12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

This weekly series will get you moving up and out of your seats with line dancing from Flex to the Cupid Shuffle. The event will be held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Celebrate Hoshana Rabbah with Shakes in the Sukkah. Enjoy a shake, shake the Lulav and Etrog, and join the special tradition of Klap Hoshanos with friends at Jewish VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/54972.

12 p.m.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a virtual informational session exploring its M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as its Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how Robertson's programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. Questions: Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

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. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948413 .

6 p.m.

VCU's English Department will host a free screening of the French film "Ma Vie En Rose" with pizza and refreshments. The film will be shown in Hibbs Hall, Room 203, 900 Park Ave. The film is in French and will be shown with English subtitles.

For more information, contact Alicia Bonilla at bonillaab@vcu.edu.

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Convergence AI will host an open house at the Richard T. Robertson Alumni House, 924 W. Franklin St. Successes will be recounted and opportunities to participate in efforts moving forward will be shared. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP adt the following URL.

For more information, contact Jen Allen at jallen25@vcu.edu or visit https://convergence.vcu.edu/themes/ai/.

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Adjunct faculty member Ruta Smedina Starke will perform in a free concert at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W.E. Singleton Center for Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Smedina Starke will be joined by guest pianists Sonia Vlahcevic, Sharon Stewart and David Kim. The program will feature worka by Tchaikovsky, Pärt, Glass and Khachaturian.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/titles-subtitles-and-nicknames-ruta-smedina-stark-faculty-piano-recital/.

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 at 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/.

Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St, Suite A, in celebrating a week of wellness. From Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 9 the Health Hub will host daily programs to help you grow, move, find and fill yourself.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://healthhub.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at noon

The holidays are just around the corner and we know celebrating comes with a hefty bill. This seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union (VACU), teaches you how to avoid the financial hangover with intelligent planning, cost management and organization. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4rz7R9j

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

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Mary E. Kapp Lecture honors the life of Mary E. Kapp, the first chairperson of the department, who guided the department through its formative years. This year's lecturer is Neil Garg, Ph.D., a distinguished professor and the inaugural holder of the Kenneth N. Trueblood Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA. He has served as chair and vice chair for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as well as associate dean for research for UCLA Physical Sciences. He is a co-founder of ElectraTect as well as a speaker and consultant for teaching, scientific, policy, government and legal matters. The lecture will be given in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2201, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Rhea Miller at rmiller3@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1298 or visit https://chemistry.vcu.edu/events/mary-e-kapp-lecture/.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence and the ability to foster inclusive, collaborative environments. This online Continuing and Professional Education course focuses on building emotional intelligence and leadership strategies that promote inclusion and belonging. Participants will learn to lead with empathy and purpose, strengthening workplace relationships and creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued. Ten percent discount for VCU alumni, VCU employees, VCU students and military. Enroll at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-101.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Research Fridays event with Lindsey Johnson, Chickahominy Tribal Citizen and Community Liaison Specialist for the Virginia Center on Aging; Patricia Slattum, Ph.D., pharmacist and core faculty at the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program; and Sarah Montoya, Ph.D., co-director of the HRC Indigenous Humanities Lab. The event will be at Valentine House, Room 201, 920 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/research-fridays/tribal-engagement-principles-and-best-practices.html.

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.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join the next Neuroscience Design Jam, presented by the VCU Neuroscience Convergence Lab, VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation and VCU Tech Transfer. Interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, students, faculty and industry partners will use a structured design thinking framework to tackle live clinical challenges at the intersection of spinal care and engineering – presented by Ket Verma, M.D. and James Mooney, M.D. – co-creating concepts with real commercialization potential and direct access to VCU Tech Transfer support. The event will be at the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, 1229 W. Broad St. Register by Friday, Oct. 2 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTpHE6oixYH3LCZ6lOeohMB03gAc7HkdE_74rTKQLxYukTSg/viewform.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fall is here, and so is your ultimate community wellness day. The President’s Council of Sports Backers invites you to fall fit fest – a day centered on health, fitness, recovery and connection. Bring a friend, meet fellow active RVA community members and enjoy a day packed with wellness education, recovery sessions and fun. Free entry. Paid tickets for yoga ($10) and sauna/cold plunge ($40). The event will be at 4921 Lakeside Ave.

For more information, contact Callie Darling, Sports Backers President's Council at darlingc@vcu.edu or visit https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/FallFitFestBySBPC.

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'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/.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking healthy control participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function. You may participate if you have no ankle sprain history or other foot/leg injuries. This study will require: one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down) and during light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments.

For more information, contact Crystal Figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function following ankle sprains. You may participate if you either: have a first-time lateral ankle sprai or have no ankle sprain history and are healthy (control group). This study will require one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down), durring light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments. Participants with ankle sprains will also be asked to complete remote, electronic surveys at three and six months after the in-person visit.

For more information, contact Crystal Figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

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.