10 a.m. to 11 a.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/.

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Curious about what the new University College is all about? Come to the Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. for hands-on activities, casual convos and a fun way to meet other students and staff. No RSVP needed — just drop in when you can.

For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU Academic Technologies will host three live, online 30-minute overviews of Canvas via Zoom for students during Weeks of Welcome. Students will learn how to log in and navigate Canvas to complete class assignments, projects and more. Sessions will be on Wednesdays, Aug. 20, Aug. 27 and Sept. 3. Register at the following URL in VCU RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Jana Avery at jcavery@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/Tech/CanvasTraining/.

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Take a look behind the scenes of VCU's grad program in advertising and branding. The session will break down the application process, the program's four creative concentrations (art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy) and give participants a look at what life is really like as a Brandcenter student. The session will also include the industry careers Brandcenter grads go on to and how the program can help you get there. Register for the session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-august-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Graduate School invites graduate students who are new to the Richmond region to attend a virtual workshop to learn about Richmond's history and to become engaged city residents. This workshop is designed to introduce students who are not from the region to opportunities beyond campus. Register in RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939521.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 from 8 a.m. to noon

VCU's Graduate School invites graduate students to attend Richmond's largest farmer's market at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road. This is an opportunity for students who are new to the area to connect with local artists, farmers and vendors. Stop by the Graduate School table to learn about professional development opportunities and grab some swag. Register in RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939124.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 at 5 p.m.

VCU's Student Alumni Council will host an ice cream social in the Richmond Salons III, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Discover the opportunities and experiences the council offers, make new friends, ask questions and learn how to become involved. (Dairy-free options will be available.) RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/studentalumnicouncil/rsvp_boot?id=1938835.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 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.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kick off the new semester with purpose at the WOW Service Event. Connect with VCU and the Richmond community and be a part of something bigger. Package meals at the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/VCUAugust26

For more information, contact Kelsey Jones at jonesk66@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/rsvp_boot?id=1938947.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

VCU School of Medicine ACCESS Global Health Program will present Mark Shrime, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., FACS, a surgeon and former chief medical officer of Mercy Ships, editor-in-chief of BMH Global Health and lecturer in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University. The presentation will be in the auditorium of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E Marshall St.

For more information, contact ACCESS Program at accessprogram@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU HR is facilitating a series of Leadership in Action workshops via Zoom for managers of university and academic professionals and classified staff. The next session will cover understanding and complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Register by Monday, Aug. 25 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/mufz3ys.

Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute and the Hume-Lee Transplant Center invite all VCU/VCU Health faculty, staff, their families and friends to join the Liver Life walk on Oct. 5. The walk will be at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road. Sign up to participate before free pre-registration ends on Thursday, Aug. 21. (A registration fee of $20 will be charged after that date.) Register to walk with the “UnStoppable VCU Livers” and donate at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tierra Yuille at Tierra.Yuille@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.

Increase your technical skills and become more marketable to employers with Fundamentals of Computing, a four-course certification program. This program introduces programming, web development, data analytics and cybersecurity. Earn a Capital CoLab Digital Credential as well. If you want more in-depth technical skills, consider adding a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science to your degree program. It complements most degree programs and may not add any time to your degree program: https://egr.vcu.edu/future-students/first-year/undergraduate-degrees/computer-science-bachelors/. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Budwell at ccbudwell@vcu.edu or (904) 937-8111 or visit https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/computer-science/academics/cs-fundamentals/.

The Student Alumni Council is accepting applications for membership. Develop friendships with like-minded peers who value leadership, philanthropy and community. The council offers hands-on, real-world experience in planning events, connecting with alumni and supporting the entire VCU community. Apply at the following URL by Thursday, Sept. 4.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcualumni.org/students/student-alumni-council/.

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/.

Looking for a welcoming way to become involved on campus? Join a VCU Choir this fall. Make music, make friends and be part of something meaningful. Open to all majors. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359, CRN 29766) No audition required. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358, CRN 29770) is an advanced mixed choral ensemble. Audition required. Vox Concordia (APPM 378, CRN 32996) is an advanced treble choral ensemble. Audition required.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/.

VCU RecWell offers swim lessons for children ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified Water Safety Instructors under the American Red Cross program. The lessons focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 1: Saturday mornings from Sept. 6-27. Register at the following URL by by Friday, Sept. 5.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.

RecWell’s Weightlifting 101 is a beginner-friendly class for individuals looking to build strength and confidence in the gym. Experienced and welcoming instructors will teach the fundamentals of weightlifting, including proper form, technique and safety measures to ensure a fun and injury-free workout. Classes will be Tuesday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 2, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration closes Monday, Aug. 25. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=ee81b025-a172-4470-b8c9-199992eca3cf.

FERPA affords students the rights to inspect and review educational records; request that records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading be corrected; provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for notifying the university community that it does not release nonpublic information about VCU students. This information is used and shared in a limited and carefully controlled manner. It is not disclosed, except as permitted by law, unless authorized by the student.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

The VCU Family Cultural Exchange program provides Richmond community members and international students and scholars the opportunity to develop cross-cultural relationships that stimulate curiosity, increase cultural understanding and provide insight into a world beyond personal perspectives. FCE families meet up with their assigned international students at least once a month to participate in activities, family events, or local exploration. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or (919) 816-5318 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/fface/.

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.