Student Issue for September 7, 2026
Today
Labor Day Faith Retreat
9:30 a.m.
The Pace Center will host a Labor Day Faith Retreat at 700 W. Franklin St. Looking for something to do on Labor Day (day off from school)? Interested in exploring mission, faith and getting to know different neighborhoods of Richmond? Come join a faith retreat – a time set apart. Meet at Pace at 9:30 a.m. to volunteer at a local feeding ministry, break bread together and explore what it means to be faithful in today's busy world. Sign up at the following email address.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com.
This week
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Crafting a Strong Introduction, Abstract or Proposal Narrative
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Writing Center To Present Résumé Workshop
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 at noon
This introductory workshop is designed to guide students through the résumé writing process, from what to include and how to say it. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Mix and Mingle: Academic Organization Edition
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
If you missed the SOVO fair, don't worry. The Underground at VCU is bringing back the Mix and Mingle Series. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about various organizations on campus, classified in different categories. The first Mix and Mingle theme is academic. If you're interested in joining an academic organization on campus, come to the event in the Underground, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for doughnuts, refreshments and connections. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Raine Harris at harrisrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1947806.
Hillel at VCU 9/11 Bagel Break
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hillel at VCU will host its Weekly Bagel Break at the Hillel House, 911 W. Grace St. During this bagel break, participants will be writing thank-you notes about first responders in commemoration of 9/11.
For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Writing Process
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Learn how to map your research writing in a cohesive and manageable step-by-step process. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Fall 2026 Three-Minute Thesis Informational Session
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Come learn about the benefits and logistics of participating in this research dissemination event. RSVP for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945973.
The Game of Life Design – Workshop
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Have questions about your career path? Wondering where your major at VCU will lead you? Looking for clarity on a big decision? Join the da Vinci Center and VCU Life Design for The Game of Life Design workshop.
For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO2pKhn6lqTLBhJUCJ39bQsX8P1smYlHL_jgkn8deaV7ykNQ/viewform.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Coffee + Careers
Thursday, Sep. 10, 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 (Henrico EDA) and risk management and insurance (Greenhouse Speciality Insurance) industries. The session will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or (804) 357-5105.
HPO GBM
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Health Profession's Organization will have its first GBM at the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Ariana Torre at torreas@vcu.edu or (571) 365-8967.
HPO GBM
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
VCU's Health Professions Organization will have its first GBM in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact ariana torre at torreas@vcu.edu or (571) 365-8967.
Rams in Recovery All Community Event
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join Rams In Recovery for its All Community Meeting and Meal. All are welcome. This is an opportunity to connect with the Rams in Recovery community, share a meal and meet others. Whether you’re new, already involved, a person in recovery, or an ally to the community, this is a welcoming space and all are invited. The event will be at the Rams in Recovery Clubhouse, 1103 W. Marshall St. The meal will be at 7 p.m., followed by a recovery meeting at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Kelly Fugate at edwardskm@vcu.edu.
Hillel at VCU Rosh Hashanah Lunch and Vision Boarding
Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hillel at VCU will host a Rosh Hashanah Lunch and Vision Boarding Event at 911 W. Grace St. Come grab some lunch after services and manifest for the Jewish New Year.
For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Coming up
Hillel at VCU Challah Bake
Monday, Sep. 14, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hillel at VCU will host a Challah Bake at the Hillel House, 911 W. Grace St. Come learn how to make this special Jewish food.
For more information, contact Kayla at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Apply for the Transformative Leadership Cohort
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning invites VCU undergraduate students to apply for the Transformative Leadership Cohort. This eight-session, peer-facilitated and staff-supported leadership experience helps students explore care, accountability, reflection, listening, feedback and commitment as part of their leadership practice. Students may participate virtually on Mondays or in person on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Apply at the following URL through Thursday, Sept. 10.
For more information, contact Marci Logsdon at logsdonml@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9IaJcyZYXZ5KmvpB0vHiQOjBTO_e2mI0ePlXqVub3j40qSg/viewform?usp=header.
Cultures in Common(s): A Global Learning Fair
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.
VCU’s Global Education Office (GEO) will host Cultures in Common(s): A Global Learning Fair. VCU students can meet with representatives from study abroad providers and international university partners on the VCU Commons Plaza (907 Floyd Ave.) and learn how they can study or intern abroad. Students can also connect with VCU Global Learning advisers and explore ways to engage globally on campus and in the local-global community. Students can collect stamps on a passport from engaging in various activities throughout the event. Food trucks representing cuisines from around the world will be in the Commons until 2 p.m. Students who complete the Cultures in Common(s) passport will earn a free lunch ticket to the food truck of their choice. During the event students can take photos with Rodney the Ram (noon-1 p.m.), VCU’s English Language Program (ELP) will host their monthly Tea-Time (2-3 p.m.) The event will close with GEO's annual Global Buddies matching event (apply now to be a Global Buddy) from 4-5 p.m. 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=1945945.
Tony Cokes: Texts, Tracks, Talks (1992–2026)
Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St., will present a survey of past and newly commissioned works by Tony Cokes (b. 1956, Richmond). Curated by Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Amber Esseiva, Cokes’ exhibition will explore questions of artistry and personhood, touching on themes such as means of artistic production, intent and the formation of personal identity. Named a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellow in 2024, Cokes’ exhibition marks the artist’s homecoming to Richmond and VCU’s School of the Arts, where he received a master of fine arts in sculpture in 1985.
For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/exhibitions/tony-cokes-solo-exhibition/.
JET Program Virtual Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program offers young professionals the opportunity to work in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). Join JET and become part of this network of like-minded international enthusiasts. Learn more from a JET Coordinator at a virtual information session cohosted by VCU GEO. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://forms.gle/kbxpntHT6xoRnqMo8.
Process Consultation
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This online-synchronous course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces participants to the foundations of process consultation and the consultant mindset. Over six weeks, learners will explore how to respond effectively to requests for help, identify the right stakeholders, establish clear agreements and clarify roles, expectations, scope and desired outcomes at the start of a consulting engagement. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/process-consultation.
Notices
Full Test of VCU Alert System
VCU Emergency Management will conduct a full test of the emergency alert system on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at noon. This test includes activation of outdoor sirens on both Monroe Park and MCV campuses, and Alertus boxes and signage across both campuses. VCU Alert subscribers will receive a text message and email 10 minutes before, at the beginning of and the conclusion of these tests. For more information, visit the following URL.
For more information, contact Tara Thomas at EmergencyMGMT@vcu.edu or visit https://alert.vcu.edu/.
TEDxVCU Planning Team Applications
Join the TEDxVCU planning team and help share ideas. More information about each position and the application can be found here: Team Lead Application (https://forms.gle/6eUqcynY7ta1QhEW8) by Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.
Need a FWS Job, Such as Graphic Design, Gardening or Outreach? Apply to Highland Support Project
The Highland Support Project Club partners with the Highland Support Project nonprofit to promote sustainable education and emergent strategy. The group is seeking to fill two Federal Work Study positions: Outreach Assistant and Graphic Design/Art Assistant. If you're passionate about sustainability, service and community and looking to join a team dedicated to epistemological change, take a look on Handshake at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emma Toggia at toggiaeb@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/e/382419.
Call for Participants: Mixed-Methods Research of Art Students’ Flow Experiences With GenAI and With Materials
We are seeking VCUarts undergraduate students, age 18 or older, majoring in visual art-related disciplines, including painting and printmaking, communication arts and graphic design, among others, to participate in this VCU IRB-approved research project, “A Mixed-Methods Study of Art Students’ Flow Experiences With and Without the Use of GenAI” (VCU IRB ID: HM300001354). As a participant, you will spend approximately 130 minutes in the study, during which you will complete a background survey, an art-making task, pre- and post-task evaluation forms and a focus group discussion. Participants will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for their time and effort. If you are interested in participating, please review the research information and fill out the Participation and Informed Consent Form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. We will contact you with further information once the recruitment cycle has concluded. If you have any questions about the study, please contact the Primary Investigator, Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., associate professor in art education at VCU, via email at weiy2@vcu.edu. This research is supported by the 2026-2027 VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences grants and the 2026-2027 NAEF Research Grants.
For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kkDCbZbAmLWy6bYP9.
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.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.