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/.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Global Education Office (GEO) staff and health-affiliated VCU students and faculty invite students studying at VCU on an F or J visa to receive drop-in health insurance enrollment support. This is also a chance to learn more about how and where to use your health insurance card in the U.S. The sesion will be at the ELP, 912 W. Grace St, third floor, Room 3124. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3437 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946604.

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 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 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/.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Financial Success Center will host guest speaker Nia Adams. The goal of this interactive session is to help students make confident financial decisions early in their college careers to create meaningful outcomes over time. No prior financial knowledge needed. The event will be in Snead Hall, Rooms B3187, B3189, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

Join VCU Career Services for the part-time job fair. Learn about available part-time jobs and meet local employers and campus departments who are recruiting Rams like you. Explore opportunities that can provide hands-on experience, relevant skill-building, professional connections and a paycheck while you are in school. Not sure if you're ready for a job? Come chat with interested employers, who will share what skills they are looking for in an employee. This event is co-sponsored by VCU University Academic Advising, VCU First and Second Year Experiences and Transitions and VCU TRIO Programs. The event will be in the VCU Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Monique Sample at msample@vcu.edu.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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/.

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.

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.