12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Overwhelmed by upcoming midterms? Join the Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge in Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 5116, to develop a study plan and receive tips on studying.

For more information, contact Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge at FILL@vcu.edu or visit https://fi.vcu.edu/resources-for-students/the-focused-inquiry-learning-lounge/.

2 p.m.

Join students for a Bible study on Mondays at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Members of the group will read scripture, discuss and pray with one another. All are welcome. Light snacks are provided. Pace events are open and affirming of LGBTQ+ people.

For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a screening and discussion with former HRC Karenne Wood Artist in Residence Ethan Brown, Pamunkey Nation, who will premiere his new documentary, "Pamunkey Portrait," in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The screening will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. 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/co-sponsored/ethan-brown-pamunkey-portrait-screening.html.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Students from VCU Qatar will be joining SGA today in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu.

4:30 p.m.

Join the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs for an evening of storytelling, cultural sharing and (of course) delicious food, featuring E-Loteria. The event will have E-Loteria’s culinary team sharing their family journey, culinary roots and cultural traditions from Zacatecas, Mexico. Through storytelling, photos and conversation, participants will learn how food carries memory and meaning across generations. Students will have the opportunity to savor flavors, with a tasting experience featuring sample-sized portions of authentic dishes prepared by E-Loteria, reflect on their own “food memories” and connect in community. The event, to be in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., is open to all VCU students, faculty and staff. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Brown at omsa@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1941325.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Explore how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. 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, Oct. 14, 2025 at 2 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series workshop: Chicago Manual of Style. Whatever camp you may find yourself in, join the session for a crash course in The Chicago Manual of Style and learn how to make this format work best for you. 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, Oct. 14, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Hosted by Ivy Bell, VCU Health Hub’s Certified Community Health Worker, the Hub Club (1330 N. 25th St., Suite A) is a welcoming, wellness group where those who attend can share stories, enjoy music, practice mindfulness and build real connections. Join a session every second and fourth Tuesday for a shared space to recharge, reflect and belong,

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Brandcenter applications for fall 2026 are open. Want to learn more about the No. 1 grad school in advertising and branding? Come to this virtual informational session and chat about the program, its four concentrations (art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy) and admissions. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Join the history department for a lecture by Julia Young, Ph.D., historian of migration, Mexico and Latin America, and Catholicism at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She will discuss the legacy of the Martyrs of the Cristero War. The talk will will be free and open to all. The lecture will be at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. A reception with free food will follow. An RSVP is required at https://forms.gle/XFFEFCSw5KFeMKQV6

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/the-greer-lecture-in-latin-american-history-series-presents-time-traveling-saints.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A farmer's market will be held in the plaza of the University Student Commons. Take a break from classes or the office and enjoy your favorite local produce and vendors.

For more information, contact Carole Dowell at dowellc2@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Join VCU Toastmasters spring open house to learn how Toastmasters can help improve your public speaking and build leadership skills. The meeting will be at the School of Engineering, West Hall, Room 106, 601 W. Main St. and also available via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82921531244

For more information, contact Eileen Truax at etruax@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcutoastmasters.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Come shop for free career clothing at a pop-up shop co-hosted by the Suit Yourself Closet, the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication and the Public Relations Student Society of America at VCU. The Suit Yourself Closet of VCU Career Services offers free, gently used career/professional/workplace clothing to VCU students. The event will be at the T. Edward Temple Building, Room 2221A, 901 W. Main St. Show a valid student ID and you will be able to take — and keep — up to six items. Bring a reusable bag. Check out the event on Handshake for more information.

For more information, contact Suit Yourself Closet at suityourself@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1841342/share_preview.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at 3 p.m.

This online workshop, led by the Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (FILL), will show you how to save texts as PDFs and introduce a system of note-taking using free annotation software. 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, Oct. 15, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Interested in studying abroad? Nichole Dorton and John Fife, Ph.D., are leading a group to southern Bahia, Brazil, this spring break to learn about Education in a Cultural Context. Questions: Visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11747 Register for this virtual informational session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309 or visit https://forms.gle/sKp1ABoLjSRHZFMk8.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at 6 p.m.

VCU's School of Public Health will host a Master of Public Health virtual informational session. Learn more about the program, now offered both online and in-person. Questions: https://sph.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gB4FxPapRCWprABO8wrSXQ.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

STEM in Art will present the fourth event of the semester with molecular bead bracelet making. Learn about DNA, proteins and chemical compounds and then create your very own wearable molecular bracelet to take home. All materials and snacks are free. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ezran Muganda at mugandaer@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at 7 p.m.

VCU Libraries' annual comic arts contest - offering up to $1,000 in prize money - is under way. Register at the following URL. The Zoom link for the session will be emailed following registration. Questions: Email LibJurgen@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://jamesbranchcabell.library.vcu.edu/cabell-at-vcu/jurgen-comics-contest/.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.

This interactive workshop will familiarize participants with the required components for a laboratory report and explore the essential elements of a lab report across various scientific disciplines. 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/.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Do you have one hour a week to make a difference in a child’s life? Richmond Public Schools is looking for volunteers at VCU and across the city to serve as Reading Buddies for its elementary students. Reading Buddies listen to students read and encourage their progress, help build their confidence and love of reading and be a consistent, positive role model. No teaching experience needed ... just patience, encouragement and a passion for helping kids succeed. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/rydn/.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid education? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at our information session. Questions: Visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/portal/soeinfosessions Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina L. Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or (571) 294-4115 or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/RTROct16th.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 6 p.m.

College of Humanities and Sciences and VCU Arts are co-hosting the Wilton House Lecture Series featuring VCU History alum William Strollo, History 2008. Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence is a collaborative exhibition between the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive and the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum. This exhibition centers the experiences of Black craftspeople, illuminating their journey toward autonomy. The lecture will be at Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road. Use promo code: SupportVCU to receive a free ticket to the event. Tickets can be found at https://app.theauxilia.com/registrationEvent/14b18e7f-a159-43e1-b699-7cb09958a71b

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at jonesa61@vcu.edu or visit https://app.theauxilia.com/Event/fighting_for_freedom_black_craftspeople_and_the_p.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a Write-on-Site event on Reading Day at the Writing Center, Room 4203, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Writing consultants will be available for writing questions and drop-in sessions. You can also use our quiet space to work on your own midterm assignments in the company of your peers. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

The VCU Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will present a series of events related to Mobility Justice. Friday, Oct. 17 - GRTC Grocery Ride: Meet at the Raleigh Building at 5:30 p.m. for a trip to Lidl. Along the way we will discuss the ups and downs of Richmond's public transit system. Wednesday, Nov. 12 - Bus to Campus Day: Take the GRTC, Pulse or Ram Bus to campus and get swag from GRTC.

For more information, contact Emily Schreer at schreeree@vcu.edu or (914) 584-2898.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU University Counseling Survivor Support Services will host a Lunch and Learn in the Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Find out about the services, programming and education offered by the organization. Lunch will be provided. Registation is limited and required. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1941436

For more information, contact Tameika McCoy at tmccoy5@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5539 or visit https://survivorsupport.vcu.edu/.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for its first event in Humanities Week. Scott Muir of the National Humanities Alliance will discuss how innovative applied humanities programs make the pragmatic value of humanities knowledge and skills clearer than ever. The event will be in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. 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/humanities-week/applied-humanities-solving-problems-and-equipping-for-careers.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites faculty to Advancing Scholarship Through Community Engagement, an in-person workshop at the Scott House, Rooms 202 and 204, 909 W. Franklin St. Lunch will be provided. Learn from VCU faculty who have transformed their community engagement into scholarship and take part in small group discussions to explore strategies for your own work. Register at https://forms.gle/kMLFxdTqoLv8R1Tm9

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/training/.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Health Professions Organization will host the event in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Health Professions Organization members will help those who attend to polish their professional profile and guide in networking through LinkedIn.

For more information, contact Dylan Abaidoo at abaidooda@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

The Fall Internship and Career Fair will be held in the Richmond Salons on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. For career fair tips, pre-register on Handshake - reserve your spot today by clicking "Join Event." Connecting with organizations to explore potential careers or looking for part-time or full-time jobs, internships, volunteering or international experiences? We've got that! Or network with organizations seeking part-time or full-time employees.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/65c1ada8-c531-4359-99f0-9177f9eaa903/student_preview.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Connect Conference is back. The Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites students, faculty and staff to the 2025 Connect Conference, where community voices, scholarship and innovation come together to build connections. Participants will learn skills and principles of community engagement, see partnerships in action and engage in design activities to support future collaborations that meet community needs. The conference will be in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register for free at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/z3TfbFwBu6HRDqJE6.

Today, Tuesday, Oct. 14, the James Branch Cabell Library stop will be closed for the biannual Food Truck Fest. During this time, RamsXpress riders will use a temporary stop at Floyd and Cherry streets. Signage will be posted to alert riders of these changes.

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

This is an open call for all faculty/staff/students and Richmond community members interested in reading for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. The award honors an exceptional debut novel published during the preceding calendar year. Entries are currently being received for the 2026 award and your help is needed to begin reading and reviewing submissions. This is a unique volunteer opportunity to get your hands on new and exciting books and to contribute your voice to the judging process. Questions: Email cabellfn@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Hana Rehman at cabellfn@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.

This class is for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. In order to enroll, participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate or be within 30 days of expiration. Proof of certification must be submitted to the instructor prior to participation in the review. The course will be held Oct. 25-26 at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Register by Friday, Oct. 17 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.

Are you interviewing for or have you accepted an off-campus spring internship that is unpaid and/or based in Virginia? Are you concerned about costs? Check out VCU's Internship Funding Program at the following URL and apply by Nov. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, contact Jeanette Hickl at jwhickl@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/internshipfundingprogram.

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment at the Cary Street Gym fitness center (101 S. Linden St.), and how RecWell members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Orientations are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-1 p.m. at Cary Street Gym. Open to VCU students and members. Register at the following URL. Registration is required. and members.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

Some to Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, this month for a number of special events. They include Food Truck Festival (Tuesday, Oct. 14: 3-9 p.m.); National Mushroom Day (Wednesday, Oct. 15: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.); VCU Votes Station Takeover (Thursday, Oct. 16: 11 a.m.–close); Butter Chicken Day with Chef Monica Saigal (Tuesday, Oct. 21: 11 a.m.–close); Trivia Night in the West Wing (Thursday, Oct. 23: 5:30–7 p.m.); Fall Festival (Thursday, Oct. 30: 3–6 p.m.); Halloween (Friday, Oct. 31: 11 a.m.–close). For more information, 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/.

The VCU Video/Photo team will be shooting the university's annual holiday video on the plaza at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Participants will appear on video decorating the Ram Horns statue in the Commons plaza while wearing holiday clothing provided by the video/photo team. Occasional lifting (less than 10 pounds) may be required. Participants will be needed on Monday, Oct. 20 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Madison Probst at probstml@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFHq6VAQWiz0ow-jgcsZuL9vONOjwuJano5GoHcPpMS6bYwA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118154993050296875590.

This month Collaboration Services is covering posts for August and September. Important changes and several quality-of-life changes across Drive, the Docs Editors and more are highlighted. See the posts at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/10/08/google-updates-recap-october-2025/.

Want to learn more about what VCU's student government representatives are doing? Subscribe to SGA's new monthly newsletter by contacting the following email address.

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu.

Are you interested in becoming more involved on campus? Join SGA's Caucuses. For more information about the Documentary Filmmaking and SGA History Preservation Caucus, contact Natalie Bowen at bowennm@vcu.edu For information about the Disability and Accessibility Advocacy Caucus, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu.

VCU's Department of Art Education presents Investigation Now, an eight-week program encompassing a range of contemporary art concepts and artmaking techniques for children 13-16 years old. Fall and Spring sessions will function as a two-part series following a cohesive theme. Throughout these sessions, students are encouraged to consider how and why artists make work and to relate those ideas to their artistic processes. The registration fee for all eight weeks is $180. Food and materials will be provided. The program takes place on Fridays from 5-8 p.m.; programming will be broken up into two sections beginning in late Fall and picking back up after Winter holidays. Sessions will be at the Franklin Terrace Building, 812-814 W. Franklin St. Class size is 20 students. An application for scholarships can be found in the registration form. Questions? View the group's Instagram or under the FAQ page at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jazmine Jackson at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/investigation-now/.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

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 infomation, contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

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

Black women ages 18-35 who have no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share their perspectives about resistance exercise and their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility using the link below. Check for eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cisgender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The Department of Family Medicine is conducting a study titled “Feasibility and Acceptability of Using E-Cig Information to Guide Smoking Behavior.” The purpose of this study is to understand how information about e-cigarettes can help adults who both smoke and vape reduce or quit cigarette use. Participants will take part in five brief telehealth counseling sessions over six to eight weeks and complete online surveys. Eligibility: Adults aged 21 or older who currently smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes at least once per week. Compensation: Participants may receive up to $190 in Amazon or Visa gift cards for completing study activities. Questions: Contact the following email adress or Scott.Strayer@vcuhealth.org To see if you are eligible, visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Obinna Diala at obinna.diala@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-4649 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CYH78NRY7LMKPWHA.