Faculty/staff Issue for September 16, 2026
Today
VCU Police and Regional Partners To Host Pedestrian Safety Fair Near Medical Center Campus
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU Police and regional partners are bringing interactive education to VCU students and community members on the MCV Campus as part of the “Heads Up, Rams! Pedestrian Safety Fair.” Safety organizations and advocates from across the region will engage with VCU community members through interactive educational exhibits and giveaways. The event will be in the 300 block of North 12th Street.
For more information, contact Jake Burns at burnsjh2@vcu.edu.
Clinical Research Town Hall: CRP Onboarding and Career Development
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join VCU Health and the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research for a town hall via Zoom featuring Shirley Helm, M.S., C.C.R.P., Wright Center Senior Administrator for Network Capacity and Workforce Strategies. The town hall will cover the scope of Clinical Research Professional roles (coordinators, managers and regulatory staff), VCU's standardized onboarding and training, and pathways for career advancement and certification. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lauren Harris, Ed.D. at harrisl4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/DpfU897GTtWc0eKSpsHBBg#/registration.
Bioinformatics Bites: From Experiment to Insight – Streamlining Omics and Bioinformatics
12 p.m. 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.
Majors Fair
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Are you exploring majors or considering adding a minor? Or just wanting to learn more about the major you are in? Come check out the annual Majors Fair, hosted by the Discovery Advising team. This is your opportunity to connect with students, faculty and staff from all of the majors VCU has to offer as well as various campus resources. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Patrick White at whitepm@vcu.edu.
Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Question
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/.
VCU Writing Center To Present Résumé Workshop
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/.
'Baby Doe' Film Screening
6 p.m.
The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences will host a screening of the film "Baby Doe." A panel discussion with the director, Jessica Earnshaw, and others will follow. The screening will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amy Bailey at baileyal8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8498 or visit https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/events/event-items/baby-doe-film-screening-.html.
This week
Art and Politics in Chile Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 1 p.m.
The Global Education Office and the Department of Focused Inquiry in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU will offer an opportunity to study on site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break. Join program leader Hilary Levinson for a virtual information session. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84715346064.
For more information, contact Julia Wells at wellj7@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11753.
AirGas USA E-Catalog User Training
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.
Constitution Day 2026
Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
The format for Constitution Day 2026 will be "Ask an Expert. The Road to Democracy: From the Declaration of Independence to the United States Constitution." Bring your questions to this Constitution Day event, wherein John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., a professor in the Political Science Department, will answer questions and give context to the pressing Constitutional questions of the day. The event is free, open to the public and will occur both in person at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250, 901 Park Ave., and live-streamed via Zoom. The link is available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2026-2027/constitution-day-.html.
Sikh Student Association @ VCU First GBM
Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Kick off the semester with the Sikh Student Association at the organization's first GBM in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Stop by for free pizza, a game of Jeopardy and a fun night connecting with the Sikh student community. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jasmine Khurmi at khurmij@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/ssaofvcu/rsvp_boot?id=1948416&rel=title.
Coming up
Master of Public Health Virtual Informational Session
Monday, Sep. 21, 2026 at noon
Join the School of Public Health for a virtual informational session for its online and residential Master of Public Health Programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qB5KNZj9QSyOhRjUAAp9PQ
For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/programs/mph/.
Protein for Real Life
Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 at noon
Protein is an essential macronutrient made of amino acids that builds tissues, supports metabolism and helps you stay full. Join VCU HR and Employee Health’s dietetic intern for an informative session on why protein matters in real life. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4qARisQ
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Algorithms and Ecosystems (Convergence Café)
Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Office of University Convergence Initiatives (VCU Convergence) will hold a Convergence Café on AI and the environment. Artificial Intelligence is transforming society, but at what cost to our physical world? Join VCU scholars from engineering, policy and environmental science for a conversation on AI's massive resource demands and its potential to drive sustainable solutions. The event wil be at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jen Allen at jallen25@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5IBUrOZzE2QHHvOSNDwZAh6e9G2yk0V6XeJdrddiuPdxIBg/viewform?usp=header.
Set Your Retirement Date: Understand the Factors to Get You to Your Goal
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Whether you plan to retire today or 30 years from now, it’s never too early – or too late – to design the life you want. In this session, brought to you by VCU HR and TIAA, we will explore the steps to get you there. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4cfdAdX
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Evening MBA Current Student Panel
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 at noon
Come to a brief informational overview of the Evening MBA and a live student panel featuring current Evening MBA students sharing what it’s really like to balance career, coursework and life. Hear why they chose the Evening MBA, what surprised them most and how the program is supporting their goals. If you’re considering an MBA or want an inside look at what it’s really like to be in the program, this is your chance to hear directly from those living it. The Zoom link is at the following URL.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89783238050.
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.
Family F(r)eud Night
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Are you smarter than a psychology student? Come to Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 2117, 1015 Floyd Ave., for the Family F(r)eud event for a test of your psychology knowledge. Bring a friend; this event is open to any and everyone, both psychology and non-psychology students. Food will be provided and prizes may be won if you prove to be smarter than a psychology student.
For more information, contact Madisyn Feliciano at felicianome2@vcu.edu or (540) 783-8757.
VCU Healthcare Opportunities and Professional School Fair
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.
Come to the Healthcare Opportunities and Professional School Fair at the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with healthcare and community based organizations offering opportunities that unite your academic goals to real-world experiences, including volunteer and service hours, that advance your career development. Whether you are already on a track designed to help you pursue a specific healthcare focus or you are still exploring healthcare and adjacent careers, this fair is for you. The event is co-sponsored by VCU P.R.I.M.E. (Pre-Health and Related Interest Mentoring Experiences)
For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu.
CPR/AED and First Aid Classes
Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies until emergency medical personnel arrive. This course meets OSHA requirements for workplace CPR/AED and first aid training in most non-healthcare settings. The class will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-noon. (Registration closes Friday, Sept. 18.) The class will also be offered Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 5-8 p.m. (Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 23.) The clas will be held in the wet classroom at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.
Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health Research Webinar
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at noon
The speaker will be Milton L. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., a pioneering physician-scientist and executive leader in translational medicine, experimental therapeutics and drug discovery. At Eastern Virginia Medical School and at Old Dominion University, he shapes the unified research agenda for the newly integrated health sciences enterprise, spanning medicine, nursing, health professions and public health. His talk is titled "Discovery of Novel Therapeutics to Mitigate Gastrointestinal Acute Radiation Syndrome (GI-ARS)." Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://bit.ly/4wzMRQx.
Virtual Informational Session: Learn About the Ph.D. Program in Health Services Organization and Research
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Join the VCU Department of Health Administration for a virtual informational session to learn about the Ph.D. program in Health Services Organization and Research's curriculum, assistantship opportunities, and post-graduation outcomes. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Rof6SdWfn3i438jt8.
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.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.
Adult Beginner Swim Class
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Adult beginner lessons are designed for older teens and adults to build fundamental swimming and water safety skills. Participants will learn basic swimming and water safety skills including floating, breath control and basic movement in the water. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527.
VCU Career Champions Training (Fall 2026)
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Career Services will host its next VCU Career Champions training session on the Monroe Park Campus. The purpose of this program is to give faculty and staff tools, theories and resources to draw upon when supporting students through their career development. Everyone who participates will be recognized as a VCU Career Champion and will receive a certification sticker, digital badge and icon for email signature. Space will be limited to 40 participants. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samara Reynolds at sreynolds4@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zeCG2Qo7SJPzKGtw5.
Adult Fitness Swimming Class
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Adult Intermediate swim classes are intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water and wish to improve their swimming skills. Participants will learn to improve their swimming technique on their front and back as well as safety skills such as treading water. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=e9401580-e161-45db-9b79-9ef3ddebb02a.
Lifeguard Training
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This class will prepare you to prevent, recognize, respond to and care for aquatic and breathing/cardiac emergencies that may occur in or around the water. You will also learn critical thinking and communication skills that are crucial to an effective emergency response. This course meets the requirements for lifeguard employment at many pool facilities but may not meet requirements for waterfront, waterpark, or specialty facilities. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8f04eb94-8b05-4785-bfc5-8f1060041199.
Saturday Swim Class: Parent and Child
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Parent and Child Aquatics is designed for children ages 6 months up to 3 years old to begin getting comfortable in the water with the help of their parents/guardians. An adult must be in the water at all times with their child. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d12c8cc5-0fb0-41d3-802b-345c56ec78d1.
Parent and Child Aquatics
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Parent and Child Aquatics is designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years old to begin getting comfortable in the water with the help of their parents/guardians. An adult must be in the water at all times with their child. Classes will be in the aquatic center's leisure pool of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d12c8cc5-0fb0-41d3-802b-345c56ec78d1.
Preschool Aquatics
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Preschool Aquatics Level 1 is designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old to begin learning fundamental water safety and swimming skills. All skills in this class are performed with hands-on support from instructors. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.
Lifeguard Recertification
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This class is for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. Participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard (including deep water) certificate or be within 30 days of expiration. Proof of eligibility must be provided prior to participation in this class. Email your certificate to aquatics@vcu.edu for verification prior to the first day of class. Classes will be in the aquatic center of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=ef0b1e7e-d080-4a9d-bfb9-361ee9c303cc.
Applications for the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program Are Open
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/.
Notices
Join the Shelfie Program
Have a business idea you want to test or interested in learning how to become an entrepreneur? Join the da Vinci Center's Shelfie Program, a four-week, co-curriculuar program that uses design thinking to help you develop a product, service or business idea! This program is free to join and open to all VCU students. The next cohort begins Saturday, Sept. 26. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/programming/shelfie-program/.
Planning a Grant Application for 2027? Request a Research Design Studio From the Wright Center
A service of the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the Research Design Studio provides tailored feedback at no cost from a panel of experts across biostatistics, informatics, community engagement, clinical research and scientific disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to request a Design Studio approximately four to six months prior to grant submission to allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback. Learn more and request a studio at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rose Williams at williamsrm4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5853 or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/support/consultation/research-design-studio/.
Faculty Learning Community Application: Reimagining the Classroom With Service-Learning
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.
2027 VCU Leadership Development Program Informational Sessions Open for Registration!
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is offering virtual informational sessions for the 2027 VCU Leadership Development Program. If you are interested in a program and/or have a question, we highly suggest you come to hear from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute staff. The 30-minute sessions highlight learning objectives and program logistics. Three virtual options are available: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at noon; Wednesday, Oct. 7 at noon and Wednesday, Nov. 4 at noon. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYq-1HgCcYFW_jlXqgLlmsxvGgwZtqINGLJmopCwPpvWwthg/viewform?usp=header.
Sign up for the Mentorship Program
VCU's Leadership Career Community (LCC) is recruiting members for its 2026-2027 Mentorship Program cycle. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the following URL to become a mentor, mentee or thought partner.
For more information, contact Virginia Damron at vmdamron@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/vu7PzvbLiQhDq5Lw9.
Virginia Capitol Semester Internship Program – Apply by Thursday, Oct. 1
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is accepting applications for the Virginia Capitol Semester program, a spring semester internship that connects students directly with the office of a Virginia delegate or senator during the General Assembly session. No matter what your major is, this internship experience is for you. It is an opportunity to better understand how policy is developed and to witness the legislative process as it impacts every area of public service. Apply by Thursday, Oct. 1 at the following URL to register for an upcoming infomational session.
For more information, contact Adrienne K. Jones at wsinternship@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2791 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/student-support-resources/internships-and-experiential-learning-/virginia-capitol-semester/.
VCU Human Resources To Host TIAA, Fidelity and Voya On-Campus for One-on-One Retirement Consultations
VCU Human Resources will host on-campus meeting days with retirement plan providers at Lindsey House, 600 W. Franklin St. Fidelity will be on site today, Sept. 15 and Wednesday, Sept. 16; TIAA on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and Monday, Sept. 28; and Voya on Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Thursday, Sept. 24. Contact your provider directly to schedule a one-on-one appointment
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD 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.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Safety and Protection of Minors policy open for public comment
The updated policy on Safety and Protection of Minors is now open for public comment through Tuesday, Sept. 29. Leave your comment at https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/SafetyProtectionMinors Review the policy at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DF127D9BD224728135BB82DD7FF969.
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.