergraduate research, among other components.

“Transformative learning is an institutionwide initiative and central to VCU’s emphasis on innovative teaching and learning as it prioritizes the critical role of reflection and psychosocial development in the learning process,” said Shanza Isom, director of engaged transformative learning in the Office of the Provost at VCU. “Transformative Learning Week will be an annual program to give the university community opportunities to highlight, share and collaborate on transformative learning experiences at VCU.”

Isom said this year’s program features partnerships with seven units across campus to host events highlighting transformative learning. Isom noted that the week includes events for everyone – students, staff, faculty and the larger Richmond community – and all are invited to attend.

Key goals of the program are:

• To highlight transformative learning experiences that exist at the university.
• To provide opportunities for faculty, staff and students to network, learn and connect with one another with a focus on opportunities that take teaching and learning outside of the traditional classroom.
• To collaborate across units at the university to create and engage students and the broader community.
• To engage in universitywide service activities that will benefit the Richmond community.

This year’s schedule of events includes:

Monday, Oct. 28

Micro-Internships
11 a.m.-noon - virtual session

An overview of what micro-internships are, their value and examples of the types of projects available.
Register online
*registration required for access

Finding & Funding International Internships
3-4 p.m. - virtual session

Learn about opportunities for internships abroad.
Register online
*registration required for access

VCU Transform Open House Presentation
4:15-5 p.m., West Grace North, Room 1030J

Tuesday, Oct. 29

RVA Internship & Experiential Learning Opportunities Fair
Noon-3 p.m. in University Student Commons, Richmond Salons

Connect with organizations offering opportunities that unite academic goals to authentic, real-world work that advances career development. Network with organizations that can provide opportunities to get, practice and improve skills and career competencies in various industry settings. This event is open to VCU students and alumni, as well as students from other Richmond area colleges and universities.
Register online
(registration not required)

National Vote Early Day
University Student Commons, Lobby

Vote Early Day is a tentpole moment for partners nationwide to engage with voters and empower them with the tools to cast their ballots early.

Design Your Own Travel Bag
6:30-8:30 p.m. at Rodney's Lounge on the first floor of Shafer Dining Hall

Materials will be provided for this tote bag design night but the event is first-come, first-served and supplies are limited. Returnees from study abroad will share their experiences, and participants can learn about education abroad opportunities.          
Register through RamsConnect

Wednesday, Oct. 30

VCU Tech Fair
11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom
IT staff will be available to share tips and tricks and answer questions about a variety of our IT services at VCU and consider how technology can contribute to a rich transformative learning experience.

Lunch and Learn: Community Engaged Teaching and Learning
Noon-1 p.m., University Student Commons, Alumni Association Board Room
Interactive discussion for graduate students interested in faculty roles as part of the Preparing Future Faculty series that will feature faculty who teach with a community-engaged focus.

Transformative Learning Panel
1-2:30 p.m. at the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers
This panel will showcase some of the high impact practices at VCU. The panel will consist of faculty, students and community partners representing service-learning, REAL, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs), and undergraduate research.

Register Online

Undergraduate Research Series with the Science Hub
1 p.m. at the Science Hub (Room 201) in the VCU STEM Building

The Undergraduate Research Series hosts staff from the VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry as well as a panel of undergraduate researchers to share opportunities and insights for students at the undergraduate level who are interested in gaining research experiences.

Emerging Researchers Academy
The Emerging Researchers Academy is a continuing series of student workshops designed for undergraduate researchers and those who are interested in participating in mentored research projects.
Learn more about ERA and its fall workshop series.

Thursday, Oct. 31

VCU Tech Fair
11 a.m.-1 p.m., University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom.

IT staff will be available to share tips and tricks and answer questions about a variety of our IT services at VCU and consider how technology can contribute to a rich transformative learning experience.

Annual Cards for Seniors
Noon-2 p.m., Mary & Frances Youth Center (120 S. Linden St.)

Create fall-themed cards for residents of local senior communities.
(Registration not required)

VIP Showcase
1-3 p.m., Engineering Research Building Atrium, 401 W. Cary St.
Register
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Showcase will demonstrate ongoing projects and research conducted by current VCU VIP teams. VIPs are course-based, multiyear, multidisciplinary, team-based projects conducted under the guidance of faculty and graduate students.

Making the Most of Mentoring and Reflection in Your Transformative Learning
1-2 p.m., via Zoom

Learn techniques to make both mentoring and reflection more effective tools in one’s transformative learning experience.

Friday, Nov. 1

Connect 2024: Community Engagement Conference
8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., Cabell Library, Room 303
Register online

Connect 2024: Community Engagement Conference invites community members, community organizations, and faculty, staff, students and alumni at VCU to come together for a day of learning, networking and skill development.

For questions or more information about Transformative Learning Week, visit academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/ or contact Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu.