Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 from 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/.

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Graduate School will host a virtual workshop for new graduate students to share best practices, tips and strategies for effectively completing a graduate program. This session is geared for first-generation graduate students. Register on RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939621.

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Discuss the services provided by the Writing Center and learn to break your writing process into manageable chunks. 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/.

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 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations will present "Design Your Way Forward: Innovate, Adapt, Solve" via Zoom. Are you an entrepreneur thinking about starting your own business or just interested in learning more about design thinking? Wherever you are in your journey, "Design Your Way Forward" can help reframe challenges and develop innovative ideas and strategies that create real value. Through interactive activities and real-world case studies, participants will learn to identify customer pain points and transform obstacles into opportunities. This workshop is in partnership with the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation. Participants will earn an Introduction to Design Thinking digital credential through Credly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4le3Cew.

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.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

RecWell will host Rodney’s Rec Arena at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. This free Weeks of Welcome event is open to all students and will have giveaways, prizes, pizza and ice cream while supplies last. Tackle the climbing wall, play Esports, relax in the pool, learn more about VCU sport clubs and register for fall semester programs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trisha Saunders at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/recwell/rsvp_boot?id=1939366.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 at 6 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/.

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 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU Athletics will celebrate all things black and gold and kick off the 2025-26 VCU Athletics season with its annual block party at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

For more information, contact Will Hunker at hunkerw@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuathletics.com/sports/2025/7/8/RamFest%202025.aspx.

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.

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

VCU HR and Equity and Access Services are facilitating a Leadership in Action workshop for managers of university and academic professionals and classified staff. The session via Zoom is on the topic of understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the manager's role in supporting employees. Register by Monday, Aug. 25 at the following URL.

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

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at 6:05 p.m.

Rep VCU as the Flying Squirrels take on the Akron RubberDucks at The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. After the game, enjoy fireworks from inside the fences. Take advantage of this special ticket offer exclusively for the Ramily. Get your discounted tickets at the following URL. The event is sponsored by VCU's Office of Alumni Relations.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/Vcualumni7.

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/.

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/.

Vox Concordia, VCU's treble choir, is open to all VCU students who sing soprano or alto. Auditions will be held Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Wednesday, Aug. 20. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Lisa Fusco at fuscolc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/.

Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee pay stub, join a group and receive related notifications and more? VCU Technology has the perfect tool. Download the VCU Mobile app with a new look, feel and functionality, for all things VCU. Download VCU Mobile at the following URL. Questions: Email VCU IT Support Center at itsc@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Gary Garbett at garbettgl@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students and RecWell members looking to 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-health care settings. Upcoming class dates are Saturday, Aug. 30; Wednesday, Sept. 10; Wednesday, Sept. 17; Saturday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 27.

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.

VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program will host free Weeks of Welcome trips. Join OAP trip leaders for “Rodney’s Whitewater Raft RAMpage," Tuesday, Aug. 19; “Level Up and Let Go: Mindfulness Stand-Up Paddleboard," Wednesday, Aug. 20; “Rodney’s Rock Quest: RVA Rock Climb, Tuesday," Aug. 26 and “RodneyKart - River Tubing," Wednesday, Aug. 27. All trips run 2-6 p.m. and leave from campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=c7170552-f6b2-4ea1-92f0-686ea7f7cc32.

VCU Health Hub VCU,1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, is seeking a motivated student worker to support its mission in collaboration with different stakeholders to address social determinants of health. This position involves administrative responsibilities. Applicants must be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10113908/share_preview.

Peer Career Advisers (PCAs) assist and advise students during weekly drop-in advising hours with résumé and cover letter writing, job and internship searching and more. They also host presentations for classes and on-campus organizations. Participants must be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program and able to commit to the 2025-2026 school year. Apply on Handshake at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/9984702/share_preview.

Come to Weeks of Welcome events at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. Events include a Snack Attack (Monday, Aug. 18: noon-2 p.m.); free Kona Ice (Tuesday, Aug. 19: noon-while supplies last); Wellness Wednesday (Aug. 20: noon-1:30 p.m.); Back-to-School Cookout (Thursday, Aug, 21: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.); Coffee With Commuters (Monday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-midnight); Ice Cream Social (Wednesday, Aug. 27: 4-6 p.m.) and Trivia Night (Thursday, Aug. 28: 5:30-8 p.m.). For details and more events, follow @VCU_Dining on Instagram.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.campusdish.com/.

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.

Black parents, caregivers and their children (ages 8-12) are invited to share their experiences with race, family mealtimes and health through small group conversations in the Richmond area. This feedback will inform future community programming that promotes family discussions about race, nutritious meals and more. Participating caregivers and youth will receive compensation for their time and insights. If you are still interested, please contact the AYA Collective at ayaresearch@vcu.edu or complete the study screener at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shawn C.T. Jones, Ph.D., at scjones4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o4YLtcFE7mVnkq.