Looking for help? You’ve come to the right place.
Getting started with your new Compass website can be tough, so here's some helpful resources to get you on your way:
- The university brand guidelines to understand how our brand works and download royalty-free images
- The Compass website to learn the ins and outs of the web framework
- The Compass example site, a deep-dive in how the web framework can be used through documentation and examples
- Enterprise Marketing and Communications, collaborators to the Compass Web Framework and the folks in charge of all things VCU branding and marketing
- Technology Services, collaborators to the Compass Web Framework and the folks in charge of technology at the university
- The university web standards and guidelines, a definitive guide to ensure your website meets the university's requirements for web properties
- Come to a Web Services open consultation for hands-on help with your website
The 26th Annual Graduate Research Symposium was held on April 25, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballrooms of the University Student Commons.
- 1st Place: Bryan Mckiver, Pharmacology and Toxicology Doctoral Program, School of Medicine
- 2nd Place: Natalie Truby, Neuroscience Doctoral Program, School of Medicine
- 3rd Place: Christiana Appiah, Clinical and Translational Sciences Doctoral Program, School of Medicine
The 25th Annual Graduate Research Symposium was held on April 19, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballrooms of the University Student Commons.
- 1st Place: Sam Gottlieb - School of Medicine
- 2nd Place: Lois Akinola - School of Medicine
- 3rd Place: Tie
- Rachel Barbieri - College of Humanities and Sciences
- Emily Brocato - School of Medicine
Why Should You Participate?
In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience is a critical skill. Whether you're talking to a potential employer, a grant funding committee, or a family member, making your research accessible and exciting is key to your success.
By participating, you will:
- Receive Professional Development: Get professional development support on public speaking and slide deck design in workshops leading up to the event.
- Develop Essential Communication Skills: Learn to strip away jargon and convey the core value and impact of your work to non-specialists.
- Prepare for Your Future Career: Gain invaluable practice for job talks, conference presentations, and networking events where making a clear, concise impression is crucial.
- Gain a Fresh Perspective: Receive feedback and questions from an intelligent, non-expert audience that can spark new ideas and reveal blind spots in your communication strategy.
- Build Your Interdisciplinary Network: Connect with fellow graduate students and faculty from across the university, opening doors for future collaborations.
- Earn a Digital Badge: Receive a verifiable badge upon completion to showcase your presentation skills on your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.
Why Attend?
Experience Graduate Research. Curious about the groundbreaking work happening at VCU? Join us for the Research Talks event, a dynamic presentation series where graduate students share their cutting-edge research in clear, compelling, non-technical language.
In just 12 minutes and 10 slides, presenters share the core impact of their work. It is a unique opportunity to explore diverse research from across the university in an accessible, engaging format.
See the full event agenda and speaker information on the Research Talks digital event program.
- Discover: Explore innovative projects from the arts to sciences.
- Connect: Network with peers and faculty across disciplines.
- Engage: Participate in lively interdisciplinary Q&A sessions.
Event Details
- When: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Where: Cabell Library, Rooms 205 and 250
Register for sessions of your choice on RamsConnect.
Who Is This For?
Any graduate student who wants to improve their public speaking, prepare for an upcoming defense or conference, or simply learn how to make their research more impactful. Students are welcome to participate at any stage of their research from methodology to dissemination.
Ready to take the stage?
Develop your skills and share your passion.
The call for presenters will be open until Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Abstracts will be reviewed in early January and presenters will be confirmed by Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.