11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Discover the latest technology tips and tricks while filling your bag with treats. Join the university's Technology Services for the annual VCU Tech Fair today, Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This free event is open to all students, faculty and staff. No registration is required. Pick up tech tips, tricks and treats from university IT staff. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the VCU tech community and enjoy some Halloween fun! Can’t make it today? IT will also be hosting this event on the MCV campus tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St.

For more information, contact Technology Services at tsengage@vcu.edu or visit https://techfair.vcu.edu/.

12 p.m. to 12:45 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 VCU's daVinci Center. The session will also include the center's programs in product innovation and venture creation, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans. Questions: Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or the following email address.

For more information, contact VCU da Vinci Center Undergraduate Info Session at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-Oct-30.

3 p.m.

Join a Teaching and Learning Librarian for a workshop about navigating library databases and forming search strategies. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Naomi Hodge-Muse, working with Christopher A. Brooks, Ph.D., recounts stories from her family history, starting with her great-great-grandmother, Amy, through her extended family and their rural life. This family story represents a microcosm of the African American experience in southern Virginia from the mid-19th century to the present. The event will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1102, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher A. Brooks at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/PXpnc9AiR9AP3mkK8.

4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center's Migration Studies Lab for a screening of the award-winning ethnographic film "A Thousand Pines," followed by a virtual Q&A with director and anthropologist Noam Osband. "A Thousand Pines" shows the lives of migrants who depend on the controversial guest worker visa program and follows a crew of workers from Oaxaca, Mexico over the course of a season planting trees throughout the United States. The film will be shown in Room 2104, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/a-thousand-pines-film-screening-and-director-qa.html.

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join the Department of Political Science for an expert election panel hosted by William W. Newmann, Ph.D. POLI faculty will answer questions and offer perspectives about the upcoming election. The event will be in Room 1107, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega and the American Red Cross will co-host a blood drive in the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free food will be provided (while supplies last) by VCU Catering. Each donor will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card. Appointments are recommended. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: vcu to schedule an appointment or click on the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexia Jennings at jenningsac@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m.

Come create fall-themed cards for Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) senior communities. Refreshments will be served. This is a drop-in event at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. No registration is required. Come for 10 minutes or two hours.

For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Graphic Design will host Sam Lavigne, who will present as part of the department's Objects and Methods Lecture Series. Lavigne is an artist and educator whose practice deals with data, surveillance, cops, natural language processing and automation. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Synthetic Media and Algorithmic Justice at the Parsons School of Design in New York. The lecture will be in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Doors open at noon. A Q&A will follow. The lecture is free and open to all.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu.

Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join community members, organizations and VCU faculty, staff, students and alumni for a day of learning, networking and skill-building. Connect 2024 offers insights into community engagement approaches to health equity and features interactive design activities to inspire future collaborations that address community needs. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/E1kHN95pQLmDoevv6.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Learn about a doctoral program that offers engaging and collaborative learning designed for working professionals leading in a variety of organizations, including higher education, K-12, nonprofit and public sectors. This informational session via Zoom will provide an overview of VCU's Ed.D. in Leadership, space for Q&A about the program and application requirements and an opportunity to engage with current students. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/2EddFall24.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Do you have a passion for applied mathematics and an interest in improving human health? Join members of VCU's Department of Biostatistics for an online informational session. An overview of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs will be shared and the application process will be reviewed. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kate Huck, education coordinator, at huckk@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/3yw85xvk.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center will feature a talk by Wendy Chun as part of its Technology Humanities Speaker Series. In this talk, Chun will explore how fundamental concepts and axioms within critical theory and natural language processing intersect: from the notion that value stems from difference to the mapping of latent and manifest spaces. The talk will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/speaker-series/humanities-and-ai-large-language-models-and-the-returns-of-critical-theory.html.

Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Faculty well-being involves balancing life and work. Faculty must be intentional in finding this balance, assessing time use and engaging in self-care; even as we focus on caring for the family, the patient and the student. This interactive session will explore faculty well-being and the role of the institution in developing a culture of well-being. The event will be in Richmond Salon II, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at https://forms.gle/MYWnbig9cNNozcqUA

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/professional-development/upcoming-and-past-events/.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at 11 a.m.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute will host informational sessions on Nov. 12 and Nov. 20, both at 11 a.m., for the VCU Leadership Development Program. Join the Zoom meeting at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2jRAxpWSja1Gtbyg7.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon

Participants will review identities, terminology and pronoun inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ community at this workshop facilitated by Side By Side. The event, at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will also identify relevant Virginia laws and policies and their impact on the current landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals, define advocacy, identify best practices and build strategies for implementation in daily life. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/170/1731510000000.

Due to crane placement, all lanes on West Franklin Street between Ryland Street and Nort Harrison Street will be closed from 9-10 a.m. today, Oct. 31. Signage will be posted to direct traffic.

For more information, contact Jainee Robinson at robinsonjr3@vcu.edu.

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students, RecWell members, non-member faculty/staff and the Richmond community. Learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training in non-healthcare settings. Early November class dates are Saturday, Nov. 2, Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 9. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.

As an employee of VCU, you have access to the VCU Discounts marketplace. This newly re-envisioned compilation of all VCU employee discounts is your one-stop shop for exclusive savings on products, services and experiences, with new deals added when available. Make the most of your money and enjoy the many rewards that come from your employment at VCU. Within 24 hours after registering the employee will receive an email with a promo code to save even more. And it's free. Register today.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at worklife@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.savings.workingadvantage.com/.

The VCU School of Education's Child Development Center is currently enrolling children ages 16 months-5 years old.

For more information, contact Tessa NeSmith at nesmithtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7377.

Join HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Nov. 4-8, Monday-Friday, to celebrate HOSA Week with daily events focused on giving back, appreciating the community and building the future of the organization. Each day brings a new opportunity to connect, reflect and make an impact. For more information, check out @vcuhosa on Instagram or email the following address.

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

VCU professors are requested to team up for a safer campus by joining the Safe Dating Movement. Beginning Monday, Nov. 4, VCU's Survivor Support Services is offering classroom takeovers focused on safe dating, preventing domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault. Survivor Service representatives will bring empowering information, resources and prizes to equip students with essential skills for healthy relationships. Presentations are about 20 minutes. Email myoptions@vcu.edu to be a part of this movement.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at myoptions@vcu.edu or (317) 908-9617 or visit https://counseling.vcu.edu/about/survivor-support-services-staff/.

McKenzie Green, Ph.D., is leading a research study titled Project D.R.E.A.M.S. (Daily Racial Experiences Among Multiracial-Black Students). This study aims to explore the relationship between racial stress and well-being for Multiracial-Black students (one Black parent and one non-Black parent), The research involves completing surveys and we are seeking Multiracial-Black individuals aged 13 to 24 in the U.S. to participate. Check eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Aya Caballero at caballeroa2@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/.

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.