1 p.m.

Learn to break writing into manageable chunks and how to avoid procrastination. 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/.

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

Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Learn about undergraduate certificates at the daVinci Center. Learn about certificates and then explore programs in product innovation, venture creation, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they can fit into individual academic plans. Register at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-Aug-22

For more information, contact Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the student organization team for the Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities Fair Prep Party. Come by The Underground in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and make signs, prep for your table, print flyers and enjoy food and refreshments. An assortment of art supplies, poster boards, tri-fold boards, banner paper and some additional items just for SOVO will be available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at harrisrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933172.

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The VCU Free Store will reopen at 930 W. Grace St. Visit the the Free Store website for information on how to make an appointment to check out what is available in the store.

For more information, contact Parker Long at freestore@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs/free-store/.

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join 400+ student organizations, community organizations and university departments for the annual Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities Fair in Monroe Park. The fair is VCU's largest yearly gathering of student organizations. Explore the university's student organizations and volunteer opportunities, meet new people and learn how to become involved on campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at nlpatterson@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933170.

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Snow cones, tie-dye, giveaways and games will be available at a block party on Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets hosted by the College of Humanities and Sciences. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/welcome-back/.

Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Join the College of Humanities and Sciences for "10 Things I Hate About You," the 1999 rom-com classic starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. Bring cushions, beach chairs or blankets and make yourself comfy by the Ram Horns. Free food, giveaways and raffle prizes will be available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/welcome-back/.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kick off the semester at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., with live student music performances, prizes, giveaways, activities and food. Explore the resources, programs and services available to make your college life easier and more exciting.

For more information, contact Jesse Scott at scottje4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/rsvp_boot?id=1933171.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 at noon

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites you to VCU Link Fest Ram Roundup at the Compass, where you can connect with alumni who are ready to support you with career exploration and building your professional network on VCU Link.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel (B.S.W.’17), mentoring coordinator, at mcdanielst@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Designed to foster open dialogue on social identity, reconciling past wrongs and improving the present, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center invites you to join a virtual discussion centered around the themes of the Memory Wars podcast. The August session will feature Jodi Koste, MA, from the History and Health: Racial Equity program, who will discuss the first heart transplant in the South. Participants who attend all four sessions or complete related online modules can earn a digital History and Health: Racial Equity badge. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sam Burns at burnss3@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/a108f249-9108-4ec5-9421-b8ec309592e0/summary.

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at noon

VCU's Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle program pairs Black students with a Black alumni mentor who supports them in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about the Mentoring Circle and the benefits of signing up for an alumni mentor.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel (B.S.W.’17), mentoring coordinator, at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/enews/2024/08/19/your-future-starts-now/.

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites you to enjoy food, fun and friends in the Commons Plaza as you learn about the Mentoring Circle program, which helps Black students navigate college and life.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel (B.S.W.’17), mentoring coordinator, at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/enews/2024/08/19/your-future-starts-now/.

Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Through video scenarios, interactive debriefing discussions and improvisation experiences, participants will discuss and practice responses to the scenarios in a safe and supportive environment. Join in learning how to address discrimination and other mistreatment in clinical and learning environments. While the training has more of a clinical focus, the skills presented are very adaptable to non-clinical settings. The session will be held in room 5-101, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12375947.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the UNStoppable VCU Liver Team for the Liver Life Walk at William Byrd Park. 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. This American Liver Foundation event provides participants an opportunity to come together and raise awareness and funds in support of the liver community. Registration is free through Wednesday, Aug. 28. On Aug. 29, a $20 fee will be implemented for walkers 18+ and up. Register or donate at the following URL. Select to join the VCU team as you register.

For more information, contact Sarah McCall at Sarah.McCall@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.

The Research in Athletes and Military Health Sciences is seeking an hourly research assistant for a research study related to musculoskeletal health and development among adolescent patients. This individual will assist with study organization and scheduling, data collection and timely project completion. Applicants will need to dedicate 10 hours per week to this position for about 48 weeks (Anticipated start date is September 2024). Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://tinyurl.com/374dea8h.

VCU's Division of Inclusive Excellence is accepting applications for the Inclusive Excellence Student Fellows program. This program aims to empower students to actively contribute to campus-wide inclusion initiatives, enhance their leadership skills and promote inclusive excellence throughout the university and the broader Richmond community. Apply at the following URL by Friday, Aug. 30.

For more information, contact Brooke Berry at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RHjUPUqH7oMCDDKr6.

RecWell’s Women+ on Weights Fall Session 1 welcomes women and those identifying as non-binary or gender non-conforming who want to learn the basics of resistance training and workout planning. Participants will work with a certified personal trainer to learn proper use of strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to develop technique, progressions and confidence in the weight room. Session 1 will run Monday, Aug. 26-Friday, Oct. 4. Registration will close Friday, Aug. 23.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

Join RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program for Weeks of Welcome themed afternoon trips. All trips leave from the Outing Rental Center and run 3-7 p.m. Registration closes two days ahead of each trip. Trips include: Whitewater Raft Wranglin’ - Rafting and Open House (Tuesday, Aug. 20), River Tube Stampede (Wednesday, Aug. 21), Frontier Freeze Ice Cream Bike Ride (Tuesday, Aug. 27), Whispering Winds Mindfulness Stand-Up Paddleboarding (Wednesday, Aug. 28) and RVA Rock Climbing Rodeo (Thursday, Aug. 29). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=c7170552-f6b2-4ea1-92f0-686ea7f7cc32.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, 7-9 p.m., RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host the grand opening of the new Cary Street Gym climbing wall, 101 S. Linden St., with climbing activities and a few surprises. Participate in OAP’s first-ever climbing endurance competition. From Aug. 22 to Friday, Sept. 6 climbers will compete against one another to see how much vertical feet they can climb within 13 days. Top participants will earn prizes. Stop by the climbing wall desk to register and pick up a scorecard. All levels of experience welcome.

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

This intensive training is the foundation of the Outdoor Adventure Program trips program and is designed to provide opportunities for skill development, personal growth and leadership experience for potential OAP student leaders. Using the outdoors as a classroom, participants will also gain a connection to the natural world and consider how to provide similar experiences on OAP trips. Informational sessions will be held at the Outing Rental Center at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 9.

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/vbJYigqaMNQLv9NL6.

Learn how to prevent, recognize, respond to and care for aquatic and breathing/cardiac emergencies that may occur in or around the water. This course requires seven to eight hours of online pre-course work. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen and are eligible to apply for employment with RecWell. Classes will be Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22. Register at the following URL by noon on Friday, Sept. 13.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=2ce927aa-e031-40e6-b64c-d3a8ac5d6876.

Want to perform Mozart’s Requiem? VCU's Choral Arts is open for enrollment — no audition is required. Sign up using APPM359 CRN29766 and join us for an unforgettable musical journey.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., director of choral activities, at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/.

As the fall semester begins, students who are registered with the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity office should remember to request their academic accommodation letter and share this with faculty. While there is not a deadline for sharing your letter, accommodations do not apply retroactively, so it is important to communicate with faculty about your accommodations before you need to use them.

For more information, contact Brandi D. Levingston, Ph.D., at saeo@vcu.edu or visit http://saeo.vcu.edu.

VCU HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is accepting e-board applications for the current school year. Fill out the application at the following URL with your interest in serving as the committee chair for the fundraising, communications and/or social media committees.

For more information, contact VCU HOSA at vcuhosa@gmail.com or (425) 979-6452 or visit https://forms.gle/CXvkCjEg2D1BuJB29.

TEDxVCU is accepting applications from potential speakers and performers for its 2025 live event. The event will feature ideas from VCU Rams through roughly two hours of talks and performances. Speaker and performer applications will remain open until Friday, Sept. 20. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/speaker-guide/.

Join the VCUarts Department of Graphic Design for upcoming events this fall as part of Objects + Methods, a public lecture series that focuses on expansive conversations around design practices, co-sponsored by the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU. This season will feature speakers zoë pulley, Sam Lavigne and Nat Pyper. Following their lecture, Pyper will lead a public workshop at the ICA on Sunday, Nov. 17.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit http://objectsandmethods.net.

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent, and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder or no history of either disorder. Participants will be compensated for taking part in the study. Take the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.