Faculty/staff Issue for September 30, 2026
Special Announcement
VCU To Hold Emergency Response Exercise Today at Siegel Center
VCU will hold a full-scale emergency response exercise alongside state and regional partners at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., today, Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members will notice a large emergency presence in and around the Siegel Center connected to the exercise. Starting at 6 a.m. on Sept. 30, the 1300 and 1200 blocks of West Marshall Street and the 600 block of North Harrison Street will be closed to accommodate emergency vehicle parking related to the exercise.
Today
Breathe and Rise
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Breathe and Rise is a free weekly chair yoga class open to all ages and abilities at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. No mat, no floor work, just gentle movement and breathe to reconnect to your body and find steady ground, right where you are.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
VCU Toastmasters Fall '26 Open House
12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Toastmasters will host an open house at the School of Engineering, West Hall, Room 106, 601 W. Main St. (Or join virtually at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89694464100) Whether you're curious about public speaking, would like to sharpen your leadership skills or just try something new, this is your opportunity to see for yourself. All are welcome. RSVP at the following email address.
For more information, contact Charleyne Kelley at clkelley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2093 or visit https://www.vcutoastmasters.com/.
Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center Workshop: Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing
3 p.m.
This workshop will aid in finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
BBQ in the Sukka
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join Jewish Life at VCU for BBQ in the Sukkah. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, great company and all the Sukkot vibes with the Jewish VCU community. 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/54970.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Your Voice in the Age of AI
6 p.m.
Developing and maintaining your unique voice in the age of AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
School Supply Bag Packing With SCAN at VCU
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join Save the Children Action Network at VCU for a school supply packing event. The meeting will be in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 2125, 1015 Floyd Ave. Get volunteering hours and help children in the community. Food and drink will be provided.
For more information, contact Save the Children Action Network at VCU at scanatvcu@gmail.com.
This week
The Path to Employment: Career Exploration Before and After Graduation for F-1 Students
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Navigating the path to employment requires pre-planning and an understanding of the various visa types available for students interested in working in the United States, both before and after graduation. This event brings together immigration advisors from VCU's Global Education Office and local immigration attorneys to discuss the legal pathways to employment, including F-1 OPT, H-1B work visas and more. This workshop is open to F-1 students in all degree programs. Space is limited. The session will be in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact GEO Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu.
'Planning, Public Policy and the Environment': a Wilder School MURP and Sustainability Planning Certificate Informational Session
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? Join a presentation and Q&A conducted by the Wilder School's Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) faculty to learn more about your graduate school options. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/murp1001.
Shakshuka in the Sukka
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from noon 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.
TEDxVCU Open House
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 .
Convergence AI Open House
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Convergence AI will host an open house at the Richard T. Robertson Alumni House, 924 W. Franklin St. Successes will be recounted and opportunities to participate in efforts moving forward will be shared. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP adt the following URL.
For more information, contact Jen Allen at jallen25@vcu.edu or visit https://convergence.vcu.edu/themes/ai/.
Coming up
Wellness Week at the VCU Health Hub
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.
Graduate School Lunch and Learn – Setting a Job Search Strategy
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Ready to launch your job search but not sure where to start? Learn how to identify target roles and organizations, stay organized, leverage your network and set a realistic plan for tracking progress. Whether you're applying now or planning ahead, this session via Zoom will give you the tools to search with confidence and purpose. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945958.
Study Abroad in South Korea Informational Session
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Want to Study Abroad in South Korea? The options are limitless: exchanges partners, faculty-led programs, third-party providers, direct enrollment, summer or winter break sessions, a full semester ... which is right for you? Come out to this informational session led by VCU’s Korea study abroad adviser to learn more about what is available in Korea. Returnees, program alum and faculty will be on hand to share their expertise. This is a hybrid event (in person at Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave. and online). Register on RamsConnect 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=1948764.
VCU Wind Ensemble To Present 'Horizons: Journeys Through Land, Sea and Sky'
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/.
Emotional Intelligence and Inclusive Leadership
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.
Join the UNStoppable VCU Team on the Liver Life Walk;. Students, Staff and Faculty Are Welcome
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. 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 or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.
Data Dissemination Grant Panel
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.
Research Administration Back to School (RABTS) Fall Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Research Administration Back to School (RABTS) meetings are held twice a year to convey updates in research administration and are open to all. Join us via Zoom for a series of updates on timely topics with speakers from OVPRI, Sponsored Programs and Grants and Contracts Accounting. Registration is via Talent@VCU or at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.
28th Annual School of Medicine Faculty Excellence Awards RSVP
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 at noon
These awards recognize and celebrate the contributions of VCU's School of Medicine faculty. All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the awards ceremony, which will be in the Bruce Oliver Tucker Auditorium, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, MMEC, 1201 E. Marshall St. A catered reception will follow in the lobby. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Breydon Horton at breydon.horton@vcuhealth.org or visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Zjgf0saPJ0WGIs76R_6WMg2igHs8El9FqsEBxP-Gc3hUREs1MjBEUVJDV0Q1T1hQWUtXOE9JVzExUS4u.
History and Health Symposium: 'Working Together to Improve Access to Rural Health Care'
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/.
Workplace Learning Summit
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you ready to create stronger connections at work and build more resilient teams? Then join Continuing and Professional Education for the Workplace Learning Summit. This event goes beyond the predictable conference format, with facilitators from VCU, UR and across the region exploring psychological safety, emotional intelligence and effective teamwork. Ideal for professionals across industries at all career stages and no prior experience is required. $25 discount for all VCU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Enroll at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amanda Morris at morrisa23@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-AM-002.
The 20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Join the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute for the HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference, celebrating our 20th anniversary alongside America's 250th year. This year's theme, "With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground," extends a challenge to lead with grace, determination and vision to break through barriers and leave a lasting legacy. The keynote speaker will be Traci DeShazor, Virginia Secretary of Administration. Featured panelists will be Kristen Dahlman, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Jacquelyn Katson, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; Katie Frazier, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Kristin Collins, Virginia Tax Commissioner and Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia lieutenant governor. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St. Register at the following URL
For more information, contact Brian Biggio at gehli@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2026-conference/.
Still Time to Apply to the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program
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. In this immersive five-month experience, you will engage in intellectual and experiential workshops, learn key principles to enhance leadership style to help lead with grace and courage and successfully leverage opportunities for advancement. Individuals of all career levels are welcome. Register at the following URL.
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/.
Notices
VCU Space Strategy and Planning Program
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/.
Employee Health Highlights: Depression or Emotional Distress
Suicide is a significant public health challenge, claiming more than 720,000 lives each year worldwide. Every life lost has profound social, emotional and economic impacts, deeply affecting families, friends, coworkers and communities. If you or a coworker is feeling overwhelmed, struggling with depression or experiencing emotional distress, please consider using TimelyCare or reaching out to University Counseling Services for support at the following URL. Questions: www.iasp.info/wsp
For more information, contact Employee Health at ehs@vcu.edu or visit https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login.
Open Call for Art: Embodied Knowledge
This is a juried exhibition open to artists who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a chronic condition or otherwise see themselves fitting within this exhibition. This show is affiliated with VCU Libraries. Participating artists will have the opportunity to receive prizes donated by community art spaces and artist resources. All applications will be due by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Xavier McDaniel at mcdanielxl@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctITA6UkrB7x-ZMGye8stNAdiZ6cPxvTiQWAcWxKwUkG0QwA/viewform.
PECS Student Panel Application Form
Have you ever felt college was not meant for you? Did you discover the path to higher education later than most? Did you take an unexpected or nontraditional route to get where you are today? Now is your chance to share that journey. Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) is coordinating a student panel to share the stories of students who did not always know they were going to college. This event supports high school juniors, sophomores and freshmen who may not be considering college. You can inspire them to view college as a real and achievable path. This is your opportunity to be the voice you once needed. Apply for the student panel at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqMqc7M3Z_E38J-OvbXi3LKXniMJ8wMtNaahgaOyJnGF8z-w/viewform Become a PECS member at the following URL.
For more information, contact Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/.
Earn Service Hours with PECS at VCU
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.
Call for Participation: Share Your Family Stories
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.
Participants Are Invited for A Study Examining Heart Health After Cancer Therapy
TREAT HF is a study of heart health among survivors of cancer who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40. The goal of the study is to understand which FDA-approved medications that treat heart dysfunction will be most effective in cancer survivors who are experiencing heart health issues. You are eligible for this study if you were diagnosed with cancer before age 40, received anthracycline chemotherapy, and displayed abnormal results on heart health tests. Study visits and medications are provided at no cost to you or your insurance. Participants will be compensated for their time with a $150 gift card for each cardiac MRI visit and an additional $25 gift card at study closing interview. This study will be conducted downtown at the VCU North Hospital. Principal Investigator: Wendy Bottinor, MD. For information, contact Jimmy Jankowski at mcccardioonc@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Jimmy Jankowski at mcccardioonc@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0425.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.