3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join 450-plus student organizations, community organizations and university departments for the annual Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities (SOVO) Fair in Monroe Park. Don't miss this opportunity to explore VCU's student organizations and volunteer opportunities. Meet new people at the largest student organization event of the year and learn how to become involved on campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938938.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come for snow cones, tie-dye, giveaways, games and more. The College of Humanities and Sciences is hosting a block party that you don’t want to miss. The event will be on Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/welcome-back/.

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/shabbat-dinner.

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU Benefits will host Voya for an on-campus day dedicated to helping you plan for your financial future. Meet with a Voya representative at Lindsey House, 600 W. Franklin St., for a personalized consultation to discuss your retirement goals, investment options and more. Reach out directly to Voya at the followoing URL to set up your one-on-one consultation.

For more information, contact Kelvin Allen at allenkt@vcu.edu or visit https://dcp.varetire.org/education/dc-plans-specialists.

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 at 6 p.m.

Celebrate Shabbat and wrap up the week with your favorite people in your favorite place with the Jewish VCU Cholent Club at 1003 Grove Ave. Kick back with a bowl of hot cholent, cold drinks and board games.

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

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 at 8 p.m.

VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences will host a film screening of "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan at the Ram's Horns in the University Student Commons Plaza. Free food, giveaways and raffle prizes will be available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/462b5c4.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

You think the multiverse is complex? Try the world of money. Feeling overwhelmed by your VCU bill? Wondering how you can pay it? Join the Student Financial Management Center and the Office of First and Second Year Experiences for a Financial Wellness Workshop where we'll break down your expenses and help you create a clear, manageable plan for paying for college. We're here to support you every step of the way so you can focus on your studies with confidence. Register on RamsConnect to join virtually or join in person in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and grab a slice of free pizza. Questions? Contact fyesye@vcu.edu. Limit on in-person attendance to 60, no limit to those attending virtually.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors talk with Andrew Crislip, chair of the Department of History at VCU and author of “Ascetic Passions: Emotions in Early Christian Egypt.” Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/meet-vcu-authors/what-does-a-religion-feel-like-thoughts-on-emotion-in-early-christianity.html.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Jewish VCU will host a barbecue at 1003 Grove Ave. Meet new friends, catch up with old ones and connect with the Jewish community on campus. Expect great music, delicious food and the kind of energy you can only find at the start of the year.

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

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 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=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.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Graduate School invites interested faculty, staff and students to hear from a diverse panel of graduate students who will share their insights, experiences and advice for success in a graduate program. Whether you are a new graduate student or considering a graduate program, this session will help you consider your approach for completing your journey. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939622.

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.

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 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/.

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.

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.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the Ph.D. program in Health Services Organization and Research at a virtual informational session. Meet program faculty and learn about admissions and funding. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/iJTj7RuLvDGusWGRA.

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.

Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

VCU's Office of Health Initiatives is seeking undergraduate students interested in health sciences or health-related careers to join the Student Advisory Committee. This committee develops student leaders through monthly meetings focused on professional development, community health and the social drivers of health, with special attention to Richmond’s history and its impact on health outcomes. Join us for a virtual information session via Zoom. Sign up to attend through this Google Form link: https://forms.gle/oTi8ork4jzA3JCBC6

For more information, contact Nyvia (Niv-E-Uhh) Taylor at taylornj4@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The Institute for Transformative Leadership (ITL) is calling on all VCU and VCU Health faculty and staff to level up their leadership skills by joining the Transformative Leadership Fall 2025 Cohort Program starting Tuesday, Sept. 9 and Wednesday, Sept. 10. This free, seven-week Zoom-based series offers practical leadership principles that can be applied in your work and personal lives all through a supportive community. Go to https://tinyurl.com/ITLfall25cohort for more information and to sign up.

For more information, contact ITL Team at itl@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/centers-institutes-and-labs/institute-for-transformative-leadership/.

In this post, Collaboration Services covers Google Workspace features released this past spring and summer, discuss phishing incidents and more. See the post at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/08/19/welcome-to-the-fall-2025-semester-at-vcu-important-tips-and-news/.

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/.

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.

Test It. Tweak It. Shift It. The Shift Retail Lab's Shelfie Program helps makers scrutinize, display and improve their ideas in a real-world setting. It’s designed to help participants figure out what works (and what doesn’t) by putting your work to the test. It’s not about being polished, it’s about showing up, getting real feedback and learning by doing. Become a Shelfie today. The first cohort application deadline Wednesday, Sept. 3 at noon. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G7DCG7ETvYgFfc7FFBNp9z2sn6eub7Rdchv6wB1gh90/viewform?edit_requested=true.

Missing your dog at home? Looking for a volunteer opportunity to make a difference? Learn about becoming involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU to raise and train future guide dogs. Check out the group's Instagram: @gebatvcu for more information, and come for a visit at the SOVO fair on Friday, Aug. 22.

For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu.

Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science at VCU will host two webinars (Monday, Aug. 25 at noon-1 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 5-6 p.m.) to discuss their Translational Science Pilot Grant funding mechanism. Faculty researchers are eligible and may apply for up to $25,000 to fund their projects. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 3. Register at the following URLs: Aug. 25 - https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/WomISvZ2R6ajAznDt-4p9Q Sept. 3 - https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/cYzAn7PWSyCpjZ78GePKnw

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/support/funding/translational-science-pilot-grants/.

Rams in Recovery is accepting applications for the Recovery Scholars program for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Sponsored by the Opioid Abatement Authority, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Anthem Foundation, this program provides a scholarship connected to support for students in recovery.

For more information, contact Lauren Powell at recovery@vcu.edu or visit https://recovery.vcu.edu/scholarships/.

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/.

The Honors College invites faculty and community partners to participate in its Berglund Seminar and Challenging Conversations series. The purpose of the series is to generate meaningful discussions and debates outside the classroom. If interested in speaking or presenting, contact Anthony Burnham at the following email address or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Anthony Burnham at burnhamaj@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news/berglund-seminar-series/.

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.

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.