10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Start your week in a space where you can lock in without stressing out. Bring your laptop, assignments or study group and settle in for focused work, quiet conversation and much needed breaks. Whether you need a change of scenery, help finding a campus resource or just don’t want to study alone, Homework Hangout is your Monday spot to get things done and connect with others. All OMSA events are open to all students, faculty, and staff. The event will be in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.

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

11 a.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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

12 p.m.

VCU's School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will host the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Jason Rohr, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. In his presentation, “Planetary Health Innovations for Disease, Agriculture, Water, Energy, Sustainability and Poverty Challenges in Africa and Beyond,” Rohr will explore how nature-based solutions can address interconnected environmental and public health challenges. The presentation will be in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 253,1000 W. Cary St.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/event-items/slss-seminar-planetary-health-innovations-for-disease-agriculture-water-energy-sustainability-and-poverty-challenges-in-africa-and-beyond-.html.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Student Services Career Community will host the Fall 2026 Mentoring Mixer in the HR Training Room, 922 W. Grace St. Meet new colleagues in Student Services and sign up to become a mentor or mentee. Information will also be provided about earning exclusive Credly badges for participating in the mentoring program. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zsmc1otb8sihgbPu7.

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join the VACU at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for their Financial Success Fall Series. This week's topic is The Why Behind Our Spending and Buying. Come out, enjoy refreshments and learn something new.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Improve your afternoon with free coffee or tea and friendly conversations with leaders in the real estate (CoStar) and risk management and insurance (Hamilton Select Insurance) industries. The event will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at 10 a.m.

This workshop will serve as a guide to 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/.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly – it’s for everyone who wants control over what happens to their money, their healthcare decisions and their loved ones when they can’t speak for themselves. Without a plan in place, you could be leaving your family to deal with months or even years of legal delays, unnecessary costs and painful conflicts during an already difficult time. Join VCU HR and TIAA for this informative session. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/47piZfv

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

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at noon

This interactive Zoom workshop will give you the tools necessary to meet the needs of your audience by writing strong, logical, structurally sound work. Register at the following URL.

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

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.

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 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 Link Up's Karaoke for great music, good vibes and conversations. Each week features a different game, challenge, tournament or conversation starter, while the office’s full game library remains available. Come with your crew or show up solo. All OMSA events are open to all students, faculty, and staff. The event will be in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Developing Men of Color in collaboration with VCU, Mastercard and Virginia Credit Union will host former NFL and MLB player Bo Jackson at the Altria Theater. Hear real-world advice, fresh perspectives and a chance to go further. This is a conversation that an lead to a brighter future.

For more information, contact Tyrese Perkins at vcu.dmc@gmail.com or (276) 806-5184 or visit https://www.dmcvcu.com/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The ICA auditorium will become a listening room for Tony Cokes' exploration of pop, house and dance music as sites of politics, pleasure and cultural production. A rotating selection of videos reveals how DJs, musicians, and sonic histories shape his practice. The films will be on view from 1-5 p.m.; drop in at any time at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. .

For more information, contact Maya Shaw at shawml3@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/tony-cokes-film-screenings-pop-and-the-dj/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the graduate student association for Cellular, Molecular and Genetic Medicine will present "Diagnose Your Past, Protect Your Future," an interactive cancer risk awareness and family history workshop. Come to the event at the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 900 Floyd Ave., to explore how lifestyle, environment, family history, screening and self-advocacy can inform future health. Questions: Email walkercj11@vcu.edu. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Carson Walker at walkercj11@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/cmgmgsa/rsvp_boot?id=1948544.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Join VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners for a neighborhood walk through Richmond’s East End. Connect, get to know one another and build new relationships along the way. Rodney the Ram will be joining the walk. All are welcome. Meet at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

For more information, contact Marquita Brown at brownmn@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Chapter and the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a virtual meeting via Zoom. Those who attended the 2026 annual SOCRA conference will share and discuss those conference sessions which they found impactful. CE will be provided to SOCRA members. All are welcome. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Registration is required, Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Yongyun Shin, Ph.D., associate professor, Biostats, will discuss how to determine adequately powered sample sizes. Those who attend will learn what factors affect sample size and how to estimate them when planning a study. Questions: Visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela M. Dillon, Pharm.D., at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/6lR59y8sSbuVaCGZ5fvwtg.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at noon

For many, working remotely is no longer new. But the joys of working in sweatpants from the comfort of home has given way to some unexpected challenges. From video call fatigue to social isolation, the topic explores strategies to implement consistent work from home success for employees and organizations alike. Join VCU HR and Anthem EAP for this informative session. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3VZCM2B

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Learn how to use AI tools intentionally by addressing the risks of relying on AI for unverified information and the importance of maintaining authorship and voice. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health's Office of Clinical Research invites you to participate in Clinical Research Town Hall via Zoom. Please join Jennifer Economy, Wright Center ClinicalTrials.gov administrator, and Richard K. Sterling, M.D., VCU Hepatology Professor and School of Medicine Assistant Dean for Clinical Research, as they present “PI Training Tools (PITT Stop): A Wright Center Resource for Investigators and Research Support Teams,” and answer questions from participants. PITT Stop provides easily accessible support and training resources to help guide researchers at all stages of their career, and their teams, through the research cycle from idea development to publication of results. Register for the event at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Harris at harrisl4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/8EY0INv9R1eB-Vf6NEz_NA.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help you 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/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU Alumni will host a mixer for first-generation students and alums in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. If you’re interested in connecting with first-generation students or sharing your experience, RSVP at the following URL to join for an evening of connection, conversation and community. Enjoy food, giveaways, an interactive networking activity and an alumni panel featuring first-generation VCU graduates sharing their experiences, lessons learned and advice.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/first-generation-alumni-and-student-mixer?a=13758347.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join Active Minds and VCU Votes for a discussion about championing mental health in your own life. Be a mental health ally in your community and lend your voice to work on a population level. Featured speakers will include clinicians, community organizations and a member of Active Minds National. The meeting will be in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 900 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Arjun Nair at naira14@vcu.edu or visit https://partiful.com/e/8t3kQBstp0qV6KkjFsc4.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Interested in medical research or looking to join a research lab at VCU? Join the Medical Journal Club at VCU and hear from Christopher Doern, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Microbiology, and Adolfo Mauro, Ph.D., whose work focuses on cardio-oncology. Learn about their research, explore undergraduate research opportunities and connect directly with researchers during an open Q&A as part of the group's Research Talk Series. The talk will be in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, first floor, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St., and is open to all VCU undergraduates

For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at VCU at mjc.vcu@gmail.com or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/mjc/home/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Spend an evening at the intersection of music, ecology and community. The VCU Rice Rivers Center will present "En Masse," a new work by artist/composer and VCUarts Kinetic Imaging adjunct faculty Sara Bouchard. "En Masse" is a composition for choir and drums which gives voice to the carbon cycle, navigates the threads of interconnection among individuals in an ecosystem and promotes a culture of care amidst the climate crisis. The presentation will be at the University of Richmond, Perkinson Recital Hall, 421 Westhampton Way.

For more information, contact VCUarts Kinetic Imaging at kineticimage@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/en-masse-sara-bouchard-2/.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

The MCV-Suit Yourself Closet has re-opened for business. Mark your calendars for this special grand reopening celebration. Come to the new location in the VMI Building, Suite 103, 1000 E. Marshall St.. The Suit Yourself Closet (SYC) provides gently used professional clothing to VCU students. At this special event, VCU students can take – and keep – up to 10 items of clothing for free. Cupcakes, snacks and drinks will also be available.

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

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at noon

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to reset your financial habits and align your spending with your priorities. In this interactive webinar brought to you by VCU HR and Atlantic Union Bank, you will learn step by step methods for setting realistic goals, building emergency buffers and creating a clear path forward for the New Year. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4hfTIKA

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

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Interested in intelligence, national security, diplomacy or federal service? Join an evening with VCU political science alumna Leila Gardner, whose career includes work with the Marine Corps, U.S. Department of State and Defense Intelligence Agency. Hear firsthand how she turned her political science degree into a career in intelligence and global security, and learn about the paths into public service. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Holie Mann at mannhs2@vcu.edu or (919) 357-8942.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU Global Education Office (GEO) for its Globe Speakers Series. This series features accomplished professionals who bring a global perspective through their lived, studied or professional experiences across cultures. Each event is designed to inspire leadership, intercultural agility and career-ready skills valuable across all disciplines. This event's speaker will be Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, M.D., MPH, in a conversation moderated by Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D., assistantpProfessor in the Department of Political Science. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Lunch will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948971.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The Cinema Program will host a screening of Amitabh Joshi’s documentary, “Have You Seen My Gods?” as a part of a Global Film Series at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. Following the screening, documentary producer Bibhakar Shakya, Ph.D., and director Amitabh Joshi will be present to participate in an audience discussion and Q&A.

For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/have-you-seen-my-gods-documentary-screening-and-discussion/.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

Bring your sewing project or mending pile for an unplugged sewing meet-up. The event will be at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Maya Shaw at shawml3@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/mend-friend-with-top-stitch-october/.

Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for an event in its Repair Speaker Series, featuring Laura Terrance, Ph.D., a Mohawk scholar, to discuss Indigenous sovereignty, Indigenous vengeance and the productive potentials of anti-colonial violence. 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_7-Ud7kNpTA6S8Iy3ISvShw#/registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR offers Leadership Styles and Situations for managers. This course is based on a situational leadership approach emphasizing leader flexibility and management styles to meet the differing needs of team members. The course is held in two parts on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29. Attendance at both is required to receive full credit. Register for both parts at https://tinyurl.com/3rws37x8. Health system employees or those who cannot access Talent@VCU please complete this interest form https://forms.gle/L8idncEpCdS2ysUj6

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU Academic Technologies will host Top Hat representatives on campus for a series of interactive sessions. All sessions will be held in the James Branch Cabell Library, Room B-41. Please use the form linked below to indicate which sessions you’d like to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffWdIGIrjRUfCMwWMvWKrkKwVqgMSS0cQGWCdBMH6e_jhVCw/viewform

For more information, contact VCU Top Hat at tophat@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/classroomtechnology/2026/10/06/top-hat-open-house-at-vcu/.

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.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

Encourage your students to attend the Fall Internship and Career Fair in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with organizations offering authentic, real-world work that advance career development.

For more information, contact VCU Career Services at careers@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Celebrate the launch of the Latino Virginia Oral History Archive, a bilingual digital collection documenting the experiences of Latino communities across the Commonwealth. The event will feature Latin American folk dances, a presentation of the project, a student panel reflecting on the research process and a gallery walk showcasing photographs and voices of community members who shared their stories. Sponsored by Latino Virginia in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 216, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Gabriela León-Pérez, Ph.D. at gleonperez@vcu.edu or visit https://latinovirginia.vcu.edu/events/event-items/presentation-of-the-latino-virginia-oral-history-archive.html.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 6 p.m.

An evening on house music, DJ culture and the dance floor as a site of history, politics and collective joy with guest speakers madison moore and Victor Szabo. The event will be in the auditorium of VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. An RSVP is required. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maya Shaw at shawml3@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/madison-moore-and-victor-szabo-in-sonic-conversation/.

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/.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center invites faculty and staff from both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses to join a youth-focused networking session. The goal is to bring together university professionals across disciplines, share our current initiatives and lay the foundation for an ongoing, collaborative network of youth-focused faculty and staff at VCU. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Use this link to register: https://forms.gle/LoNhCdcHFun58UKz8

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Faculty Affairs invites department chairs to a session about the Eisenhower Matrix, a framework used by leaders to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively and focus on what truly moves the needle. Those who attend will learn how to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important, reduce time spent on low-value activities, empower others through delegation and create more space for strategic thinking. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Direct questions to Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gsyygxjHTHcYDk896.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Determining when a project requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and what steps should be taken before beginning a study can sometimes be confusing. The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a session that will provide an overview of VCU’s IRB processes as they relate to university class-based research, scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and other educational research projects. Register at the following URL. Direct questions to Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4-LzU2sJPH_78-xm__sReB_pt1iDFtvdALF4yAfJxSo97Xw/viewform.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Come to Connect, VCU’s Community Engagement Conference. Exchange ideas, strengthen community-university and research partnerships and explore how collaboration can drive meaningful local impact. The program will be held at Midtown Green, 2401 W. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUlZObZjtqTVClsYF8lCnBfut00PF7S5PiYbXr3Ylwb67Iug/viewform?usp=header.

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

How can feedback support learning before students reach the final product? Join LEDstudio to explore ways to build timely feedback into courses without increasing grading load. Examine approaches using AI supported feedback, peer input and self-reflection to encourage deeper thinking and better decision making. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/God19BrvTq-y_Rb9yOBDxw#/registration.

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program is an immersive five-month leadership development experience for leaders who are ready to stretch beyond their comfort zones, expand their leadership capacity and elevate their impact as leaders. With a focus on transformation, grace and courage in leadership, participants engage in intellectual and experiential workshops where they explore what is possible for them to become the leaders they are truly meant to be. All career levels are welcome. Apply 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/.

Scams are becoming harder to spot. Scammers will try to gain your trust by sending fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, social media messages or even fake job offers that appear to come from organizations you trust, like VCU, banks, delivery services or employers. Be careful when opening messages and links, check contact information to make sure to check the sender is real. Report any suspicious emails, texts, calls and screenshots to phishing@vcu.edu. Check out VCU’s current scam alerts at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Information Technology at phishing@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/phishing/.

Build your climbing skills with RecWell’s climbing clinics. Whether you’re learning the basics of belaying, developing your lead climbing skills or demonstrating your readiness for more advanced climbing, these clinics provide hands-on instruction and practice focused on safety, technique and confidence. Offerings are available for a range of experience levels, from newer climbers to those preparing to lead climb and lead belay at the Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall, 101 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact outdoors@vcu.edu at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/outdoor-adventure/climbing-and-bouldering/.

Attention students: Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your learning location (i.e., the state or U.S. territory where you are taking classes this semester). Timeline: Wednesday, Oct. 21: Look for an email with your unique verification link. It takes less than a minute to complete. Wednesday, Oct. 28: A reminder email will be sent to those who have not yet responded. Faculty and Staff: Please help us share this routine compliance step. To learn more, visit the Student Location webpage or email location@vcu.edu

For more information, contact VCU Learning Location Team, Office of the Provost, Academic Affairs at location@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/assessment-accreditation-and-compliance/compliance/student-location/.

VCU Alumni's virtual book club brings the VCU community together to explore personal growth, lifelong learning and popular fiction. Members connect through an exclusive online forum to discuss bimonthly selections and network with fellow Rams. Membership is completely free – all that is needed is a copy of the book. The October-December selection is "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pbc.guru/vcu.

VCU's Transformative Learning Week, Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30, is an annual initiative that highlights and encourages collaboration in transformative learning experiences. The week showcases opportunities, provides networking for faculty, staff and students and fosters cross-unit collaboration and community service.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://uc.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/transformative-learning-week/.

Do you have an idea worth sharing? TEDxVCU speaker applications are now open. TEDxVCU is an independently organized TEDx event run by VCU students and is currently accepting speaker applications. Email tedx@vcu.edu for more information. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQXQo0ZfmMb1cL6zTa1DK7N8_Ji02neNnz0kyqSPPFuIy00Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101963627659439864958 Questions: Visit tedx@vcu.edu for questions.

For more information, contact Aditya Badhrayan at badhrayana@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/tedxvcu/remodeled-home-/.

VCU Gold facilitates timely access to VCU Health specialty care for VCU and VCU Health team members, dependents and family members within 30 business days of calling the VCU Gold helpline at (804) 828-2778 (VCU-APPT). The helpline operates Monday-Friday. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://healthsafety.vcu.edu/employee-health/.

Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee paystub, join a group and receive related notifications and more? Download the VCU Mobile app, with a new look, feel and functionality for all things VCU.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.

Know a community partner with an idea to make a difference? Encourage them to apply for the 2027 Community-Led Solutions Initiative. Community organizations can receive up to $10,000 to lead projects that address community-identified needs in partnership with VCU faculty or staff. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/communitygrant/.

Nominate your building manager(s) for the Building Manager Awards. Recognize these behind-the-scenes individuals for their dedication to serving building occupants, their assigned building(s) and the VCU community. Offer a nimination at the following URL.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/facilities-operations/building-managers/awards/.

VCU Libraries' Jurgen Comics Contest is again challenging VCU student artists to tell a story of banned art and the relationship between that artwork and society. The 2026-27 competition asks artists to create the cover for an imagined comic book about a real-life incident of art censorship or suppression. The Jurgen Comics Contest grand prize winner will receive $1,000. Other prizes in the amount of $250 will be awarded to comic book covers displaying exemplary research, storytelling and artistry. Apply at the following URL by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 5, 2027

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/current/jurgen-contest-2027.html.

VCU Brandcenter strategy students are competing in the iHeartRadio podcast competition for a chance to win $25,000. Their goal? Invest the winnings back into Brandcenter to fund student scholarships and support the next generation of creative talent. (You can submit one free vote at the following URL every 24 hours.)

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://tophost.org/2026/eva-waldron.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group at VCU is seeking children, adolescents and adults (ages 5-70) for participation in a research study to assess movement patterns during walking, running, and sport-related tasks among healthy and injured patients. This study will require one initial study visit at the RAMHS Laboratory lasting about two hours. an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation and movement assessment while you are walking, running and sport-related tasks (jumping, cutting) with and without responding to thinking tasks. Up to five total visits within about one year of the initial visit, completing the same. activities. Parking will be validated for your study visit(s). If you are interested, please complete the study screening form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Asal Aflatounian at Fatemeh.Aflatounian@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-1981 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YTTMY9KNH9Y3MCT4..