12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors talk with Grace Gipson, Ph.D., assistant professor of African American Studies at VCU and author of “From The Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop Culture.” Register for the Zoom link 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/from-the-wiz-to-wakanda-afrofuturism-in-pop-culture.html.

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/.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join the You First Center for trivia, food and prizes in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. All first-generation college students are automatically part of You First. Whether you come by yourself or with a group, come prepared to test your knowledge and win prizes. Register on RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939493.

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 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18533 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81069266326 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 at noon

The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series Workshop: Professional Communication. In this interactive Zoom workshop, learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. 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 at noon

This 30-minute virtual class, hosted by VCU HR and RecWell, will not only give you an excellent abdominal and low back workout, but will also challenge your other major muscle groups as well. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/41qzjKy

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 at noon

VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will hold a graduate programs virtual information session via Zoom for VCU employees. An overview of the school's flexible graduate programs, a review of the employee tuition benefit and an alumni panel will be presented. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/ws4vcufall25.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Interested in becoming involved in the largest events on campus? Come to the Activities Programming Board Event Squad Informational Session to learn how you can be involved in large event programming at VCU and join the community. The session will be in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87158594230 Questions: Visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/apb/events/

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

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.

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Hosted by the Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs, this monthly forum explores effective strategies for managing administrative responsibilities and your academic and professional pursuits. Participants will hear from a panel of department chairs who will share strategies they use to maintain their scholarly identity while leading an academic department. Whether you're new to the role or a seasoned chair, this forum provides valuable insights to support your success in balancing these critical aspects of your professional life. The session will be in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the followoing URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/5TaqZexio1wyMumR8.

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is offering virtual informational sessions for the 2026 VCU Leadership Development Program. If you are interested in a program or have a question, we highly recommend attending to hear from the GEHLI staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. Four options are available: Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. Participants will receive a Zoom link one to three business days before the session. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/vcu-leadership-development-program-vcul/.

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 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=18536. Authenticate into meeting using your eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89975807619

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 at 3 p.m.

This online Writing Center workshop will help demystify the college research writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, so you don’t procrastinate. 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, Sep. 10, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Do you want to speak or perform at a TEDxVCU event? Attend the next speaker information session to learn more about what it’s like to be on stage. Faculty, staff, students and members of the community are welcome to attend. The session will be in the Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: Contact the following email address.

For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at tedx@vcu.edu.

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

In this application workshop with VCU HR facilitators, participants will practice creating or updating their career development plan using the career pathing tool. The workshop will provide the opportunity to discuss the intersection between a career path and a career development plan, practice using a career path framework to create or update an individualized career development plan and leverage the facilitators as a resource. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d4c781f4d-6860-4dcf-b073-78b558811cd0.

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18534 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89479731516 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

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.

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. 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, Sep. 11, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Student Virginia Education Association will present the organization's first Fall GBM amd DIY Tote Bags event. The E-board will be introduced, the semester raffle will be discused and tote bags will be painted. The meeting will be in the Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free food will be available.

For more information, contact Linda Le at lel7@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938895.

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.

Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute to hear from R. Balfour Sartor, M.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is the Midget Distinguished Professor of Medicine; Microbiology and Immunology Director of the National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center; and Co-Director, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease. He will present on “Therapeutic Manipulation of Dysbiotic Intestinal Microbiota: Optimizing Current Approaches.” Questions: Visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at harrisc33@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/3JCR5Ef.

Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Did you know that you can earn two Master's degrees in three years with the MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program? If you are passionate about social justice and public health, come to an informational session on the MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave., Room 1104. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact MSW Program at mswprogram@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fZUTWtP9mbPd191j6.

Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 at noon

The School of Public Health will host a Master of Public Health virtual informational session. Join to learn more about the MPH program, now offered both online and in-person. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5QqUbCaQz64Hj4_qnD60w.

Monday, Sep. 22, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Come to the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., for Design Thinking for Your Career, Community and Beyond. The hands-on workshop is open to VCU students, professionals and community changemakers. In a world that’s constantly evolving, skills like empathy, collaboration and adaptability matter more than ever. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.

Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU’s Global Education Office will hold the first workshop of the Fall 2025 Global Initiatives Master Class Series: International Student Success in the Richmond Salon IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/VCUAugust26 Vivian Wang, Ph.D., vice provost for global engagement of the University of Tulsa, will present the workshop, "From Students to Global Ambassadors: A Strategic Approach to International Alumni Engagement." Wang will present a comprehensive approach for supporting international students.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/master-class-series.

Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU HR is facilitating a new SMART Goals and You workshop. The course clarifies what SMART goals are, how to use them for both performance and career development and includes practical application. Attendance is encouraged for those who want to learn more about SMART goals for themselves and/or their team or is in a position to educate others about SMART goals. Workshops are offered in September, October and November. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/4m0vbbm.

Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 at noon

Join VCU Human Resources and Amanda Murray, pharmacy resident at Employee Health Monroe Park Campus, for a session exploring common supplements, their uses and the risks and benefits associated with them. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4fVrl1R

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored to participants' goals. RecWell’s certified Water Safety Instructors work with participants to identify goals and provide feedback and encouragement toward improvement throughout the lessons. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/private-and-semi-private-swim-lessons/.

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.

Browse works from VCU alumni authors at the Monroe Park Campus Barnes & Noble, 1111 W. Broad St. From gripping fiction to groundbreaking research, be inspired by this curated section of books by authors who once walked the campus and are now making their mark.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu.

Objects + Methods, VCUarts general design public lecture series focuses on expansive conversations around design practices. This season will feature speakers Ryan Kuo, Gerardo Ismael Madera, Laura Coombs and Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

VCU Human Resources is offering four free flu shot clinics for VCU employees from mid-September to mid-October. Appointments can be made through the HR appointment scheduler, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit the following website for times, locations and other details. Stay strong and healthy.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.

The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus (DAAC) is a group through the VCU Student Government Association focused on a variety of initiatives to improve accessibility and the culture around disabilities at VCU. This includes evaluating campus infrastructure for accessibility, creating a paratransit service, improving visibility through art installations and creating training modules for students, faculty and student organizations on best practices of accessibility. Join the group and learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zmfsn6D8ReZk4Jxv7.

VCU departments can surplus unneeded VCU surplus via GovDeals, an online government surplus auction program. VCU Facilities Management helps departments navigate the online government auction platform to surplus (technology, lab equipment, furniture and more).

For more information, contact Dwayne Brown at brownde5@vcu.edu or (804) 310-9936 or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/units/facilities-operations/general-services/.

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.

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/.

Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to higher education for students in Richmond Public Schools. Established in 2017 and sponsored by the VCU Honors College, PECS partners with six local high schools to provide guidance, comprehensive resources and a peer-driven support network to help students navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes. Apply for an internship by Sunday, Sept. 14 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Adam Vo at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or (714) 878-9906 or visit https://pecsatvcu.com.

The public comment period for the draft policy revisions, Faculty Promotion and Tenure Policies and Procedures, is open from Monday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Oct. 3. 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/08DDEB438910BF6E3012837A01C4611B.

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.

The public comment period for the new policy draft, Term Faculty Promotion, is open from today, Monday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Oct. 3. Click on the following URL to review the policy and leave your comments.

For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DDEB413D5E9DF775D2698B9C826F2F.

This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact Ryan Garten at the following email address.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@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.