2 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series workshop: American Psychological Association and Avoiding Plagiarism. Learn tips and tools to help make the citation process more efficient. 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 8 p.m.

People with disabilities, chronic conditions and their friends are invited to connect with fellow students to unwind and express themselves through arts and crafts at the Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St., Room 301. The event is organized by the Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus with support from the VCU Student Government Association. Pizza catered by Mellow Mushroom will be served.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515.

9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Join leading experts in neuroimaging, pain science and sickle cell disease for a full-day virtual event. This webinar will explore foundational brain mechanisms and hemodynamics in sickle cell disease; advances in imaging, wearable sensors and biomarkers; integrative and complementary approaches to pain management and emerging modalities, trials and future research frontiers. This is an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge science, connect with colleagues and help shape the next generation of brain and pain research in sickle cell disease. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Daniel Sop at daniel.sop@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X2ade5wWQkyMwwL3Fu2iyQ#/registration.

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

VCU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations will host a Campus Campaign Celebration on the Compass at Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Celebrate the launch of Unlocking Potential: VCU’s Campaign for the Future, the university’s boldest fundraising campaign yet. Enjoy food, swag and plenty of fun with the VCU community.

For more information, contact Jared Kline at klinejc2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/donors/campaign-launch-events/.

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Participate Learning students are eligible for a special tuition benefit, receiving in-state tuition rates for the fully online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Leadership Studies. That’s a 50 percent-plus discount for out-of-state students. This flexible, equity-centered program is designed for globally minded educators and professionals ready to lead in nonprofits, policy, higher education and health care. Questions: Visit https://soe.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/PLLSTFall2025.

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Are you interested in making an impact on the greater Richmond community? Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join Rams Aging and Engaging for their first meeting of the semester. Learn about volunteer opportunities for engaging with low-income elderly communities in the city, enjoy snacks and join a like-minded community of students. The session will be at 701 W. Grace St., Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303).

For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites faculty to join a dedicated writing group for community-engaged scholarship. Whether you are working on a manuscript, grant or other scholarly output, this group offers fellowship, accountability and shared time to focus. Come write alongside colleagues and start your fall semester with the support you need. Starts on Thursday, Oct. 2 and will be held every Friday after. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86507914411 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/dKNsb9AYcVqS7kMa8.

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn more about enhancing your degree with University College's Minors and Certificates, including the Practical AI Minor, Mixed and Immersive Reality Studies Minor and our certificates in Product Innovation or Venture Creation at our new informational sessions. Held monthly on the first Thursday at noon and the third Wednesday at 4 p.m. Questions: Visit uc.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/F44of7CcvGaEMdtSA.

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hindu Students United will host a volleyball mixer at Monroe Park. Competitive and noncompetitive games will be available. The winning team will score a box of doughnuts. All skill levels are welcome.

For more information, contact Diya Patel at pateldd5@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost will host weekly open consultations for faculty, staff and partners to receive guidance and explore how to make the most of Collaboratory: VCU's Database for Community Engaged Activities and Partnerships in their work. Bring your questions or simply join us to explore the database. Sessions will be held every Friday. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81793039272?jst=2

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

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The graduate cohort of the Department of Craft/Material Studies will host an a reception for an upcoming exhibition, "Two in the Hand." The reception will be in the Seipel Gallery on the first floor of the Murry N. DePillars Building (1000 W. Broad St.). The exhibition will run Oct. 3-9.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/two-in-the-hand-craft-mfa-exhibition/.

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

The Graduate School hosts a weekly lunch and learn series for graduate student professional development. This virtual workshop will help graduate students learn how to tailor résumés, cover letters and other application materials to specific jobs and employers. Discover strategies for highlighting your most relevant experiences, using keywords effectively and aligning your materials with the job description. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact The Office of Professional Development, the Graduate School at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939627.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Learn about the VCU Reading program that will open career opportunities as a literacy professional, such as becoming a reading specialist or literacy coach to support students, teachers and the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. Provisionally licensed reading specialists who need to complete an approved program should attend to learn more about the program. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Valerie Robnolt at vjrobnolt@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/readingFall25.

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.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU's Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor the 12th annual Conflict Resolution Day event. "Navigating Difficult Situations in a Moving Landscape" is this year's national 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. This year's event will be held in the Virginia Rooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL by Thursday, Oct. 9.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://ombudsperson.vcu.edu/events/national-conflict-resolution-day/.

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 an in-person workshop at the Scott House, Room 301, 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 the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kMLFxdTqoLv8R1Tm9.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of Provost invites students, faculty, staff and community members 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 session will be held in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

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

Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored toward 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/.

Test It. Tweak It. Shift It. The Shift Retail Lab's Shelfie Program helps makers test, 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. Apply at the following URL by Wednesday, Oct. 15 at noon

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

Are you a VCU student or trainee conducting cancer research? VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center invites undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to submit an abstract to the 2025 biannual Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference, which will be held Nov. 14-15 at the Hilton Short Pump. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/0382dc6b-0821-4b28-8ead-71a26e2c1de8/websitePage:6e0c8107-614f-4f23-9071-b38a134c75b2.

Check out Redefining BMI — a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

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.

Are you interested in meeting university students in another country and learning more about their culture, customs and ideas? Join VCU’s Cultural Conversations Program online and connect with students at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Quintana Roo in Cancun, Mexico. This program is designed to help students develop intercultural communication skills, increase confidence through small group conversations and learn more about the culture and customs of Mexico. Sessions will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 3, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact English Language Program Office at geo-elp@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2551 or visit https://forms.gle/XHWEd4FggBb3DdwB6.

Nov. 20 is National Rural Health Day. VCU will host two events (virtual and in-person) to celebrate and acknowledge the rural health programming led by VCU and VCU Health faculty, staff and students. If you are engaged in any research, teaching, service or programming related to rural health, the university's Division of Community Health asks you to share your contributions at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/oD2zkNzxHMZTQehg9.

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 for the 2026 award are currently being received and help is needed to start reading and reviewing submissions. This is an opportunity to read a new work and to contribute an individual voice to the judging process.

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

Looking for ways to become involved on campus? Find Your Fit is a peer coaching program that pairs you with a Leadership and Involvement Ambassador or staff member to help you find ways to become involved, particularly with student organizations.

For more information, contact Ann Ganao at ganaoae@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/s82198.

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.

One-time survey to assess health behaviors and performance among adults enrolled in an upcoming endurance race. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EE4CW7XX7F7YPW4H.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this research 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 Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

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 rsgarten@vcu.edu.

Researchers at the VCU School of Public Health are testing a new research study program to help improve health and well-being among emerging adult women. You may be eligible for this study if you are a woman between the ages of 18 and 25 with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-50 kg/m2. Visit www.RedefiningBMI.com to learn more and take a quick survey to determine if you may be eligible.

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