12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

In this Humanities Research Center talk, Josh Galarza will discuss how writing "The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky" supported his journey as a man healing from patriarchal conditioning and how writing for young people provides satisfying opportunities to illustrate lessons that can help any boy (and any man) on his own path away from hegemonic performance and toward authenticity and active allyship to women and genderqueer identities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/writing-pathways-out-of-patriarchy-the-creative-research-behind-the-great-cool-ranch-dorito-in-the-sky.html.

4 p.m.

VCU Rambikes, 1006 W. Broad St., will host a learn-to-ride workshop for those who want to learn to ride a bike in a safe and supportive environment. All workshops are free but registration helps predict attendance. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rambikes at rambikes@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Pf-LobARYwQQt_CMYfwlzjq_NgSeJZOzwsCLyw6FtZnR2Q/viewform?usp=sf_link.

5:30 p.m.

Join Katie's Art Project and unleash your inner artist in the Alumni Association Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Enjoy drinks while creating your own masterpiece. No skills required.

For more information, contact Safa Saad at saads@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 1 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the fall semester.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit http://transfer.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at noon

Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host an online presentation and Q&A conducted by the school's Urban and Regional Planning faculty to learn more about graduate school options. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit http://bit.ly/murp108.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a mixer for the VCU queer community. This event will be open to all LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and students. Treats will be available, human bingo will be played and prizes will be raffled. The event will be in the Commonwealath Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joshua Lockhart at lockhartjcj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933339.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Join RVA's own Gamelan Raga Kusuma with special guest vocalist Peni Candra Rini for an evening of Balinese and Javanese gamelan music. The event will be in the W.E. Singleton Center for Performing Arts, 922, Park Ave. Those who attend will be invited on stage following the concert to try out the instruments.

For more information, contact Justin Alexander at jlalexander@vcu.edu or (501) 358-8083.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Seniors are invited to Grad Fair. Pick up regalia, shop graduation announcements and class rings at Barnes & Noble @ VCU on Monroe Park Campus on Oct. 9-11 (Wednesday-Friday). Representatives will be available to answer questions about graduation needs. Have your first cap-and-gown graduation portrait taken.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.balfour.com/VCU.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at noon

VCU Biology will present a two-part interest meeting for the Biology Ambassador Program and Mentorship Program in Room 117, Trani Life Sciences Building, 1000 W. Cary St. Join to gain professional skills, connect with peers and support department events and recruitment.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at this virtual informational session. Register at https://tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2425

For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at teachrtr@vcu.edu or visit http://teachrtr.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Join VCU HOSA (Future Health Professionals) to learn to join committees for leadership experience, volunteer for health care exposure and enter a raffle to win free merchandise. Also, discuss upcoming events and preparations for students to compete at the state leadership conference. The event will be in the multipurpose room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact HOSA@VCU at vcuhosa@gmail.com or (425) 979-6452.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

The podcast "Civil Discourse" and the VCU Political Science Department will present an election forum to discuss the potential foreign policies of the two major party candidates in the 2024 Presidential race. The event will be in the lecture hall, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/election-forum-.html.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Learn to feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. 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/.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dental Club at VCU will host a manual dexterity workshop to paint pumpkins. The event will be in the multipurpose room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Jumana Meri at merin@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Elisa Gonzalez, the 2024 Levis Reading Prize winner, will read from for her poetry collection "Grand Tour." The prize is awarded annually for the best debut or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year and is chosen by the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at VCU. "Grand Tour," Gonzalez’ debut full-length poetry collection, was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2023 and was named one of the best books of that year by The New Yorker. The reading will be in the Lecture Hall, Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Thom Didato at tndidato@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/levis-2024.html.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:50 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.

Join the Medical Innovation and Sustainability Society to make origami to donate for a smile or keep for yourself and learn about sustainability and waste research at VCUHealth. MISS is looking for innovative students who are ready to tackle problems at the intersection of sustainability and medicine. Learn more at the meeting, which will be held in Rooms C and D, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: DM insta @miss_vcu

For more information, contact Emma Marie Samson at missatvcu@gmail.com or (703) 302-0070 or visit http://linktr.ee/missatvcu.

Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and co-sponsors will present the Matilde Moros Annual Lecture in Room 110 of the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. This year's lecture will feature the Beehive Collective, an activist arts group, discussing a display of Mesoamérica Resiste — a massive illustration depicting stories of resistance and solidarity from Mexico to Colombia. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Humberson at humbersone@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/matimoros.

Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join VCU Alumni to pack birthday kits and write birthday cards for children in the community so no child has to go without a special celebration. The event will be at 908 Oliver Hill Way. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kendra Robinson, regional programs and volunteer engagement, at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0311 or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/rvabdaykits.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Multiple class sessions: Oct. 15 (Tuesday), 16 (Wednesday) and 17 (Thursday). This workshop considers common misconceptions around DEI work and ways to approach it with more vigor and authenticity. Participants will come away with strategies for making their DEI work more clear and compelling for a wider group of participants. Choose a date and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqd-yorjIvE9ZaxNirLuVObT0JM-zsmKR3#/registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Political Science Department will host an informational session on how to get a good internship. It's time to start applying for spring internships and summer opportunities. Pick up tips on searching, applying and interviewing, as well as earning credit. Speakers include Experiential Learning Coordinator Hollie Sue Mann, Ph.D.; Melinda Snyder from Career Services and poli students who have had successful, impactful internships in political science. The session will be held on the third floor, Founders Hall, 827 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Hollie Mann, Ph.D., at mannhs2@vcu.edu or visit https://politicalscience.vcu.edu/academics/real-world-learning/internships/.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU Common Book Program and VCU’s Project Gabriel will host a panel discussion to explore the intersection of DEI and reparative justice. This event, to be held in Room 202, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St., will examine how efforts to address racial injustice have impacted historically marginalized communities, both within academia and beyond. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Stephanie Rizzi at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RQ6WRaiBKaKAAArWA.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn how VCU's School of Education integrates the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC). The M.Ed. in Counselor Education provides three specialized tracks: school counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and couples and family counseling. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/MEdFall24coun.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join the Rev. Ben Campbell for a discussion of his book, "Richmond's Unhealed History." The book explores Richmond's crises and contradictions over the last four centuries as well as the promise of the future. Those who attend will receive a copy of the book. The event, to be held in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., will be hosted by VCU's Graduate School. Register at the following URL. Dinner will be served. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933286.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Explore personalized financial strategies designed to support neurodivergent students in managing their money with confidence. This session will provide practical tools and tips for budgeting, saving and making informed financial decisions tailored to diverse cognitive needs. The session will be held in Room B2165, Snead Hall, School of Business, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL. The session will also be available via Zoom (https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83900272748).

For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=ccb10704-a9e1-4fed-a6d5-33bb9f88b0f2&utm_source=telegram.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 at 5 p.m.

This informational session via Zoom is for in-state and out-of-state students. Grant funding from the Office of Special Education Programs is available. Learn more about how the Ph.D. in the special education program prepares future leaders who care about supporting students with disabilities, their families and their teachers. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/PhDSpedFall24.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This session via Zoom is designed to answer questions for community members and future students who are interested in taking one or one more classes as a non-degree seeking student. A Department Senior Educational Specialist will share common non-degree courses that are taken by provisionally licensed teachers, educational leaders and individuals looking to learn more and experience an academic program before applying. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://rar.vcu.edu/registration/nondegree-seeking-students/.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

VCU psychology professor Richard Bargdill, Ph.D., will give a dream interpretation workshop at the Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Road. The workshop will share the insights of a new book on the meaning of dreams.

For more information, contact Richard Bargdill at rwbargdill@vcu.edu or (804) 549-1967 or visit http://www.dreammetaphors.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Looking to sharpen your networking skills in a professional setting? Don’t miss the Night of Networking, when successful alumni return to help you master the art of connecting in professional environments. Learn how to navigate a networking dinner, pick up insider tips on building professional relationships, gain real-world advice from alumni who have been in your shoes and update your headshot. The event will be in Richmond Salons 1 and 2, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Breydon Duncan Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or (731) 225-6830 or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/NightOfNetworking.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more about VCU's doctoral program in Health Services Organization and Research at a virtual informational session. Meet with program faculty and learn about admissions and funding. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/FJPPUcSo1QzpLQag7.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Discover the latest technology tips and tricks while filling your bag with treats. Join the university's Technology Services for the annual VCU Tech Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 30 (Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and Thursday, Oct. 31 (Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St.). This free event is open to all students, faculty and staff. No registration is required. Pick up tech tips, tricks and treats from university IT staff. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the VCU tech community and enjoy some Halloween fun.

For more information, contact Technology Services at tsengage@vcu.edu or visit https://techfair.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs announces to fall 2024 VCU graduates (undergraduate, graduate, professional studies) that registration to participate at the end-of-the-semester Cultural Achievement Ceremony is now open. The ceremony will be held in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register by Monday, Nov. 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/yi7ZoFifUYDSYBAj9.

Did you know VCU students, faculty and staff are eligible for a free U.S. passport-style photograph? The Global Education Office (912 W. Grace St., fourth floor) offers this service on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot at the following URL. Sign-ups are first-come, first-serve.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at abroad@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://bit.ly/48vyeCK.

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students, RecWell members, non-member faculty/staff and the Richmond community. Learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training in non-health care settings. October class dates are Saturday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 16; Wednesday, Oct. 23 and Wednesday, Oct. 30. See registration deadlines at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers a variety of climbing clinics at the Cary Street Gym climbing wall, 101 S. Linden St. Registration opens the day before each clinic. Climbing clinics for October include beginner-friendly sport climbing clinics on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Tuesday, Oct. 22. Advanced skills clinics include gym-to-crag on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and rappelling on Tuesday, Oct. 29. See the full schedule and register at the following URL.

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

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym fitness center, 101 S. Linden St., and how RecWell members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged to ensure the experience is as enjoyable and open as possible. Orientations are held Mondays and Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

RecWell invites students and RecWell members to test their strength in the Fall 2024 Ram Power Challenge. Certified personal trainers will provide guidance on mastering the fundamentals of the squat, bench press and deadlift. Participants will have two opportunities to showcase their strength on each lift. The Ram Power Challenge will take place Friday, Oct. 11 from 4-7 p.m. at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.. Register by Friday, Oct. 11 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8ee0c83c-0246-469b-84fe-6e484ddb3ace.

The ability to create and edit Google Sites is no longer available. The Google Sites service will be fully decommissioned as of December 2024. University-related sites and course-related sites should be moved or created in the appropriate university systems. Personal sites should be created on non-university hosted platforms.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://collaborate.vcu.edu/apps/sites/.

Nominate your building manager(s) for the Building Manager Awards. Recognize these behind-the-scenes individuals for their dedication to serving building occupants, their assigned building(s) and the VCU community. Nominate a building manager at the following URL.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/units/facilities-operations/building-managers/awards/.

Juniors and seniors are invited to browse and shop for class rings at Grad Fair. Visit Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park Campus on Oct. 9-11 (Wednesday-Friday), from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Representatives will be available to take ring sizes and answer questions.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.balfour.com/VCU.

VCU departments can surplus unneeded VCU inventory via GovDeals, an online government surplus auction program. VCU Facilities Management helps departments navigate the online government auction platform to surplus (technology, lab equipment, furniture and more). Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dwayne Brown at brownde5@vcu.edu or (804) 310-9936 or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/units/facilities-operations/general-services/.

Richmond Refugee Health Partners is offering a volunteering opportunity organized by Students Together Assisting Refugees and the International Rescue Committee of Richmond. Student volunteers and IRC staff will teach local refugees about the American health care system through 1-2 hour sessions each week. Apply at the following URL by Wednesday, Oct. 9. Information about RRHP will also be emailed to those in the STAR@VCU RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/qpmBnjefywJJrJcV8.

VCU School of Nursing is looking for participants ages 0-25 to participate in a Long COVID study. Have you or your child experienced lingering health symptoms or behavior changes since having COVID or a virus? Participants will be paid for their time. Sign up for the study at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amy Rider at recoverkidsva@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/RECOVERkids.