3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Study abroad in Shanghai, China this winter break with VCU's School of Education. Join Laura Domalik and Misti Mueller, Ed.D., for the elective TEDU 400 OR 594 course. This class is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from all majors. Register for the virtual informational session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309 or visit https://forms.gle/pNh6K2x8mhDH56X8A.

5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

VCU's Alumni Richmond Chapter will compete with alumni from other colleges and universities to see which school can donate the most canned goods to Feed More in the 12th annual Alumni Charity Challenge. A goal of 200,000 pounds of food donated has been set. The event, which will be at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave., is free; no registration required. Donate directly at the following URL or drop off canned goods at the VCU tent at City Stadium today, Thursday, Sept. 12.

For more information, contact Joey Stemmle at stemmlejr@vcu.edu or visit https://give.feedmore.org/team/602075.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Study abroad in India this winter break with VCU’s School of Social Work and Global Education Office. Join Denise Burnette, Ph.D., and Stephanie Odera, Ed.D., M.S.W., for the elective SLWK 391 in Kerala, India from Dec. 27, 2024–Jan. 11, 2025. Open to undergraduate students of all majors. Register for this virtual informational session and learn more at the following URL: The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/8537362976. Questions? Contact jdburnette@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Denise Burnette at jdburnette@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/478PM7J.

Friday, Sep. 13, 2024 from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This workshop will address the reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology and beyond and how to prepare a successful application package. It is geared to help students combat inequalities and navigate the application process. All are welcome. Panelists will include Ying-Chao Kao, Ph.D. (VCU); Tara Stamm, Ph.D., (VCU); Jennifer Johnson, Ph.D. (Virginia Tech); and Donna Sedgwick, Ph.D., (Virginia Tech). The program will be held in-person (Room 202, Founders Hall, 827 W. Franklin St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ying-Chao Kao at yckao@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4028 or visit https://forms.gle/ha1cHoPEqiD16L7P8.

Monday, Sep. 16, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Meet current students as they reflect on what they wish they had known before their first semester of college. The session, hosted by VCU's Campus Learning Center's Peer Academic Coaches, will be in Room B14, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Office of First and Second Year Experiences invites you to meet the VCU Class of 2028. The First-year Student Profile provides key information about student demographics and success metrics for the university's newest Rams. The program is geared for those who provide resources for, teach or program with first-year students. Join virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 or Wednesday, 18. Sign up for a session or to receive a recording using the link below.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/vStL3vwmbcZFt7kp6.

Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024 at 1 p.m.

Learn more about VCU's free, self-paced certificate that is designed to help students build cultural awareness and develop practical skills sought by the Peace Corps, other nonprofit organizations and global employers. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or (919) 816-5318 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88432039592.

Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Shijun Zhang, Ph.D., professor, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, will give a talk, "Small Molecule Discovery by Targeting the Inflammasome Pathways" at a Research Show and Share seminar series hosted by the School of Pharmacy. The series highlights research programs lead by VCU faculty while creating an opportunity for cross-disciplinary interactions and engaging research discussions. The seminar, open to all faculty, staff and students, will be in Room 129, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St.

For more information, contact Karolina Aberg at kaaberg@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The 66th governor of Virginia, L. Douglas Wilder, will discuss the critical importance of leadership in strengthening people-first democracy. Joining him as panelists will be Virginia’s leading political analysts, Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., managing partner of the consulting firm DecideSmart; Larry Sabato, Ph.D., director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics; Susan Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School; and Robyn McDougle, Ph.D., associate dean of research and outreach at the Wilder School. The symposium will be at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or (480) 686-6606 or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/2024Symposium.

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 at noon

Life isn’t easy, so the American Heart Association is here to provide information and resources that focus on stress at home and in the workplace, sources of stress and strategies for mitigating it. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/3Xlp8Fh

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

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend a virtual informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at the da Vinci Center. Certificates will be explained and programs in product innovation and venture creation will be discussed, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans. Questions: Email Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-Sept-19.

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

VCU's Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation will present via Zoom the VCU Data Science Series. Alberto Cano, Ph.D., will discuss new resources and services at the VCU High Performance Research Computing Core. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joshua Hahn at hahnj2@vcu.edu or visit https://pmr.vcu.edu/research/data-hub/vcu-data-science-series/.

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Join this workshop from VCU HR and Social Security and learn answers to questions about Medicare A and B including eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, application process and online services. The State Retiree Health Coverage will also be discussed by VCU HR Benefits. This workshop is offered both virtually and in-person on the Monroe Park Campus. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/45u2mky6

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

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All are welcome to come to the launch of El Centro and learn about the organization's work to empower the VCU community, foster understanding and support interactions between VCU-affiliated individuals who identify as Latino/e. The group seeks to conduct research in the community through enhancing scholarship and cultural and social experience on campus. The meeting will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Questions: Email Oswaldo Moreno oamoreno@vcu.edu or Anita Nadal at the following email address.

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

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive virtual workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping and feedback. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Sept-19.

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Join VCU's Office of Alumni Relations and the university's College of Engineering for an alumni panel via Zoom on imposter syndrome. Members of the panel will discuss their experiences and how industry managers and employers can learn more about fostering better environments and recruiting better teams. This event is open to both alumni and students. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/3917258916338/WN_hQNNEZmcTDKHufAuoYVKjQ.

Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024 at 8 a.m.

VCU Emergency Management will host separate Stop the Bleed Courses on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Each course is two hours long and aimed at teaching community members how to render aid in a bleeding emergency. The class will be in Room 403, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. Registration is free and can be completed by selecting the course on the CTCCE Training Calendar at the following URL.

For more information, contact Matthew Majid at majidm@vcu.edu or visit https://reg.learningstream.com/view/cal2a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=82&wp=408&tz=&ms=9&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=CTCCE&rf=&pn=.

Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU librarians and faculty teaching courses in the ConnectED general education program for collaboration and discussion of assignment design and alignment with the learning goal of information literacy. Subject librarians will be available for consultations. The event will be held in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at https://forms.gle/x3weiPeMRE62odam6

For more information, contact ConnectED at gened@vcu.edu or visit https://connected.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This session will help participants understand the academic program assessment process, the administrative effectiveness process and assessment in academic and student support units. Relevant accreditation standards for all areas will be reviewed and participants will see how outcomes and measures are similar and different for both academic and administrative areas. The session will be in Room 2107, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at assessment@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/assessment-accreditation-and-compliance/assessment.

Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 at noon

Join Inclusive Excellence facilitators to learn about the structural roots of social identities, focusing on group membership, individual agency and strategies for relating to one another in context. Sessions via Zoom will be offered at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsf--rpjIjGtURxauyCVIDQ74mVO1iHUFq#/registration.

Thursday, Sep. 26, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

K & T Scholar Quick Connect meeting will feature staff from VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research with program overviews and strategies for an effective Elevator Pitch. The hybrid meeting will be held on Zoom and in person at the Richmond Academy of Medicine building, 1200 E. Clay St. Contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu for further details.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's Division of Research Development will host a virtual session to cover a key element in National Science Foundation proposals – the broader impacts of your research. Managing grants consultant Melissa Cornish will discuss what the NSF is looking for, how to align your broader impacts with your overall project, assessing your impact and helpful resources and tools. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at OVPRIRD@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfumprTgjE9SDn88716f92Y1HX1k1hF_A#/registration.

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. September beginner-friendly clinics include sport climbing, Tuesday, Sept. 24; knots and anchor building, Tuesday, Sept. 17. Advanced skills clinics include rappelling, Thursday, Sept. 26; and gym-to-crag, Monday, Sept 16. Full clinic details are available on the RecWell website.

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

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host the following trips for VCU students and RecWell members in September: sea kayaking weekend, day caving, paddle and paint, backpacking overnight, day hike and day climb. Spaces for all trips 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.

The Fitness Consult is a flexible session that allows participants to work one-on-one with a certified personal trainer to ask questions, run assessments specific to goals and develop a fitness program. The 60-minute session is for those who might not need full guidance from a trainer but want to learn more about equipment, progressions or their general health status. Consults are available at the Cary Street Gym and MCV Campus Rec Center. Registration is ongoing at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.

RecWell offers adult beginner swim lessons, intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water but wish to learn basic skills such as floating, treading water and coordination for swimming strokes. Lessons will primarily be taught in shallow water, but participants will practice supporting themselves in deeper water throughout the class. Session 2 runs Oct. 1-24. Choose between Tuesday/Thursday morning or evening sections. Register at the following URL by noon on Friday. Sept. 27.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

El Centro at VCU, within the Division of Inclusive Excellence, is accepting applications for a program center specialist to assist in various activities, support events and contribute to the mission of fostering Latino/e-focused scholarship, personal growth and professional development within an environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Questions? Email Anita Nadal at nadalaa@vcu.edu or the following email address. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Oswaldo Moreno at oamoreno@vcu.edu or visit http://vcu.joinhandshake.com.

The Office of the Provost announces the launch of the Convergence Labs @VCU - Mental Health. Convergence Labs @VCU is an initiative designed to advance transdisciplinary research, create virtual consortia and expand curricular and experiential learning opportunities for students. All interested full-time faculty are invited to complete the following survey form to guide next steps. Complete the form at the following URL by Friday, Sept. 20.

For more information, contact LaToya Blizzard at vpfacaffrs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/QAf9p4P51YKJe5E5A.

Help shape the future of political discourse by highlighting the importance of your personal values. Your input will reveal how values drive political identity and related processes. This study by VCU's Social Psychology and Neuroscience Lab (SPAN lab) seeks equal representation from all sides of the political spectrum. Fill out the survey at the following URL. If eligible, you will receive an email to schedule a one-hour lab session to complete computer-based tasks. Participants will receive $50.

For more information, contact Sydney Kavanaugh at kavanaughs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/bJeLuvsPu8r5mMTR6.

Do you vape? We are seeking participants between 18 to 29 years old who regularly vape to participate in a study investigating the effects of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health. We are also seeking non-users. Compensation is included.

For more information, contact Vascular and Integrative Physiology (VIP) laboratory at theviplab@vcu.edu or (804) 396-4498.

The EqCHO (Equity in Cardiovascular Health Outcomes) Lab at VCU is conducting a study on the stress experiences of young Black women. We would like to use the information gained from this study to develop a stress reduction program to improve cardiovascular health among young African American women. Resources will be provided on stress and health management. The study will take place over two consecutive weeks. Compensation is available. To check your eligibility and to sign up, visit: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KYP34XPP8J7A8JJX

For more information, contact Anika Hines at eqcholab@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5030 or visit https://eqcho.lab.vcu.edu/.