11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hillel at VCU will host a Welcome Week Bagel Break at the Hillel House, 918 W. Grace St. Swing by between classes for a fresh bagel and make a mezuzah to hang outside your dorm room or apartment.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://hillel-heart.my.site.com/eventreg/s/flow/Engagement_Sign_In_URL_Launched_add_participant_flow_v2_1?EngagementId=a0oRP00000GO7SA&HillelName=Hillel_at_VCU&HillelId=0013u00001rsfBN.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Campus Learning Center and Writing Center will present Semester Sound Check in Hibbs Hall, Room 107 (Drop-In Tutoring Room), 900 Park Ave. Fretting about how to prep for the fall semester? Set the stage for a successful semester before the main show begins. The CLC and the Writing Center (WC) have got your back. Swing by the open house for undergrads to explore CLC and WC resources, enjoy light refreshments and participate in a crafting activity. Register at the following URL. Questions: Visit https://clc.vcu.edu/

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/WoW/rsvp_boot?id=1946043.

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 at noon

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.

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 at 2 p.m.

Staff Senate general body meetings are back for AY26-27. Join the group monthly on the third Thursday of each month virtually for university updates and more. All VCU and VCUHealth Staff are free to join. Fill out this form if you are interested in joining the meetings: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019fd24cd95673b7ada18042b073cf65

For more information, contact Staff Senate at staffsenate@vcu.edu or visit https://staffsenate.vcu.edu/meetings/.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 at noon

This virtual exercise class, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will focus on your entire core while standing and seated, starting with a short warm-up and ending with a nice stretch. This class is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3RrM6ud

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

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 at noon

Pilot awards of $25,000 are available from VCU's Clinical and Translational Science Award to support one-year, translational science projects. Join the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Research for an overview of the Translational Science Pilot Award, including eligibility criteria, the application process, funded research areas, example projects and key information for prospective applicants. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yjet1DEvQ6ChwFG6DmvBDg#/registration.

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

Join the group at Hillel at VCU, 918 W. Grace St., for the first gathering in a new collaborative series from Temple Beth-El, VCU’s Department of History and Hillel. Grab a bagel, bring your curiosity and come wrestle with our first big question: Is God Real? Students, faculty, staff and friends from the wider Richmond community are all welcome. RSVP by Monday, Aug. 24 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Sign up to step into strength at your own pace. This welcoming, beginner-friendly program at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., will be led by a Certified Personal Trainer who will guide participants through the essentials of resistance training and workout design. Whether you're new to the gym or looking to feel more confident on the fitness floor, this series is designed to help you grow stronger – both physically and mentally.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000026001.

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.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Are you considering a career in advertising and branding, but not sure where to start? Join an upcoming virtual informational session to learn about VCU Brandcenter and how to launch your career. The session will include a discussion about the graduate program and four concentrations (Art Direction, Copywriting, Creative Brand Management and Strategy), job outcomes, the admission process and more. Register in advance at the following URL to receive the Zoom link. The session will also include a Q+A.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-august-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates.

For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Come together with the Kornblau Real Estate and Risk Management and Insurance Programs, current students, alumni and industry partners to celebrate the start of the academic year. Refreshments provided. Free street or deck parking. Attire: Business Casual. The event will be at the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority Office-Rooftop, 7053 Celebration Park Ave., Apt. 500. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=210f0c1a-61c9-466c-b9d6-af18b416c874.

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.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hillel at VCU, 918 W. Grace St., invites new freshmen and transfer students to a Make a Mezuzah event at Hillel at VCU. Make a Mezuzah or your dorm or apartment and take part in this special Jewish tradition.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://hillel-heart.my.site.com/eventreg/s/flow/Engagement_Sign_In_URL_Launched_add_participant_flow_v2_1?EngagementId=a0oRP00000GO4vj&HillelName=Hillel_at_VCU&HillelId=0013u00001rsfBN.

Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

The ladies of First Love Church will host a Pretty in Pink Brunch at the VCU Student Commons, Richmond Salon 1, 907 Floyd Ave. Come dressed in your favorite pink or floral outfit and connect with new friends. Sign up at the following URL.

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

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Are you a Ph.D. student or postdoctoral scholar interested in a faculty position? Come learn how you can access these resources for free and develop your faculty portfolio in this informative informational session via Zoom.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945964.

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 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register for LEDstudio, Academic Technologies, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence's Teaching with Technology at VCU: An Interactive Exchange and Expo in the Cabell Library, Room 303. Join faculty and university partners for a hands-on event exploring teaching, course design, instructional technology, and student engagement. Bring your laptop and an assignment, activity, or course element you'd like to rethink or redesign, and leave with practical ideas you can apply to your teaching. We'd love to see you there. Please RSVP using the form.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/M46oEs1JWXeEPBa17.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

In this interactive LEDstudio Workshop, discover how custom AI assistants can streamline academic work. Faculty will use Gemini Gems to create personalized AI tools for teaching, research and everyday tasks. Explore strategies for generating course materials, summarizing research, drafting communications, organizing projects and improving workflows. Leave with practical ideas and a starter Gem to integrate AI into your academic practice. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/4x9e8mEhTueXjiUgmSlVtg#/registration.

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.

Get trained and save a life: Rams in Recovery is hosting Naloxone Training sessions this semester. Sign up for training to learn how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency. Naloxone kits are included for all training participants. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Fugate at edwardskm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSce5yua7uSasV8cU6jTmCvQejNMYHBIErNpCrfFV5fDSQ57Zw/viewform .

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 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.

Take the “I Choose Wellness” pledge during August and make a promise to yourself to prioritize self-care. Choose one small daily habit, such as drinking 64 ounces of water, prioritizing 7-eight hours of sleep or walking 10,000 steps. Taking the 31-day challenge during National Wellness Month will help you discover a new way to take care of yourself. To get started on your Wellness journey, consider a visit with your Wellness Team at 800 W. Broad St. The following websites are also helpful. http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness, http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellnesschallenge and https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/improve-your-emotional-well-being/index.html

For more information, contact Employee Health at ehs@vcu.edu.

FERPA affords students the rights to inspect and review educational records; request that records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading be corrected; provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for notifying the university community that it does not release nonpublic information about VCU students. This information is used and shared in a limited and carefully controlled manner. It is not disclosed, except as permitted by law, unless authorized by the student.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

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

The VCU School of Nursing is offering ite annual service-learning trip to Guatemala as a 3-credit elective. This program has a longstanding history of providing opportunities for mutual learning as students and community members share conversation on health promotion topics, take part in demonstrations of traditional Mayan practices and use of medicinal herbs and participate in local women's empowerment projects. This program offers a life-changing experience that will help develop undergraduate students into responsible global citizens.

For more information, contact Mary Falk at mfalk@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11647.

Join VCU's Department of Graphic Design for events this fall as part of Objects + Methods, VCUarts public lecture series that focuses on conversations around design practices. This season will feature speakers Viktor Timofeev, Rebecca Wilkinson and Molly Soda.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

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.

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 REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

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.