1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Humanities Research Center will present a work-in-progress seminar with J. Molina Garcia, Salvadoran-American media artist, writer and educator. This talk will feature a discussion of the emerging field of ufology in the context of discarded theories of animism and ancient cultural knowledge. The session will be in Room 201, Valentine House, 920 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/ufo-studies-in-realms-of-the-indigenous-and-the-aesthetic.html.

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.

1 p.m. to 3 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.

10 a.m.

Join Commonwealth Cyber Initiative's Central Virginia Node and Mircea Stan, Ph.D., for the group's online speaker series. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83072556869

For more information, contact Zahra W, Ndirangu at ndiranguzw@vcu.edu or visit http://cci-cvn.org.

12 p.m. to 1:30 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 Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Sept-17.

2 p.m.

Meet the needs of a target audience by writing strong, logical, structurally sound work. 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/.

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.

7 p.m.

Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for a free public lecture by Audalino Sac Coyoy, a Maya-K’iche professor. He will explore the web of indigenous knowledge systems and the K'iche ancestral wisdom surrounding plants and healing practices. His discussion will emphasize the interconnected relationships between people, plants and the environment, showcasing traditions that have been passed down through generations. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lavonne Cooke at cookela@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/rffy3xVsK3URGERd8.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PennyAppeal's next Pack-A-Bag event will be at 311 W. Franklin St. Help make care packages for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the organization's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or visit its RamsConnect page to keep up to date on future events.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at pennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

The first installment of the Common Book Fall 2024 Speaker Series will examine roles museums play in helping communities heal through narrative. Panelists will be from the Department of History, African-American Studies and the Valentine Museum. The session's moderator served as the former curator for the Civil War Museum in Richmond. The session 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/.

Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hang out with International Studies Program students and faculty at an INTL porch party with free food and refreshments. The School of World Studies event will be at 14 N. Laurel St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mayda Topoushian, Ph.D., at mtopoushian@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cP22Zevk9yKxoHPbTLzNyf3WsPsnZ7a9zMHKeVwTa0Q/edit.

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 at noon

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host two virtual informational sessions for prospective students to learn more about the school's graduate programs on Thursday, Sept. 19 at noon and 4 p.m. Join a session here: https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Unable to attend? Schedule a one-on-one meeting at https://calendar.app.google/rHqGgq8sUPUXZ77o6

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

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 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.

Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 at 9 a.m.

The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity is seeking volunteer Student Conduct Board members to serve on hearings. It is open to full-time faculty, staff and students. Virtual training will be offered at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, and 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 This interactive program typically takes around three hours.

For more information, contact Tracey Mullis at mullistd@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1963 or visit https://conduct.students.vcu.edu//.

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell. This meditation is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://tinyurl.com/y4hnz9j5

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

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 at noon

VCU School of Medicine invites the SOM community to attend the 26th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Lunch, to be held in person on the MCV campus and virtually via livestream. This program honors outstanding faculty in the areas of teaching, humanism in medicine, professional achievement of women in medicine, clinical excellence and leadership in graduate medical education. The event will be in Room 3-200, the Learning Theater, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/11901429.

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join faculty and staff from the VCU School of Nursing and VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation to learn about the graduate certificate program that will make it simpler for those with an interest in innovation to develop products and solutions to challenges facing the health care industry. The certificate will help students identify problems and implement solutions to foster high quality and safe, accessible health care. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Allison Schumacher at schumacheran@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Health-Care-Info-Sept-24.

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m.

Are you exploring majors or considering adding a minor? Do you want to learn more about your current major? Check out the annual Majors Fair, hosted by the Discovery Advising team. Connect with all of the majors VCU has to offer as well as various campus resources. The fair will be held in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Cathryn Coffey at ccoffey@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Patrick Nana-Sinkam, M.D., Associate Director, Career Development and Mentorship Lead for VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, will be featured at a mentoring series via Zoom. The series features senior faculty members who will offer advice, share career journeys and engage in a Q&A session. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoduqsrT4vG9y9Gy2izft0L-SRtEkZfI1z.

Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Join VCU HR to learn more about tools to set up consistent career development conversions as ongoing meetings, understand the role of the manager and the employee in career development and how to align career development with performance management, explore how career paths fit into the career development plan and career development conversations and practice conversations about career development. Sign up using the Talent@VCU link. Various upcoming sessions are available 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%253dc6308454-a7bf-41e4-8e05-26ed0fbbc9fa.

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.

Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Come stomp, hop and kick to the dabke at an Arab folk dance workshop with Samar Abushkheidem in Room 1102, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. The event will be hosted by VCU's School of World Studies, Middle East and Islamic Studies Minor. Henna and more will be featured.

For more information, contact Mayda Topoushian, Ph.D., at mtopoushian@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 26, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Roy Sabo, Ph.D., associate professor, biostatistics, will discuss how to establish an early collaboration with a biostatistician and how the relationship can benefit your research project. Register for the virtual seminar hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at the following URL. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu,edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdOmrpz8sHNMn1oYUooRQSil1wX7GP9xy.

Monday, Sep. 30, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

During this open forum, faculty will have an opportunity to provide input and insights on the final report submitted by the Assessing Teaching Effectiveness Committee. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK6QK__cU4_pIRCgcylET-aadTHXgyAAXmmEQzcgcIOs8-yQ/viewform Register for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Susan Coombes at scoombes@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/task-forces--committees/assessing-teaching-effectiveness-committee/.

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Learn how to lead real change in the VCU doctor of education leadership program. The School of Education doctoral program offers engaging and collaborative learning designed for working professionals leading in a variety of organizations, including K12, higher education, nonprofit and public sectors. 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/EdDFall24.

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 at the 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.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/xKujsnRGjgTy9vxg9.

The VCU RecWell group exercise team is hosting yoga day on Wednesday, Sept. 18 to celebrate World Gratitude Day. The day will be filled with special group exercise classes to celebrate the physical, mental and spiritual practice of yoga. Classes will include exploration of movement, meditation and unity of mind and body and a celebration of gratitude. Registration opens 24 hours before each class. Sessions are open to VCU students and RecWell members. The event will be at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Nadine Madison at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=9cae168f-1f3a-4f14-a777-ce5844c767e0.

Table massage is an effective way to support a healthy and active lifestyle, alleviate stress and muscle tension and aid in injury rehabilitation. RecWell’s licensed massage therapists will discuss individual needs and provide a personalized treatment plan. Massages are available to VCU students, RecWell members and faculty/staff non-members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at massage@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/massage-therapy/.

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 Honors College is seeking outstanding students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The ideal candidate will be a first-or-second-year student with a cumulative GPA above a 3.5. Complete the form at the following URL to refer a student to Honors.

For more information, contact Emily Thompson at honors@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/DFEBQ3X9wUhb7Knu5.

Questions about searching for an on-campus job or updating your résumé? Unsure of where to start when looking for an internship? Meet with a peer career adviser at VCU Career Services - no appointment needed. Drop-ins are available Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu.

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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat (infrared sauna) and cold (cold water immersion) therapy on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten, Ph.D., at rsgarten@vcu.edu.