12 p.m.

A service of honor and gratitude will be held for John Duval, former CEO of VCU Hospitals and Clinics and Vice President for Clinical Affairs from 2003 through 2016, at the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building Auditorium, 1217 E. Marshall St. The event will also take place via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88227729169#success

For more information, contact Katherine Poarch at kpoarch@vcu.edu.

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.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture for a virtual informational session exploring the school's M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as its Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Join the meeting directly at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Browse the school's offerings at https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

ReJOYce IN JESUS Ministries (RJM) is a non-denominational Christian campus ministry and community partner with VCU. The organization offers Bible studies, worship services, social events and opportunities in community service for new and returning students. Meet the folks of RJM in person at the VCU SOVO Fair in the Community Partners section of Monroe Park. Enjoy lawn games, free snacks and fellowship. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Stephanie Glenn at glenns@vcu.edu or (757) 335-3060 or visit https://rejoyce.online/.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences will host a block party on Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets. The party will feature snow cones, tie-dye, giveaways, games and more.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu.

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.

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 at 8 p.m.

Join the College of Humanities and Sciences for a special film screening of "Pitch Perfect," a 2012 musical comedy starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow. Bring beach chairs or blankets to get comfy by the Ram Horns. Free food, giveaways and raffle prizes will be available. Register at https://bit.ly/4xPbDx9

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4xPbDx9.

Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center welcomes historian Leigh Ann Craig, Ph.D., to speak about her new book which considers how medieval texts classified the function and malfunction of consciousness as deriving either from natural causes or from the predations of demons. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4cnbRTO.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Improve your afternoon with free coffee or tea and friendly conversations with leaders in the real estate (Greater Richmond Partnership) and risk management and insurance (Hamilton) industries. The session will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Global Education Office (GEO) and the Global Learning team welcome all Rams back to campus. Stop by their table on the VCU Compass (199 N. Linden St.) to learn more about how you can go beyond the compass while at VCU. This event is part of Weeks of Welcome 2026.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946032.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This interactive workshop via Zoom is designed to support graduate students who may feel a bit rusty as they transition back into academic life. Through guided discussion, practical strategies and peer connection, participants will explore ways to rebuild confidence, navigate imposter syndrome and successfully adjust to the expectations of graduate study. The session will also highlight how professional and life experiences are powerful assets in the classroom, research environment and beyond. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945953.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) hosts monthly lunch and learn webinars. Barbara Mardigian, LPC, will present Managing stress and Mental Health in the Helping Profession via Zoom. Register at https://vpgh.vcu.edu/events/

For more information, contact Emma Freeman at freemane@vcu.edu or visit https://vpgh.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 at noon

Join the School of Public Health for a virtual informational session for the school's online and residential Master of Public Health Programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8KStkM-MRGW8gbm2V68Bwg

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/programs/mph/.

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.

Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As Virginia and the nation commemorate 250 years, join the VCU Wilder School and VCU College of Humanities and Sciences for a conversation about leadership, democracy and the future of the commonwealth. Former Virginia governors L. Douglas Wilder and Jim Gilmore, political analyst Larry Sabato, Wilder School Interim Dean and Commonwealth Poll Director Robyn McDougle and moderator Bob Holsworth will explore what Virginia's history can teach us about democratic leadership, civic life and the choices ahead. The event will be in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. A pre-symposium reception will be held from 4:30–5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pam Cox at coxp3@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/wilder-symposium/.

Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Do you receive a Pell grant? Have you thought about studying or interning abroad? Join VCU Global Learning for the bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. This workshop will cover award eligibility (this award is for Pell Grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. This workshop is designed to help maximize your chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83404195719

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945903.

Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Effective leadership starts with focus, clarity and the ability to manage stress in a demanding environment. This online course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces the foundational concepts of mindfulness and how they directly support leadership growth and personal effectiveness. Participants will learn practical techniques to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and strengthen their ability to lead with intention and resilience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-100.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This course offered by Continuing and Professional Education builds advanced Excel skills for professionals who need to manage, analyze and report on data with greater accuracy and efficiency. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, participants will work with complex datasets, apply advanced formulas and create dynamic reports. Early registration ends Wednesday, Aug. 26, but registrations will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 21 at the following URL. The class will be held in the VCU HR Learning Center Conference Room, 922 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-148.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU's Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor National Conflict Resolution Day, the goal of which is to promote and encourage peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event will feature a keynote address from Linda Brothers, Georgetown University Ombuds and will be at the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, on the Monroe Park campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AC7xDv5uAH54V7Ys5.

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.

Become an ally for people struggling with and in recovery from addiction. Join Rams in Recovery this semester for one of the group's Recovery Ally Trainings (in person and virtual options available) to make a positive impact on your community and our campus culture. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/R5XCgpqpvxW22Fhpj4CcMR5Rf8H84V32v3qR9Pv1/forms/3009672514464.

The VCU da Vinci Center's Shelfie Program is a free, four-week program in entrepreneurship, innovation and design thinking. It’s designed to help you figure out what works (and what doesn’t) by putting your work to the test. It’s not about being polished. It’s about showing up, getting real feedback and learning by doing. Applications are now open – the first boot camp kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 29 at noon.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/programming/shelfie-program/.

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.

Are you interested in research? The research lab of Melanie Bean, Ph.D., is seeking detail-oriented, reliable research assistants to support an NIH-funded school-based research study. This role involves working directly with students, school staff and the study team to conduct study assessments during school hours (7 a.m.-3 p.m.) or performing data coding in the lab. Compensation is $20/hour; reliable personal transportation is required. To apply or learn more, contact the study team via the following URL..

For more information, contact Sarah Farthing at hlcresearch@vcuhealth.org or (804) 527-4756 or visit https://hlc.lab.vcu.edu/.

Registration is now open for The University Band (APPM 357). University Band is open to all VCU students and faculty. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. The band performs one concert per semester.

For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974.

Campus Card Services transitioned its online card office system from Cbord GET Mobile to Atrium Campus Connect on May 18. The old GET app and website are being shut down. To manage your RamBucks, Meal Plan and Dining Dollar accounts moving forward, make sure you are using the Connect app. Action: Download Atrium Campus Connect from your app store (Apple/Google) or visit myVCUCard.com. For meal plan or Dining Dollar questions, reach out to Dining Services at vcudining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148. For VCUCard or RamBucks questions, contact Campus Card Services at cardservices@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2273.

For more information, contact Campus Card Services at cardservices@vcu.edu or visit https://cardservices.vcu.edu.

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.

Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This noninvasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.

A study at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use and reaction time within friendships. You may be randomly assigned to consume alcohol; you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. The in-person portion of this study will not take longer than two hours to complete. You may earn either SONA credit or $20 USD. Your eligibility is determined by a screening survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8icpTWvtLFvjbo2.

Recruiting individuals ages 18+ who have had chronic pain and sleep disturbance for at least three months.

For more information, contact Lara LoBrutto at inpact@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.