12 p.m.

Choosing a graduate business degree is an important investment in your future, but which path is right for you? Join VCU School of Business for an interactive webinar comparing our M.B.A. and seven specialized master’s programs. Explore the differences between developing broad business and leadership skills through an M.B.A. and building deeper expertise in a specific field through a specialized master’s degree. You’ll gain a better understanding of each path and the options available at VCU. Register at the following URL. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89053650794

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/mba-vs-specialized-masters-which-is-right-for-you.html.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center's Indigenous Humanities Lab for an event with Riley Taitingfong, CHamoru, Co-founder, U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network and Postdoctoral Researcher, Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ogjtRi_zTJe8h1tWshG7xQ#/registration.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave., for Shakshuka in the Sukkah. Enjoy an Israeli-style meal, shake the Lulav and Etrog and celebrate Sukkot with friends and the Jewish VCU community. RSVP at the following URL. The event will be at 1003 Grove Ave.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/54971.

6 p.m.

RamsRead will hold a general body meeting in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1102, 1000 Floyd Ave. Learn about the upcoming opportunities this semester.

For more information, contact Aditi Kumar at kumara42@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

This weekly series will get you moving up and out of your seats with line dancing from Flex to the Cupid Shuffle. The event will be held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Celebrate Hoshana Rabbah with Shakes in the Sukkah. Enjoy a shake, shake the Lulav and Etrog, and join the special tradition of Klap Hoshanos with friends at Jewish VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/54972.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at noon

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a virtual informational session exploring its M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as its Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how Robertson's programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. 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/.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Want to learn more about TEDxVCU or become a speaker? Join the open house. Meet the TEDxVCU team, learn about the speaker selection process, discover what makes a great TEDx talk and explore ways to become involved. The session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948413 .

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Admissions seeks volunteers to assist with its largest event for prospective Rams. Volunteers will welcome guests, answer questions and direct guests around campus. Sign up at the following URL or direct questions to the following email address.

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.

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St, Suite A, in celebrating a week of wellness. From Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 9 the Health Hub will host daily programs to help you grow, move, find and fill yourself.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://healthhub.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 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.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 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/.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU’s da Vinci Center and VCU TechTransfer and Ventures will host a workshop on prototyping and patents. Curious about how to bring your innovation idea to life, how to protect your intellectual property or how to apply for a patent? Join the workshop to have your questions answered. This event is free and open to all VCU students, alumni, faculty and community members. It will be held at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 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. The course will be held at the Academic Learning Commons (ALC), Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Registration will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 5 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-149.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come hear VCU's graduate students share their research during this unique competition that challenges them present using a single static slide. Students from all disciplines participate in this annual competition to showcase their ability to discuss their research with clarity, conciseness and excitement. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. One winner will be selected to represent VCU at the regional competition in February. A reception will follow the event. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948517.

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 8 a.m. to noon

Learn about your risk for liver disease and get a free liver screening from the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health. Available on these dates: Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., VCU Health-Main Hospital, across from Panera Bread restaurant; Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-noon: Forest Hill Park; Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-noon, Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

For more information, contact Cynthia Mathews at Cynthia.Mathews1@vcuhealth.org.

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Now entering their second decade, the United States-based Hermitage Piano Trio has solidified its place as a leading piano trio, garnering multiple Grammy Award nominations and receiving both audience and press accolades for their performances.The concert will be at VCU's W.E. Singleton Center for the Peerforming Arts.” Tickets are available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/hermitage-piano-trio-with-jordan-bak-viola/.

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 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/1FAIpQLSf4ApjHSQaw9LJI-PJZfnq-m1rpGBCym-7f8qQzayU0BLWf_A/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

You First will host the Presentation Summit in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave. Speakers will introduce learning opportunities geared to ecific tools that can be used to level up your next presentation. You will leave feeling more prepared and confident to achieve your presentation goals. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948725.

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.

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

The Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor National Conflict Resolution Day at VCU, which promotes and encourages peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event will feature a keynote address from Linda Brothers, Georgetown University Ombuds. The event will be at the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

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

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Get ready to unleash your inner strength at RecWell’s Ram Power Challenge. This event will have you conquering the three main power lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have two attempts to showcase your power on each lift. Don’t miss this chance to push your limits and step up to the bar. Register 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=8ee0c83c-0246-469b-84fe-6e484ddb3ace.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

VCU Development and Alumni Relations will present the unveiling of the Gay Alliance of Students highway marker on the lawn between T. Edward Temple Building and University Student Commons. The unveiling will memorialize the advocacy and legacy of the Gay Alliance of Students on VCU’s campus through a Virginia Department of Historic Resources Highway Marker.

For more information, contact Josh Leidy, director, affinity programs, Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy at leidyjw@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/gay-alliance-of-students-highway-marker-unveiling/?a=13762592.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join the next Neuroscience Design Jam, presented by the VCU Neuroscience Convergence Lab, VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation and VCU Tech Transfer. Interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, students, faculty and industry partners will use a structured design thinking framework to tackle live clinical challenges at the intersection of spinal care and engineering – presented by Ket Verma, M.D. and James Mooney, M.D. – co-creating concepts with real commercialization potential and direct access to VCU Tech Transfer support. The event will be at the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, 1229 W. Broad St. Register by Friday, Oct. 2 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTpHE6oixYH3LCZ6lOeohMB03gAc7HkdE_74rTKQLxYukTSg/viewform.

VCU takes a holistic approach to space strategy and planning. In addition to an annual space survey, which identifies space assignments and uses, VCU uses space utilization technology, such as Occuspace sensors and CampusIQ technology, to understand how often and when spaces are utilized. This fall, these technologies will be employed across the Monroe Park campus to gather anonymous space utilization data across campus facilities, including shared spaces (e.g., classrooms, meeting rooms) and individually assigned spaces (e.g., single-person offices, individual labs). To protect privacy, data from individually assigned spaces is never reported at the single-room level; it is only analyzed and reported in aggregate for groups of offices or whole floors. The systems simply measure overall density and utilization patterns and do not monitor specific individuals. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Carolyn Conlon at conlonca@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/space-management/space-strategy-planning/.

Looking to apply for your first U.S. passport or renew your current passport? Need a 2-inch by 2-inch photo for your Visa or OPT application? Get your free passport-style photograph taken at VCU's Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St., fourth floor. Passport-Style Photo Services are offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Register at the following URL for a 15-minute time slot.

For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejLHsHb1Q3lapB5hNPwQiMxVs8-YfY1IWQ5OPVp5zVVmGscQ/viewform?usp=header.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting female participants (aged 12 to 20 years) for a brain imaging study to understand the development of learning and decision-making among people with body image concerns, overeating, purging, restrictive eating and/or maladaptive exercise. The TREAT Lab is also recruiting individuals without a psychological disorder for this study. There will be compensation for participation. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact TREAT Lab (Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JD4YKAEPKPPWAYXR.

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.

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 RecWell classes are taught by our 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.

Adult swim lessons are designed for older teens and adults who want to build confidence, strengthen water safety skills and improve their swimming ability. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=86b003c4-1baf-453d-b73e-b1cae6e69d0d.

Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored toward participants' goals. Our certified water safety instructors will work with you to identify goals and provide feedback and encouragement toward improvement throughout your lessons. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=a9d42f0f-eb7a-4f59-9060-c35938cac9d0.

This class will prepare you to prevent, recognize, respond to, and care for aquatic and breathing/cardiac emergencies that may occur in or around the water. You will also learn critical thinking and communication skills that are crucial to an effective emergency response. This course meets the requirements for lifeguard employment at many pool facilities but may not meet requirements for waterfront, waterpark or specialty facilities. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8f04eb94-8b05-4785-bfc5-8f1060041199.

RecWell’s group exercise classes are free to all VCU students and RecWell members. Join to learn more about the fundamentals of exercise and move your body among your peers. All skills and fitness levels are welcome. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact groupexprgm@vcu.edu at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=9cae168f-1f3a-4f14-a777-ce5844c767e0.

Are you Interested in hosting a group exercise class for your organization or department? RecWell offers private group exercise classes, led by our team of group exercise instructors. Classes can be conducted in person (in one of our spaces or we can come to you) or virtually (via Zoom). To help us customize your class experience, please read our private group exercise class guidelines and fill out our RecWell programs request form. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact groupexprgm@vcu.edu at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGQUeYL50ui1vDvtsUCWkTksSWHOmJmlZuAENWjl5FX7V84A/viewform.

VCU RecWell offers personal training and fitness consultations to help participants build confidence, improve their fitness knowledge and work toward individual health and wellness goals. Certified personal trainers provide personalized support based on each participant’s experience, needs and goals, whether they are looking to build strength, improve overall fitness, learn how to exercise independently or return to activity after an injury. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact fitness@vcu.edu at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.

Build confidence in the weight room with guidance from a certified personal trainer. This program teaches the basics of resistance training, workout design, proper technique and exercise progressions. Participants will begin with foundational movements in the FitZone at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., before progressing to equipment such as strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights. Gain the skills and knowledge to exercise with confidence and work toward your fitness goals.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at sherazia@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

Come in and talk with a personal trainer and ask all the questions you can for a 15-30 minute period. Learn about our fitness programs and continue your fitness journey with a little more guidance. (Free) Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cb746700-4641-4c06-9b6f-d0004682bd78.

Do you want to easily earn 3-plus service hours a week? Volunteer with PECS (Personalized Exploration for College Success) at VCU to help high school students with their college applications. As a volunteer, you get to go to Richmond high schools once a week and talk with students, help with essays, deadlines, FAFSA, and college questions. Transportation will be covered. Questions: Visit https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/ Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alekhya Kotha at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HUo6DANQPjc3MYKxXqqghFu0lohAvrrVZifbeQh9bW4/edit?usp=sharing.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have post-traumatic stress disorder 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.

This anonymous survey explores how both GLP-1 users and non-users perceive the medication, weight loss and the way we talk about other people’s bodies. The survey, at the following URL, is about 20 questions and should take 8-10 minutes to complete.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/hvsYRxQT4NkNX1W36.