Connections is a newsletter distributed every Wednesday and is another way for you to find out what's going on around Grounds.

 

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Students having fun at a picnic

UVA Arts Annual Welcome Picnic

VA Arts invites all UVA faculty, staff, & students to the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds for a FREE picnic from 6:00 to 8:00pm with performances, information tables, and food and drinks!! Come learn about curricular, extra-curricular, programmatic, and volunteer opportunities from the Visual & Performing Arts & Architecture departments, programs, and community. 

ENGAGE

Informational Event: What is Business?
Sep 6, 12 – 1 p.m., 1515 University Avenue.
Thinking about going into a business career? Have questions about being in the "Business" Career Community? We at the Career Center can help you understand what diving into business means and can help with some best next steps. We'll also have a panel of students who will share their journey in business.

Informational Event: What is Pre-Law?
Sep 6, 2 – 3 p.m., 1515 University Avenue.
Interested in Law School? Swing by the 1515 Dance Studio (2nd floor) to chat with our Pre-Law counselor, as well as like-minded students to learn more about the world of law school, legal careers, etc. This is a great event to learn what types of roles fall under “Law” as well as what kinds of part-time jobs/internships/volunteer opportunities, etc. can give you hands on experience in the field.

“Hoos got a moment?” Dean Rucker is Here to Listen
Sep 9, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Lower Lawn.
What’s on your mind? Are you willing to share with the Dean of Students? Be on the lookout for Dean Cedric Rucker as he navigates the Grounds tapping into the student experience. You will have his undivided attention and a listening ear as you share what’s going on in your university life. His location will rotate throughout the semester. Follow us on social media @uvastudentaffairs to find out his latest spot.  

Fall Education Abroad Fair
Sep 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Newcomb Hall Ballroom.
The UVA Education Abroad offers a study abroad program to fit the needs and goals of all our students. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, the Education Abroad Fair is the perfect next step! UVA faculty, program providers, and host universities will be at
Newcomb Ballroom on Tuesday, September 10, from 11 to 3 p.m. to discuss options and answer questions about international study, internships, and more.

Jackie Cox of Ru Paul's Drag Race performs at Silence Speaking
Sep 19, 7:30 p.m., Brooks Hall.
Jackie Cox of Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 12 hosts a showcase of art and artists who refuse silence. The space will reverberate with music, dance, drama and poetry. Student and community performers will show the ways that creative practice can respond loudly and softly to the failures of legal systems. The showcase is headlined by rapper Mac Phipps, formerly of No Limit Records.

Real Estate Trek to DC & Northern VA - Open to all UVA Students!
Sep 26 - Sep 27, 2024
Join the UVA Center for Real Estate on an exciting two-day trek to Washington, DC & Northern Virginia on Thurs 9/26-Friday 9/27. 
 * Visit with industry partners and participate in construction site tours.
 * Participate in a DC-area alumni networking reception on Thurs evening.
 * Transportation and meals are provided. 
 * Trek is open to all UVA students - spots are limited!

NOW OPEN: UVA Teaching Kitchen Calendar
The UVA Teaching Kitchen, home of Hoos' Cooking hands-on cooking classes, is now open for the fall semester. We host weekly "Individual Sign-Up" classes on Thursdays, 5-6:30 pm; any student can register. We also facilitate "Group Cooking Classes" that student groups can arrange. Check out our website for details, availability calendar, curated menus, and registration and request form links.

Get involved with Public Service Pathways at UVA
Are you passionate about making a difference? Then join the Public Service Pathways program! Pathways helps students connect to public service as a personal commitment, a lifelong practice, or even a career. The program also includes participation in a one credit guest-lecture course for second years: Democracy and Public Service (UNST 1410). This interdisciplinary course explores the intersections of democracy, civic engagement, and what it means to serve. 

UVA Public Service Week Event Series
Save the Date: September 30 - October 4 Where: Across UVA
Join Public Service Week at UVA! From September 30 - October 4, 2024, celebrate and contribute to UVA’s public service mission. Turn out for events, spark discussions, and learn how to get involved. Funding is available for student-led events. Connect, contribute, and make a difference – and make the most of PSW 2024 

Oak Ridge National Lab Summer Opportunities
Sep 18, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Rotunda Multipurpose Room
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) drives scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs that address energy and national security challenges while benefiting the nation's economy. Join the Office of Citizen Scholar Development for an informative session with ORNL representatives to learn about 2025 summer research opportunities.

LEAD

Residential Leadership Experience (RLE) Information Session
Sep 4, 6 – 7 p.m., New Cabell Hall 323.
Residential Leadership Experience (RLE) allows students to lead during their first year on Grounds and gives both #UVA28 and upper-class residents opportunities to create community and make on-Grounds residences feel more like home! Attend an information session next week or visit the webpage to learn more about RLE and how you can make a difference in your on-Grounds community!

Resident Staff Selections Information Session
Sep 4, 7 – 8 p.m., New Cabell Hall 309; Sep 6, 6 – 7 p.m., Olsson Hall 120.
Resident Staff Selections information sessions allow you to learn more about becoming an RA in the 2025-2026 academic year and how to apply to the program. More details and the full list of upcoming information sessions are available on the Selections webpage.

Sign up for Authentic Leadership Group
Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Sep 19 – Nov 21
Step into a circle of conversations about how liberating it can be when men connect more fully with their communities. Experience a fun, judgment-free zone that allows you to build a strong reflection practice that will serve you well in college and in life. Contact Uriel Santiago ([email protected]) by Sept. 13 to ask questions or sign up. 

BE WELL

CAPS Groups for Fall 2024 Semester
CAPS offers a range of group options for the spring semester including skills groups designed to address specific topics, support groups aimed at providing community support, and interpersonal process groups for students working on a range of psychological and relationship concerns. Visit our website to learn about the fall semesterofferings!

Register for WahooWellness Fest to Win a Picnic Blanket
Sep 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for the inaugural WahooWellness Fest as part of Wahoo Welcome! All UVA students are invited to enjoy music, yard games, free food, art activities, yoga, a petting zoo, giveaways, and more! Discover resources, connect with support services, and learn healthy habits to integrate into your student life. Register by 9/6 to win a picnic blanket!

Outdoor Adventure
UVA Recreation has you covered for all your outdoor fun, exercise, and recreation needs. This fall we have several fun expeditions planned. Sign up to let us know you're coming! 
9/6-7 | Big Meadows Camping - Stargazing and Yoga 
9/10 & 9/24 | Night hikes (Tuesdays 6-8pm) 
9/13 | Beaver Creek Boat Rentals 
9/14-15 | Backpacking False Cape 
9/22 | Bike and Brunch - Farmville's High Bridge 
9/29 | Beginner River Kayaking

AWARDS

UVA's First Bodybuilding Competition
Sep 7, 3 p.m., Newcomb Ballroom.
Experience the potential of the human aesthetic with UVA's first Bodybuilding Competition where students will display years of hard work and months of competition prep on stage.

ARTS

UVA Music Department Events
Find out about Music at UVA. The UVA Music Department has over 90 events scheduled for 2024-25. The weekly "Music at UVA" newsletter lists concerts and events (department & affiliated groups), music stories, news, and music opportunities. Thanks to the Arts Dollars program, UVA students can reserve a free ticket to all music concerts and other UVA Arts events (https://arts.virginia.edu/artsdollars).

New Music Class: Women in Jazz
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
A new music class was added last week: Taught by Nicole Mitchell Gantt "Women in Jazz" focuses on the important contributions of women to jazz music, past and present, as instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, and producers. Jazz originated in the U.S. as a phenomenon of the 20th Century and quickly spread throughout the globe, by offering artists of all backgrounds a vehicle for innovation, expanded aesthetics and individuality.

TALKS

East Asia Center Presents (Ad)ministering Resettlement: How US Refugee Policies Changed Hmong Religious Life
Sep 12, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., Gibson Hall 341
Melissa Borja, Assistant Professor in the Department of American Culture at the University of Michigan, will be delivering the first talk in UVA's Asian American Religious Experience lecture series by discussing her book, Follow the New Way: American Refugee Resettlement Policy and Hmong Religious Change (Harvard University Press). Co-sponsors: College of Arts & Science's Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the East Asia Center, and the Department of Religious Studies.

STUDIES

Rewarding students $10-$25 for testing UVA websites and tools!
Looking for UVA students to give input on Library websites and digital tools such as Virgo. You might be contacted to participate in an online usability test, a survey, a focus group, or an interview, and we will reward students with $10-$25 per session.
 Sign up at https://www.library.virginia.edu/user-experience/sign-up.
 Questions? Contact Hirak Ray, UX Researcher ([email protected])

REMINDERS

Rush Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity
Starting on September 9, with various times and locations
Are you pre-med and looking for support, resources, and mentorship from upperclassmen? Rush Phi Delta Epsilon, UVA's co-ed medical fraternity! We blend social community and academic resources through guest lectures, formals, social events, discount resources, and more. Check out our Instagram @phidevaalpha, for more information, and fill out our interest form in the link above! 

Lecture - Southeast Asian Migrant Workers in Asia: Lessons, Cautions, and Questions
Sep 6, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m., Monroe Hall 122
The UVA East Asia Center will be hosting a Special Coughlin Lecture on Southeast Asia with Nicole Constable, professor of anthropology and of gender, sexuality, and women’s studies, and research professor in international studies, at the University of Pittsburgh. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Nelson Lectures on Southeast Asia.

Free Crafting Drop-In Event
Thursdays all semester, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Women's Center
Ever need a pause between classes, homework, clubs, and to-dos? Curious about using creativity to cultivate a calmer mind? Drop by the Women’s Center any Thursday between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Never crafted or need supplies? No problem - we have everything you need to get started, or BYO project! Open to all UVA students and employees. No sign up is necessary. 

Volunteer or Practice English with VISAS: Opportunities for All
Sign up by Sunday, September 8 at 11:59 PM
Whether you want to volunteer or practice your English, VISAS offers weekly sessions for engaging conversations and cultural exchange. Volunteers assist English learners with tailored practice, while gaining valuable global experience. English learners benefit from structured support, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to meet American students and staff. Connect with diverse community members, explore new cultures, and enhance your English skills. Sign up now to enrich your fall semester! 

Study Abroad Opportunities During J-Term  
Short-term study abroad programs are an excellent opportunity to experience another culture while completing course credits. With diverse destinations and specialized courses, you will gain hands-on experience and global perspectives to enhance your academic and personal growth.  
Applications for UVA J-Term programs are open until October 1st.