1 p.m.

Join VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (Suite 215, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) for a conversation led by Professor Anita Nadal on why the term AfroLatina was created and what it’s responding to. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1934963.

10 a.m.

Fat Bear Week celebrates the brown bears of Katmai National Park in southwestern Alaska as they feast on salmon to gain enough weight to survive winter hibernation. After a single-elimination tournament in which the public can vote on their favorite bear, one furry friend will be dubbed "Fat Bear!" Come by the Health and Wellness Library in the Gateway Building, 1200 E. Marshall St., Oct. 2-8 (Wednesday through Tuesday) to relax and watch a live stream of the Alaskan brown bears and cast your own vote on who you think will be the champion.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/13169368.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal (8 N. Laurel St.) weekly on Wednesday beginning Oct. 2 for a brief Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in the chapel. (When facing Grace and Holy Trinity on North Laurel Street, enter through the red door on the far left.) Walk with the group to lunch afterward at The Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St).

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.

12 p.m.

VCU's Bioinformatics Shared Resource will host a 30-minute webinar. Explore spatial transcriptomics data from 10x Visium (platform) and gain clarity through a structured guide on Visium data analysis and downstream processes that uncover meaningful biological insights. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hillary Boucher at connollyh@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdeCtrDgjGtHRZjtP-GQlujXwd2NhX7H-.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Make friends, share your story and enjoy a free lunch at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. A new storytelling theme is chosen each week. A free lunch is provided by a local congregation.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at community@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Salvatore Carbone, Ph.D., an experienced academic writer, will share practical strategies to enhance writing efficiency and overcome common challenges. Whether you're a student, fellow, researcher or faculty member, this session will equip you with tools to boost your productivity. The presentation will be in the Hess Library, fifth floor, West Hospital, 1200 E. Broad St., and via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Alebna at Pamela.Alebna@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqc-yoqDojGNfiCXu99jHe21iQt9ZYPrpK.

3:30 p.m.

Join the Common Book for the final installment of the Common Book Speaker Series. "Memory and Memorials" will offer a discussion about the many sites in Richmond and in Virginia whose past important events have not been properly memorialized. The panel’s experts will discuss several of these sites and their experiences with bringing them to public attention. The event will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Michaux Dempster at dempsterm@vcu.edu or visit https://commonbook.vcu.edu/fall-2024-events/.

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There's a pervasive myth that eating disorders affect only young white women when, in reality, these afflictions are not bound by gender, ethnicity, race, geography, culture or socioeconomic class. Join author and MFA candidate Josh Galarza and Assistant Professor of Psychology Annie Haynos, Ph.D., as they share their work on the manifestations of disordered eating and the pathways to recovery. The session will be in Room 202, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3Tm6hHZ.

6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn how you can become involved in STAR to help refugees of all ages and work with the International Rescue Committee. Gain leadership experience; officer positions are available. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88656783557.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, and John Cyrus, Health Science Library, will discuss National Institutes of Health biosketches and how to use bibliometrics in them for maximum impact. The virtual talk is part of the Wright Center's series on Whetting Your Appetite for Reserach. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qde6qqzIuGdPGXmbVuR2jomVGkoN_P6RV

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu,edu or visit http://www.cctr.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to this event with Alejandra Campoverdi, author of the best-selling and award-winning book. The author will share her first-generation college student experiences before, during and after college; answer audience questions and sign books at the reception immediately following the talk in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Students can pick up a free copy of her book before 4 p.m. on Wednesday in Room 201 (You First) or Room 211 (TRIO), Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Join Bryn Mawr assistant professor Paul Joseph López Oro for a discussion on AfroLatinidad as a cultural identity that describes people of Latin American or Latin American descent who are also of African ancestry. The session will be in person at the University Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave., and virtual at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuGtrzMvHNd7kQNv3hnTY17U-JspD5W8#/registration

For more information, contact Anita Nadal at elcentro@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Join the Medical Journal Club at VCU to hear Ananya Aengula present on how expanded FORWARD trial demonstrates continued potential for stem cell-derived islet cell therapy to eliminate need for insulin for people with type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes. Participation in the club's article presentations counts as engagement toward its $3,199 Kaplan MCAT Scholarship. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at VCU at mjc.vcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84094875284.

Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A silent retreat can be a unique and powerful opportunity for students to take a vow of silence for a weekend at a calm site. Participants will practice appreciation for nature, art, mindfulness and/or community. This event is sponsored by the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Aaliyah Freeman at freemanaa@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gGsnTD6CcceU23J37.

Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Rural Rams is meant to help students who come from rural backgrounds find community through networking, discussing common assets and challenges and finding their new neighbors. The group will meet on the first Friday of each month in Room 107, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. The discussion topic for this meeting will be "Rural is Diverse, Rural is NOT a Monolith." RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sara Rafuse at rafusese@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/611N4K8TzBGp921XA.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Join VCU Continuing and Professional Education for this four-week online course. Led by Felisha Jones, this course is designed to help manage stress, enhance focus and build self-compassion. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1187 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/mindfulness.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates and the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will meet via Zoom and offer an update from the SOCRA 2024 Annual Conference. Members will discuss topics from the conference. SOCRA CE are available for members attending the meeting. Zoom registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlf-GhqzwpGNdYlaPdbk_6BRv_BcjJhecM.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

How will artificial intelligence impact the future? Join VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual lunch and learn session to explore AI’s implications for the future of work. Luísa Nazareno, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Wilder School with the Research Institute for Social Equity, will lead the discussion. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Na3o5GJISxqDQrKS07sH4g.

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

VCU HOSA (Future Health Professionals) will hold its first general body meeting in the multipurpose room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Learn what the club has to offer. Snacks, a merchandise raffle and volunteer opportunities will be available. See @vcuhosa on Instagram.

For more information, contact VCU HOSA at vcuhosa@gmail.com.

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 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 at 4:30 p.m.

Leadership drives change. Learn more about how to connect relevant research to policy and practice in the Ph.D in Education, Educational Leadership, Policy and Justice. Learn more about the program that works toward identifying and analyzing those injustices, and imagining, researching and creating more equitable, inclusive schools and societies through leadership and policy. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/Fall24PhDLPJ1.

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 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU's Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor the 11th annual National Conflict Resolution Day event. "Roadmap to Peace" is this year's national theme. The purpose of the day at VCU is to promote and encourage peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event, which will be in the Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St., will feature a keynote address from nationally known conflict resolution practitioners, strategies for managing conflict and an interactive dialogue with those in attendance. RSVP at the following URL.ing link

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Tq5ccHJYhHy6cDHY6BezOSPPN0Whp3jQ3sS1fGAgO78/edit.

RecWell’s Women+ on Weights Fall Session 2 is open to women and individuals who are non-binary and/or gender non-conforming who are looking to learn foundational methods of resistance training and workout design. A certified personal trainer will help with the use of strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build skill and knowledge of proper technique and progressions as well as confidence in the weight room. Session 2 runs Monday, Oct. 7-Wednesday, Nov. 13. Register at the following URL. Registration ends Friday, Oct. 4.

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.

VCU RecWell Intramural Sports runs leagues and tournaments for all experience levels. Registration is currently open for October 5v5 basketball and 8v8 kickball leagues. No prior experience or skill with the sport is required. Make new friends while going for bragging rights in friendly competition with other Rams. Players may join with friends or as free agents. Purchase a $10 Intramural Semester pass, which covers participation in any and all semester Intramural tournaments and leagues.

For more information, contact Alex Bruman at intramurals@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

Morning Tai Chi is returning to the Mary and Frances Youth Center (120 W. Linden St.) and RichmondYDN. This class is an introduction to Tai Chi, intended for anyone interested in starting their day by destressing and connecting to their bodies and breath through slow, soft and rooted movement. The class is open to the community, and while information will be accumulative, you may attend the whole eight-week session or individual classes as desired. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at Garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/173/1728388800000.

Do you identify as transgender or genderqueer? Do you want to contribute to research on LGBTQ+ health? Dental students at the VCU School of Dentistry are conducting a survey to understand individuals' dental care experiences. This study seeks to assess LGBTQ+ health at a population level and aims to improve health outcomes for the community. Click on the following link to access the survey.

For more information, contact Shalin Kapil at kapilsg@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EPE83NWKMTH7P4KE.

VCU students are invited to participate in a study that explores college students’ views toward the death penalty. If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete an online survey that includes questions about yourself and your views about the death penalty, including approval, justifications and wrongful convictions. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. To participate, click the following URL.

For more information, contact Amy Clifton-Mills at cliftonae@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=NNMH7LJW7EK84PE4.