11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Learn about the undergraduate certificates at the da Vinci Center. Learn exactly what a certificate is and programs in product innovation and venture creation as well as classes in human-centered design and how they can fit individual academic plans. Register for this virtual session at the following URL.

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

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Make your own string friendship bracelets. A tutorial will be available to use as a guide. The event will be in the Alumni Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jessie Tignor at tignorjl@vcu.edu.

Sunday, Sep. 1, 2024 at 1 p.m.

This is First Love's weekly Sunday service. The speaker will be L.P. Yasmin. The topic will be about the dangers of a dual life. The service will feature a time of worship, song and dance performances and a sermon. The meeting will be held in Room 1165, T. Edward Temple Building, 901 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jianna John at johnj5@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 3, 2024 at 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/.

Tuesday, Sep. 3, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Beginning today, VCU's Procurement Services Accounts Payable, Travel and Corp Card team members will host a weekly virtual office hour on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. Connect with a specialist regarding questions or inquiries related to invoicing, PCard or Travel. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandy Miles at woodsonbr@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/procurement/coming-soon-weekly-virtual-office-hour/.

Tuesday, Sep. 3, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover best practices for communicating with students in Canvas. To register, search for keyword "Canvas" at training.vcu.edu Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=88264973950

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 5, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saddle up and get ready for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun as a touch of the Wild West comes to VCU for the Transfer Student Social. Whether you're new to the university or just wrangling your way into the swing of things, the event is all about forging new friendships and celebrating the spirit of the frontier. So dust off your boots and put on your best cowboy hat for a rootin' tootin' good time in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU's Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1349 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933416.

Thursday, Sep. 5, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover Canvas assignments and quizzes. To register, search keyword "Canvas" in training.vcu.edu Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83566837160

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Friday, Sep. 6, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join staff from the da Vinci Center to learn about the Master of Product Innovation program, a cross-disciplinary master’s program in which students apply knowledge in advanced product innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship topics with real-life clients. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

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

Friday, Sep. 6, 2024 at noon

Are you starting to think about retirement? Join VCU HR and MissionSquare in this virtual seminar for a discussion about how much retirement will cost, Social Security planning and a ready-to-retire checklist. As you approach the end of the accumulation phase of your career and into your spending phase of your life, you’ll want to make sure the ride into retirement is a smooth one. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/3Mn1ulz

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Monday, Sep. 9, 2024 at 10 a.m.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding when to take Social Security benefits. Join VCU HR and Fidelity to understand the key claiming ages and how your benefit is calculated, so you can feel confident about your decision. Register for this virtual session in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/47kwkVP

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In this virtual application workshop with VCU HR facilitators, participants will practice creating or updating their career development plan using the career pathing tool. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the intersection between a career path and a career development plan, practice using a career path framework to create or update an individualized career development plan and leverage the facilitators (subject matter experts) as a resource. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d4c781f4d-6860-4dcf-b073-78b558811cd0.

Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Provost’s Lecture Series brings together experts for UNconventional conversations about the conflict in the Middle East. Speakers represent different viewpoints and perspectives. In the first session, "The Heart of the Matter: Jerusalem and the Struggles of Israel and Palestine," experts will examine the centrality of Jerusalem for the three Abrahamic faiths and its place in past and current conflicts. The speakers represent diverse perspectives on the question of why this land is so important to people of different faiths. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact LaToya Blizzard at vpfacaffrs@vcu.edu or visit https://provost.vcu.edu/lecture-series/.

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. Learn how to address discrimination and other mistreatment in a clinical and learning environment. While the training has more of a clinical focus, the skills presented are adaptable to non-clinical settings. The session will be 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.

Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

To support VCU’s culture of care and appreciation among employees, VCU HR has developed facilitated sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Staff and faculty who attend these sessions will get to know the languages of appreciation in the workplace, understand the core concepts of appreciation and be able to build and maintain good working relationships. Register for the Zoom session at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/yzcr4ya8.

It’s time to submit progress reports for undergraduate students who need a nudge to improve their performance. It’s especially important for faculty to submit reports for students with attendance issues since attendance is strongly related to class grades and GPA (Credé et al., 2010). Check your VCU email for instructions on how to submit your progress reports with just a few clicks, as well as tips on best practices.

For more information, contact VCU Student Success at success@vcu.edu or visit https://semss.vcu.edu/for-faculty-and-staff/early-notification-programs/.

VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence is now 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 Outdoor Adventure Program will host a number of free activities for VCU students and RecWell members in September. They include whitewater rafting, adventure photography clinic, mindful stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, RVA bike tour, RVA rock climbing and bring-your-own-craft bike ride. Spaces for all activities are limited. Register at the following URL.

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

Students Caring about Cancer at VCU is a student-run group affiliated with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The organization is seeking new leaders and members who are passionate about cancer in all forms. This group promotes cancer advocacy and togetherness as part of a campus-wide community.

For more information, contact Gabrielle Maldonado at siricagt@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 HOSA at VCU at vcuhosa@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/CXvkCjEg2D1BuJB29.

VCU Dining offers several options for placing dining orders: the GrubHub kiosks at retail locations, the GrubHub app or directly at the register. Kiosks are located at each retail location. Staff members can help with orders at the register for those who need assistance. If you’re having trouble using your swipes on the app, visit vcu.campusdish.com/FAQs.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

New to pickleball? Come to the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., for Pickleball 101 on Tuesdays 5:30-7 p.m. from Sept. 10 to Oct. 22. Registration is $100. VCU students can email Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu for a discounted rate. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://givepul.se/eunoyu.

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.