1 p.m.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans honors immigrants and children of immigrants by supporting one to two years of graduate study in any field in the United States. This informational session is geared toward juniors and seniors and early-career graduate students interested in this opportunity. Register for the webinar at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BrxME2dCRbuJzjbEJ_maHA#/registration.

11 a.m.

These sessions are aimed at students interested in a career in public service. The session will cover awards, including: Public Policy and International Affairs Program, Truman Scholarship, Obama Voyager Scholarship, Rangel Summer Enrichment Program, Congressional Black Caucus Scholarships, Hunger Fellowships, Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference, Humanity in Action scholarship, and Boren Awards. The session will be held in the National Scholarship Office Conference Room within the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St., and on Zoom (hybrid). Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHFR8U90AbJOPQ8GzWGvLSOLv6vJK-TXCHAoCF7sDCYOmnhA/viewform.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A representative from Spanish Studies Abroad (SSA) will be at the lobby tables in the University Student Commons to talk about studying abroad opportunities in Spain, Argentina, Panama and Cuba. SSA is a new partner of VCU's Global Education Office and although students can take English courses as well in such subjects such as STEM, SSA promotes Spanish language immersion through intentional cultural activities, internships, volunteering and home stays. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Julia Wells at wellsj7@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4651 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1940545.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Unwind with the brothers for a night of coloring and conversation, the perfect campfire-style activity to close out the week. Wrap up Alpha Phi Omega’s rush and build connections with potential new brothers. The event will be in the Metro Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

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

7 p.m.

Jewish Life at VCU will host a Shabbat dinner at 1003 Grove Ave. Meet new friends and connect with your Jewish roots.

For more information, contact Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://jewishvcu.org/.

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 program aimed to prepare medical students to become leaders in global health care delivery and systems strengthening in low resource settings. Register for the symposium at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah Baig at baigsa@vcu.edu 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 have 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 at the following URL to receive Auctus updates. 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://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup.

Sunday, Sep. 7, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? You're invited to attend the group's induction ceremony. Pledges have the opportunity to attend various service events, socials and retreats within the brotherhood. Upon successful completion of all requirements, pledges are initiated brothers of APO. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, dressed in business causal attire. The event will be held in Hibbs Hall, Room 403, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161.

Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). 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/.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU Psychology invites you to participate in two studies: (1) a study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging and (2) a study on how people react to fictional characters. You will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. See more details and find out if you are eligible at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erika Blair at blaire2@vcu.edu or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Pace Center is hosting a “Host Badge” training at 700 W. Franklin St. College is easier when you find a place where you belong. The Pace Host Badge Training will give you practical ways to create that sense of belonging for yourself and others. Over dinner, you’ll learn how to welcome people into a space, guide conversations and form deeper connections with the people you meet. Open to all VCU students — come as you are, leave with tools to make community wherever you go. Questions: contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Olivia Andres at andresoc@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PennyAppeal at VCU is holding its Pack-A-Bag: Body Hygiene event in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-B, 907 Floyd Ave. Participants will pack 75 care kits with essential hygiene items for members of the local homeless community. Register at the following URL. Can’t make it? Follow the group on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up with future events.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at VCU at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 at noon

Join Kathy Tossas, Ph.D., M.S., for a session hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on the Chickahominy Truth Project to learn how to align research priorities with community identified needs. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85203819986 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5OVygtbRsfd2U4AlCRpVFFmHJyd1MxihJrOYV0ZhbevE6bA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111537260593173046274.

Friday, Sep. 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the Graduate School and VCU Libraries for a monthly write-in retreat for graduate students. The event will be held in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. From noon-1 p.m., an interactive workshop will be held to provide an overview of the dissertation with a focus on tools for formatting, resources to support the process and requirements. Lunch will be provided for participants. Students are welcome to stay the whole time or just come for the workshop. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939649.

Friday, Sep. 12, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at A Ramedy Show brought to you by the Activities Programming Board. This high-energy comedy night will feature the spontaneous wit of Coalition Theatre with scenes created on the spot. The event will be in the ballrooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: Email apb@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/apb/events/ to learn more and RSVP.

For more information, contact Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris at thompkinshs@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/apb/.

Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 at noon

VCU School of Medicine invites the SOM community (students, trainees, staff, faculty, leaders, community partners) to attend the 27th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Lunch to be held in-person on the MCV campus and virtually via Zoom. This program honors outstanding faculty in the areas of teaching, humanism in medicine, professional achievement, clinical excellence and leadership in graduate medical education. The event will be held live in the Bruce Oliver Tucker Auditorium and McGlothlin Medical Education Center lobby, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/14345721.

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.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at 9:40 a.m.

Join VCU and VCU Health at this year’s Heart Walk on Saturday, Oct. 11 to help fight heart disease and stroke. Every step participants take helps fund life-saving research and honors those affected by cardiovascular disease. The walk will begin at Innsbrook North Shore Commons Lawn, 4951 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?company_id=509177&fr_id=12016&pg=company.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Education, Leadership, Policy and Justice concentration, a program designed for scholars and changemakers committed to advancing equity and transforming systems. Rooted in an urban context and grounded in social justice, this interdisciplinary program prepares leaders to critically examine the barriers to educational equity and develop innovative, research-based solutions that make a real-world impact. Questions: https://soe.vcu.edu Register for the session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/25FallELPJ.

The public comment period for the new policy draft, Acceptable Use of Generative AI Technology, is open through Thursday, Sept. 18. Review the policy and leave your comments at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DDEA28AF8F37486F69D6314D16E8EE.

Are you looking for a way to make a larger impact on the Richmond community? Rams Aging and Engaging is a student chapter that advocates for and supports the nonprofit Richmond Aging and Engaging, an organization that aims to bring community engagement and revive the aspects of everyday life to low-income communities of elderly individuals. The VCU undergraduate and graduate chapter is recruiting several officers; if interested, contact the following email address.

For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu or visit https://agingandengaging.org/about-us/.

Graduate students of all levels are encouraged to participate in the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition sponsored by the Graduate School. This competition asks students to share the impact of their research in three minutes using only one slide. Graduate students from all disciplines are eligible to participate. Students must register and submit their slides no later than Friday, Sept. 19. Preliminary rounds will take place on Monroe Park Campus the week of Sept. 22 and the finals will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 in James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Questions: Email gradprofdev@vcu.edu. Register at https://forms.gle/ALEZa4Baf2HXX96T8

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/3mt-competition/.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement is seeking students to join Student Council. Share your ideas, build leadership skills and help shape community engagement at VCU. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduET7JNgTyZ5nvIDOa65wfhBjj9Z_iqe4EkH10cOlDZfY5Aw/viewform by Tuesday, Sept. 30 at midnight.

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/students/student-engagement-council/.

Check out the September issue of the Division of Community Engagement (DCE) monthly newsletter for the latest updates and upcoming events.

For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://mailchi.mp/vcu/division-of-community-engagement-february-2025-newsletter-12896769.

Help shape the future of political discourse by highlighting the importance of your personal values. Your input will reveal how values drive political identity and related processes. This study, conducted by VCU's Department of Psychology, seeks equal representation from all sides of the political spectrum — your perspective matters. Here's what’s involved: Begin with a quick online screening questionnaire at the following URL. If qualified, you'll receive an email to schedule your 1-hour session at 916 W. Franklin St. During the session, you'll complete a series of questionnaires and computer tasks. Participants will receive $50 cash for their time. Questions? Email vcupolstudy@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Sydney Kavanaugh at kavanaughs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/mrPNCgDKaLy3YYZD7.

VCU successfully conducted a full test of the VCU Alert system on Sept. 3 at noon. This activation included all alerting technology available to notify the community of an emergency, including outdoor sirens, Alertus boxes, text messages, emails and desktop alerts. VCU's Emergency Notification, Response and Evacuation Policy is located within the VCU Policy Library, and can be found at vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DA32A63EDBD450BA5FA430535F31B3 For additional information on lockdowns, or emergency procedures on campus, visit the VCU Emergency Management website at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Emergency Management at EmergencyMGMT@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/emergency-management/.

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.

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.