Faculty/staff Issue for October 5, 2026
Today
Homework Hangout
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host Homework Hangout. 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 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 spot to get things done and connect with others. No appointment or registration is needed. Sessions will be ih the OMSA office, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Jaymes Elentrio-Pitt at elentriopijn@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Question
11 a.m.
Learn how to feel more comfortable when beginning a research project and develop a clear, focused and complex research question. 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/.
'Fear of Queer Taiwan: Anti-LGBTQ Movements Between Taiwan and the U.S. Religious Right'
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors event with Ying-Chao Kao, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of Sociology at VCU and author of "Fear of Queer Taiwan: Anti-LGBTQ Movements Between Taiwan and the U.S. Religious Right." 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_uePACqrkR3OUaPGyLj9eig#/registration.
This week
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. 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 Workshop: Paraphrasing
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 at noon
Learn to 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/.
Graduate School Lunch and Learn – Setting a Job Search Strategy
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Ready to launch your job search but not sure where to start? Learn how to identify target roles and organizations, stay organized, leverage your network and set a realistic plan for tracking progress. Whether you're applying now or planning ahead, this session via Zoom will give you the tools to search with confidence and purpose. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945958.
The Link Up
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host The Link Up. Looking for something to do after class or people to connect with? Pull up to The Link Up for games, friendly competition and an easy way to meet new people. Each week will feature a different game, challenge or conversation starter. The office’s full game library remains available. No registration is needed. All OMSA events are open to students, faculty and staff. The event will be in the OMSA office, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Gennese Springs at springsge@vcu.edu.
Hillman Now: A Look at the Next Generation of 'A Different World'
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU's Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies will host an evening of television, conversation and community to discuss the rebooted "A Different World" series. The group will watch selected clips together and explore themes of relationships, identity, community, sexuality, belonging and campus activism. The session will be held in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave. Food and snacks will be provided, The event will be facilitated by Brooke Taylor, Ph.D., and Dawn Johnson, Ph.D. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brooke Taylor at taylorbl6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/DVkEmLLRuE7cVRH1A.
Farmers Market
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Take a stroll through the Farmers Market in the plaza of the University Student Commons. Enjoy fresh local produce and local artists.
For more information, contact Carole Dowell at Dowellc2@vcu.edu.
Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center Workshop: Using Zotero to Manage Your Citations
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Learn how to create a Zotero account, import citations and PDFs, organize references and generate citations and bibliographies. 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 Workshop: Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 at 6 p.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/.
Closing Reception: CandyLand - VCUarts Photography + Film Exhibition
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 at 6 p.m.
VCU's Department of Photography + Film is hosting CandyLand, an exhibition highlighting the graduate students’ creative practices exploring themes of cultural attitudes, bodies and digital ephemera. The exhibition opened Sept. 25 in the Seipel Gallery, Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. A closing reception will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Featured artists include Jordan Campbell, Isaiah Mamo, Priscila Santiago Hernandez and Huang, Young
For more information, contact VCUarts Photography+Film at photofilm@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/candyland/.
'Human Shield' Documentary Film Screening
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Join the National Organization for Women at VCU for a screening of "Human Shield," a documentary on the work of clinic escorts amidst a dangerous political climate for people seeking abortions, health care providers and activists. After screening the documentary, viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions of the director and abortion activists on a panel. The location of the screening will be provided upon registration at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rebecca Weil at weilrd@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948436.
Graduate Certificate in Applied AI Informational Session
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Office of the Provost holds a monthly informational session via Zoom for the online, asynchronous Graduate Certificate in Applied AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RPtYYNYhJZSH16ch6.
East Coast Premiere Performances of 'En Masse' by Sara Bouchard
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The VCU Rice Rivers Center will present two free October performances of "En Masse," a new work by VCUarts adjunct faculty Sara Bouchard developed in collaboration with VCU ecologist Chris Gough, Ph.D. "En Masse" is a composition for choir and drums which gives voice to the carbon cycle and promotes a culture of care amidst the climate crisis. Performances will take place Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. and Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at University of Richmond's Perkinson Recital Hall. With Scott Clark on drums and the 12-person vocal ensemble The En Masse Singers, conducted by Kristen Melzer. Free tickets may be reserved through the following link.
For more information, contact Sara Bouchard at bouchardse@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/enmasse2026.
2026 Real Estate Trends Conference
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The VCU Real Estate Trends Conference will be hosted by the Kornblau Real Estate Program. More than 1,600 industry leaders, students, faculty staff and alumni will connect over a morning of networking and learning. Speakers will include Sean Stalzer (Dominion Energy), Beth Waller (Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC), keynote Marci Rossell (Expert Economic Forecaster) and moderator Renee Haltom (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond). Students attend for free. The event will be held at the Henrico Sports and Events Ceneter, 1 All Star Blvd., Glen Allen. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=31d779b3-f929-4970-a270-b8f8b1b3ca21.
Coming up
Inherited Hands, New Forms: Tradition and Modernity in Indigenous Art
Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for an event with Erick Krigsvold, Pamunkey artist and former Karenne Wood Artist-in-Residence. The event will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/inherited-hands-new-forms-tradition-and-modernity-in-indigenous-art.html.
Data Dissemination Grant Panel
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 at noon
Join past Data Dissemination Grant recipients for a panel on innovative approaches to community-engaged data dissemination. Hear best practices, lessons learned and creative strategies for sharing research findings with communities. Learn how you can apply these approaches to strengthen your own research. Register and see 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/1FAIpQLSf4ApjHSQaw9LJI-PJZfnq-m1rpGBCym-7f8qQzayU0BLWf_A/viewform?usp=header.
Master of Public Health Informational Session
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the School of Public Health for a virtual information session for the online and residential Master of Public Health programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xfIiEen5RVmBNIIW6IbpWw
For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/programs/mph/.
Objects + Methods Lecture Series: Viktor Timofeev
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to the first event of this fall’s Objects + Methods, the public lecture series hosted by VCUarts Graphic Design that focuses on expansive conversations around design practices. Viktor Timofeev is an artist from Riga, Latvia, living in New York. He builds spaces about how people navigate language, technology and systems of rules. His work draws on personal experience and unfolds over time, often without clear endings. The lecture will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.
Workplace Learning Summit
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you ready to create stronger connections at work and build more resilient teams? Then join Continuing and Professional Education for the Workplace Learning Summit. This event goes beyond the predictable conference format. Facilitators from VCU, UR and across the region will explore psychological safety, emotional intelligence and effective teamwork. Ideal for professionals across industries at all career stages and no prior experience is required. $25 discount for all VCU faculty, staff, students and alumni. The course will be held in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Enroll at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amanda Morris at morrisa23@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-AM-002.
Monthly Forum for Department Chairs – Master Your Time; Maximize Your Impact
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Faculty Affairs – Office of the Provost invites department chairs to a virtual session via Zoom exploring the Eisenhower Matrix, a framework used by leaders to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively and focus on what truly moves the needle. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project or simply trying to get more done without burning out, this practice session will help you work smarter, lead better and reclaim control of your calendar. Direct questions to Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlhqMqTtAuHj-x_jmMDrHljWOPPROZDxRewKnVPuDmA1YwNA/viewform.
Notices
VCU at Your Fingertips
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 for all things VCU at the following URL.
For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.
2027 Research to Recovery Conference Request for Proposals
Proposals are due Friday, Oct. 9 for the 2027 Research to Recovery Conference, which will be held at VCU May 19-20, 2027 and hosted by Rams in Recovery. Talks should be one hour long and come with complimentary registration. Submit a talk at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGLJhWVPxpREJeBWSrTot3obTjgDRZImCQgU-PfhiaGiy2xA/viewform.
Lifeguard Recertification
This class is for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. In order to participate, you 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. Please 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.
RecWell: Climbing Clinics
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/.
RecWell: Intramural 5v5 Basketball
RecWell's intramural basketball program offers students, faculty and staff of all skill levels the perfect opportunity to hit the court, stay active and build community. Whether you are a seasoned player looking for high-level competition or a beginner wanting to learn the game, we feature diverse divisions tailored to your competitive drive. Lace up your sneakers, form a team with friends and compete for campus bragging rights in a fun, safe and energetic environment.
For more information, contact recwell@vcu.edu at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.
RecWell: Intramural 5v5 Indoor Soccer
RecWell's intramural indoor soccer program brings the fast-paced thrill of the beautiful game inside for students, faculty and staff of all skill levels. Featuring smaller fields, quick walls and nonstop action, the league offers various divisions ranging from highly competitive to strictly recreational. Gather your squad, sharpen your footwork and hit the court to compete for the championship title in a fun, high-energy environment.
For more information, contact recwell@vcu.edu at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.
Faculty Grievance Policy Open for Public Comment
The updated policy on Faculty Grievance is open for public comment today, Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 16. Review the policy and share your feedback at https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DF1E57B067DD6E408B336A3EE06671 Submit a comment please follow this link: https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/Facultygrievance
For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DF1E57B067DD6E408B336A3EE06671.
Participants Are Invited for A Study Examining Heart Health After Cancer Therapy
TREAT HF is a study of heart health among survivors of cancer who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40. The goal of the study is to understand which FDA-approved medications that treat heart dysfunction will be most effective in cancer survivors who are experiencing heart health issues. You are eligible for this study if you were diagnosed with cancer before age 40, received anthracycline chemotherapy, and displayed abnormal results on heart health tests. Study visits and medications are provided at no cost to you or your insurance. Participants will be compensated for their time with a $150 gift card for each cardiac MRI visit and an additional $25 gift card at study closing interview. This study will be conducted downtown at the VCU North Hospital. Principal Investigator: Wendy Bottinor, MD. For information, contact Jimmy Jankowski at mcccardioonc@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Jimmy Jankowski at mcccardioonc@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0425.
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.
What is the Real Cost of GLP-1 Medications? – Graduate Student Survey
This anonymous survey explores how both GLP-1 users and non-users perceive the medication, weight loss and the way we talk about other people’s bodies. The survey, at the following URL, is about 20 questions and should take 8-10 minutes to complete.
For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/hvsYRxQT4NkNX1W36.
Seeking Research Participants
A study at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use on reaction time within friendships. You may be randomly assigned to consume alcohol; you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. The in-person portion of this study will not take longer than two hours to complete. You may earn either SONA credit or $20 USD. Your eligibility is determined by a screening survey. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rf7Q9immr4FgtU .
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.