1 p.m.

VCU's Office of First and Second Year Experiences invites you to learn about the incoming first-year class of 2026. Come hear about what our newest first-year students tell us about their start at VCU to help inform your work at the start of this new semester. Visit the following URL to register for a virtual session or sign up to receive a recording.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/3E73td2mCANXaX6XA.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, will host an active learning and support program for people living with dementia and their care partners.

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

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the Health Hub on weekly walks around Church Hill. All walks will start and end at the VCU Health Hub at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 from 2:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at noon

Small changes can add up to big improvements in how we feel. This session will help us identify where we can shift the focus of our day to revitalize, simplify, relax, connect and take care of ourselves in just 10 minutes. Discover ways to lower your stress, reduce clutter, improve your health, give yourself peace of mind and reduce your risk for chronic disease. Join VCU HR and CommonHealth in exploring how to have more time for a healthier you! Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/4fot1Bj

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 at noon

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is offering virtual informational sessions for the 2027 VCU Leadership Development Program. If you are interested in a program and/or have a question, we highly suggest you come to hear from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. Five virtual options are available, each on Wednesday. Those who register will receive a Zoom link one to three business days before the session: Aug. 19 at noon, Sept. 2 at noon, Sept. 23 at noon, Oct. 7 at noon and Nov. 4 at noon.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYq-1HgCcYFW_jlXqgLlmsxvGgwZtqINGLJmopCwPpvWwthg/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

In support of its goal to make the ADA accommodation process more transparent and accessible, ADA and Accessibility Services will host a lunch and learn session focusing on the ADA process, how to request accommodations and the campus resources available to support colleagues. This session is also an opportunity for managers, supervisors and Human Resources staff to learn how to better support their teams and foster a more inclusive work environment. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hunter Lacy at lacyjh@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1MQG68zhSLKeU4RAnT25AA.

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.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Join the VCU Department of Health Administration for a virtual informational session to learn about the Ph.D. program in Health Services Organization and Research's curriculum, assistantship opportunities and post-graduation outcomes. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Rof6SdWfn3i438jt8.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a session via Zoom about Gemini Gems – customizable versions of Gemini that can be tailored to serve as specialized assistants. Move beyond basic prompting to learn how to create a Gem that acts as a personalized tutor, debate partner or rubric wizard for students. Explore practical strategies for designing Gems and integrating them into your course. Register for the Zoom lilnk at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxOT12Locd5j52OQ0TGAcIqCRfk1fXFE9QBl_gJOSpvoIoaQ/viewform?usp=header.

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/.

Did you know Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location (800 W. Broad St.)? You can review wellness concerns with a nurse, get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional), and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule your appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

This online course developed by VCU's Department of Philosophy via Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) will return Tuesday, Sept. 8-Tuesday, Oct. 13. Prepare to tackle the challenges of AI within the modern workplace by exploring essential ethical considerations and challenges in privacy, accountability, transparency and fairness. VCU alumni, staff and faculty discounts are available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-LW-004.

The VCU da Vinci Center's Shelfie Program is a free, four-week program in entrepreneurship, innovation and design thinking. It is 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/.

Hydrate RPS, an NIH-funded study evaluating the effects of a water intervention in 12 Richmond Public Schools, is seeking hourly employees for the upcoming school year (2026-2027). Key responsibilities include assisting with study assessments, participating in intervention kick-off events, handing out prizes to students drinking water at lunch and assisting study coordinators with intervention tasks. Individuals would need their own transportation, availability between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and willingness to work at least one day per week. Training begins in September. Compensation is $20/hr. Interested applicants can apply to the linked position or email the study team directly at HydrateRPS@vcuhealth.org.

For more information, contact Morgan Beasley at hydrateRPS@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/healthy-lifestyles-center-research-assistant-hourly-som-pediatrics-vcu-main-campus-virginia-united-states-mcv-main-campus.

LEDstudio and Technology Services support faculty through the Digital Accessibility website, where you'll find guidance, best practices, and resources for creating accessible course materials. The site also includes information about accessibility tools available at VCU, including TidyUP and UDOIT in Canvas. Learn more at the link below.

For more information, contact Patty Hendricks at hendricksp@vcu.edu or visit https://digitalaccessibility.vcu.edu/.

VCU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations has launched a new website, engage.vcu.edu. The new site reflects the office's commitment to serving all who connect with and give philanthropically to VCU.

For more information, contact Kristen Caldwell at kcaldwell2@vcu.edu or visit https://engage.vcu.edu/.

VCU tenure-track faculty are invited to join an in-person community of scholars focused on strengthening community-engaged research through peer exchange, shared learning and connections to funding pathways and institutional supports. Apply by Monday, Sept. 14 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/.

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.

The updated policy on Postdoctoral Scholars is now open for public comment from Wednesday, Aug. 12 to Tuesday, Aug. 25. To review the policy and share your feedback, follow this link to read the policy https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DEF7B84545D28AB51DD26B0C73F1BB Follow this link to submit comments: https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/postdocpolicy

For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at sjlamorey@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.

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.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder and no history of a psychological disorder. Participants will be compensated for participating in the study. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact TREAT Lab (or Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.