1 p.m. to 3 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 will bring together immigration advisers 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 enrolled in programs in the School of Business. The session will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact GEO Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu.

12 p.m.

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will present the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Ember Morrissey of West Virginia University. Morrissey will discuss “Life in the Land: Unraveling the Hidden Lives and Functions of Soil Microorganisms,” exploring the diverse and often unseen communities of microorganisms that inhabit soils and their important roles in ecosystem function. The event will be in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, (Room 151) 1000 W. Cary St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/events/life-in-the-land-unraveling-the-hidden-lives-and-functions-of-soil-microorganisms-.html.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Fine Arts will present a visiting artist lecture by Erin Jane Nelson at the Grace Street Theater, 314 W. Grace St. Her artwork is grounded in photography sourced from her personal archive of found and original images. Nelson’s newest works have expanded to include ceramic cameras that the artist creates herself and uses to capture landscape photographs.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/erin-jane-nelson-visiting-artist-lecture/.

2 p.m.

Join VCU HR for this workshop from Social Security and learn answers to questions such as: When are you eligible to receive benefits? How does early retirement affect your benefits? How do you get the most from your benefits? And more, Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4qKkM80

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

2:30 p.m.

The VCUarts Cinema Program will host alumna Ashley Dean (B.A. ‘21) to share her post-grad experience and accomplishments in her professional career. Dean is a multi-hyphenate director, writer and producer who creates poetic, raw but real narratives that encompass the Black experience. Her roots date back to Virginia where her passion for filmmaking began to develop through her community and environment. Having graduated from VCU in 2021 with a BA in Cinema and minors in Media Studies and African American Studies, Dean’s career took off shortly after as part of the Apple TV+ film “Raymond & Ray” and television series “Lady in the Lake.” She will speak at The Depot, 814 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/cinema/.

9 a.m.

VCU faculty and research staff are invited to join an in-person community of scholars focused on strengthening community-engaged research through peer exchange, shared learning and connections to funding pathways and institutional support. Questions: Visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/ Apply by Monday, Sept. 14 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/9dCpFqCnE9bCBrNv7.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

WIth the April 2027 digital accessibility compliance deadline fast approaching, this virtual training sponsored by Equity and Access Services (EAS) provides VCU faculty, staff and administrators with a practical, comprehensive introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Subpart H. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katy Washington, Chief Accessibility Officer and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at washingtonk8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/KD5DaLa5T2e1-M_C7B2vdg.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 10 a.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/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This Zoom session, facilitated by VCU Career Services, guides graduate students through a reflective process to recognize and articulate their existing professional value. Participants will learn how to strategically align their academic skills with in-demand career competencies, ensuring they can confidently promote their strengths for future opportunities, whether in academia or industry. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945955.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at noon

VCU's Department of Epidemiology will host the Fall 2026 Epi Forum Seminar Series. This year's theme highlights epidemiology as an interdisciplinary field, showcasing the breadth of our faculty’s innovative research. This week's speaker is Monica Swahn, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor and dean of the VCU School of Public Health. The session will be at One Capitol Square, Room 644, 830 E. Main St. Refreshments will be provided. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

In this interactive LEDstudio Workshop, discover how custom AI assistants can streamline academic work. Faculty will use Gemini Gems to create personalized AI tools for teaching, research and everyday tasks. Explore strategies for generating course materials, summarizing research, drafting communications, organizing projects and improving workflows. Leave with practical ideas and a starter Gem to integrate AI into your academic practice. 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/4x9e8mEhTueXjiUgmSlVtg#/registration.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at noon

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/.

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.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Want to make research data more accessible and meaningful to the community? Learn about VCU’s Data Dissemination Grant, which supports creative, community-co-created approaches to sharing research data and findings with communities. 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/1FAIpQLSdu9cnVOECrf7J5VcyYjh-pDzQ6WBEWbCZkGe-Mt6GdWfYdqg/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Join the School of Education for its ongoing Critical Quantitative Methodologies Series this fall. Ben Van Dusen, Ph.D., Iowa State University, will present a statistical analysis for addressing intersectionality in quantitative research. The methodology is called MAIHDA (Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy). He will discuss the approach and examples of applying it to real-world research. This event is virtual and free, but pre-registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kamden Strunk at strunkk2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7m3fVVkDRfCFCdq6wt_yPQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 1 p.m.

In support of VCU's goal to make the ADA accommodation process more transparent and accessible, ADA and Accessibility Services will host a Lunch and Learn session focused on the ADA process, how to request accommodations and the campus resources available to support colleagues. This session is also an opportunity for managers, supervisors and Human Resources staff to learn how to better support their teams and foster a more inclusive work environment. Your participation is welcomed and you are encouraged to bring your questions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hunteer Lacy at lacyjh@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/6TEvBsXcQMynhjH-aJZlGQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Massey's Bioinformatics Shared Resource presents and Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research sponsors Bioinformatics Bites at Goodwin Research Laboratory, Thalhimer Conference Room (GRL-131), 401 College St., with with Adam Hawkridge, Ph.D., Proteomics Core and Brien Riley, Ph.D., Genomics Core. See how the Bioinformatics Core now works directly with the Genomics and Proteomics Cores, giving researchers streamlined, coordinated workflows from data generation through analysis. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christiane Carter at morecockcm@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/qQQvgJRaTfeqOPEvaX48VQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Learn to feel comfortable when beginning a research project and developing a clear, focused and complex research question. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pauley Heart Center in partnership with VCU Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences will host a discussion on applying to graduate school, résumé development and finding/navigating mentorship in graduate school. The session will be in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St., Room 600.

For more information, contact Gabrielle McInerney at Gabrielle.Maldonado1@vcuhealth.org.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center and the VCU Division of Community Engagement are offering up to 12 microgrants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, to turn student-led ideas into community action that benefits a community partner. Register for the virtual informational session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/students/microgrants/.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 6 p.m.

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/.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 10 a.m.

VCU Procurement Services announces that beginning Monday, Sept. 21, VCU departments will be able to purchase industrial, medical and specialty gases, laboratory and safety products, welding supplies and related items through the new Airgas eCatalog in RealSource. Airgas will offer two virtual training sessions covering catalog navigation, account selection, quotes and order placement: Date and time: When: Sept. 10, 1 p.m. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7J6zX-_USH2Br1H2VKBuBw When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/M2EZ7mE6QV6PGgkKMIlpTg

For more information, contact Abigail Zaremba at apzaremba@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1072.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in VCU's School of Public Health will present a talk featuring current American Public Health Association President Nandi Marshall. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Sabrina Janesick at janesicks@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg1dYS3TPSbqZ3Yvp4mdX0nCvYGL5pMPfCGg1Q6uTAhL9_MQ/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Have a passion for working with youth? Want a high-impact career that changes lives? RTR Teacher Residency equips future teachers with the knowledge, experience and support to teach for change — all while earning a fully funded degree through the VCU School of Education. Turn your passion into purpose and make a difference from inside the classroom. Join the informational session via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 17. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2627

For more information, contact Sabrina Evnas at teachrtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-9801 or visit https://teachrtr.org.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Learn about the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate programs and how they can help advance your career and professional goals. Questions: Contact https://bit.ly/whywildersep2026 Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/whywildersep2026.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Technology Services has partnered with Google to host the Google AI Educator Series. These interactive, bite-sized workshops demonstrate proven practices for leveraging Gemini to elevate teaching and enhance student outcomes in higher education. The session will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250, 901 Park Ave. Bring your charged laptop or tablet to participate in the live exercises. Credentials: Completing a session earns you an official Google AI Educator Series digital badge. Agenda: 10-10:45 a.m. - Teaching and Learning: Create process-based assessments In this session, we’ll demonstrate how to use Gemini as a creative partner to generate frameworks and then create rubrics that can be used for evaluation. 11-11:45 a.m. - Accelerate Research: Planning the Inquiry Design a course activity using Deep Research—an agentic feature in Gemini that automates comprehensive research and synthesizes complex, cited literature reviews. 1–1:45 p.m. - Teaching and Learning: Create process-based assessments 2–2:45 p.m. - Accelerate Research: Planning the Inquiry

For more information, contact Peyton Burgess at emergingtech@vcu.edu or visit https://rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/gemini-back-to-school-faculty-training_vcu.

Sunday, Sep. 20, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCUarts Department of Kinetic Imaging will present an immersive sound installation by KI faculty Sara Bouchard inside Richmond’s historic Byrd Park Pump House, 1708 Pump House Drive. Informed by conversations with Paul Bukaveckas, Ph.D., VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, the piece translates water quality data from the James River into a musical composition, revealing the drastic fluctuations of dissolved oxygen levels in the river due to harmful algal blooms.

For more information, contact Sara Bouchard at bouchardse@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/899007373020915.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This interactive workshop is designed to support graduate students who may feel a bit rusty in transitioning back into academic life. Through guided discussion, practical strategies and peer connection, participants will explore ways to rebuild confidence, navigate imposter syndrome and successfully adjust to the expectations of graduate study. The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) session will also highlight how professional and life experiences are powerful assets in the classroom, research environment and beyond. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945967.

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.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn about the research administration profession through speakers, roundtable discussions and activities. The event will be hosted by VCU OVPRI and the University Controller's Office.The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Registration, agenda and additional event details at https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU HR will facilitate a SMART Goals and You workshop via Zoom. The course clarifies what SMART goals are, how to use them for performance and career development and includes practical application. Attendance is encouraged for anyone who wants to learn more about SMART goals for themselves and/or their team; or is in a position to educate others about SMART goals. Workshops are offered throughout the year. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/4m0vbbm.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 at noon

This 30-minute virtual HIIT class, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will use only your body weight to raise your heart rate and get you sweating. Start with a short warm-up and close with a cool down stretch. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3U9GMNn

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

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Whether you're looking to understand machine learning or figure out how to integrate AI into your workflow ethically, the Graduate School has you covered. Join a two-part online learning series designed to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Foundations of AI from 9-10:3 a.m. and Applications of AI Tools from 11 a.m.-noon. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946011.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the Global Education Office for a 90-minute faculty leader tea time event for those interested or experienced in leading a study abroad/away program. The Global Learning team will lead a group discussion on topics related to creating an institutional culture that supports and encourages student engagement in global learning. The session will be held at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL. Questions: Email abroad@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Amy Leap at leapae@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/jQAGWf8qSGdBZKAV9.

Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR will offer a Leading With Emotional Intelligence Intentional Practice workshop for managers. Managers must first complete the Leading With Emotional Intelligence eLearning before attending the workshop, available here: https://bit.ly/3CF4IiR If you are a VCU Health system employee who would like to take this course but cannot access Talent@VCU, complete this form https://forms.gle/NfzCUbNMx6pHouVP7. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL for the emotional intelligence workshop.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3ZgAWtt.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty for a first look via Zoom at findings from the university-wide survey of faculty, staff and students on how the VCU community is navigating the rise of Gen AI. Explore current usage trends, prevailing attitudes, evolving skills and areas where people want additional support. The session will also consider what these initial findings suggest for the future of teaching, learning and working at VCU. Register at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead at sneadrm@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTBS0y4PsHOhsE2ZmvnIUaIMsNbYg1oRpvhOuwJnh3KRxaUg/viewform?usp=publish-editor.

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. This immersive five-month leadership development experience is designed for current and emerging leaders who are ready to stretch beyond their comfort zones and elevate their impact as leaders. The program is designed to benefit individuals at all career levels. 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/.

The planning process for VCU’s next strategic plan is under way and it will be strongest if our community shapes it. Join us in building our Uncommon Future. Visit uncommonfuture.vcu.edu to learn more and click “Get Involved” to register for a town hall, focus group or to submit your thoughts and ideas.

For more information, contact Megan Wood at stratplan2032@vcu.edu or visit https://uncommonfuture.vcu.edu.

Applications are now being accepted by the Fall 2026 Grant Academy of the Division of Research Development of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). This professional development program assists faculty investigators in crafting successful funding proposals. It is available to faculty from all disciplines with concrete project ideas who have identified an opportunity within 12 months. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Sept. 16.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at strawdermamm@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/training/grant-academy/.

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) and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.

VCU RecWell's Outdoor Adventure Program offers climbing clinics throughout September at the Cary Street Gym climbing wall, 101 S. Linden St. Participants can build their climbing knowledge and skills through belay clinics, belay tests, sport climbing, rappelling and gym to crag instruction. Clinics will be offered Sept. 15, 16, 23, 24 and 28. Dates, times, prerequisites and registration availability vary by clinic. View the full schedule and registration at the following URL.

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

VCU RecWell's Outdoor Adventure Program offers outdoor trips throughout September for participants looking to explore beyond campus. Upcoming opportunities include day hikes, canoe trips, caving and a beach bike overnight. September trips run through Sunday, Sept. 27 and include options designed for beginners. Transportation, equipment and guides are included with programs as indicated. View trip dates, availability, pricing and registration information through Fusion.

For more information, contact outdoors@vcu.edu at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

The VCU Graduate School is hosting the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition. This competition is open to all graduate students from any discipline. The in-person competition challenges students to share their research in three minutes using one static slide. This year’s competitors will be provided with resources and support from the Office of Professional Development and Writing Center. The deadline to submit is Friday, Sept. 18. Preliminary heats will be held in-person on Friday, Oct. 2 and the final competition will be held Friday, Oct. 9. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/3mt-competition/..

Are you ready to reimagine how students learn and thrive in your classroom? Join a community of passionate educators exploring innovative, hands-on-strategies that spark curiosity and deepen engagement across disciplines and beyond traditional boundaries. Service-Learning at VCU invites faculty from all disciplines to apply to participate in ‘26-’27 Faculty Learning Community (FLC) focused on “Reimagining the Classroom With Service-Learning.” Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2WV4fpnvESoYadwq5.