4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will present "Your Brain Deserves a Break, Too." Each Thursday session will feature a different project ranging from painting and bracelet-making to journaling, vision boards and more. Sessions will be at the OMSA, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. No experience or artistic talent is required. All supplies will be provided and no registration is needed. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Jaymes Elentrio-Pitt at elentriopijn@vcu.edu.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join VCU Political Science for a transformative adventure exploring the heart of Eastern Africa throughout Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. A region pulsating with historical significance and vibrant cultures, this program will delve into the intricate dynamics of three remarkable countries and their contributions to democracy and development. Join faculty leader Douglas Kimemia, Ph.D., for a virtual informational session. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83378645011

For more information, contact Douglas Kimemia at kimemiadk@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11302.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thinking about a future in healthcare – or just curious about what’s out there? Come join VCU P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) for the group's annual mixer at the University Student Commons, Suite 143, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with professional schools, VCU programs, student organizations and healthcare professionals all in one location. Come make connections, meet people in the field and practice your networking and professional skills.

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

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The VCU Rice Rivers Center will present two free October performances of "En Masse," a new work by VCUarts adjunct faculty Sara Bouchard developed in collaboration with VCU ecologist Chris Gough, Ph.D. "En Masse" is a composition for choir and drums which gives voice to the carbon cycle and promotes a culture of care amidst the climate crisis. Performances will take place Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. and Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at University of Richmond's Perkinson Recital Hall. With Scott Clark on drums and the 12-person vocal ensemble The En Masse Singers, conducted by Kristen Melzer. Free tickets may be reserved through the following link.

For more information, contact Sara Bouchard at bouchardse@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/enmasse2026.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Health Hub at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, in celebrating a week of wellness. The Health Hub will host daily programs through Friday, Oct. 9 to help you grow, move, find and fill yourself. Thursday is all about finding your community. Come all day for programs and tables on community wellness. All are invited.

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

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host Wellness Wind Down. You made it through the week, now take a minute for yourself. Stop by to breathe, reset and ease into the weekend with simple activities designed to support your mind, body and overall well-being. Each Friday features something different, including reflection prompts, stress-relief activities, wellness resources and care items. Sessions will be at the OMSA, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

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

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

Join You First peer mentors for a hike to Belle Isle. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and loose, light-colored clothing. Bring water! Meet at the gazebo at Main and Laurel streets.

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

Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Science Hub will present the STEM Success Series: Time Management and Collaborative Learning workshop. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 201E, 817 W. Franklin St. This interactive workshop will feature an overview of study strategies and organization techniques to help you better manage your time and succeed in collaborative learning settings (such as working with a group in class or for a project). It will be offered on two dates: Monday, Oct. 12 and Wednesday, Oct. 14, each from 4-5 p.m. Register at: https://forms.gle/nzXjiQzyMUVERvNJ8

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center's Bioinformatics Shared Resource will host an in-person training for Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Those who attend will learn to use IPA for pathway analysis of bulk and single-cell omics data, and learn to use the new AI tool to explore biological relationships within a dataset. Training will be held in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, Court End A, 900 Turpin St. IPA credentials will be administered to those who attend who do not already have an account. If you have attended one of these workshops in the past, please forward to other members of your team. If you are interested in attending this event, please register using the following link: https://forms.gle/dU4JtZTyLT8w7dDd9 There is a maximum of 40 participants. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Christiane Carter at morecockcm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/research/shared-resource-cores/bioinformatics/.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 from 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/.

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.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller will cover how to Develop your Research Elevator Pitch at noon during lunch, which is free. During this session via Zoom, you will learn techniques to craft a concise and compelling research pitch you can use in any professional setting, from conferences to job interviews. The session will include hands-on activities to develop and practice your pitch. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945984.

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 the Division of Community Engagement for the next Side by Side Exchange, bringing together a VCU faculty member, civic employee and community partner to discuss housing availability and accessibility. Hear how different perspectives can add value to addressing shared societal challenges. Come join us. Click on 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/1FAIpQLSfBX9QKTa6AK7jW4qaXZpmjlOBChEMVinG5twXVpiMbzSiptA/viewform?usp=header.

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

Join the Student Alumni Council for a night of networking. The evening will begin with guided networking with students facilitated by Angela Fontaine, VCU alumna and career coach, followed by dinner and presentation by Fontaine focused on networking strategies. Students will then have the opportunity to network with alumni. The session will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons I-II, 907 Floyd Ave. Free food and T-shirts will be available for the first 50 students who check in. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948751.

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.

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/.

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 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.

Want to become involved, build leadership experience and help bring our campus community together around suicide prevention and mental health awareness? The student organization (Out of the Darkness https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/outofdarknesssuicideprevention/) is looking for dedicated students to join the planning team for this year’s AFSP Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. Choose a role that matches your interests and strengths: Recruitment and Registration, Publicity and Social Media, Sponsorship and Logistics. Be a part of the team. The organization seeks students who are dependable, creative, organized and ready to take initiative. View the positions and responsibilities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x0ZXxNoSmpA3ERWwNglCGOGOOKAYCo4JYk852YnY-6c/edit?tab=t.p4fledm7b2om Interested in joining? Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdez6jg3X8aj89KH3WrWN5HRbBbTqNlARsL-ZlI_OVbYMBhGQ/viewform

For more information, contact Alex Mao at maoay2@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/outofdarknesssuicideprevention/.

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.

If you live in or use Canadian time zones, please visit the link below to read an important notice regarding time zone changes and how they will affect your Google Calendar events.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://it.vcustatus.com/info_notices/403064.