10 a.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/.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join Hillel at VCU for a hands-on service opportunity with the SPCA. Carpooling will leave from Hillel House, 918 W. Grace St., at 9:30 a.m. Spend time volunteering together, making a meaningful impact and connecting with other students along the way. RSVP at the following URL.

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=a0oRP00000HOCiz&HillelName=Hillel_at_VCU&HillelId=0013u00001rsfBN.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Get ready for graduation at the Grad Fair. Shop for your cap and gown, graduation announcements, and class rings at Barnes & Noble @ VCU on your respective campus: Monroe Park Campus: Oct. 13-15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Meet with representatives and take your first official headshot with Grad Images.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.balfour.com/VCU.

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/.

12 p.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models. 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 8 p.m.

In partnership with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, the College of Humanities and Sciences will present a screening of the documentary “Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War” from VPM and director Stacey L. Holman. The documentary explores the important role Black Americans played as America fought for its independence. The screening will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. 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/.

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

Looking for something to do after class or just looking for people to connect with? Pull up to The Link Up for Bingo Night. An evening of friendly competition, good conversation, an easy way to meet new people and a chance to win prizes. Come with your crew or show up solo. No registration needed. The event will be at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. All OMSA events are open to all students, faculty and staff.

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

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

Take a break from the books and join P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) for a Halloween Sip and Study. Stop by the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2100, 1000 Floyd Ave., for cookie decorating, fun drinks and a relaxed space to get some studying done while getting into the spooky spirit. And of course, come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume.

For more information, contact VCU P.R.I.M.E. at vcuprime@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The VCU Alcohol Research Center will host the next seminar in the Foundations of Alcohol Research Seminar Series. The lecture, by Brien Riley, Ph.D., is part of a a monthly informal series for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The seminar will be screened in the Molecular Medicine Research Building, Room 1220, 1220 E. Broad St. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer T. Wolstenholme at jwolstenholme@vcu.edu or (804) 739-3756 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84562387648?pwd=GfZxaNUXbbpyl5ionlKG29s6LXp6to.1.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ever feel like college came without an instruction manual? You are not alone. Join You First to learn the unwritten rules of university life, from talking to professors to finding hidden campus perks. Open to all students who want to feel more confident on campus. The session will be held in Hibbs Hall, Room 203, 900 Park Ave. Questions? Contact youfirst@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Zisu Liao at liaoz@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a virtual informational session exploring the M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how the programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. You can join the meeting directly at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Questions: Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU Dine will host its annual Fall Food Truck Fest outside Shafer Court Dining Center. Other events this month at Shafer include VCU Votes Station Reveal (Oct. 20: 11 a.m.-close); Fall Fest Pop-Up (Oct. 22: 4-6 p.m.) and Game Night (Oct. 29: 5:30-7:30 p.m.). See the full list of events at vcu.mydininghub.com/locations/events and follow @VCU_Dining for the latest updates.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.mydininghub.com/.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

University Academic Advising will host a workshop via Zoom about how to request a reference. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Samantha DeShazo at deshazosc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2095007282.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 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 and staff.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Come write letters to politicians with Save the Children Action Network at VCU. Participants will be writing postcards to local legislators. Letters will also be written to low propensity voters, encouraging them to vote in the upcoming election. The activity will take place in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 2125, 1015 Floyd Ave. Free food will be available.

For more information, contact Save the Children Action Network at VCU at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at noon

Join Dina Garcia, Ph.D., a community-engaged researcher, educator and faculty mentor, for a conversation about how our identities, experiences and institutional roles shape community-engaged research relationships and the knowledge we create together. Drawing on experiences in community-grounded research, teaching and mentorship, Garcia will explore how reflexive practice can strengthen relationships, inform research decisions and support accountable approaches to research, teaching and mentorship. Visit the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_Hk7IApY5JuqrBN47VXx_klLAY4XhcZop2iA6nVqjZnMquQ/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU medical student chapter of the American Medical Association/Medical Society of Virginia will host lunch with Cameron Webb, MD/JD, a physician, attorney and previous White House senior policy adviser who currently serves as the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health. All interested in medical advocacy, policy and Webb's journey are welcome to join the medical student group at the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Rooms 5-200/205, 1201 E. Marshall St.

For more information, contact Megan Castle at castleme2@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Please join the Rotaract club for its October GBM to discuss new volunteer opportunies. The meeting will be in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Zahra Sandifer at sandiferzi@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at noon

Thinking about a graduate degree in business but unsure how to finance it? Join a virtual session, Financing Your VCU Business Graduate Degree: Clear, Confident Strategies for Fall 2026 and Beyond. In partnership with the VCU Financial Success Center, we will share practical strategies to help you plan for graduate school with confidence. Learn about funding options, financial planning tips, and other strategies to support your goals. Whether you are exploring programs or preparing for a Spring 2027 start, this session can help you take the next step. Register at the following URL. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83521456981

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/financing-your-graduate-degree-with-the-vcu-financial-success-center.html.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Medicines for All at VCU will host a webinar via Zoom to be presented by Justina Burns, Ph.D., Associate Director of Analytical Development. The ability to apply diverse analytical solutions to emerging challenges is critical in a research and development environment. This live webinar presentation will highlight three case studies demonstrating how innovation can reduce both risk and cost, as well as emphasizing the importance of flexibility, innovation and the adoption of new methodologies to address complex analytical challenges effectively. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shannon Weatherly at weatherlysd@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Po1bP2GRRkq6XxZWyBtVVg#/registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at noon

Join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for the next Side by Side Exchange, which will bring together a university faculty member, civic employee and community partner to discuss housing availability and accessibility. Hear via Zoom how different perspectives can add value to addressing shared societal challenges. Come join us. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBX9QKTa6AK7jW4qaXZpmjlOBChEMVinG5twXVpiMbzSiptA/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Are you pursuing an advanced degree in education, social work, counseling, criminal justice or a related field? Wondering how to turn your expertise into a rewarding career outside of academia? Join this virtual industry panel featuring professionals with advanced degrees who are actively leading in human services. This panel will give you direct access to real-world perspectives. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948910.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment, VCU Libraries, Green Action and the School of World Studies are sponsors for the 2026 Climate Action Workshop. The event will bring together faculty, staff, students and community activists for an afternoon focusing on skills, art, community and networking. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Beth Kreydatus at eakreydatus@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDOUBvdUrqi7_txD9p4pnqHZg2HecBOdreEu4HDsN7ZNZkIA/viewform.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of how to use Power BI to create interactive reports that support effective analysis and communication. In today’s data-driven workplace, the ability to transform data into clear, actionable insights is a critical skill for professionals across industries. This course serves as the starting point for the Power BI learning pathway and is recommended for individuals who are new to Power BI. The course will be held in the VCU HR Learning Center conference room, 922 W. Grace St. 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-150.

Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 at noon

Want to make research data more accessible and meaningful to the community? Learn about VCU’s Data Dissemination Grant, which supports creative, community-co-created approaches to sharing research data and findings with communities. 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/1FAIpQLSdu9cnVOECrf7J5VcyYjh-pDzQ6WBEWbCZkGe-Mt6GdWfYdqg/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Join a cross-disciplinary dialogue with researchers, healthcare providers, program leaders and policy experts to address evolving approaches and challenges in the battle against opioid addiction. Come ready to connect across fields, learn about new types of opioids and delivery systems and help shape the future of prevention and recovery. Coffee and snacks will be available. The event will be at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alison Breland at abbrelan@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdlHeVl_m6ykG1S8TGyl_uOIvSqiuy7_c-SuGYZqO73eAVig/viewform.

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

The 2026 symposium will explore how access to health care and resources, particularly in rural communities, is related to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities. During the panel "Statewide Perspective on Rural Health," moderator Kelly Cannon, CEO, VHHA Foundation, will lead a conversation with Heidi Hertz, director, Virginia Rural Health Transformation, Beth O’Connor, executive director, Virginia Rural Health Association, and Cameron Webb, MD, JD, State Health Commissioner, VDH. This event is free and open to all. It is co-sponsored by the Office of Health Initiatives and the Humanities Research Center. The symposium will be held at the Westin Richmond, 6631 W.. Broad St. Register: https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/history-and-health-program/annual-symposium/

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu.

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. No CME. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cfX4aHoMSSu9Zeg6B0erIQ#/registration Submit cases or lectures: https://forms.gle/xiPpKgRRRiAtqxmt7

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

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Office of Admissions is looking for volunteers to help with Open House. Duties include welcoming guests, answering questions and directing guests around campus. Please complete the form below or contact the following email address for more information.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFQuVCBYL19XyHSDzeyWBXVM_ZV1hDrAiIb0cOpjUb4swRVw/viewform?usp=dialog.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Change is constant in both personal and professional environments, yet sustaining meaningful change can be challenging. This online Continuing and Professional Education course introduces the neuroscience behind how change occurs in the brain and how neuroplasticity supports the development of new patterns. Learn how to intentionally reshape your thinking, behaviors and emotional responses to achieve meaningful change. 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-102.

The MCV-Suit Yourself Closet (SYC) has reopened for business at its new location in the VMI Building, Suite 103 on the first floor, 1000 E. Marshall St. The SYC provides gently used professional clothing to VCU students. Looking for a new outfit, or want to spruce up your wardrobe for that next interview? The items you select are free and yours to keep. Fall 2026 hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Virginia Damron at vmdamron@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/suit-yourself-professional-closet/.

To communicate the need for members of the VCU community to maintain awareness and safety on Richmond’s streets and sidewalks, VCU Libraries seeks visual works of art for an exhibit for The Cabell Screen – the big screen on the front facade of James Branch Cabell Library. Two $500 Best-in-Show awards will be made. The art selected for “Moving With Intention” should capture, suggest or evoke feelings of alertness, vigilance, care, common sense and vulnerability in our urban landscape where car and foot traffic co-mingle. Works may suggest anxiety or danger but the curators are especially interested in works that articulate concepts of safety, care for others and accountability in positive, encouraging, community-building visual voices. This exhibit is tied to VCU’s ongoing commitment to pedestrian safety and public safety as a community responsibility. Paintings, illustrations, comic arts, animations, short soundless films or videos, kinetic art or photographs – all visual forms – are invited. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community artists may submit works by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/current/-moving-with-intention.html.

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.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults struggling with an excessive need for control, perfectionism and/or productivity. Participants will be compensated for participating in this 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.

Associate Professor of Art Education Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., 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 receives a $25 gift card. Open until filled.

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

VCU and UVA seek females ages 14–30 for a research study. If you are low weight, lost significant weight, or exercise heavily and have missed or irregular periods (FHA), you may qualify. FHA can harm bone health due to low estrogen. This study tests estrogen and progesterone to improve bone health. Includes four visits over 14 months (exams, questionnaires, nutrition/exercise review, bone scans) at no cost. Up to $925 compensation plus travel support. Contact: misralab@uvahealth.org

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org.

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 35 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion 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.