Student Issue for August 26, 2026
Today
Evening MBA Webinar
12 p.m.
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vuc.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83962854544.
VISA Series: Curricular Practical Training for F-1 Students
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for F-1 students whose program of study requires participation in an experiential learning activity like an internship or who wish to take an internship-type class to satisfy a degree requirement. This workshop will cover the regulatory framework for engaging in academically aligned practical training, eligibility criteria and the process for requesting CPT authorization. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Gkobal Education Office Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/INSfLDoYQmiIGfVkL4RFSw.
Political Science Internship Informational Session
4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
VCU's Department of Political Science will hold its Fall internship informational session for students interested in pursuing an internship this semester or later this year. The event will be in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Room TBD.
For more information, contact Hollie Sue Mann at mannhs2@vcu.edu.
The VCU Writing Center To Present the Personal Statement Workshop
6 p.m.
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/.
CHS Trivia Night
7 p.m.
Put that brainrot to work and win bragging rights at the College of Humanities and Sciences Trivia Night. Make new friends, enjoy free pizza and prizes including gift certificates to local restaurants and VCU swag. The event will be at the STEM Building, Room 216, 817 W. Franklin St. Up to four people to a team. If you don't have a team, we will place you on one. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4x7LTvL.
This week
Transfer Students – The Next Act Begins
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Transfer Rams, the spotlight is officially yours. Whether you're making your VCU debut or taking the next step in your journey, it's time to take center stage. Join the VCU Transfer Center during Weeks of Welcome for an afternoon of fun, games, prizes, new friends and resources to help you steal the show this semester. No rehearsals required – just bring yourself and get ready for your standing ovation. Every great performance starts with one entrance ... and yours starts here. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III and IV, 900 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1349 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946093.
Snead Week Block Party
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Kick off the semester with the Office of Student Engagement at its annual block party in the courtyard of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Enjoy a petting zoo, snow cones, arts and crafts, games and opportunities to connect with the VCU Business community.
For more information, contact Shaheena Janmohammad at ose@vcu.edu.
Connector Badge Training
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Pace Center will host a Connector Badge training session at 700 W. Franklin St. College can feel overwhelming – new classes, new routines and trying to meet people. Over dinner at Pace, you’ll learn simple and practical ways to introduce yourself, spark conversation and build genuine connections in your new VCU community. Open to all VCU students – come as you are, leave with confidence and new friends. If you’ve been wanting to connect but aren’t sure how to start, come to the Pace Connector Badge Training.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Coming up
VCU Office of Health Initiatives: Student Advisory Committee Interest Meeting
Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Looking for a way to become involved, build your leadership skills, meet other students and make a meaningful impact at VCU? The VCU Office of Health Initiatives Student Advisory Committee is looking for students to join its team. The Student Advisory Committee brings together students from different programs, backgrounds and interests who share one common goal: helping improve health outcomes and supporting high-quality care for all. Members have the opportunity to share their ideas, collaborate with other students and professionals and help develop innovative health initiatives. Register for the Zoom link at the followi ng URL.
For more information, contact Jennifer Onodu (Graduate Assistant for the VCU Office of Health Initiatives) at onodujn@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/OHI/club_signup.
Let's Talk Neuro
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.
School of Life Sciences and Sustainability Quad Fest
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will host Quad Fest in the courtyard of the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, 1000 W. Cary St. Celebrate the start of the semester with faculty, advisers, student organizations and campus partners while enjoying hands-on activities, student research and lawn games. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.
Community Engaged Research Series
Friday, Sep. 11, 2026 at noon
Approaching AI in Community Engaged Research: What happens when AI meets real-world community-engaged research? Join VCU’s next Community Engaged Research Series session to explore how education research-practice partnerships are navigating AI’s risks, benefits and possibilities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA1Yi5WWl0cDwH4AwpQbEDdYAV8PIBY8rYNeW_wLN_v2x7jw/viewform?usp=header.
Apply for the Transformative Leadership Cohort
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning invites VCU undergraduate students to apply for the Transformative Leadership Cohort. This eight-session, peer-facilitated and staff-supported leadership experience helps students explore care, accountability, reflection, listening, feedback and commitment as part of their leadership practice. Students may participate virtually on Mondays or in person on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Applat the following URL through Thursday, Sept. 10.
For more information, contact Marci Logsdon at logsdonml@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9IaJcyZYXZ5KmvpB0vHiQOjBTO_e2mI0ePlXqVub3j40qSg/viewform?usp=header.
Full-Scale Exercise Roleplayers Needed
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteer for a large multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise aimed at improving the university's response to a large impact incident on the VCU campus. This exercise is beneficial for 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. Participants 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.
Notices
Employee Health Wellness Screenings
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.
Ethics of AI
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.
VCU Band: Come Play With Us
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.
Participants Are Invited for A Study Examining Heart Health After Cancer Therapy
TREAT HF is a study of heart health among survivors of cancer who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40. The goal of the study is to understand which FDA-approved medications that treat heart dysfunction will be most effective in cancer survivors who are experiencing heart health issues. You are eligible for this study if you were diagnosed with cancer before age 40, received anthracycline chemotherapy, and displayed abnormal results on heart health tests. Study visits and medications are provided at no cost to you or your insurance. Participants will be compensated for their time with a $150 gift card for each cardiac MRI visit and an additional $25 gift card at study closing interview. This study will be conducted downtown at the VCU North Hospital. Principal Investigator: Wendy Bottinor, M.D.
For more information, contact Jimmy Jankowski at mcccardioonc@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0425.
2027 VCU Leadership Development Program Informational Sessions Open for Registration
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. Four virtual options are available: (you will receive a Zoom link one to three business days before the session) Tuesday, Sept. 2 at noon; Wednesday, Sept.23 at noon; Wednesday, Oct. 7 at noon and Wednesday, Nov. 4 at noon. Register at the following URL.
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.
Still Serving Through Science: Join VCU’s HERO Concussion Study
If you have worn the uniform and now call VCU home, this is for you. Whether you are student, faculty or staff, we want you to be a part of the HERO Study – a clinical trial funded by the Department of Defense. We are studying a noninvasive technique that may help people with a history of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who still suffer from lingering effects. Be part of a federally funded initiative to transform care for military service personnel. Get financial compensation for your time and commitment. Your best interests will be at the forefront of all study obligations, including flexible scheduling and confidential participation. Help shape the future of brain health - for yourself and for others. See if you qualify at the following URL:
For more information, contact HERO Study at herostudy@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9692 or visit http://hero-study.org.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
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.
Research Study: Are You Experiencing a Runny Nose, Congestion, Headache or Facial Pressure?
Researchers with the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health are looking for participants, 18-75, who may be experiencing sinus infection symptoms to participate in the NOSES study. The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatments for individuals with acute sinus infection symptoms and to identify which patient populations respond best to different treatments. You may be eligible to participate if you have sinus symptoms lasting for less than three weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their time. What’s involved? A virtual visit with a study doctor and team member, a two-minute daily symptom survey, a free saline nasal rinse kit delivered to you plus a $20 gift card at enrollment. If symptoms last longer than nine days, randomly assigned to receive antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, both or neither, with the opportunity to receive additional compensation. To learn more, contact the NOSES study team at the following telephone number or email address.
For more information, contact Gaby Villalobos at NOSES@vcu.edu or (804) 659-1287 or visit https://nosesstudy.georgetown.edu.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Heat Therapy on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
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