1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fika (fee-kah): Swedish social coffee + cake break. Join VCU GEO for our monthly fika to connect with other study abroad returnees. Fika will take place the first Tuesday of each month in the GEO Office in the Grace Street Center (912 W. Grace St.) Room 4133. Coffee and tea will be provided. While the event is an organized time for returnees to gather, any and all VCU students who are interested in learning more about international opportunities at VCU are encouraged to attend. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1945893.

10 a.m.

Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

12 p.m.

Learn to feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host The Link Up. Looking for something to do after class or people to connect with? Pull up to The Link Up for games, friendly competition and an easy way to meet new people. Each week will feature a different game, challenge or conversation starter. The office’s full game library remains available. No registration is needed. All OMSA events are open to students, faculty and staff. The event will be in the OMSA office, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Gennese Springs at springsge@vcu.edu.

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sasha Waters, professor of photography and film, will contextualize her latest documentary film, "Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World," sharing insights into the making of the first cinematic portrait of the American poet. The film will be shown at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. Happy Hour in the Abby Moore Café: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Auditorium doors open: 5:15 p.m.

For more information, contact VCUarts Photography + Film at photofilm@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcuarts-lecture-series-sasha-waters/.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies will host an evening of television, conversation and community to discuss the rebooted "A Different World" series. The group will watch selected clips together and explore themes of relationships, identity, community, sexuality, belonging and campus activism. The session will be held in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave. Food and snacks will be provided, The event will be facilitated by Brooke Taylor, Ph.D., and Dawn Johnson, Ph.D. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brooke Taylor at taylorbl6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/DVkEmLLRuE7cVRH1A.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, in celebrating a week of wellness. Through Friday, Oct. 9, the Health Hub will host daily programs to help you grow, move, find and fill yourself. Today (Tuesday) is all about your financial well-being, join the sessions all day and enjoy programs and tables on financial wellness.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Good food is enhanced when it is shared. Pull up for a free bite, real conversation and a chance to connect with people across campus at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. Each week will bring a different menu and cultural connection to the table. Bring a friend or show up solo. No registration needed as long as food lasts. OMSA events are open to all students, faculty andstaff.

For more information, contact Thailon Wilson at wilsont15@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Have a passion for working with youth? Want a high-impact career that changes lives? RTR Teacher Residency equips future teachers with the knowledge, experience, and support to teach for change – all while earning a fully funded degree through the VCU School of Education. Turn your passion into purpose and make a difference from inside the classroom. Join us for the informational session on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2627

For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-9801 or visit https://teachrtr.org.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at noon

The holidays are just around the corner and we know celebrating comes with a hefty bill. This seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union (VACU), teaches you how to avoid the financial hangover with intelligent planning, cost management and organization. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4rz7R9j

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Mary E. Kapp Lecture honors the life of Mary E. Kapp, the first chairperson of the department, who guided the department through its formative years. This year's lecturer is Neil Garg, Ph.D., a distinguished professor and the inaugural holder of the Kenneth N. Trueblood Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA. He has served as chair and vice chair for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as well as associate dean for research for UCLA Physical Sciences. He is a co-founder of ElectraTect as well as a speaker and consultant for teaching, scientific, policy, government and legal matters. The lecture will be given in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2201, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Rhea Miller at rmiller3@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1298 or visit https://chemistry.vcu.edu/events/mary-e-kapp-lecture/.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The VCU Wind Ensemble and Henrico Concert Band invite you to share in this musical journey across land, sea and sky, and ultimately toward the places where our paths meet. The performance will be at the W.E. Singleton Center for Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets are available at arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcu-symphonic-wind-ensemble-2/.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence and the ability to foster inclusive, collaborative environments. This online Continuing and Professional Education course focuses on building emotional intelligence and leadership strategies that promote inclusion and belonging. Participants will learn to lead with empathy and purpose, strengthening workplace relationships and creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued. Ten percent discount for VCU alumni, VCU employees, VCU students and military. Enroll 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-101.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences and the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a conversation with Geoff Bennett, co-anchor and co-managing editor of the PBS NewsHour. Bennett will discuss his book "Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms," in which he chronicles the transformative history of Black comedy in America, drawing on research and interviews with the actors and executives behind some of the most impactful shows. The talk will be in the STEM Building, Room 216, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/events/america-at-250/.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 at 7 p.m.

VCU Music will present the VCU Symphony strings in concert in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W.E. Singleton Center for Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The performance will feature works by Francesco Geminiani, William Grant Still and Dag Wirén. A mix of styles awaits the listener, from the Baroque era to the tender and sweet sounds of "Mother and Child" by W. Still Grant, one of the most consequential African American composers from the 20th century. Tickets: $7-15 at arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcu-symphony/.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

Join the UNStoppable VCU Liver team on the 2026 Liver Life Walk and help raise funding for research. The American Liver Foundation celebrates its 50th year with its annual walk in Richmond at Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Ave. Team members include faculty and staff from the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Walk and/or donate. Registration is free.

For more information, contact A.J. Hostetler at liverinstitute@vcuhealth.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Life Design at VCU will host a pop-up event at the da Vinci Café. Grab a friend and come for a five-minute paper airplane competition. The da Vinci Café is in the University Student Commons, right next to the Commons Theater.

For more information, contact Mandy James at mintzera@vcu.edu or visit https://uc.vcu.edu/advising-and-student-success/life-design/.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 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 our faculty’s innovative research. The speaker will be Laura Pedersen, M.D., M.P.H., associate program director, Division of Infectious Diseases. 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/.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 at noon

Join past Data Dissemination Grant recipients for a panel on innovative approaches to community-engaged data dissemination. Hear best practices, lessons learned, and creative strategies for sharing research findings with communities and learn how you can apply these approaches to strengthen your own research. Register and see 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/1FAIpQLSf4ApjHSQaw9LJI-PJZfnq-m1rpGBCym-7f8qQzayU0BLWf_A/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

How to optimize your schedule, manage cognitive load and get your life back. Graduate school is a marathon designed like a sprint, but running on fumes isn't a sustainable strategy. Join a practical workshop via Zoom focused on the mechanics of sustainable academic performance. We’ll bypass the generic advice and dive straight into data-driven strategies for managing cognitive fatigue, setting boundaries, and structuring your time to prevent diminishing returns on your work. Come learn how to work smarter, protect your focus, and actually enjoy your time at VCU. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945959.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the Westin Richmond, 6631 W. Broad St., for an afternoon that will feature rural healthcare providers discussing strategies to improve access to care and will conclude with a statewide perspective on rural health. The keynote speaker will be Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association. The event will be co-sponsored by the Office of Health Initiatives and the Humanities Research Center. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/history-and-health-program/annual-symposium/.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cranial B-Mode (CUPID) is a free virtual course introducing clinicians to point-of-care ultrasound for evaluating intracranial pathology. The program includes sessions on image acquisition and interpretation, followed by guided review of real clinical cases involving adult and pediatric patients with closed fontanelles. CME is not available for this workshop. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cfX4aHoMSSu9Zeg6B0erIQ#/registration Those who attend are also invited to submit cranial ultrasound cases or lecture topics for presentation at the symposium: https://forms.gle/xiPpKgRRRiAtqxmt7

For more information, contact Briana Garnett at briana.garnette@vcuhealth.org or visit https://neurology.vcu.edu/education/cpe/.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community members are invited to the annual Walter Lawrence Jr. research retreat, hosted by the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event will feature guest lecturer Patricia LoRusso, D.O., former president of the American Association of Cancer Research, and Associate Cancer Center Director and Associate Director of Experimental Therapeutics at the Yale Cancer Center. LoRusso brings more than 25 years of expertise in medical oncology, drug development and early phase clinical trials. Prior to her Yale appointment, she served in numerous leadership roles at Wayne State University’s Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, most recently as director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Program and of the Eisenberg Center for Experimental Therapeutics. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dustin McGee at masseyevents@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/5ae3e1a5-6d61-42de-a86d-2305f15fa221/register.

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of the future leader you are destined to be? If so, the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute invites you to apply to the 2027 HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program. This immersive five-month leadership development experience is designed for current and emerging leaders of all career levels who are ready to stretch beyond their comfort zones, expand their leadership capacity and elevate their impact as leaders. Apply at the following URL by Friday, Nov. 13.

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or (434) 270-2026 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/higher-ground-leadership-development-program/.

Parent/child aquatics is designed for children ages 6 months up to 3 years old to begin getting comfortable in the water with the help of their parents/guardians. An adult must be in the water at all times with their child. All classes are taught by RecWell's American Red Cross certified water safety instructors. Specific information will be sent the Friday before class begins.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d12c8cc5-0fb0-41d3-802b-345c56ec78d1.

RecWell's preschool aquatics level 2 is designed for children ages 3 to 6 years to continue building on their skills and begin performing some skills indepently. The amount of hands-on support provided by the instructor may vary depending on the child's comfort level in the water. All classes are taught by RecWell's American Red Cross certified water safety instructors. Parents must remain present in the pool area during the class. Specific information will be sent the Friday before the first day of class.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.

Ready to kickstart your fitness journey but not sure where to begin? RecWell has you covered. Our equipment orientation is designed to help you feel confident and capable the moment you step into our rec centers. During this guided session, you’ll tour the facility with a RecWell team member and get hands-on instruction with our fitness equipment. We’ll show you how to safely use machines, explain which muscles each movement targets, and answer any questions you have along the way. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact fitness@vcu.edu at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

The Well-Being Lounge provides a quiet, softly lighted relaxation and post-workout recovery experience in a semi-private space. RecWell members can book free 30-minute self-guided appointments in one of the two electric massage chairs in the Well-Being Lounge. The space also includes light therapy lamps and a white noise machine for additional benefit.

For more information, contact massage@vcu.edu at massage@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/well-being-lounge/.

Get outside and go exploring with RecWell Outdoor Adventure. Trips range from paddling and backpacking to biking, caving and other outdoor experiences throughout Virginia. Whether you’re trying something new or building on existing outdoor skills, there are opportunities for a variety of experience and comfort levels.

For more information, contact outdoors@vcu.edu at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

Are you up for a challenge? Choose your area of focus from one of the eight dimensions of wellness, such as physical, emotional, financial or social. Then for four weeks you will receive an email with activities selected by VCU Employee Health and VCU Well-Being. Then learn about your resources and have some fun! Sign up 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/employeewellnesschallenge.

The Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center has reopened. RecWell welcomes patrons back and encourages visitors to check the website for updated pool hours before planning their next swim.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/cary-street-gym/.

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. Two virtual options are available: 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://forms.gle/imTL5PDjuYzc2YGw9.

Recruiting women between 45-55 years old for a study on whether diet education, lifestyle changes and medication can help women in perimenopause feel healthier. Qualifications and what to expect: https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/studies-currently-recruiting/ Sign up at the link below.

For more information, contact Brooke Foley at ocrcoordination@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-4849 or visit https://mailxto.com/axs1fyrusn.

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 https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=K8NKJ4R4FMRLWFPK__;!!JqxBPMk!jgUGXYh7OrV.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function following ankle sprains. You may participate if you either: have a first-time lateral ankle sprai or have no ankle sprain history and are healthy (control group). This study will require one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down), durring light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments. Participants with ankle sprains will also be asked to complete remote, electronic surveys at three and six months after the in-person visit.

For more information, contact Crystal Figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., associate professor of art education, is seeking 30 intergenerational pairs (two family members from different generations) living in the greater Richmond area and with family backgrounds in immigration (current or ancestry) to share their family stories and create artwork together. Each participant will receive a $25 gift card. Registration will remain open until filled. See the sign-up form at the final URL.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D. at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wCdyf7iiCtJEDLrG9.

A study at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use on 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. See the 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_8rf7Q9immr4FgtU .

Currently looking for healthy women between the ages of 18 and 50 to help advance our understanding of how exercise and noninvasive brain stimulation may affect anxiety/overall well-being. Participants will receive a personalized fitness report and will complete one preliminary session along with three study visits. The study will take place on VCU's Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Edmund O. Acevedo, Ph.D. Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: contact the research team at the following address.

For more information, contact Katy Moen at hdtdcs@vcu.edu.