11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A key component to your success as an international student in the U.S. is understanding the F-1 regulations. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the regulatory requirements for F-1 students and outline the processes for maintaining your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) record and your F-1 status. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact GEO Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/9V_PTjdKQE-VhwdSlTxwvQ.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The session will focus on the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help participants build confidence in writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at noon

Examine examples of strong, successful personal statements as well as less successful ones and learn the tools needed to write your best statement at this VCU Writing Center workshop. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Play Bingo, enjoy refreshments and prizes and learn about community resources at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Vox Concordia, VCU’s treble choir, will host “Come and Sing Day” in the Recital Hall of the James W. Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. Students from any major who sing soprano or alto are welcome to attend. Meet singer classmates and the conductor, rehearse a song together, ask questions about Vox Concordia and decide if you would like to be in the class. To sign up for “Come and Sing,” and for questions, contact the instructor, Lisa Fusco, at the folllowing email address. Information about voice interviews/auditions on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lisa Fusco at fuscolc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Participants will learn and practice the basics of belaying and climber safety in this clinic at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Ideal for new climbers and those wanting to add to their knowledge and skill sets. Belay clinics also provide the needed background for the Climbing Wall belay approval test. These run from Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, Nov. 19. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cd4e0a05-814b-415e-9ef8-43e49fe1f7fb.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at 8 a.m.

The Outdoor Adventure Program will host its third annual climbing endurance competition from Tuesday, Aug. 18 to Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Climbers will compete against one another to see how many vertical feet they can climb within two weeks. Top participants will be awarded prizes and posted on the Outdoor Adventure Program climbing wall leaderboard. Stop by the climbing wall front desk to register and pick up your scorecard.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cfadb3d7-05f7-40da-9fd0-49768c83d805.

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. The workshop will be hosted by the VCU Writing Center. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) will present Akwaaba: OMSA Open House, its Weeks of Welcome event. This event is open to all and introduces OMSA's space in the University Student Commons, Suite 215 and Shockoe Room, 907 Floyd Ave., as a place for students to connect, recharge and find community between classes. Come for space tours, food, games and interactive activities.

For more information, contact Joshua Lockhart at lockhartjcj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946364.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join VCU's staff of immigration advisers to discuss the implications of the Department of Homeland Security's recent change to the F and J visa regulations, including the elimination of Duration of Status (D/S). This webinar is intended only for VCU F-1 and J-1 students. Advance registration with your VCU credentials is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caitie Cavalier at cavalierc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dh7BYBFZTmSGR8xNdfKkow .

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

First Love Church at VCU will host an ice cream social across from the rams horns at the VCU Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All are welcome. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact First Love Virginia at Firstlovevirginia@gmail.com or visit https://linktr.ee/FirstLoveChurchVirginia.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at noon

VCU's Department of Epidemiology will host the Fall 2026 Epi Forum Seminar Series. This year's theme highlights epidemiology as an interdisciplinary field, showcasing the breadth of the faculty’s research. The first speaker will be Samar El Khoudary, Ph.D., MPH, FAHA, professor and chair of the department. The session will be at One Capitol Square, Room 644, 830 E. Main St. Refreshments will be provided. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/.

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Interested in Adult or Child Neurology residency at VCU? Join a virtual webinar to meet program directors, learn about training programs and get your questions answered. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Coronda Lee at coronda.lee@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/it5YAQ2vQs6SQv6ViRx-zw#/registration.

Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The Institute for Free Enterprise at the VCU School of Business will present a free enterprise forum. James Rhee, former CEO of Ashley Stewart and author of the national bestseller "Red Helicopter," will join Roben Farzad, host of Public Radio's"Full Disclosure," for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of business. The event is free and will be held at the Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Andrew LeVasseur at alevasseur@vcu.edu or (206) 849-6103 or visit https://www.altriatheater.com/events/detail/free-enterprise-forum.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This online-synchronous course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces participants to the foundations of process consultation and the consultant mindset. Over six weeks, learners will explore how to respond effectively to requests for help, identify the right stakeholders, establish clear agreements and clarify roles, expectations, scope and desired outcomes at the start of a consulting engagement. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/process-consultation.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Large multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise aimed at improving the university's response to a large impact incident on the VCU campus. Volunteering for this exercise is beneficial for any students, faculty or staff interested in homeland security and emergency preparedness, or who would like to contribute directly to improving the overall safety of the VCU community. Must be a minimum of 18 years old, wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty with simulated makeup and be willing to be transported via ambulance to medical centers in the downtown area for "simulated triage." Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Matthew Majid at majidm@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999 or visit https://veoci.com/v/p/form/ezm2jxm2gfu3.

Registration is underway for The University Band (APPM 357), which is open to all VCU students and faculty regardless of experience. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. and performs one to two concerts each semester. Questions: Contact band director Duane Coston at the following email address.

For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.

Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, will have a number of special events in the coming weeks. They include an Ice Cream Social (8/18: 1-3 p.m.); Back to School Cookout (8/19: Noon-2 p.m.); Sweet Tea Day (8/21: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.); Saxbys Grand Opening at Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. (8/25: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.); Wellness Wednesday (8/26: noon-1:30 p.m.); Game Night (8/26: 5:30-7 p.m.); SunButter Pop-Up (8/27: 4-6 p.m.); National Gyro Day (8/31-9/4: 11 a.m.-close); and Carnival Night (9/2: 5 p.m.-close). For details, follow @VCU_Dining on Instagram.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.mydininghub.com/en.

VCU Recreation and Well-Being is accepting applications for lifeguard positions. Students interested in gaining professional experience, developing leadership and communication skills and helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment at the university are encouraged to apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at scottm14@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/11169405.

Go behind the scenes to learn how iconic film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert influenced film criticism and pop culture in Matt Singer’s “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.” Grab a copy of our latest VCU Alumni book pick, pop some popcorn and discover how Siskel and Ebert’s iconic thumbs-up and thumbs-down format transformed how we watch and talk about movies. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pbc.guru/vcu.

VCU Department of Music invites students to register for choir for the upcoming academic year. Three ensembles are available: Commonwealth Singers, Choral Arts Society and Vox Concordia. All choirs are open to all students, regardless of major, and meet during the day for course credit. Students may register through eServices during enrollment. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#vocal-ensembles.

Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee paystub, join a group and receive related notifications and more? Download the VCU Mobile app, with a new look, feel and functionality, for all things VCU.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.

Starting Monday, Aug. 17, VCU Parking and Transportation will add two new stops to the RamsXpress route. In addition to the current stops at James Branch Cabell Library, the Jonah L. Larrick Center and 11th and Clay streets, point-to-point service will also offer new stops at Eighth and Franklin streets and Eighth and Main streets. The RamsXpress will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Download the Ride Pingo app to track buses in real time.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu or visit https://parking.vcu.edu/.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Research is offering a Translational Research Informatics course (CCTR691) this semester. Open to Master’s and Doctoral students across disciplines, this hands-on course will build the practical skills and vocabulary to manage data, use modern AI and informatics tools and collaborate confidently with technical experts, all without requiring extensive programming experience. The course will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, 1-2:20 p.m. Questions: Contact Shaojun Tang, Ph.D., at tangs3@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.

RecWell’s Group Exercise classes are free to all VCU students and RecWell members. Join to learn more about the fundamentals of exercise and move your body with your peers. All skills and fitness levels are welcome. Classes will be at the at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=9cae168f-1f3a-4f14-a777-ce5844c767e0.

Do you love to sing? VCU Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358) is welcoming auditions from students across the university for Fall 2026. Openings are available in all voice parts. This is an especially exciting year to join the ensemble. Commonwealth Singers has been selected to perform at the 2026 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, representing VCU before music educators from across the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Singers is an advanced SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) ensensemble for singers who are excited about challenging repertoire, meaningful music-making and being part of a strong choral community. You do not need to be a music major to audition. Rehearsals: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon–1:15 p.m. Auditions will be Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 19. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/.

Teach blood pressure is a heart health education program designed to uplift fourth grade students as heart-health changemakers. During this weeklong course, students will learn how to care for their hearts, monitor blood pressure and keep their communities healthy. Classroom volunteers are needed to assist with keeping students on task, facilitating games and activities and acting as practice patients for students. The program will take place at both Victoria Elementary School and Kenbridge Elementary School in Lunenburg, Va., between Monday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Oct. 9. Each volunteer shift is from 2:20-3:30 p.m. Additional information will be sent to those who complete the sign up link or contact jennifer.hundley@vcuhealth.org.

For more information, contact Jennifer Hundley at jennifer.hundley@vcuhealth.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAohWY5_k4F0mIOfQDebD7UrSCTPkIG82_XftInOZM9EeY7w/viewform?usp=header.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 with poor sleep. Compensation is up to $50. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For information, contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.