10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join VCU Dine and the School of Business to celebrate the official grand opening of Saxbys in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. The ceremony will begin with speeches from leadership and the café will open at 10:45 a.m., featuring complimentary samples, games and a chance to win prizes. After the ceremony concludes, the café will be open to the VCU community. For hours of operation, please visit vcu.mydininghub.com.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.mydininghub.com/en.

10 a.m.

Join the VCU Writing Center online via Zoom to learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.

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

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Global Education Office (GEO) and the Global Learning team welcome all Rams back to campus. Stop by their table on the VCU Compass (199 N. Linden St.) to learn more about how you can go beyond the compass while at VCU. This event is part of Weeks of Welcome 2026.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946032.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, will host the RVA Street Singers, a group that meets to build community through song. The group shares lunch and converation, rehearses and performs.

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

12 p.m.

The session will focus on the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help participants build confidence in writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.

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

7 p.m.

You are invited to Hillman Then: A Look at "A Different World" in the 1990s and Its Cultural Impacts, an evening of television, conversation, community and reflection on the lasting influence of one of the most significant representations of Black college life in popular culture. "A Different World" introduced millions of viewers to Hillman College and used the fictional HBCU as a setting to explore Black identity, relationships, education, politics, gender, race and social responsibility. Nearly four decades after the series premiered, its influence continues to shape how audiences understand and imagine the Black college experience. "A Different World" was so iconic Netflix has created a rebooted series that will air in September. The discussion will center on the guiding question: How does "A Different World" imagine Black college life, identity, community, belonging and social responsibility, and how has that culture changed between then and now? Selected episodes of "A Different World" will be screened, along with a discussion about how the series represented the cultural and political issues of its era while considering what has changed and what remains relevant for college students today. The discussion will include culture, race, gender, art, fashion, community and social responsibility. Pizza and snacks will be provided. This event is sponsored by the VCU Humanities Research Center and the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1105, 1000 Floyd Ave.

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

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Learn how to plan ahead and create income that lasts the rest of your lifetime. Develop a diversified income strategy that helps you manage risk and protects your financial security in retirement. In this session, VCU HR and TIAA will show you how to understand your income sources, create an income strategy to manage risk, optimize your income and how to start preparing now. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4vANBUZ

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 from 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.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at 1 p.m.

When summer winds down and students get their backpacks ready, it’s the ideal time to invest in the future with Invest529 – whether for your child, grandchild or yourself. In this timely and relevant webinar, you will learn smart ways to save for future education expenses and start the school year feeling more prepared. Bonus for attending – a $25 gift code to kick-start your new Invest529 account and a chance to win a $100 Target gift card. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4vJ04pU

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

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 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.

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.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Learn more about HyperLabs at VCU at an interest meeting in Engineering West Hall, Room W103, 601 W. Main St. This student organization hosts hands-on workshops to teach students skills in engineering and robotics from the beginner level. The group has open leadership opportunities available and a research/competition team students can join. Learn about club events, VIP team, and volunteer/community events. A fun game will be available after the meeting and food and drinks will be provided. For more information, contact HyperLabs at hyperlabs@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/hyperlabsatvcu Register for the meeting at the following URL.

For more information, contact HyperLabs at VCU at hyperlabs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946807.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon

Come get to know more about Richmond. Join VCU Graduate School's Office of Professional Development and lawyer and historian Gary Flowers for a walk down memory lane exploring Jackson Ward, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. The 1.5 mile tour lasts approximately two hours. Meet at 122 W. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946007.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a virtual session 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 your students. Explore practical strategies for designing Gems and integrating them into your course. Register 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.

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 at 3:30 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 L. Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

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.

Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

WIth the April 2027 digital accessibility compliance deadline fast approaching, this virtual training sponsored by Equity and Access Services provides VCU faculty, staff and administrators with a practical, comprehensive introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Subpart H. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ezGGURLtSZKEKx6lXa8rRw

For more information, contact Katy Washington, Chief Accessibility Officer and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at washingtonk8@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Drop by the History Department's open house at 811 S. Cathedral Place. Say hello to the professors, connect with other history students and chat with adviser Maggie Hasselbach. Refreshments will be served and those present can win some VCU history swag.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/welcome-back-open-house.html.

Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will provide an overview of Canvas settings and the various components to create content for your class. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword search: Canvas). Log in to the workshop with your vcu eID and password.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 at noon

VCU's Department of Epidemiology will host its Fall 2026 Epi Forum Seminar Series. This year's theme will highlight epidemiology as an interdisciplinary field, showcasing the breadth of the faculty’s research. This week's seminar comes from Elizabeth Prom-Wormley, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of Epidemiology. The seminar will be held at One Capitol Square, 830 E. Main St., Room 644 and on Zoom. Refreshments will be provided at every seminar session. Register for the Zoom session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/.

Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will provide and overview of Canvas settings and the various components to create content for your class. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword search: Canvas). Login to workshop with vcu eID and password.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Graduate school is more than the next step in your education. It's a new way of learning, thinking and managing your time. This interactive session via Zoom is designed to help new graduate students coming directly from undergraduate studies to navigate the transition with confidence. Explore the differences between undergraduate and graduate expectations, develop strategies to overcome common challenges and create a plan for long-term success. Through reflection, discussion and practical activities, participants will connect with peers, identify campus resources and leave with a personalized road map for balancing academics, research, work and personal well-being. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946009.

Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Join Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and Gregory Abel, M.D., MPH, at the next edition of the Director's Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series, which will cover the "Ethics of AI in Cancer Research and Practice." The event will be at the Valentine Museum. 1015 E. Clay St. This event is open to the public and will feature remarks from Abel, an outcomes researcher and hematologic oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Harvard Medical School, where he is a Professor of Medicine. He serves as Co-Chair of the DFCI Ethics Advisory Committee, Director of Clinical Research for the Division of Population Sciences, and Research Director for Dana-Farber’s new Center for Cancer and Aging.

For more information, contact Courtney Rose at rosec2@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a virtual session via Zoom at which members of a recent VCU Faculty Learning Community will share insights about student isolation in large-enrollment courses. They will discuss strategies to promote meaningful interaction and engagement, including team-based learning, technology-supported collaboration and approaches to designing more engaging discussions. Register at the following URL. Questions: Email Rhonda Snead at sneadrm@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmuO76GGc0atIgw6K8R0itpnc1xpujU3PH-xaygbfj42Owzg/viewform?usp=publish-editor.

Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Effective leadership starts with focus, clarity and the ability to manage stress in a demanding environment. This online course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces the foundational concepts of mindfulness and how they directly support leadership growth and personal effectiveness. Participants will learn practical techniques to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and strengthen their ability to lead with intention and resilience. Register 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-100.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This course offered by Continuing and Professional Education builds advanced Excel skills for professionals who need to manage, analyze and report on data with greater accuracy and efficiency. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, participants will work with complex datasets, apply advanced formulas and create dynamic reports. Early registration ends Wednesday, Aug. 26, but registrations will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 21 at the following URL. The class will be held in the VCU HR Learning Center Conference Room, 922 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-148.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The Graduate School is hosting its annual Three-Minute Thesis competition which challenges graduate students to share their complex research with a diverse audience using only one static slide. Interested faculty and staff are needed to serve as judges for the preliminary competition. Judges will be provided with a rubric to provide constructive feedback for participants. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Interested faculty and staff can submit the inquiry form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/W4BREgzqZkS48kGc9.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU's Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor National Conflict Resolution Day to promote and encourage peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event will feature a keynote address from Linda Brothers, Georgetown University Ombuds and will be at the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, on the Monroe Park campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AC7xDv5uAH54V7Ys5.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 at noon

VCU School of Medicine will host the 28th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Luncheon in person in Bruce Oliver Tucker Auditorium, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St. The event will also be available via ivestream.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at breydon.horton@vcuhealth.org.

When you sign up for a Heart Health Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. They can discuss strategies to help improve your heart health and will help you identify other wellness and health related VCU employee benefits that are available to you. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health 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.

The VCU da Vinci Center's Shelfie Program is a free, four-week program in entrepreneurship, innovation and design thinking. It’s designed to help you figure out what works (and what doesn’t) by putting your work to the test. It’s not about being polished. It’s about showing up, getting real feedback and learning by doing. Applications are now open – the first boot camp kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 29 at noon.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/programming/shelfie-program/.

VCU faculty and research staff 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 support. Questions: Visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/ 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/.

Applications are now being accepted by the Fall 2026 Grant Academy of the Division of Research Development of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). This professional development program assists faculty investigators in crafting successful funding proposals. It is available to faculty from all disciplines with concrete project ideas who have identified an opportunity within 12 months. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Sept. 16.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at strawdermamm@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/training/grant-academy/.

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 sprain 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 Eight (737 N. Fifth St.), an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down) and during 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. Questions: Contact Crystal Figueroa.

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

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 with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. For more information, contact the REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or 804-828-2658, or follow this link:https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

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

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 following URL

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://mailxto.com/axs1fyrusn.

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.