The Compass

Compass T he

A guide to life at VCU

Summer 2019

Illustration by CJ Wright

Finding your way in the RVA GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT I have a confession to make.

When I arrived at VCU in fall 2016, everyone always referenced “the compass” as a central landmark — a reference point to find the library, Shafer and Hibbs. It took me a month to actually look down at my feet, notice the cardinal directions and learn the location of that elusive navigational tool.

If you’re as directionally challenged as me, this publication won’t help you physi-

cally find your way around campus. But it will help you land on your feet in what’s most likely a new city. Shout out to all my fellow Richmond natives, though — help your new friends learn to cross the street.

The time you spend at VCU is yours.

Though it might sound odd coming from someone who just spent the better part of two weeks putting a guidebook together, take the advice you’re about to read with a grain of salt. Each person’s experience is going to be different; rather, look at these pages as a resource to make your college experience health-

ier, organized and more entertaining.

Remember, these years might not be the best of your life. You will still face hardships and stress — what college guarantees is a framework for new experiences and the freedom to explore them without a lot of other obligations.

I’m sure a dozen people — including, but not limited to your high school teachers, the internet and your orientation leader — have told you to get involved in a student organization. At this point it sounds corny, but it’s good advice. Go to the Student Organization Fair with a bag

to hold all of the fliers and buttons from groups that interest you and throw your email down on the Google Sheet at every table you can.

Finding your passion, getting to know yourself and building connections, those are the best things college has to offer.

Make lifelong friends, reinvent yourself, write a book or explore the city. Hell, even get bangs, just don’t cut them yourself if you’re a first-timer. These years are yours.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Navigating internships page 3

Staying healthy page 7

How to grocery shop in college page 4 Getting around page 10 Event/festival guide page 6

Plan your graduation page 12

Exploring the James River page 16 The college bucket list page 19 Basketball, it’s a way of life page 23

2 The Compass

Best spots near campus to curb freshman munchies ANDREW RINGLE Managing Editor, The CT If you find yourself hungry, poor and tired of the ramen and Pop-Tarts you stashed in your desk, it might be time to spread your wings and try a nearby restaurant. It can be expensive to eat in Richmond, and it’s hard to find a place where you can bring all your lacto-ovo-vegetarian friends. So here’s where to get a bite around campus, on and off the standard dining plan, with options for everyone.

1. CHRISTIAN’S PIZZA Every college campus needs a greasy, latenight spot with cheap food. Christian’s Pizza gracefully fills that role, inviting drunk and sober students alike to dine together at its long tables. Every night after 11 p.m., a slice of cheese or pepperoni is only $2.25, and it’ll be nice and hot in a matter of minutes. Try the signature ranch dressing — it’s a little extra, but it’ll bring your pie-eating experience to another level.

404 N. Harrison St. Meal plan: None Price: $ Vegetarian options available 2. AU BON PAIN This is a popular bakery chain that was recently added to the VCU dining plan.

For one swipe, Au Bon Pain offers a few classic entrees like sandwiches, croissants and macaroni and cheese.

If you’re going without swipes, a full meal costs around $10 — admittedly overpriced for an assortment of bakery items, but the food is always fresh and filling.

944 W. Grace St. Meal plan: VCUDine Price: $$ Vegetarian, vegan options available 3. HARRISON STREET CAFE It’s easy to adopt a meatless diet in Richmond, but this laid-back hipster cafe makes it cool. Both their breakfast and lunch menus are entirely vegetarian, with a handful of vegan options as well. The service is quick, the food has a homemade charm and prices stay around $10 or less.

402 N. Harrison St. Meal plan: None Price: $$ Vegetarian, vegan options available

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Photos by Gessler Santos-Lopez

4. ASADO

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Taco nights are fun, but if your dorm kitchen is limited to your roommate’s microwave, it might not be so easy to DIY. Instead, go to Asado — get two tacos for $10, or pair one with a side of wings for a dollar more. The atmosphere is energized in the small bar-and-restaurant combo, making it a great spot for small groups and dates. Try the homemade buffalo sauce, be prepared for a bit of a wait and make sure your friends tip the server.

727 W. Broad St. Meal plan: Elevate Price: $$$ Vegetarian options available 5. MAMA J’S Homesickness is easily cured at this Jackson Ward restaurant, where the food is as good as your grandma’s. The menu offers classic soul food selections, like fried chicken, catfish and ribs. To convince your vegetarian friends, tell them Mama J’s has a veggie burger and a few different salads.

It’s a 20-minute walk from Monroe Park, but you’ll need the exercise after eating there. Prices vary depending on size, but expect to spend around $12.

415 N. 1st St. Meal plan: None Price: $$$ Vegetarian, vegan options available

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6. MARKET 810 This location, commonly known as Shafer, is hard to include in a list of good eateries. Its buffet-style equipment is often broken, the food is sometimes bland and the service — omitting Ms. Jackie, the angel who swipes your card at the entrance — is far from friendly. But for just one swipe, you can eat as much as you want. For that reason alone, Shafer is worth consideration. The menu rotates, sometimes including special entrees and guest restaurants, so be sure to check vcu.campusdish.com or @IsShaferCooking on Twitter before going.

810 Cathedral Place Meal plan: VCUDine Price: $$$ (Although you can pay around $11 to get in without swipes, it’s not worth it. Do not pay money to go to Shafer.)

Vegetarian, vegan options available

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Other suggestions from Rams on IG @iliasanwar1: Cava (810 W. Grace St.) @aayamb: Jamaica House (1215 W. Broad St.) @ernie.lee: Thai Top Ten (911 1/2 W. Grace St.) @i_is_georgia: Mary’s Empanadas (907 Floyd Ave.) @erineedgerton: City Dogs (1309 W. Main St.) @gessler_lopez: The Eatery (3000 W. Cary St.) @fadel_fitness: Out of the trash can

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Summer 2019 3

Navigating internships and other opportunities NAOMI GHAHRAI Contributing Writer, The CT

internship, Career Services always welcomes students to set an appointment.

Many departments host their own internInternships. Networking. Opportuship events, and some require internships nities. These words constantly bombard in order to graduate. the minds of college students. Although An appointment with the National academics may be at the forefront of a Scholarship Office, or NSO, helps college education, graduate schools and students explore prestigious opportuniemployers want to see experience outside ties such as the James C. Gaither Junior of the classroom.

Fellows Program, Herbert Scoville Jr. According to a 2012 survey conducted Peace Fellowship, Fulbright scholarships by the Chronicle of and the SMART ScholHigher Education cited arship, short for Science, in The Atlantic, employers Mathematics and Research listed experiences outside for Transformation. Moreof academics — such as over, NSO helps students It can be stressful internships, jobs, voluncreate competitive applicateering and extracurriculars to choose which tions for these scholarships — as the most important and fellowships. opportunity to element in hiring a recent Sometimes, the best pursue, but it is graduate. College students internships are hidden constantly feel the pressure important to find from public view, usually to maintain good grades, resulting from networkinternships that but on top of that, they ing. VCU Career Services resonate with your have to find hosts multiple networking meaningful experiences events such as the Educapassion and future outside of tion Career Fair, Nonprofit goals. the classroom.

Organization Fair, and VCU provides multiNaomi Ghahrai, Contribut- Math & Science Career ple channels to discover and Internship Fair. For ing Writer, The CT university, local and pre-med students, events at national opportunities. For the MCV campus can be example, on the VCU Career Services networking opportunities too. website, at careers.vcu.edu, students can In addition, the daily late-night find internships through Handshake. If TelegRam email is a source of networking you need guidance to find the perfect events around campus. One of the most

Illustration by Uri Hamman

well-known events on campus for exploring opportunities is the Student Organization Fair, formerly known as the SOVO Fair, which is held at the beginning of each semester.

On another note, professors are also sources for networking. Students can become research assistants for a professor, or the professor can be a source of contact for other opportunities. Office hours are an undergraduate’s best friend.

Moreover, events hosted by the student’s academic department are excellent for networking. For instance, the math department hosts a “Math Tea” event every Friday in which undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty can mingle.

Involvement in research is beneficial for academic and career goals for many areas of study. Research symposiums and seminars introduce undergraduate students to the faculty and graduate students

conducting professional research in their fields. Although research is generally associated with STEM, research is relevant to all disciplines. The VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Summer Fellowship is a great starting point for research exposure.

Even with all the campus resources and events, with the right search terms, Google can be a source of valuable internships and opportunities. However, it is important to ensure these internships and opportunities are reputable and legitimate.

Opportunities and internships outside the classroom are readily available. It can be stressful to choose which opportunity to pursue, but it is important to find internships that resonate with your passion and future goals.

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4 The Compass

How to grocery shop in college IMAN MEKONEN Spectrum Editor, The CT Grocery shopping can be hard, especially if you’re on your own in college for the first time. There are so many options, making the experience overwhelming and sometimes dreadful. Although it’s extremely easy to steer clear of the healthy foods and go straight for the junk, you need to do what’s best for your mind and body.

The school year is already tough, so your grocery shopping shouldn’t be. Here are some tips and tricks to guide you through the grocery store aisles to make sure you aren’t spending any extra time or money.

WHERE TO SHOP: The campus Walmart at 912 W. Grace St.

student on a budget, is to buy items you is extremely convenient with its proximity can use in a number of ways. For example, to campus. But it’s more of an express bananas can be a snack on their own, a convenience store for when you need topping to cereal or oatmeal, or a smoothie something in an emergency, not great ingredient. Other examples are eggs, potafor proper grocery shopping. There’s no toes, pasta, rice, fruit — such as strawberproduce section, but it comes in handy ries, blueberries, grapes and apples — and when you need to make an impromptu meat, like chicken, fish, ground beef or stop at the store or the pharmacy.

Kroger at 901 N. Lombardy St. is a little black bean veggie burgers. Buying frozen veggies is more convenient than buying bit farther from campus, but it’s the perfect fresh individual produce. distance if you don’t want to travel far and If you decide to start cooking, your first need a bigger selection. There’s a section for shopping trip will be the most expensive produce and a pharmacy in this traditional grocery store. This option is perfect if you’re because you’ll have to buy all of the necessary base items and condiments. Some looking for a cheap and nearby option for items to consider are hot sauce, peanut some weekly shopping. Just be ready for butter, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and crowds, as it’s the only grocery store within olive oil. You should always have some reasonable walking distance of many Richfood in your dorm or apartment, preferably mond neighborhoods. non-perishable. Some examples are ramen If you’re looking to stretch your paycheck, Aldi at 927 Myers St. or Lidl at — for emergencies — applesauce, instant oatmeal packets, cereal and granola.

4700 W. Broad St. are your best options.

These pared-down grocery stores don’t offer a ton of name brands, but most shopHOW TO USE YOUR GROCERIES: pers end up spending a fraction of what If you don’t have a meal plan (or are they would at other stores.

Target at 5401 W. Broad St. has a great tired of eating Shafer every night), you selection not just for groceries, but for can meal prep for the week for a healthier anything you might need for your dorm. and more affordable option. To do this, The location has produce, clothes, electron- you will need to cook some kind of grain ics and a pharmacy. It’s the farthest of the — pasta, rice or quinoa — pair it with a bunch, but an easy 15 minute ride with the protein, like beef, chicken, fish, black beans GRTC Pulse to the Willow Lawn bus stop. or falafel, and vegetables, such as raw or steamed red peppers, asparagus or broccoli.

Doing this at the beginning of the week WHAT TO SHOP FOR: saves you time when you might not be able The key to shopping for food in a to fit cooking into your schedule. college dorm, or in general as a college

Overall tips when grocery shopping: • Don’t shop when you’re hungry. You will end up buying too much and spending an unnecessary amount of money on non-essentials.

• Comprise a list of what you absolutely need and your favorite ingredients to cook with prior to your shopping trip. This will help you stay organized and on track.

• Go through your fridge once a week to clean out any old leftovers and make sure you don’t buy duplicates.

• Purchase reusable containers. You never know when you might need to take some food to go or when you’ll need extra storage space.

• Keep your pantry and fridge organized. Keep the mostused items on the shelves for easy access. A clean and healthy fridge is a clean and healthy life, right?

Illustration by Lindsay Hart

Cooking in dorms HANNAH EASON News Editor, The CT

carried up five flights of stairs.

The first is scrambled eggs. Fresh eggs will stay good in your fridge for a couple weeks. All you have to do is whisk them OK, listen. You told your mom that in a bowl and cook for one minute. Feel a full set of pots and pans was unnecfree to add seasoning, cheese and hot essary. Three times. But now you’re in sauce after cooking. your dorm alone with a microwave and a Because I don’t think growling stomach. Let’s it’s possible to write even throw into the a “dorm cooking” piece pot that it’s 3 a.m., and without referencing ramen everything’s closed. This noodles, I would like to article is all you need For anyone with a start by saying please for a banging meal that sweet tooth, this don’t eat them every day. should be ready around is about to become Secondly, don’t forget you 3:10 a.m., just in time to can add things to that sad get back to studying. your saving grace: a noodle packet.

When I The microwave is brownie in a mug.” lived in a dorm, I always about to become your kept a small bag of veggies best friend. Sure, there Hannah Eason, News in the freezer. Then I may be studies on how Editor, The CT steamed them in water dangerous the radiin the microwave. Cook ation is, but you can them a little more in the water while worry about that in your 30s. There are you’re boiling noodles, and you’ve got surprisingly a lot of “normal” meals you a slightly healthier dinner. If you really can cook in that huge hunk of metal you want to get fancy, add a scrambled egg to the mix.

If you’re worried about waking your roomie up at an ungodly hour, opt for some cereal instead. Pro tip: almond and skim milk last much longer in your minifridge, for those concerned that whole milk will expire before you finish a whole carton. Also, bulk-sized boxes of cereal are generally a dollar or two more expensive, but they come with multiple cereal bags so your midnight snack won’t go stale.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, this is about to become your saving grace: a brownie in a mug. All you need is 1/4 a cup of flour, 1/4 a cup of sugar, 1/4 a cup of water, 2 tablespoons of cocoa and 2 tablespoons of oil or butter. Voila! I know these ingredients may seem tedious, but most of them are non-perishable. If you’re a coffee drinker you probably already have sugar.

And cocoa is great for making hot chocolate in the winter — your roommate will love you on snow days.

Illustrations by Evan McGrady

Summer 2019 5

Consider these student organizations, broken down by interest COMPILED BY THE CT NEWS EDITOR HANNAH EASON

Amnesty International at VCU is a group of black, brown, LGBTQ, women and allied students fighting for human rights at VCU, the Richmond community and across the globe. Members meet regularly and advocate for human rights through community events, social media campaigns and fundraisers.

Contact: amnestyintvcu@gmail.com Planned Parenthood Generation Action at VCU organizes events on campus and in the community to advocate for reproductive rights and sexual health.

This group connects with other chapters throughout the country to create change through national campaigns, conference and leadership opportunities.

Contact: vcugenact@gmail.com The Freedom Project at VCU raises awareness of human rights violations, with focus on human trafficking. The group tables with information, collects donations for trafficking victims and educates the community on human trafficking.

Contact: freedomprojectvcu@gmail.com ART Art History Club strives to bring people of all disciplines together over a mutual love for art history. The group hosts art walks, potlucks and group trips.

Contact: matiasd@vcu.edu MUSIC American Choral Director's Association Student Chapter at VCU is dedicated to excellence in choral music performances, compositions, publications and research. It holds several big events, including a concert with high school students, fundraisers for master classes, workshops and travel opportunities.

Contact: acda.vcu@gmail.com Brass Player’s Association at VCU works to strengthen the VCU brass ensembles and promote knowledge of brass instruments and literature.

Contact: vcubrassplayers@gmail.com The Peppas, VCU’s athletic pep band, play at sporting events — including, but not limited to, Men’s Basketball games and attending the NCAA and A-10 tournaments. Interested students can audition at the beginning of the school year and fill out a Google form available at vcuathletics.com/information/PepBand.

Contact: vcuathleticband@gmail.com STUDENT MEDIA With eight student organizations, the Student Media Center is a starting point for anyone interested in photography, writing, illustrations, design and more.

Contact: join@vcustudentmedia.com The Commonwealth Times, the independent student newspaper since 1969.

Contact: editor@commonwealthtimes.org WVCW, the online student-run radio station.

Contact: hello@wvcw.org

Pwatem, a student-run journal showcasing student writing and art.

Contact: pwatem@gmail.com Ink Magazine, a student-run annual publication covering fashion, music, art and culture.

Contact: inkmagazine.vcu@gmail.com River City Fashion Uprising (RCFU), the online-only student-run fashion site.

Contact: rivercityfashion@vcustudentmedia.com Amendment, a student-run literary and art journal that focuses on social issues.

Contact: amendmentvcu@gmail.com

The VCU Student Media Center provides students with hands-on experience in video, radio, print and online mediums.

Emanata, the annual student comics anthology.

Contact: emanatacomics@gmail.com Mercury Video, the creative video group.

Contact: mercury@vcustudentmedia.com

School of Engineering. Any full time student of the School of Engineering is welcome to attend and contribute at meetings.

Contact: rajeshk@mymail.vcu.edu

POLITICS

ENVIRONMENTAL

College Republicans at VCU promotes and supports conservative values in all levels of government and with other political activists in the community. They hold biweekly meetings, discuss current news and hold social events often featuring guest speakers.

Contact: middlecoopsa@vcu.edu

0-Waste RVA strives to energize young people to engage in sustainable community development. Its goals include a Styrofoam-free campus and partnerships with nonprofits, governmental organizations and local businesses.

Contact: hoganzt@mymail.vcu.edu

ENGINEERING American Society of Mechanical Engineers provides access to volunteer opportunities, networking events, facility tours and conferences for mechanical engineering students.

Contact: pinneyfr@mymail.vcu.edu Engineering Student Council works to develop the engineering student body through promotion of the success within the

Queer and/or Trans People of Color Collective aims to create a welcoming space for students within the QTPOC community.

The organization strives to include all voices, including the most marginalized.

Contact: qtpoc.vcu@gmail.com

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809 W. Broad St. Richmond VA, 23220

FASHION

GroupMODA Fashion Organization & Modeling Troupe is a student-run fashion organization that promotes diversity, creativity and confidence in personal style.

Contact: mckeeverkp@vcu.edu

Queer Action is dedicated to empowering strong, engaged and active students who identify as LGBTQIA+. It aims to create a space safe for all students within this spectrum.

Contact: hamiltonlc2@mymail.vcu.edu

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Young Democratic Socialists at VCU organizes for the interests of students and workers and participates in local activism. It hosts monthly meetings, in addition to occasional supply drives and free car repair clinics.

Contact: vcuyds@gmail.com

CompleX Modeling Troupe aims to enhance modeling and dance talents while also developing self-confidence, poise and leadership among members.

The group meets regularly and holds workshops on self-esteem, modeling and choreography.

Contact: prailowp@vcu.edu

LGBTQ

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Young Democrats at VCU works to support the Virginia Young Democrats and Democratic Party of Virginia, as well as volunteering and working to elect Democratic candidates for public office in Virginia and nationally. Meetings feature discussions of political topics and networking opportunities.

Contact: youngdemocrats.vcu@gmail.com

Hours: MON-FRI 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

phone: 804-828-8943 email: resnet@vcu.edu go.vcu.edu/resnet

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6 The Compass

Illustration by Meg Rogers

Guide to events/festivals around Richmond 2019-2020 IMAN MEKONEN Spectrum Editor, The CT

It will also include an illustrated and interactive publication by Virginia natives If art is more your style, VCU’s Silas Munro and Brian Johnson and will In Richmond, opportunities for Institute for Contemporary Art’s newest be on display until January 5, 2020. activities and festivals are endless. With upcoming exhibition, titled “Great Force,” With the ICA’s on-campus convethe new school year around the corner, is set to debut fall 2019. This collection nience, this exhibit fits perfectly as an local organizations and businesses of multimedia art includes sculptures, after-class or weekend day trip. Price have events on the calendar that define paintings, photography, videos and is free.

Richmond’s cultural and artistic appeal. performances from more than 20 artists.

VCU’s Institute for Check out this guide to the activities Named after a James Baldwin quote, Contemporary Art (ICA) around Richmond this school year. the exhibit aims to examine race and racial Oct. 5-Jan. 5, 2020 inequality through the artists’ perspectives.

ADVERTISEMENT 2ND STREET FESTIVAL “GREAT FORCE” EXHIBIT

This year, the 2nd Street Festival is celebrating 31 years of honoring Jackson Ward’s culture and history.

The festival takes place the first weekend of October, bringing the community together for two days of activities, live music, food, art displays and an antique car show.

The event is one of the largest mid-Atlantic street festivals and has held a significance for the African American community.

The festival is free to the public and spans from Broad Street to Jackson Street.

Jackson Ward neighborhood Oct. 5-Oct. 6 Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

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two U.S. presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as the president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis.

The tour runs until Oct. 31 and reoccurs weekly Monday through Saturday.

The tour is $15 for adults but entrance to the cemetery is free. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and water when attending, as the tour is as long as two miles with inclines.

Hollywood Cemetery Runs until Oct. 31 “COSMOLOGIES FROM THE TREE OF LIFE: ART FROM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOUTH” The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ newest exhibition is one of many new collections of cultural significance.

“Cosmologies from the Tree of Life” displays folk art rooted in community traditions of the African American South.

The collection, located in the Evans Court gallery, presents the art as an insight into the experiences and cultural legacies of African Americans at the time. It includes sculptures, quilting and paintings.

The VMFA’s permanent collection is vast, including art around the world that requires more than one trip. Visitors are guaranteed to find something they like. Admission to the exhibition, and to the rest of the museum — with a few exceptions — is free.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts June 8-Nov. 17

The annual Richmond Folk Festival celebrates the city’s unique musical culture.

This three-day festival showcases local musical and cultural performing groups, as well as crafts, food and “POMPEII: THE IMMORTAL CITY” dance performances.

With more than 220,000 attendees With its North American debut, last year, the fun-filled festival expects “Pompeii: The Immortal City” explores to bring similar performers, artists the historic Roman city and its tragic and exhibits. end. Science Museum of Virginia The festival, including its performances attendees can learn more about the and events, is free to the public. volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Brown’s Island The exhibit includes models and Oct. 11- Oct. 13 3D reconstructions of the city, and 11:30 a.m-9:30 p.m. more than 100 items from Pompeii are included in the exhibition for the first time. These items provide a look into the HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD artistic lives of the people who died in CEMETERY WALKING TOUR the eruption.

The historical cemetery and the Admission is $25 for non-members of surrounding art is a must-see attracthe museum. tion located in the Richmond commu- The Science Museum of Virginia nity. This guided walking tour takes June 8-Sept. 3 visitors through the cemetery highlights, including the resting places of

How to stay healthy your first year of college

Summer 2019 7

EMMA NORTH Contributing Writer, The CT

by the James River Parks system and the City of Richmond.

You can even get active for school credit.

There are classes through the Health, An all-you-can-eat dining hall, parties, Physical Education and Exercise departlate-night cookie delivery services and ment and the School of Dance that require all-night study sessions can make it seem physical activity and are open to anyone. impossible to stay healthy while in college.

Students can take yoga, pilates, self-defense But VCU offers numerous on-campus and scuba for 1 to 2 credits each. options for a balanced lifestyle complete Exercise is just one part of staying with a healthy mind and body. healthy.

According to a National Institute Best Value Schools ranks VCU’s Cary of Health study, about 70% of college Street Gym second among the top 20 students gain weight in their first two college gyms and student rec centers in years of school.

Eating healthy on campus the country. Despite the high ranking, is possible — but it’s also easy to eat you don’t need to be an Instagram model Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut and never-endor bodybuilder to use Cary Street Gym. ing dessert from Shafer. Make a habit of With a track, turf field, climbing wall, a steering toward the healthier options, and four-court gym, weights, machines and don’t be afraid to venture off campus to a pool with a waterslide, the gym offers pick up staples like fruits and vegetables at numerous ways to work toward fitness the grocery store. goals. Students don’t have to work toward Try to restrict your electronic usage those goals alone — there are free group before bed, because all that screen time can exercise classes and intramural sports make it harder to sleep, and drink plenty available at the gym as well.

Cycling, high-intensity interval training of water throughout the day. You might — known as HIIT — workouts and yoga want to buy a Brita filter, though, because programs are great options. Students who Richmond tap water isn’t the greatest. aren’t used to a gym setting might feel more Without a set schedule governing your comfortable being guided by an instructor. day like in high school, you might feel For those who prefer to get outside, overwhelmed at times. If a planner isn’t the Outdoor Adventure Program offers your thing, writing out a list of tasks for weekend trips and daily clinics as a way the day will make them more manageable. for students to explore Richmond and the In that schedule, be sure to incorporate rest of Virginia. Students can also take “treat yourself ” activities to avoid burnout. advantage of nearby green spaces offered Illustration by Mabel Barreto ADVERTISEMENT

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8 The Compass

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A newcomer’s guide to Richmond’s famous street art ANDREW RINGLE Managing Editor, The CT While rushing between classes and the library, it can be easy to miss the artwork that lives on Richmond’s old brick walls. But the work is worth slowing down for ... or even stopping to snap a few photos — don’t worry, no one is judging. Here are four classic murals around town that you should enjoy the next time you’re out.

1. “MOONSHINE” BY ETAM CRU On the beige wall facing the Grace Street 7-Eleven’s parking lot, Etam Cru’s “Moonshine” depicts a tall mason jar holding strawberries and a woman with blue hair. A little bird perches on the rim of the jar, with its head turned to the busy street.

Etam Cru is composed of Polish artists Sainer and Bezt. They have installations across Eastern Europe, as well as Portugal and the U.S. The team received international attention for their Richmond mural in 2013, when Buzzfeed ranked it as the third-best piece of street art in the world.

1011 W. Grace St.

2. “VISUAL SYMPHONY” BY REMI ROUGH The Honors College’s towering drab walls once offered little to the campus skyline, until VCU commissioned an artist to reimagine the space in 2017. Londoner Remi Rough uses an abstract design in the mural, which is one of the largest on campus at seven stories tall.

Its colorful folding design alludes to the bright VCUarts banners found around the university, and its use of the large wallspace beckons attention from campus visitors.

“Visual Symphony” can even be spotted from parts of downtown and the MCV campus.

701 W. Grace St. 3. “WOODSTOCK” BY DAVID FLORES This nod to Charles M. Schulz’s iconic avian character is from Californian street artist David Flores. The installation near Carytown is one of many by Flores in Richmond, but it’s an iconic example of his local work.

Two of the yellow birds float across the wall, leaving dashed trails that wrap around the building’s windows. In a 2014 interview with RVA Magazine, Flores said he chose

4. “LA COMUNIDAD II” BY EVER

The above work is part of The Richmond Mural Project, which was founded in 2012 by New York collector and curator Shane Pomajambo. According to the group’s website, its goal is to make Richmond into “a landmark destination for internationally recognized murals.” For more information about Pomajambo and the project, visit richmondmuralproject. squarespace.com.

Every year, the local installations are honored at the RVA Street Art Festival.

This event provides a yearly chance to celebrate the artists and the community.

For updates on this year’s festival, visit rvastreetart.com.

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Photos by Gessler Santos-Lopez

million. Hopefully the change in ownership won’t affect the mural, but just in case, enjoy it while it’s there.

534 N. Harrison St.

Argentian artist Nicolás Romero Escalada, known as Ever, brought this large-scale portrait to Richmond in 2013.

Four faces gaze into the center of the wall, casting beams from their eyes into two colorfully patterned circles. A posed hand rests at the tip of a cone of light, which spills down onto the neighboring parking lot’s pavement.

This is one of the first large murals that can be spotted from Harrison Street on the way into campus. It’s found on the northeast wall of what once was Mansion 534, a nightclub that was recently purchased by VCU for more than $3

3

4

the comicstrip figure because it’s recognizable to most people, even across Richmond neighborhoods of different societal tiers.

12 S. Sheppard St.

Summer 2019 9

The CT celebrates 50 years as the independent press at VCU GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT Half a century ago, shortly after VCU came together under its current name, The Commonwealth Times began covering the news around campus. It was a different time — the university was much smaller, students had to be in their dorms by around 1 a.m., and the newspaper staff had to physically lay out the paper.

The Commonwealth Times has grown, shrunk and moved buildings quite a few times. The paper has been a somewhat rag-tag group of journalists, a player in the underground scene and, more recently, a hub for award-winning journalism. I encourage every student to turn to us to learn more about the issues affecting the university community. Don’t be afraid to let us know what you think is important for us to cover, what stories you’d most like to learn about. Send one of our editors an email, DM us or, if you’d like to be extra, send a letter to 817 W. Broad St. It’d probably be quicker to just drop it off, though — look for the big yellow building across from Dunkin’ Donuts.

Five decades have brought changes to the staff and our content. Gone are cheeky house ads for recruiting new staffers — which discouraged “narcs” and anyone “ugly,” “too busy” or “over 7 mos. pregnant” from applying in 1971.

Our only hand-drawn artwork is a few thrown-together, ironically bad comics published out of necessity. Glancing over past mastheads indicates the staff used to be male-dominated — with the exception of a few semesters, the opposite has been

true for most of the paper’s recent history.

And while our racial diversity, especially among higher-up positions, isn’t always commendable, it’s better than it used to be.

As we celebrate 50 years of student journalism, it’s more important than ever to recognize the importance and value of this work. Economically and politically, it’s a hard time for journalism, which makes it more challenging for us to fulfill our responsibility to shed light on the most important stories, to keep the university community aware of the issues that affect us all.

Just months ago, in the wake of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s blackface scandal, we were the ones who found images of blackface in VCU yearbooks as recent as 1989. At every home basketball game, our journalists take photos and keep you updated on Twitter. When an art professor sued university officials after he was put on administrative leave for an alleged racial profiling incident, we brought the story to light. We highlight the work of art students and provide insight on recent films in the pages of every issue.

But we can’t keep doing this work without the support of our community. To every person who reads these words, you are the reason we do this work. At the end of the day, without our readers, we don’t have a purpose. And if you have an inkling for writing, photography or illustrations, or just want to try your hand at being a reporter, don’t hesitate to reach out, pick up an assignment and join the legion of thousands of student journalists at The Commonwealth Times who came before you.

Illustration by Sammy Newman SPONSORED CONTENT

Go Global, VCU

By Renee Russell

12-hour curriculum that leads to a certificate in global education. You will also work with refugees and immigrant communities in the Richmond metro area. Visit global. vcu.edu/vcuglobe to learn more. Participation in the program is by application; the priority deadline is November 18, 2019 and final applications are due January 10, 2020.

Another way that you can incorporate an international experience into your time at VCU is to become a conversation partner.

In this program, you’ll learn about other people, places and cultures, and make friends from around the world! Throughout the year, fluent English-speaking volunteers meet for at least one hour each week with VCU’s international students and scholars to enable them to learn more about American culture,

tional and domestic students the opportunity to meet and develop friendships in a casual setting. This student-centered program is designed to increase awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity at VCU. Each café has a different theme and practice English language skills, and gain refreshments are always served. Everyone confidence in their communication abilities. is welcome. Dates will be announced in the Volunteers serve as a cultural mentor to fall, so stay tuned to global.vcu.edu/globalcafe. international students and practice cross-culThese are just a few of the options that tural communication skills. It’s a win-win!

VCU offers to help you incorporate an Want to learn more? Head over to global.vcu. international experience into your education. edu/conversationpartners or email Nichole These and many others, like globally-foDorton at nldorton@vcu.edu. cused course work and international student Come to a Global Cafe for a great organizations, will give you the tools you time of socializing that offers internaneed to #GoGlobalVCU.

VCU international students and scholars with Rodney the Ram.

Join the conversation and stay up to date on all of VCU’s global opportunities by following us at: @vcuglobal

@vcu_global

@vcuglobal

@vcuglobal

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Welcome to VCU! We’re so glad you’re here.

Now, go away!

No, we don’t actually want you to go away, but we do want you to think about all of the ways that you can broaden your educational horizons beyond Richmond, beyond Virginia and beyond our nation’s borders.

As you settle in, we hope you’ll give some thought to the great international opportunities that VCU offers for students.

Study Abroad is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a student. See the world, increase intercultural understanding, gain a higher proficiency in a foreign language and get a competitive edge in the job market. Students in any major can study abroad and VCU offers tons of programs lasting from as little as a week to as long as a year. Our program offerings also include international internship, service-learning and research experiences abroad. Visit global.vcu.edu/abroad to learn more. And make sure you come to one of our study abroad fairs this fall.

VCU Globe offers you an international experience right here on VCU’s campus and is designed to prepare you to live and work in an increasingly globalized world.

As a participant in the program, you’ll live alongside visiting international exchange students and scholars in the West Grace North residence hall and complete a

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences for students.

10 The Compass

Buses, bikes and RamRide: How to get around Richmond GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT You’ve read about some of the restaurants, book shops and attractions Richmond has to offer. For those too far from VCU to walk to without experiencing severe chafing and foot cramps, one problem remains: how to get there.

VCU doesn’t allow first-year residential students to have cars on-campus, so as to create a more “pedestrian-friendly” environment and help integrate students into the university’s culture. As a result, it’s easy for freshmen to fall into a routine of staying within the university’s bubble.

Here are explanations and advice for

three affordable ways to get around the city without relying on pricey Uber and Lyft rides. Keep in mind, a combination of the three might be the best way to get to your destination.

GRTC BUSES GRTC’s Pulse route, which spans from Rockett’s Landing in the east to the West End’s Willow Lawn, can bring riders to countless parts of the city — including between the MCV and Monroe Park campuses and to shopping centers. The closest stop to the Monroe Park campus is located near the intersection of Broad and Shafer streets. Just make sure to note

whether you need to get on a west- or east-bound bus, or you could end up having to take a few extra rides.

But the Pulse, though shiny and new, isn’t GRTC’s only route. Buses go all throughout the city, and there’s even a seasonal route to King’s Dominion, which charges $5 for guests and $3 for King’s Dominion employees, payable in exact change on the bus.

Users can enter their destination into Google Maps and select the public transit option to learn which GRTC route(s) will get them there. This won’t show anticipated arrival times at each stop — for that information, download GRTC’s app, available for iPhone and Android.

RVA BIKE SHARE

RamRide also provides a shuttle to parking lots for MCV employees.

Photo by Gessler Santos-Lopez

to unlock or use the mobile app. Once a ride is completed, return the bike to the nearest Ride Share stop, which serve as charging stations.

RAMRIDE As referenced in this publication’s VCU Dictionary of Terms, RamRide offers the Connector Express and RamSafe to help students and staff get around the university’s campuses and surrounding areas.

Though the destinations are limited, the services — especially the campus connector — can be used to get closer to downtown attractions. Plus, they’re free. Just make sure to have your VCU ID ready.

Download the Rider app and add “Virginia Commonwealth University” to your transit systems to view stops and arrival times for the Campus Connector.

The RamSafe app allows users to request rides to VCU buildings and surrounding residential areas from a predetermined list of addresses.

Pedaling might be more physically demanding than sitting in a bus with air-conditioning, but using Richmond’s bike share system allows travelers to get around on their own schedule.

Its 16 stops are more geographically condensed than GRTC’s bus stops, but RAMAWAY users can take advantage of stops near Hollywood Cemetery, Movieland at On select dates during, prior to and after Boulevard Square and the Edgar Allan Thanksgiving, winter, spring and summer Poe Museum. On a practical note, its stop breaks, RamAway offers a shuttle service to near the Lombardy Street Kroger makes the Richmond International Airport, Greylight shopping trips easier. hound bus station and Amtrak stations on Individual Go Passes can be purchased Staples Mill Road and Main Street. Select at the station kiosks and cost $1.75 for dates and times haven’t been established the first 45 minutes of a ride, while longer for the Fall 2019 semester, though students rides cost $3 per half-hour. Monthly and can make reservations at parking.vcu.edu/ annual passes are $18 and $96, respectively, transportation/ramaway. and holders just have to hold their pass up to the handlebars of the bike they wish ADVERTISEMENT

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Search VCU Traditions on both Apple and Android devices.

Summer 2019 11

Why it’s OK to study something new ANDREW RINGLE Managing Editor, The CT

Changing majors made me happier and less stressed, and it might do the same for you. Here’s what I advise if you’re having Don’t feel bad for deciding to change second thoughts about your degree. course in college. Whatever you chose to Find what you’re passionate about. If study in your application to VCU isn’t you can’t see yourself working in your field permanent. In fact, it’s normal for your after college, it isn’t worth paying thouinterests to change before you graduate. sands of dollars for the degree. College For some, changing majors is too expensive to waste is the best option to make time studying something time spent at the university you don’t love. worthwhile.

Finding your passion I came to VCU as an is certainly easier said Finding your environmental studies than done. But chances passion is certainly major. I wanted to impress are, you’ve already found my family by studying it. Whatever keeps you up easier said than something scientific, and at ungodly hours working done. But chances I thought I would enjoy on something you aren’t the work involved with the are, you’ve already required to do — that’s degree. But after my fresh- found it. Whatyour passion. man year, although my Whether it’s photogever keeps you up grades were fine, I realized raphy, journalism, biology at ungodly hours I wasn’t passionate about or business, chances are what I was studying. I VCU offers a degree in working on somedidn’t want to work in the the subject. Visit vcu.edu/ thing you aren’t prospective job fields for academics to see if the people with my degree, so I required to do — university offers a degree in decided to go undeclared. that’s your passion. something you’re passionGoing into my junior ate about. year, I’m now a mass Consider advice from Andrew Ringle, Managing communications student. others. Discuss your plans Editor, The CT This decision helped me with those who care about get involved with extracuryou, like your family and ricular work on campus. I started writing your close friends. Talking to others will for the independent student newspaper, help you organize and weigh all your The Commonwealth Times, and I’ve met options, and another trusted perspecnew colleagues while securing professional tive might reveal something you didn’t experiences that’ll help me after college. consider alone.

Illustration by Kamryn Gillham

If you have friends or family members who studied something you’re interested in, ask them about the classes they took for their degree. Ask them what they plan to do after college. Or if they’ve already graduated, learn what their daily life is like in the workforce.

Do it yourself. Above all, the work and research required to change your major is yours alone. Advisors will help, but it is up to you to decide what you want to study in college. The task may seem daunting, but it’s part of adulthood.

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Embrace the independence of choosing your own major as much as you can, though that might be harder if your family members have strong opinions on what you should study. No matter what others may suggest, you know yourself better than anyone. Pursue your most personal ambitions during your time at college and you will be on track for a rewarding career afterward.

12 The Compass

Less than half of VCU students graduate in four years. It is possible to do if you know the steps to take to achieve that goal. Photo by Gessler Santos-Lopez

How to plan your graduation

GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT

Note that this story doesn’t offer advice on how to graduate “on-time.” Only about a third of students nationally graduate in The road to graduation isn’t as simple four years — at VCU that percentage is as doing the math and taking 15 credits larger, but still less than half as of 2017. a semester for four years. It might seem The reality is that graduating in four years simple at the beginning — isn’t a necessary goal, and just a matter of listening to most people don’t achieve your advisor and not failing it. Students should be your classes. But for many equipped with the knowlstudents, college has a way edge and resources to It might seem of complicating itself. graduate in the amount simple at the begin- of time that works for It’s easy for life to get in the way, especially for them — whether that be ning, just a matter students who work a part- or of listening to your three years, four years, five full-time job during the years, six years or anything advisor and not fail- in-between. semester or have similar obligations. Throw a minor Setting a goal for your ing your classes, but or two, or a double-major, graduation date, if that’s for many students, into the mix, and planning something you’d like to soon becomes overwhelming. college has a way of do, involves addressing a Advisors are there to help number of factors. These complicating itself. with the process, and they’re include the number of valuable resources, but prepa- Georgia Geen, Executive credits required for your ration and knowledge on the Editor, The CT major, whether you want part of the student makes to add a minor or a planning to graduate a much smoother double-major, how much time you have process. Plus, it’s not like advisors have a to dedicate to your course load and how magic wand that can undo every misstep. long you can afford to pay tuition. Some

students who might be able to graduate early decide not to because they want to add other areas of study or don’t think they’ll be ready to face the real world so soon.

Familiarize yourself with the required courses for your major through the course bulletin, available at bulletin.vcu.edu. And through DegreeWorks, a tool through eServices that lets students view their progress in their programs. Knowing what courses are ahead of you can help you pace yourself — it’s generally a good idea to balance gen eds with classes from your major every semester, especially the first few semesters, so that you don’t burn yourself out. Once you have a better idea of how much you can handle, you can evaluate whether to speed up the process by taking on more credits each semester or to slow down and take on fewer classes.

But there’s every chance proper pacing can be interrupted by an unexpected scheduling conflict or a full class. Looking at the course schedule for previous semesters, in addition to the current or upcoming one, can give you an idea of when certain classes are offered and if they’re only available during certain semesters.

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The CT is available at news stands around campus, and online at commonwealthtimes.org.

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Contact our Executive Editor at geengr@commonwealthtimes.org.

Of course, schedules change, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the professor or department if you realize a few classes you need to take in the upcoming semesters conflict with each other and you’re a year or so out from graduating.

One of the pluses of advancing through your major is the smaller class sizes, but that also means courses fill up faster. It might sound minimal to not be able to take the exact class you wanted, but small inconveniences can add up, especially if you have multiple majors or minors to coordinate. In order to minimize the risk of being locked out of a class you needed to take, be sure to sign up as soon as registration opens for you. If you do get locked out, keep checking over the following months — a lot of people change their schedules, so you could get lucky.

College isn’t a race. But for those who want to work toward a specific graduation date, empower yourself to know what steps to take to achieve that goal. Planning ahead will always be a more effective strategy than taking 15 credits a semester and hoping for the best.

Summer 2019 13

Being homesick sucks PAOLA CORDERO Contributor, Pwatem When first coming to college the excitement of being on your own and not having parents to watch your every move can be freeing ... initially. The trips to Christian’s Pizza at 1 a.m. and the all-nighters at Cabell are some of the first things you will experience as an independent college student.

However, no matter your home situation, the feeling of homesickness can creep up on you. Homesickness isn’t just missing where you used to live, but rather missing the comfort, stability and love that being at home offers. With 12-15 credit hours, a job and extracurriculars, the feeling of stability and comfort can be easily lost.

Here are some tips to get that feeling back without having to take a trip back to your parent’s house.

JOIN A CLUB Joining a club can seem very anxiety-inducing and unrealistic due to your busy schedule as a college student.

However, many VCU student orgs don’t require you to attend every meeting. And there’s also nearly an endless number of clubs to choose from for any hobby or interest you might have. Student groups are a great way to build community and clear any extra free time you might have to distract your mind from missing home.

RamsConnect, available at vcu.campuslabs. com/engage, is a great resource to find clubs at VCU and get involved.

CALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS Talking to your family may seem like the simplest answer to homesickness, but it honestly helps. Talking to the person who makes you feel most comfortable and loved can validate your feelings and motivate you to keep going.

The people you love are always a phone call away — do not be afraid to call them.

Also, taking a trip home could be a great break from that five-page paper you have to write. Calling my friends at home has been my favorite thing to do and reminds me why I am going to school in the first place.

EXPLORE YOUR NEW HOME I know campus life can take a lot of getting used to, especially being at VCU in the middle of Richmond. Take some time to get familiar with your new surroundings. Richmond has a lot of parks, cafes, museums and other things you can explore to make yourself at home.

Establishing familiarity with where you’ll be for the next four years will make you feel like less of a stranger in this new place. Of course, a new home will never replace your friends and family from high school, but this is a new beginning. Surrounding yourself with love and positivity will help you succeed in all aspects of your life.

Illustration by Lindsay Newman

BE POSITIVE

FINAL THOUGHTS

In my experience, being positive was one of the hardest things I had to do. You can easily drown in the feeling of loneliness from being in a place you do not quite belong yet. Try to be optimistic, because you are capable of achieving all you need.

Following these tips is a good start to establishing a sense of well-being as a freshman.

It isn’t easy, but you can do it. Every day is a new day to learn and be something new.

You definitely might face homesickness at some point as a freshman. Just know it will not last forever. Also, make sure what you are feeling isn’t more than just homesickness. Counseling services are offered at VCU and will help you with any questions or concerns you might have. Lastly, remember you aren’t alone. Get some of your favorite food from back home, call your best friend, join the poetry club and make your place at VCU.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT VCU There is no better way to become immersed in the VCU experience, meet your academic goals, and experience daily a lifestyle that allows for personal exploration and development than living on campus at VCU. We invite you to be an active member of your residential community, benefiting personally and impacting positively the numerous communities you interact in.

GET CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY Residential Life and Housing values your connection to VCU. It is important to introduce yourself, make friendships, and develop healthy relationships with your peers, faculty, and staff. These are the people who will support you when things are tough, cheer you on after that first stellar grade, listen to you, give tips and advice, and help you get the most out of your time at VCU. You may have moved in last week surrounded by many friends from your high school or home town, others may not know anyone yet. Either way, we encourage you to connect with your Resident Assistant (RA), peers on your floor, and meet new people in these first few weeks.

Your RA is here to help you adjust to college life and will be regularly checking in on you, but it is important

for you to reach out as well, especially if you know you need something or have a specific question. RAs are students too, so they are learning many of these lessons alongside you. They may not always have the answer, but they can always help connect you to the resource.

Your Hall Director is a great additional connection to make in this first semester in case you ever need additional assistance.

Hall and Community Council representatives listen to the concerns of students living in the residence halls and work to improve the quality of life on campus. Their goal is to promote a sense of community pride in the residence hall and to plan activities designed to generate involvement. To learn more about Hall and Community Council go to housing.vcu.edu/life-on-campus/studentleadership/community-councils.

RAs will be scheduling four times to meet with you for 1:1s throughout the academic year: twice in Fall and twice in Spring. These conversations are meant to check in on things we know are relevant to the time of year (getting involved, time management, prepping for exams, class registration, etc). The goal of these conversations is to ensure you have the resources and connections you need to succeed. Your RA will interact with you outside of these conversations in more informal ways too but be on the lookout for the sign ups for these conversations.

The Residence Hall Association serves as a communication line for residential students to meet other residents from the various residence halls on campus, as well as across the state and nation. It is a way for students to become actively involved in the residential community, develop leadership skills, communicate ideas, voice the opinions and concerns of their respective halls, plan both hall and campus activities, and make sure that students have a voice on the policies and issues that affect them. To learn more about The Resident Hall Association got to housing.vcu.edu/life-on-campus/ student-leadership/residencehall-association-rha.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR HALL Let your voice be heard! There are two ways to get involved and have an impact in your residence hall.

14 The Compass

You want me to what you into Shafer?

A VCU dictionary of terms GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT Yeah, you might have foreign language credit from high school, but have you studied your VCU vocab? I didn’t think so.

Here’s a brief dictionary to get you started on your road to fluency.

Brandt (n.): This suite-style freshman dorm is located at 710 W Franklin St. next to its older neighbor, Rhoads. It offers four- and eight-person suites, all with double bedrooms, connected by private bathrooms and a common area.

Cabaniss Hall (n.): A traditional residence hall for students of all years located on the MCV Campus at 615 N. 8th St. It’s a solid 30-minute walk from the Monroe Park Campus, but students living in this dorm can use the Connector Express or GRTC Pulse for faster transportation.

The Fan (n.): Named after its, you guessed it, fanned shape, The Fan is a neighborhood located west of VCU, home to countless row houses converted into somewhat oddly shaped apartments. It’s a popular neighborhood for students to live in, featuring a few restaurants like Kuba Kuba at 1601 Park Ave. and Bombolini at 1606 W. Main St. The area also has quite a few picturesque, and expensive, single-family homes.

Gladding Residence Center (GRC) (n.): Undoubtedly VCU’s bougiest on-campus housing, GRC is located at 711 W. Main St. Residents have access to kitchens on every floor and live in a mixture of semi-suite and traditional rooms. All communal bathrooms are gender neutral with full doors enclosing individual toilet and shower stalls.

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Cabell Library (n.): VCU’s Monroe GRTC Pulse (n.): The Pulse is the Park Campus library is located at 901 Greater Richmond Transit Company, or Park Ave. which attracts tens of thousands GRTC, rapid-service route that spans the of visitors a week during the school year. city from east to west between Rockett’s Its databases, accessible at www.library.vcu. Landing and Willow Lawn. Like other edu, are essential for any student workGRTC routes, it’s free to VCU students, ing on a research project. The Starbucks faculty and staff. You’ll receive a Go Pass located near the front entrance is heavily to access Pulse and other local routes. utilized — just don’t expect to get out of there any time soon if you go right after or Jackson Ward (n.): Once dubbed the before class. That line gets really long.

“Black Wall Street,” this neighborhood between the Monroe Park Campus and Carver (n.): This neighborhood a few downtown now features several blocks of blocks north of the Monroe Park Campus art galleries on Broad Street and a number houses a mixture of families and students. of high-end restaurants among its tradiIt also boasts Sugar Shack Donuts at 1001 tional scenery and locations, which some N. Lombardy St. consider signs of gentrification. A number of students live in apartments in the area Connector Express (n.): A bus and enjoy the art galleries’ “first Friday” route operated through the university’s festivities.

RamRide service with a few stops on and between the Monroe Park and MCV Johnson (n.): VCU’s most hipster campuses. Students, faculty and staff can dorm — located at 801 W. Franklin St. — use the buses by swiping their VCU IDs features single-, double- and triple-occuupon entering. Guest passes — which pancy rooms, crown molding and possibly expire after four days — are available at ghosts. The aesthetic and the elevators parking.vcu.edu/transportation/ramride. are reminiscent of the Disney World ride, During the fall and spring semesters, the Tower of Terror. buses run between 6 a.m. and midnight on weekdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on Jonah’s (n.): Somewhat similar to weekends. A limited schedule is available Shafer Dining Court, but better. Oh, during the summer semester. For transso much better. Located on the MCV portation between the two campuses Campus, it’s just a Connector Express or outside its hours of operation, see GRTC Pulse ride away for most students.

RamSafe or GRTC Pulse. Note that the Almost everything, including made-toregular Campus Connector route, which order hamburgers, pizza, cheesecake and a you might have heard of, was discontinued salad bar, is Swipe-able. Hours of operain January. It was identical to the Connec- tion are between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday tor Express, only with more stops. through Thursday, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The Commons (n.): Home to Taco Bell, Chick-fil-a, Pizza Hut and Freshii, this student hub is popular for dining and student events. Just be prepared for the long lines at Chickfil-a on Saturdays, when the location becomes Swipe-able.And at Subway on Sundays, its Swipe day. The Commons is located at 907 Floyd Ave. and houses organizations like the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity, and Career Services.

Monroe Park Campus (n.): Home to Shafer Dining Court, Cabell Library and most undergraduate housing, this area — sprawling north and south between Cary and Marshall streets and roughly confined east to west between Belvidere and Harrison streets — is where most undergraduate students spend a majority of their time.

MCV Campus (n.): Unless you’re assigned to live in Cabaniss Hall, you might not set foot in this place at all during your first few months at VCU.

Located downtown, only a few blocks from the state Capitol, MCV houses the VCU Medical Center and the university’s health science programs. Food carts are prevalent in this area because of the high number of downtown professionals in need of a quick lunch. Also, no freshman year is complete without a trip to Jonah’s.

Shafer is true. The good things? The variety, the ice-cream machine that usually works, and it’s open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Oh, and it’s all-you-can-eat for one Swipe. The bad things? Pretty much everything else.

RamSafe (n.): This evening shuttle service available to students, faculty and staff between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. 365 days a year, with a few days of limited hours during winter break. Users can request rides to locations on and near the Monroe Park and MCV campuses via the RamSafe app, online at ramsafe.vcu. edu or over-the-phone at 828-SAFE. If you’re looking to ride during peak hours, get ready to wait: In the past, students have complained about long wait times and confusing pick-up locations. Note that transportation between campuses is only available on RamSafe outside of the Connector Express hours of operation.

Swipes (n., v.): Neglected by most freshmen, coveted by upperclassmen. The staple of every dining plan, those living in freshman dorms — like Johnson, Brandt, Rhoads, GRC and Cabaniss — are required to have hundreds of these. One swipe equals one meal — or entry for one person into Shafer — from VCU’s dining locations during their swipe hours.

Note: not everything on the menus can be swiped. If you’re feeling generous, you can become a Swifey for someone without a dining plan.

Rhoads (n.): Uglier than Johnson with safer elevators, Rhoads is a traditional residence hall located at 710 W. Franklin St. and connected to Brandt.

Shafer Dining Court (n.): Pretty much everything you’ve heard about

Swifey (n.): A generous soul who Swipes food for someone without a dining plan. Swifey relationships can be long-term, casual or so brief you don’t even learn the person’s name.

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Summer 2019 15

Cabell Library, from the bottom up CAROLINE MEYERS co-event planner, Pwatem Cabell Library is at the center of the Monroe Park campus and is a great place to study collaboratively, attend a discussion or film screening, consult with a librarian or just hang out and get out of your dorm or apartment building. Here are a few highlights.

THE WORKSHOP The Workshop is a tech and fabrication hub that I wish I knew about sooner. Rent a projector and host a movie night in your place of residence, check out a Mac computer — the rest of the library has PCs — and use the Adobe Suite. You can also attend a 3D-printing embroidery orientation.

All of the equipment in the Workshop is free to use, and it is always staffed with student workers trained to use all of the equipment, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

THE INFORMATION DESK The Information Desk consists of three pods you see upon entering the library. This is the starting point for any question you might have, and it’s also where students check out books.

The staff at this desk can give you basic research assistance or, if you come during weekday business hours, get you an immediate consultation with the on-call librarian. All you have to do is ask.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICES Interlibrary Loan Services helps students request materials not available at VCU through other libraries. Oftentimes, the sky’s the limit when it comes to what kind of content you can obtain — this includes books, articles, news-

During the regular school year, Cabell Library is open 24 hours a day Monday through Thursday, closes at 10 p.m. Friday, opens 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and opens 9 a.m. Sunday. Photo by Gessler Santos-Lopez papers on microform, videos and more.

You can select your preferred format, whether that be a digital or physical copy. When the materials are ready, you can pick them up at the library or have them shipped to you. This service is great for research projects, especially the more complicated variety. Visit library. vcu.edu and head to “services” for more information and to log in to the portal to request an interlibrary loan.

STUDY ROOMS Study rooms are located on all four floors of the library. Any open study

room is up for grabs, but I recommend you use the study room reservation tool on the VCU Libraries website because most of the time, study rooms are all booked up and you will be kicked out of a given room if someone has reserved it. Also, the noise level allowed in a study room corresponds with the noise level of each floor — the second floor is ideal for big groups because it is a collaborative floor, smaller groups work best on the quieter third floor, and rooms on the fourth floor, which is silent, are better for individuals or quiet pairs.

TOMPKINS-MCCAW LIBRARY Tompkins-McCaw Library, VCU’s second library, is devoted to the health sciences. It is another resource available to VCU students and is conveniently located right off the Medical Center stop on the GRTC Pulse. It is the only library that rents out headphones and laptop chargers, and it is also full of exhibits of antique medical equipment. As a smaller and much less busy library, a friend of mine once referred to it as the only truly silent spot to study on campus.

Preparing to live off campus SCOTT MALONE Contributing Writer, The CT

college on your own with no parental help. Getting a roommate will dramatically decrease your rent. In many At some point almost everyone is cases it’s unavoidable. You can try to see going to have to live off campus, and if any friends are willing to room with that’s certainly a worrisome prospect for you, but it’s not always a good idea to college kids who are just making their live with friends, depending on your way out into the world. dynamic. Don’t shy away The first thing any from off-campus services VCU student looking to or posting in live off campus should do Facebook groups to is start browsing through search for roommates Even though it’s offcampus.usca.vcu.edu with similar lifestyles. early in the school — a VCU site dedicated Even though it’s early year, the time to to helping students find in the school year, the housing — as well as time to think about next think about next Zillow, Craigslist or Richyear’s housing will creep year’s housing will mond Facebook group up on you. Units at the creep up on you.

Lindsey’s List. Look for more preferable options reviews of the leasing will start to fill up as early Scott Malone, Contributcompany or landlord, as halfway through the ing Writer, The CT because being stuck in an spring semester for leases apartment at the mercy of beginning in late summer. a bad landlord is more than unpleasant.

It’s better to start your search early to When touring locations, be skeptical of have housing locked down long before any issues that might need repair. you leave Richmond for the summer.

Depending on your personality, the If you’d rather speak to someone thought of roommates is either exciting about your questions in person, you or worrisome. After all, living with a can set an appointment with the Off stranger can be unnerving. A word of Campus Housing Service by phone advice, though: funds are going to be at 804-828-6500 or by email at tight, especially if you are going through offcampus@vcu.edu.

Illustration by Karly Andersen

16 The Compass

These spots on the James stand out in the River City MARY MCLEAN Contributing Writer, The CT

cians perform on Brown’s Island throughout the year, so keep an eye out for events.

It is located between 5th and 12th streets.

Richmond is teeming with pop culture, restaurants and beautiful ‌views. From 3. FLOODWALL PARK Carytown to Shockoe Bottom, there is plenty to do in your free time. The James If you are looking for places to relax River is a great place for hiking, canoeing and watch the river flow, the place to be and even white water rafting if you are is Floodwall Park. The wall extends from up to it. Along the James you can find the Manchester Bridge to the 14th Street many stops, but here are the ones you bridge and offers a beautiful view of the should see first.

Richmond skyline. It was designed to keep out flood waters of up to 32 feet and is also a great spot for fishing — the park 1. BELLE ISLE is located where the James meets the falls, To start off this list, you have to visit and fish tend to collect in that area. It also the beautiful 54-acre island of Belle Isle. features Diversity Park, which is a grassy Set in the James River and intersected by area great for picnicking. The entrance to the Robert E. Lee bridge, you can access the park is located next to the 14th Street it by the pedestrian bridge on Tredegar bridge and has a large parking lot.

Street or by hiking along the coast on the south shore when the tide is low. The 4. TEXAS BEACH island features extensive trails for biking and hiking, and many historical landmarks.

Similar to Belle Isle, Texas Beach fills up The strong Hollywood Rapids are located with visitors the first few warm weekends around the island and make it unsuitable of the year. It’s a popular destination for for swimming in most spots, so this locastudents, including those looking to hike, tion is better suited for hiking, exploring swim or hang out in one of many sandy or and relaxing on the rocks. rocky alcoves along the river. The waters are much calmer than at other spots along the river, making it ideal for swimming, and 2. BROWN’S ISLAND most of the trails are heavily shaded.

Unlike Belle Isle, Brown’s Island was artificially made by the Haxell Canal and 5. T. TYLER POTTERFIELD is part of the Riverfront Canal Walk — MEMORIAL BRIDGE more on that below. Largely used as a music venue, the island is also home to The next great stop is the 1,600-foot ruins of the Richmond and Petersburg walking bridge located next to Brown’s railroad system. The Richmond Folk Island. It is a great place to run and features Festival takes place here, and many musimany historical landmarks with Civil War

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facts on most of the planks that make up the bridge. It travels across the James from Brown’s Island and ends behind the SunTrust complex on Semmes Avenue. If you want to experience the roaring waves of the James firsthand, this is the place to go. It is wheelchair accessible and available to bikers and pedestrians 24 hours a day.

6. CANAL WALK The 1.25-mile Canal Walk is one of the best things RVA has to offer. Along the canal walk you can find the first successful street car in the world, the Richmond Slave Trail, the Virginia Capital Trail and other attractions. It has places to stop and enjoy the view as well as spots to run and walk. You can access it via Virginia Street downtown.

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18 The Compass

The 7-Eleven at 1003 W. Grace St. is one of several within walking distance to the Monroe Park Campus. Photo by Santos Gessler-Lopez

A guide to Richmond convenience stores GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT None of them are pristine, and some might be overpriced, but corner stores are an integral part of living in a city. Maybe it’s because of all the food deserts.

Richmond’s convenience stores don’t compare to the bodegas of New York, but they’re still great for odds and ends or the occasional late-night snack. Here’s a guide to some of the best locations closest to you, in no particular order.

Lombardy Market at 201 N. Lombardy St. is about a 10-minute walk from the a

Monroe Park Campus, but if you live nearby or find yourself walking through the Fan in need of a snack or a drink, it’s a good bet. Its deli items, including croissants, sandwiches and desserts, are reasonably priced. Other offerings include beer and wine, cereals, frozen meals, drinks and other basic groceries. The truly dedicated customer will pick up a Lombardy Market T-shirt, available at the store.

7-Eleven isn’t really a corner store because it’s a chain, OK, I know. But there are so many — five to be exact — within walking distance of the Monroe Park Campus that it’d be a shame not to mention

them. While the VCU community is still reeling from the closure of the on-campus West Broad location last summer, the coffee, taquitos, hot dogs, Big Gulps and grocery items still bring affordable joy to many a student. If you’re an avid visitor, downloading the 7-Eleven rewards app and collecting points will get you the occasional free drink or taquito. If you can save your points, you might get something better. Just be prepared for long lines on Friday and Saturday nights, as most locations — especially those at 1003 W. Grace St. and 1101 W Main St. — are very popular for grabbing a six-pack before heading out.

Clay Mart is, and I couldn’t be more serious, a pillar of the VCU community.

Look up the name on social media or ask an upperclassman, and you’ll learn why. The aesthetic of the original location at 801 W. Clay St. is iconic, though a new location recently popped up at 1308 W. Main St. Honorable mention for excellent social media content goes to Broadway Market Place. Even if you never visit the store — which might be preferable given management’s strong, yet comedic, disdain for VCU and its students — give the Facebook page a like. The memes are great.

Staying in the loop:

the accounts you should follow as a VCU student SCOTT MALONE Contributing Writer, The CT Before talking about accounts to follow, don’t forget about one of the most important tools social media offers: hashtags.

For example, if you want to connect with other freshmen to room with, things to do or just to make friends, go on Twitter and search the hashtag “#VCU” or “#VCU23” for other Rams in the same graduating class. It may seem like a simple tip, but it’s quite useful and easy to forget.

Another good idea is to look up the individual Twitter accounts for your major, department or school to stay up to date on internship opportunities and events pertinent to your area of study.

Now, on to the accounts to follow.

VCUDINE – @VCU_DINING All students should be familiar with the available dining options. View dining brochures and stay up to date with VCU’s dining hours of operations and specific swipe times by following this account, which lists all a student needs to know about grabbing a bite to eat on campus.

THE BLACK SHEEP VCU – @BLACKSHEEP_VCU For VCU-specific memes and jokes, check out The Black Sheep VCU. It’s not affiliated with the university, but rather by a group of students “fueled by Canes sweet tea and Bleeker.”

IS SHAFER COOKING? – @ISSHAFERCOOKING Shafer is hit or miss, and not necessarily in that order. This account is simple. Almost every day during the semester, it answers a basic, yet important, question: Is Shafer cooking? If the answer is no, it might be a good idea to use those swipes somewhere else that day.

VCU LIBRARIES – TWITTER: @VCULIBRARIES Follow this account and never miss out on the information associated with one of the most import resources VCU offers: the library. The account posts everything from updates concerning the school’s two libraries, important events and even tidbits from their archives. Stay sharp and educated with help from this account.

THE COMMONWEALTH TIMES – @THECT The award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU keeps students informed with news, sports, culture and opinions content on almost every social media, including Twitter.

With regular posting during the school year and intermittent content over breaks, give The Commonwealth Times a follow to stay up to date on everything from basketball to breaking news on campus and in Richmond.

VCU PARKING – TWITTER: @VCUPARKING Don’t let the name fool you: the VCU Parking account is very much useful and important. The account provides updates on RamRide, RamSafe and RamAway — all services that get you where you need to be, potentially save you money and keep you safe.

VCU POLICE – TWITTER: @VCUPD Speaking of safety … be aware of local crime and news on the wellbeing of VCU faculty and students by following this account. Also, this account has a phone number in its bio for any potentially — and hopefully this won’t be the case — dangerous situations in which you need to contact VCU police.

VCU COMMONS – TWITTER: @VCUCOMMONS The purpose of University Student Commons and Activities is exactly what it sounds like. Follow the Twitter account for an easier way to see upcoming services and programs geared directly for you. It offers student employment opportunities for those much-needed, broke-college-student funds.

VCU STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION – TWITTER: @VCUSGA The Student Government Association is one of the best ways to

get into the heart of what it means to be a part of the university community.

The association’s Twitter account will keep you up to date with all activities and help the student body offers.

VCU WELCOME WEEK – TWITTER: @VCUWELCOMEWEEK This twitter account is going to be an incoming freshman’s best friend in the exciting first moments of their college experience. Though VCU isn’t hosting a typical “welcome week” this fall, instead opting for more drawn-out Weeks of Welcome, this account will still be your guide for activities from Aug. 17 to Sept. 28.

SPORTS ACCOUNTS @VCUSPORTS @WAYNEEPPSJR @FLEISCHMAN_NOAH @WVCWSPORTS @VCU_HOOPS @VCUWBB @VCUBASEBALL Everyone at VCU knows just how big basketball is, so what better way to get into the social experience than with a bit of sports excitement? Follow local sports outlets and journalists covering VCU athletics for a more generalized sports feed, because you never know what you might end up liking. Or, follow the accounts of the more prevalent teams at VCU, such as Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Baseball.

Any other team that interests you can be found with a quick Twitter search.

Summer 2019 19

5 things to consider for your college bucket list GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor, The CT The experiences college and a new city have to offer are as diverse and endless as you make them. For those who stuck to themselves in their hometowns, VCU can be an opportunity to branch out and find new passions.

If you’re adventurous, you might be chomping at the bit to take advantage of all Richmond has to offer.

Wherever you might lie on that spectrum, some of the following

experiences are, for better or worse, integral to the college experiences of many students. Keep them in mind when you’re thinking of how to make the most of your time at VCU. 1. TRAVEL AS FAR AS YOUR BANK ACCOUNT ALLOWS

If you can budget a long weekend at a cheap Airbnb with friends at the beach, the mountains, D.C. or even New York, do it. It won’t have all the fixings of an exorbitant vacation, but the adventure of being in an exciting place with friends brings a sort of creativity and spontaneity to even the simplest outing.

The broke college student trope is 2. PARTY EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, accurate, and exorbitant trips are impossible IF THAT’S YOUR THING … for most. But it’s also a time when most are freer than they ever have been. If you’re Let’s just say, “every once in a while” lucky enough to still have some financial can mean many different things, because support from your parents, it’s also probably time is relative. So long as you take a time when you’ll have much more free precautions, such as taking care to only time and fewer obligations than in the rest go out with people you know and trust of your adult life. Full-time jobs don’t give — though that doesn’t guarantee safety — you two and a half months off every summer. keeping track of how many drinks you’ve had, making sure you don’t leave your drink unattended

and always serving your own drink, it’s okay to explore that part of yourself. You might not have the time or energy to have those kinds of experiences and make those kinds of memories again. It’ll at least make for some good stories.

3. … BUT DEVELOP A FEW HEALTHY HABITS. Even if it’s something simple, like learning to cook healthy food, budgeting your money or improving your skincare, working a few things into your life that make you a more functional adult will help you in the long run. You might want to learn to communicate better, set boundaries or exercise regularly. College provides an extremely rigid structure for your year — each semester can be an opportunity to improve and reinvent yourself.

4. BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH FACULTY Regardless of your major, your professors are assets to you. You won’t click with every instructor, but if a professor interests and inspires you, take advantage of their office hours. Beyond the obvious — that you need a few professors to like you so they’ll serve as references or recommendation-letter-writers — instructors often have a lot of knowledge about and connections in your field.

Not to say that you shouldn’t try in all your classes, but put extra effort into being attentive and engaged in their courses.

Ask questions, make it obvious you’ve done the work, and try to stay connected after the semester ends by taking their other classes or emailing them to start a quick conversation if something interesting comes up in your field.

5. GET TO KNOW RICHMOND

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Absolutely no shade, there’s more to Richmond than the 800 block of Broad Street, Rumors and the Village Cafe. Get to know restaurants, parks, museums and other attractions in all parts of the city. Go to a house show advertised on a flier on a brick wall, take a walk through Shockoe Bottom, look for volunteer opportunities and try a new restaurant in a different part of town every time you eat out. Wherever you go and whatever you do, remember to be respectful of the businesses and people who call Richmond their permanent home, and, in many cases, have done so for years.

20 The Compass

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Photos by Santos Gessler-Lopez

Where to find the best page-turners in RVA EMILY FURLICH Assistant Business Manager, SMC 1. CHOP SUEY BOOKS One of the biggest draws in Carytown for the literati is Chop Suey Books. If you have a specific book in mind that you would like to buy, this is the place to go.

If you don’t find the book you’re looking for on the shelf, just talk to the clerk — they will purchase the book straight from the distributor and often give you a 10% discount. Even if you don’t know which book you want going into the shop, given the breadth of titles in the store, you’re sure to find something. In fact, as owner Ward Tefft explained in a recent New York Times profile of the store, “chop suey” is likely derived from the Mandarin phrase “za sui,” which means “a little bit of this, a little bit of that.”

The best thing about Chop Suey — well, aside from the sweet black-andwhite cat named WonTon who roams the aisles — is the bookstore’s commitment to engaging the local literary scene. On the

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first floor you’ll find new releases, including work by local writers. In fact, one of my favorite visits to Chop Suey was when I attended a reading of “No Archive Will Restore You,” by Richmond writer Julietta Singh. People sometimes complain about the prices at Chop Suey, but it’s worth the investment because your money goes back into the community.

Chop Suey Books is located at 2913 W. Cary St. and is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

2. RICHMOND BOOK SHOP If you don’t know Richmond Book Shop already, you probably at least know the sign that spells out “BOOKS” in big lettering over a storefront on Broad Street.

Known as a hipster haven, Richmond Book Shop has everything from used books to old magazines, to beautiful prints and old film posters. No matter your taste, there is something for everyone. In

addition to stocking great books of the literary canon, the store also has shelves devoted to niche topics. Fans of the supernatural, for example, need look no further, for Richmond Book Shop has a shelf for books about the paranormal, the occult and UFOs. Richmond Book Shop is located at 808 W. Broad St. and is open from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday 3. CIRCLE THRIFT & ART SPACE Circle Thrift has recently reopened in a new, bigger location on 400 W. Broad St. in the same neighborhood, and it’s still one of the best places in RVA for books.

There are multiple selections of books here — there’s a shelf of miscellaneous books for only 50 cents each, and there’s a slightly more expensive collection curated

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by employees. Usually, the special selection includes a hodgepodge of art books, classic literature, old books and other specialty items. Circle Thrift is a must-visit location for committed book collectors because the books are unsorted.

Not only does Circle Thrift have a host of interesting books, but you can also find other items typically found at a thrift store, such as clothing, shoes and old movies.

The owners also work hard to make Circle Thrift function as an art space as well.

Like Chop Suey, Circle Thrift gives back to the Richmond community in myriad ways — from opening up the storefront to collaborations with other nonprofits to featuring a variety of local artists on the walls of the store.

Circle Thrift is located at 400 W. Broad St. and is open from noon to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

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Summer 2019 21

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Summer 2019 23

Sophomore guard Kseniya Malashka was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team after a standout freshman campaign. Photo by Shayla Bailey

Redshirt-senior guard Marcus Evans, left, leads the Rams to the A-10 Regular Season Title last season and earned First-Team A-10 honors. Photo by Jon Mirador

Basketball is more than a sport, it’s a way of life NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor, The CT

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vcuathletics.com/rowdyrams

Coach Mike Rhoades returns to the helm for his third year, after being named A-10 Coach of the Year last season.

But Men’s Basketball isn’t VCU’s only At VCU, Men’s Basketball games championship-caliber team. are not “just another sporting event” — Women’s Basketball completed the they’re a way of life. Many students, biggest turnaround in the NCAA last alumni and Richmond residents eat, season after a 17-win improvement sleep and breathe Rams basketball. within one year, the 14th best in NCAA On game day, the Siegel Center gets Women’s Basketball history. loud and rowdy, making it one of the Coach Beth O’Boyle was named hardest arenas in the Atlantic 10. The A-10 Coach of the Year after leading the sellout crowds have become a tradition, Rams to the A-10 regular season title and the norm, as VCU has sold out 134 for the first time in program history.

Her games in a row since 2011. team also went to the A-10 tournament “The Stu” has been a friendly place for final against Fordham. the Rams, as VCU is 42-9 at home over The Rams made it to the second the last three seasons. Last season, the round of the WNIT, the Women’s Black and Gold were 16-1 at home with a National Invitation Tournament, after lone loss against the College of Charleston. defeating Charlotte in the first round of The sellouts are for good reason too — the tournament at home. the Rams won the A-10 regular season The WNIT is a postseason tournatitle last March for the first time since ment that teams have to be invited to 2015 and made the NCAA Tournament. in order to compete.

The Rams earned Its atmosphere was dubbed one of the their spot in the tournament last March best places to play in college basketball because they won the A-10 regular last season by Hofstra’s coach Joe Mihaseason title. lich. The Rams and the Pride played a VCU did not lose any players to tight game last November, and the Black graduation after the historic season. This and Gold prevailed by 2 in overtime. season, the Rams will have five seniors The Rowdy Rams, the student section on the roster.

But sophomores and behind the basket, drive the atmosphere. juniors make up the core of the team.

Armed with cardboard cutouts and Junior guard Tera Reed returns to the balloons, students play a crucial role by floor after a First Team All-A-10 season, getting into the opposing team’s head at averaging 12.5 points and 2.2 assists. the free throw line.

Reed missed three games due to injury, VCU’s Havoc defense — which uses but looks to stay healthy next year. a full court press and tries to force as A-10 All-Rookie team selection sophmany turnovers as possible to fluster the omore forward Kseniya Malashka made opposing team — returned last season herself known in her first season on Broad and was ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Street, averaging 5.7 points and one block.

The defensive improvement was one of Malashka also recorded a game-winning the best in the country, going from 157th floater against Dayton last season. in 2018 to seventh in 2019.

Whether it is a Men’s or Women’s Redshirt-senior guard Marcus Evans game in the Stu, students need to fill will lead the Rams on the floor this the student section to support the Rams. season after battling injury throughout Attendees can also earn points through last year. He averaged a team-high 13.6 the RamRewards app, awarding points points and 3.5 assists en route to First for each VCU Athletics event attended.

Team All-A-10 honors.

24 The Compass

10 essential apps for VCU students If you’re an incoming VCU freshman starting your university journey or a veteran Ram heading into your last semester of graduate studies, a successful college experience comes down to a few things: organization, networking and, of course, stress management. But don’t worry, there are many apps aimed to help everyone have a productive, educational and smooth ride to getting that hardfought degree. Here’s a list of some of the best apps to help you get the most out of your college experience.

1. BLACKBOARD MOBILE LEARN Let’s start with the basics. Everyone should be familiar with Blackboard. It’s the go-to site for assignments, lecture notes, grades and coursework that every student must use to get through college. That being said, the more a student stays up to date with grades and assignments, the better off they will be. This cannot be done without Blackboard, which has a mobile app that some may be unfamiliar with. It’s free, its compatible with both Androids and iPhones, and it’s a no-brainer for the serious student.

2. VENMO This is a well-known app and another no-brainer.

College students are going to be tight on funds — there’s nothing to be ashamed about.

That’s just the way it goes. But with Venmo, students can easily send money to each other, split funds on purchases and transfer money between accounts.

Money will always be an important, albeit limited, factor for college students, and Venmo can help.

3. VCU MOBILE To stay involved as a student, you should be aware of universityrelated activities, and this app does just that. With the VCU Mobile app, students can connect instantly to university resources, which include looking up student and faculty information, learning about upcoming events and sending news and alerts directly to your phone. Unfortunately, the app is only compatible with iOS smartphones and iPads, but any VCU student with Apple products should definitely check it out.

anywhere at any time. Keep up with the news and listen to music while studying, passing time between classes or eating at the Commons. It’s free. It’s 24/7. It’s a win-win.

4. RAMSAFE By far the easiest way to order a RamSafe — VCU’s evening to early morning shuttle service — students can use the mobile app to enter their pickup and drop-off locations. The app also indicates the average current pickup time, giving students an idea of how long they’ll have to wait for their ride, though the times aren’t usually exact. It also shows how many riders are ahead of you and offers a tracker for the vehicle. If there’s even a fleeting possibility that you might need a RamSafe at some point, download the app. You never know when you’ll be stuck somewhere at night in need of transportation to or near campus, and no one likes to download an app with their data.

8. STUDYBLUE StudyBlue is a flashcard study guide app that connects the notes of more than 10 million students and more than half a billion flashcards, all accessible anywhere on your smartphone.

You can also create your own flashcards on the app. Any student — or individual hungry to learn, for that matter — should really check out this app when studying on the go. Oh, and it’s free — all you have to do is make an account.

9. GOOGLE DOCS

5. MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY

This one really is a must. It’s likely most people have already heard of this app, if they don’t already have it downloaded. Google Docs allows multiple people to share, edit and communicate in real time on the same document. It’s perfect for group work when that one person —

It might seem strange or “uncool,” but MerriamWebster’s smartphone compatible dictionary app is actually a great tool to have. Of course, it wouldn’t be hard to just buy a dictionary, but this app is free. It wouldn’t be hard to simply Google the definition of a word, but this app is faster and easier. And not only that, it comes with vocabulary quizzes, example sentences, a “word of the day” feature, a built-in thesaurus and much more. Although some might not think it’s the coolest app ever invented, it deserves much more praise than some would think.

6. EVERNOTE While it’s free to use, the limited amount of storage space almost requires you to get the few-dollarsa-month subscription or other in-app purchases.

If you can afford the $7.99 a month for a premium account, the app is worth the price. Evernote allows users to combine notes and access them all on any device.

Another neat tool is the ability to scan handwritten notes taken from lectures and upload them to the app. It’s a perfect tool to help a student stay organized — the only drawback is that it’s not free.

7. WVCW RADIO AT VCU What better way to stay connected than by simply listening? Radio was a monumental invention that shifted the course of human history — let’s not forget that. VCU’s WVCW radio app allows anyone to tune in to the college’s student-run independent radio

none of you, obviously — sleeps in and misses the group project meeting. All you need is internet access and every group member can work on their paper or project at the same time, no matter where they are.

10. POCKET Last, but definitely not least, Pocket is an app that allows you to save and curate all the information thrown at you throughout any given day. Save and collect news articles, videos and more for later viewing. In the age of the internet and instant access, the overload of information is daunting, especially if you’re in the middle of finals. This free app allows users to save and mark that news article they need to read to stay on top of important political issues, even when they might not have the time to read it until after their study session ends.

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SCOTT MALONE Contributing Writer, the CT

The mental health resources you should keep in mind ANYA SCZERZENIE Contributing Writer, The CT It’s not uncommon for college students to struggle with their mental health from time to time. Luckily, most universities have resources to help students during difficult times, and VCU is no exception.

University Counseling Services — On the second floor of the Commons, University Counseling Services is one of the main resources for mental health care at VCU. Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., University Counseling Services takes walk-ins but is usually only accessible by appointment. For MCV students, there is also a counseling service in Room 412 of the VMI Building.

The Well — The Well is a one-stop shop for all sorts of wellness resources.

It hosts Rams in Recovery, a group for students recovering from substance abuse disorders. Mindfulness and meditation activities that can help with daily stress are also available.

University Student Health — Though you may think of Student Health as a

regular doctor’s office, it can also help you with the medical side of mental health issues. If you’re on any medications, like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, Student Health can be great for medication management. It has its own pharmacy with lower prices than those at a normal drugstore. Located on Broad Street next to the Siegel Center, Student Health is open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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even narrow your search by gender and location.

Your RA — They’re here to help you. Though it may be nerve-wracking to talk to someone you don’t know, it’s an RA’s job to help you navigate college life. If you’re living on-campus, you will have an RA either for your whole floor or for a section of it, and it’s always a good idea to try to get to know them. They may be able to help you out or guide you toward other resources — after all, they’ve been through their first year already.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs — LGBTQ students face higher rates of mental health issues than their Illustration by Lauren Johnson straight peers. If you are part Outside counseling centers — of that community, OMSA may be a good Sometimes, if you have a long-term place to seek community and resources. problem, the Student Counseling Center may refer you to a community provider Remember, you’re not alone. You’re not to continue therapy. There are many of the first, nor will you be the last, college these in Richmond, which vary in locastudent to struggle with their mental health. tion and price. You can ask a university counselor to match you with an outside Those in need can call the National Suicide counselor who takes your insurance, Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. specializes in treating your issue and

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Welcome New VCU Rams University Student Health Services is excited to welcome you to our Ram Family. We offer a wide range of primary care services to our students. Conveniently located on both Monroe Park and MCV campuses; appointments are required and may be scheduled by phone or through the Student Health Web Portal. If you have an urgent medical need, call Student Health directly for assistance. Be sure to visit us online for more details at health.students.vcu.edu .

Monroe Park Campus

USHS Pharmacy

1300 W. Broad St., Suite 2200 Phone: (804)828-8828

1300 W. Broad St., Suite 2200 Phone: (804)828-7734

MCV Campus 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305 Phone: (804)828-9220

26 The Compass

Weekend Plans released their debut album “State of Nine” Feb. 15 after raising funds through Kickstarter. Photo courtesy of Tony West

Students, meet the RVA music scene

Richmond is very obviously a beautiful city to look at. With its constantly growing collection of murals and tattoo artists, Richmond is easy on the eyes. But RVA’s music scene is no slouch either. It’s almost like a game of whack-a-mole; new artists are constantly popping up everywhere, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the new talent. But to be sure, it is an exciting time to be a music nerd in RVA. Here are a few notable acts to get an idea of what Richmond music has to offer.

MUSICIANS • Shy Lennox is a VCU opera major who experiments with alternative rhythm and blues and frequently collaborates with Richmond producer captain pizza. His deep voice provides a refreshing new sound to the genre and blends beautifully with the lo-fi production and sleepy synthesizers. A few tracks worth checking out are “Afterblunts,” “Hennything” and “Aa.” Instagram and Twitter: @shylennox • People’s Blues of Richmond hearkens back to the southern rock style of Led Zeppelin and the storytelling focus of Bob Dylan. Their records play almost like demented circuses with “manic-depressive” song structures and bombastic blues guitar riffs. Keep an eye out for a new album at some point in 2019.

“Bad Railroad” and “Richmond City Hangover Blues” are some of the group’s best pieces.

Instagram and Twitter: @peoplesblues

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• Flight Club might be Richmond’s most recognizable punk band.

Orange stickers promoting their 2015 single “Bad Days” are inescapable. They’re a punk band through and through, but they incorporate elements of emo and alternative rock to keep things fresh and accessible. “Fifty Shades of Fine” and “Mountain Tops” are instant classics.

Instagram and Twitter: @flightclubva

• Sleepwalkers provide an unexpected but addictive collision between the sounds of Thin Lizzy and Foster the People. Throw in some tropical sounds and blues balladry, and Sleepwalkers is definitely a band with big things in their future. Earlier this year they released a new single, “Fault is Me,” with the announcement of a new album, so stay tuned. “Cocaine” and “Thinking About the Road” are two highlights from their debut record, “Greenwood Shade.”

Instagram: @sleepwalkersband Twitter: @sleepwalkersrva • Weekend Plans is a jazz band that features many VCU alumni, including Kayen Wilborn, who used to be an assistant director for The Peppas.

The nine-piece dropped their debut record “State of Nine” this year, featuring nine tracks of quintessentially Richmond bops. “Last Call” is a song based entirely on “the lick,” a meme many music nerds will get a kick out of. “Biggin” and “Get With You” are sure to convince listeners to find tickets for the group’s next gig.

Instagram and Twitter: @wkndplans

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QUENTIN RICE Staff Music Writer, The CT

FREE SPEECH FREE ADMISSION FREE MEMBERSHIP OPEN TUESDAY - SUNDAY BELVIDERE + BROAD

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The Camel is located at 1621 W. Broad St. Photo by Gessler Santos-Lopez • Dharma Bombs provides a more relaxing Americana atmosphere, fusing the worlds of Appalachian bluegrass and Southern dixie for a sound they’ve aptly dubbed “Appalachian Dixie.”

Fronted by VCU writing aide Trey Hall, Dharma Bombs opens up tunes subtly with an easygoing groove and vocal line before turning up the speed and energy to 11 with big, shouty choruses and offbeat mandolin and banjo accents. After some time away from the stage, they recently returned with a new drummer and a revised, jazzy sound. Don’t miss out on “Apocalypse Now” and “Abigail.”

Instagram: @dharmabombs Twitter: @dharma_bombs

VENUES • The Broadberry is a legendary venue that regularly hosts Richmond’s finest acts and other established performers. A recent tradition, hosted near the end of April since 2017, is the RVA All Day Block Party, a celebration of Richmond talent like Angelica Garcia and No BS! Brass Band. Other past performances include Mudhoney, Remo Drive, Mt. Joy and Soccer Mommy.

Thebroadberry.com 2729 W. Broad St. • The Camel is an unassuming dive on Broad Street that regularly hosts hard-to-miss bands. It’s high on the

list of Richmond locals when they’re booking tours, so artists like Weekend Plans and VCU grad Nickelus F are regulars there. Other high key acts include Shy Lennox performs at Flora, a bar and restaurant Mom Jeans, John Paul that has since closed. CT file photo White and Moon Hooch.

Be sure to check out borhood, Melanie Martinez, A Day their frequent open mic nights as well. to Remember and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Perhaps due to the rapport thecamel.org the venue has built with the upper 1621 W. Broad St. echelons of popular bands, smaller acts seldom perform at The National, • The National is definitely a venue so be prepared to spend some to keep an eye on when large acts money on these shows. announce U.S. tours. Since its reopening in 2008, it has hosted thenationalva.com such acts as The 1975, The Neigh708 E. Broad St.

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28  The Compass

Comics Freshman Food Fumble by Erin Joo

Advice by Ellie Erhart

Summer 2019 29

The Cost of VCU by Jeffrey Black

A Very Shory Guide to ESA’s At VCU by Liz McCown

Follow Your Passions by Jamie Knierim

30  The Compass

Summer 2019 31

VCU Resources UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES University Student Health Services provides primary care services for all VCU students. This includes allergy shots, immunizations, mental health evaluations, treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, STD testing and treatment, and more. Student Health is available to all students who pay the semester health fee. Chances are, you’ve already paid for it this, so take advantage.

Monroe Park Campus: 1300 W. Broad St., Suite 2200 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MCV Campus: 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To make an appointment: Monroe Park: (804) 828-8828 MCV: (804) 828-9220 When calling, have your VCU eID and V-number ready.

Or, make an appointment online at health.students.vcu.edu/web-portal. Log in to the portal using your VCU eID and password. Do not schedule online for same-day appointments. For more information on appointments, pharmacy hours and immunization information, visit health.students.vcu.edu.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING SERVICES Conveniently located on both campuses, the University Counseling Services provides evaluations and consultations on mental health care options. Services include case management, brief individual and couples therapy, group therapy and referral services to a community health care provider.

Monroe Park Campus: 907 Floyd Ave. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To make an appointment: counseling.vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 MCV Campus: 1000 E. Marshall St., VMI Building Room 412 Hours: Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To make an appointment: counseling.vcu.edu or (804) 828-3964

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY (SAEO) VCU SAEO partners with students, faculty and staff to ensure the recognition of students’ abilities, not disabilities.

SAEO can aid students by determining appropriate academic adjustments such as program modifications, classroom accommodations, auxiliary aids and more.

University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Avenue, Room 18 Phone: (804) 828-2253

CAMPUS LEARNING CENTER VCU’s Campus Learning Center is a resource for extra help when classes become tough or overwhelming. Appointments must be made in person, two days in advance. Drop-in tutoring is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

900 Park Avenue, Hibbs Hall, First Floor Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Phone (804) 827-8108 THE WELLNESS RESOURCE CENTER “The Well” is a go-to for Rams looking to practice healthy behaviors, recover from substance abuse and learn about overall self-care and wellness. It offers several weekly events such as Mindful Mondays, multiple Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and group seminars on pressing topics.

The staff also writes The Stall Street Journal, located on the backs of bathroom stalls all over campus. It’s currently posted in 1,400 bathrooms across VCU. The posters cover topics like stress, anxiety, sleep and tips on safe drinking.

RAMPANTRY Students experiencing food insecurity, meaning anyone with limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food, can get grocery items from RamPantry.

Those interested can also donate perishable and non-perishable foods or volunteer.

University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 121 Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: (804) 828-3475 Email: rampantry@vcu.edu CAREER SERVICES’ SUIT YOURSELF CLOSET In preparation for job interviews, internships or anything else that requires an outfit fancier than jeans and a T-shirt, students can take up to four items from Career Services’ Suit Yourself Closet at no cost. Two visits a month are allowed, and the clothes are yours to keep. Just be sure to bring your student ID to check in.

University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 143 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: (804) 828-1645 Monroe Park Campus, 815 S. Cathedral Pl. Email: careers@vcu.edu Event calendar and more information: thewell.vcu.edu

ABOUT THE SMC The VCU Student Media Center (SMC), located at 817 W. Broad St., houses various media outlets (student media organizations) that are run and produced by students. The SMC is dedicated to the support and encouragement of responsible, independent student media organizations to connect, explore and enrich the lives of the university’s many constituencies. It operates on a model of individual responsibility and professional standards rather than one of censorship and administrative control. It encourages the values of integrity, tenacity, creativity and honesty in the pursuit of excellence.

The SMC and its student media organizations offer opportunities for involvement in a variety of interests, including writing, reporting, photography, design, music, fashion, culture, comics, web, audio, video, editing and more.

Participation in any of the student media organizations is open to all students, regardless of major or class level.

If you’re interested in joining one of our student media organizations, email join@vcustudentmedia.com.

ABOUT THE COMPASS The Compass is the summer 2019 orientation guide for VCU. Produced by the Student Media Collective in the VCU Student Media Center, and co-sponsored by our partners, New Student and Family Programs and the Division of Student Affairs, the guide is handed out at all summer 2019 orientation sessions for new, transfer, and graduate students. Serving as the ultimate survival guide, The Compass features a wide variety of stories told from the perspective of current students to help new students and their parents familiarize themselves with VCU and Richmond. The Student Media Collective is comprised of members of our student-run media organizations, and The Compass was written and edited by those students.

OUR STUDENT MEDIA The Commonwealth Times commonwealthtimes.org radio

WVCW Radio wvcw.org Pwatem Literature & Art Journal pwatem.com Ink Magazine inkmagazinevcu.com River City Fashion Uprising (RCFU) rivercityfashionuprising.com Amendment Literature and Art Journal amendmentvcu.com Emanata emanatacomics.com Mercury Video mercuryvideo.org

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING The Student Media Center offers traditional paid advertising opportunities in print and digital to all VCU departments at a 10 percent discount. We also coordinate student teams as part of our Creative Services wing to assist our clients with their marketing needs — whether it be design services, special event services, or other projects.

If you’d like to discuss a project or get a quote, contact Allison Bennett Dyche at abdyche@vcu. edu. She’ll work with you to discuss your needs and explore how Student Media can help you meet your marketing and advertising goals.

DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE The Dean of Students office aims to help students chart a path toward success, overcoming barriers as they arise and ensuring that proper support services are being utilized as needed.

The Dean of Students office is available to advocate for and assist students dealing with life situations that are impacting their academic and personal success at VCU. In addition to advocating for individual students, the Dean of Students office engages with student organizations, faculty/staff and community partners to identify and address collective student concerns.

Sitterding Hall, 901 Floyd Ave. Phone: (804) 828-8940 Email: vcudean@vcu.ed

The Compass staff Georgia Geen is the executive editor of The Commonwealth Times, the independent student newspaper at VCU, and served as the special projects editor for The Compass.

Staffers from various Student Media Center organizations played a role in illustrating, photographing and writing for special projects.

Editor Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org

Assistant Editor Andrew Ringle ringlea@commonwealthtimes.org

Photo Editor Gessler Santos-Lopez photography@commonwealthtimes.org

Illustrations Editor Sammy Newman emanatacomics@gmail.com

Student Media Center Staff Graphic Designers Jeffrey Pohanka Andy Caress Ryan Rich CJ Wright Uri Hamman Kamryn Gillham designers@vcustudentmedia.com

Advertising Representatives Gabbi Bernardo Dana Cantor Miles S. Hicks advertising@vcustudentmedia.com (804) 828-6629

Director Allison Bennett Dyche abdyche@vcu.edu (804) 827-1975

Creative Media Manager Mark Jeffries mjeffries@vcu.edu (804) 828-7660

Assistant Business Manager Emily Furlich smc_assistant@vcustudentmedia.com

32  The Compass

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Be WELL Get INVOLVED Find RESOURCES Download the VCU Insider App! (In the VCU RAM Guide App)

and visit students.vcu.edu