1 p.m.

The Weeks of Welcome workshop will feature examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, to give you the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will welcome Rams back to campus at its WOW 25 event. Stop by GEO's table on the Shafer side of the Compass to learn more about going beyond the Compass while at VCU. Winter break 2025 and spring break 2026 faculty-led programs will also be featured. At the event, chat with faculty leaders and previous participants.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1938931.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This workshop will cover the various functions within Canvas and in a course shell. Authenticate into Zoom meeting using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18528 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82626850189

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

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The event, hosted by Ivy Bell, VCU Health Hub’s certified community health worker, will be at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The Hub Club is a wellness group which offers participants the opportunity to share stories, listen to music, practice mindfulness and build connections. Hub Club is held every second and fourth Tuesday.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs will be offered at the VCU Health Hub,1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The event will include tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

In preparation for implementation of the new IRB system (VIRBs), the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP)/IRB will hold a VIRBs open lab for the research community. The labs will include VIRBs real-time practice and Q&A sessions. Several lab sessions will be held through August. A complete schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required. Labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during the sessions. A Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the labs schedule. Join the lab at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89679536817

For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/human-research/hrppirb/virbs/.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various functions within Canvas and in a course shell. Authenticate into Zoom meeting using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18529 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82041491388 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

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

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 at 3 p.m.

Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. You must register to attend the overview session. ​Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 824-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Calling all transfer heroes. Whether you're arriving from a community college or another university galaxy, VCU Transfer Con is the ultimate welcome event at which you are the main character. Come for a jam-packed event filled with games, power-up stations (food and drink) and an opportunity to connect with fellow transfer crusaders. So gear up and get ready to unlock your full Ram potential. This is your origin story - make it legendary. The event will be in the University Student Commons Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1349 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939592.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This course will cover the various assignments configurable in Canvas, as well as an overview of the Canvas quiz engine. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18531 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=84009666535 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

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

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Pell grant recipients interested in studying abroad are encouraged to join VCU Global Learning at the bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. This workshop will cover award eligibility (this award is for Pell grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. This hybrid session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers (907 Floyd Ave.) or online at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83404195719

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1938799.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 at noon

The Graduate School will host VCU's Three-Minute Thesis Competition. All graduate students are welcome to participate in this unique event that challenges entrants to explain their research in three minutes using only one static slide. Learn how students can participate in the competition at a virtual informational session. Register on RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939753.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will provide an overview of how to create, edit and manage Kaltura media inside and outside a Canvas course. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18535 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81840766456

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

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18533 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is hhttps://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81069266326 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

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

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 at 6 p.m.

VCU History Department's Society of the Cincinnati Annual Lecture will be "Dam-Breaking: The Arms Trade and American Revolutions." Historian Brian DeLay, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, will discuss the history and complexity of the arms trade in the independence era of 1775–1825 and the consequences for those who supplied the weapons that made the revolution a success. A reception will follow the lecture, which will be in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. The event is free and open to all. RSVP at https://forms.gle/df62iSkhKmBw1Au39

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/dam-breaking-the-arms-trade-and-american-revolutions.html.

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18534 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89479731516 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

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

Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Come to The Faculty Connect at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, to explore current programming and collectively envision how VCU’s teaching, research and resources can align with community-identified needs for mutual benefit. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGQNPpMiWa8CiCOanfeyrCR3xslc7VQOabCLoWwwItqxlxdA/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

The Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor the 12th annual National Conflict Resolution Day event. "Navigating Difficult Situations in a Moving Landscape" is this year's theme. The event will feature a keynote address from nationally known conflict resolution practitioners, strategies for managing conflict and an interactive dialogue with those in attendance. The event will be held in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://ombudsperson.vcu.edu/events/national-conflict-resolution-day/.

The Rams Scholarship Hub is a centralized, searchable VCU database managed by Student Financial Services and Development and Alumni Relations for students to view scholarship opportunities available and offered through various VCU colleges, schools and departments. Sign in with your EID, complete the general application, receive a match and search for new opportunities.

For more information, contact VCU Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.academicworks.com/.

If you or someone you know at VCU is struggling with food access, you may qualify for government assistance. Masters of Social Work Interns with the VCU Basic Needs Program have put together a step-by-step slideshow on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for VCU students - what the benefits are, who qualifies and instructions on how to apply.

For more information, contact Tamara Abahazy at abahazytk@vcu.edu or (757) 846-5249 or visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAGt6MUz_Z0/8frcp2G_6NynhBFxjbxR-A/view?utm_content=DAGt6MUz_Z0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h93c7019e5c.

This class is for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. In order to enroll, participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate or be within 30 days of expiration. Proof of certification must be submitted to the instructor prior to participation in the review. The course will be held Oct. 25-26 at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Register by Friday, Oct. 17 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=2ce927aa-e031-40e6-b64c-d3a8ac5d6876.

There are many ways to teach and engage with the Honors College community - from full courses to miniterm courses and even offering a small set of seats in an existing course. Proposals for Spring 2026 are currently being accepted.

For more information, contact Anthony Burnham at burnhamaj@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/for-faculty/teach-honors/.

To support students in making informed academic decisions, the pass/fail and withdrawal date will be extended by one week beginning in Fall 2025. This change provides students with an additional week to evaluate their progress in the course and make a plan with their academic adviser or academic coach to successfully complete the course or withdraw if necessary. Appointments for advising, coaching and financial aid can be made at: go.vcu.edu/nav

For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu or visit https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/.

VCU Human Resources is offering four free flu shot clinics for VCU employees from mid-September to mid-October. COVID-19 shots will also be available for those who want them. Appointments can be made through the HR appointment scheduler, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit the following website for times, locations and other details. Stay strong and healthy.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.

Applications are now being accepted by the Fall 2025 Grant Academy of the Division of Research Development of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). This professional development program assists faculty investigators in crafting successful funding proposals. It is available to faculty from all disciplines with concrete project ideas who have identified an opportunity within 12 months. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 15. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at strawdermamm@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/training/grant-academy/.

Neuro at VCU Club is surveying VCU students to gauge who would potentially be interested in a neuroscience major being brought to the university. The organization is currently working with the group's adviser to see if more undergraduate neuroscience courses, a concentration in neuroscience or a major in neuroscience is possible. Interested? Fill out the form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Faith Parker at parkerfe@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/rCzRv4ZoZ1d83bt2A.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

Medical providers — all who work in clinical settings — are invited to take a brief, 25-minute survey. The goal is to better understand provider perspectives on occupational stress related to policy changes or practices. The survey is completely confidential and individual input will help inform future health care practices. Enter a raffle to win one of six $100 charitable donations to a philanthropic organization in the Richmond area. To participate, go to https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO

For more information, contact Julie Suyama, M.D., Ph.D. at Julie.Suyama@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO.