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/.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive in the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All donors will receive a giveaway, plus a $15 E-Gift card to their merchant of choice. Appointments are recommended. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Johanna Adams at adamsjc4@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement for a virtual workshop with community members and partners to share their insights and lived experiences around working with VCU. The Zoom link is vcu.zoom.us/j/82913646047

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu.

2 p.m.

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

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

Join PennyAppeal for the group's first event of the semester in Virginia Rooms A-B on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Get to know the group, learn basic first aid skills with hands-on practice and make first aid kits to donate to a local elementary school. The first 10 people to arrive will receive a free first aid kit. Can't make it? Join the group on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.

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

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VSA@VCU is holding its first general body meeting of the year in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Get to know the members of the organization and the new board members. The meeting will consist of organizational updates, games and culture lessons.

For more information, contact Gracie Tran at trangr@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.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Test your knowledge in a fun round of camping-themed trivia and see if you have what it takes to be the smartest camper on the island. Come join Alpha Phi Omega brothers during rush week for a night of laughter and friendly competition. The event will be in the Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions? Contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona, membership vice president. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161 or visit https://forms.gle/PGPPUukNUdoFyv9x9.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

Looking for a part-time job this year? VCU Career Services is hosting a part-time job fair for Rams interested in student employment opportunities. Come learn about available jobs, meet off-campus employers and on-campus departments recruiting students and explore opportunities that can provide hands-on experience, relevant skill-building, professional connections and a paycheck while you are in school. The fair will be in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn more about the fair (like what employers will be there) on Handshake; and register at the following URL to receive reminders and tips.

For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/PTJobFair25.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU Academic Technologies will host a 30-minute overview of Canvas for students during Weeks of Welcome. Students will learn how to log in and navigate Canvas to complete class assignments, projects and more. Register at https://vcu.campusgroups.com/Tech/CanvasTraining/ Also, be sure to visit the Academic Technologies Group in RamsConnect for student technology resources and information.

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

Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual session with Meghan Gough, Ph.D., and Sarah Raskin, Ph.D., to learn more about the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/murp0904.

Saturday, Sep. 6, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The seventh annual ACCESS Global Health Symposium will be hosted by Edgar Rodas, M.D., and the Acute Care and Systems Strengthening in Low Resource Settings Program (ACCESS) at the VCU School of Medicine. The event will take place in the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St. ACCESS is a longitudinal, academic curriculum-based acute care program aimed to prepare medical students to become leaders in global health care delivery and systems strengthening in low resource settings. The full-day event will include lectures, interactive workshops, research presentations and networking opportunities. The theme of the event is "Sustainable and Resilient Global Health: Strategies for Thriving in an Uncertain World.” Register for the symposium at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah Baig at baigsa@vcu.edu or (571) 243-5870 or visit https://www.tixtree.com/e/7th-access-global-health-symposium-f030c2aac765.

Sunday, Sep. 7, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Auctus' September GBM to learn how to get your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about officer position openings for this year. Learn how you can be a section editor. Join RamsConnect to receive Auctus updates: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup The session will be in the Honors College multipurpose room, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://auctus.vcu.edu.

Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU Research Administrator Day will feature presentations, activities and roundtable discussions focusing on the research administrator profession and community. Register via Talent@VCU or at the following email address. Lunch will be provided. Learn more and view the detailed agenda at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The fall RABTS meeting, hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's (OVPRI) Sponsored Programs and Grants and Contracts Accounting, will include speakers and updates centered around disseminating information related to research administration and compliance issues. All individuals involved in research administration or interested are welcome to attend. Register via Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

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/.

Learn how to prevent, recognize, respond to and care for aquatic and breathing/cardiac emergencies that may occur in or around the water. Learn critical thinking and communication skills that are crucial to an effective emergency response. This course meets the requirements for lifeguard employment at many pool facilities but may not meet requirements for waterfront, waterpark or specialty facilities. The class runs Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Register 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.

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. September class dates are Sept. 14, Sept. 18 and Sept. 28. 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.

Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee paystub, join a group and receive related notifications, and more? Visit VCU Technology Services at the following URL to download the VCU Mobile app.

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

The Community Ambassador Program connects East End residents with the VCU Health Hub at 25th. Ambassadors serve as liaisons and leaders, helping to build trust, encouraging community engagement and uplifting the needs of residents. Apply by Friday, Aug. 29 at the following URL. Limited spots are available.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDI1rm-ANeE4nLQDE3a-vxycFN6qjDChr2IC1w_WE7trsVKw/viewform?usp=header.

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, VCU customer service offices will be transitioning to fully cashless payment. All payments must be made via card - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, mobile (tap) or check.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.

The doors of the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will be open starting Monday, Sept. 15 for open court Pickleball play for the fall semester. Come to the center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5 p.m. and on the weekends from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Courts are open to all VCU students, staff and faculty as well as members of the community. No equipment is needed. Questions: Visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10Vo05USr8hQJ2C4oZDrFOygOeuaD8WXs9OgacJs6z5w/edit?usp=sharing.

Be part of VCU's AYA Collective Research Team's ongoing study called ROOTED Endeavor. We're discussing racial socialization with romantically involved couples who are expecting (e.g., pregnant) a Black child. Explore how racial factors shape parenting through five virtual interviews every six months involving both parents and brief online questionnaires every three months. Compensation will be provided for every interview and every questionnaire. Ready to join? Complete the eligibility 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_3k4TWXvqDDvYd9A.

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.

This research study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. This study will be conducted 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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI, at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.