10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism will present "University Life in Wartime Ukraine" in the STEM Building, Room 503, 817 W. Franklin St. Learn what's happening with Russia's war on Ukraine and within Ukrainian politics, society and higher education from some of VCU's Kyiv School partners. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amanda Wintersieck at idep@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/VCUPOLI/rsvp_boot?id=1941471.

12 p.m.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll use the LEGO Serious Play method to share ideas, spark conversations and imagine new possibilities for the student experience at VCU. Through guided activities, explore how storytelling and building can unlock fresh perspectives, strengthen collaboration and help reimagine what learning, community and student life could look like. Come ready to imagine, build and connect. You’ll also earn a digital badge to showcase your experience on LinkedIn, your résumé or your portfolio. This free in-person workshop, at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., is open to all VCU students and community members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU da Vinci Center at davincicenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Reimagine-Oct-15.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Underground at VCU is bringing back the Mix and Mingle Series. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about various organizations on campus. The theme is about academic organizations at VCU and will take place in the Underground, Suite 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Doughnuts and beverages will be provided.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at harrisrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1941472.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

7 p.m.

Join VCU Libraries for an evening with Bryant Terry, the James Beard Award-winning chef, food activist and author of "Black Food." Terry’s remarks will touch on African American cuisine and its evolution through migration, identity and resilience. The talk will be in the lecture hall of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/2025-fall-lecture-.html.

7 p.m.

The RamsRead organization will hold its first general body meeting in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Volunteers are invited to learn about the club, what the members do and how to become involved in promoting literacy among Richmond school children.

For more information, contact Anshu Rajakumar at rajakumara@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pre-Health and Sciences Advising will present a virtual workshop on How to Ask for References. The discussion will include the steps of the process, best practices and timelines. All Pre-Health and Sciences students are welcome to attend. RSVP using the following form, where you will also find the workshop Zoom link.

For more information, contact Pre-Health & Sciences Advising at prehealthadv@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/6vMEGENrnLoMuMiu7.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from noon to 12:50 p.m.

Join this virtual You First Presents for a talk on media literacy. Just like with food, our media diet makes us who we are. Too much junk? Any veggies? We live in a media-saturated world, so a balanced media diet takes work ... and influences what we think is real and whom we trust. Join Tim Bajkiewicz, Ph.D., associate professor of broadcast journalism at VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Communication, for a look at today's media world and tools to help you snack on it smarter. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/OnrgxVi7RN6JsrFCPEWwlA.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

This talk follows ongoing work around the cooperative geographies of agrobiodiversity - the things that people do (and don't do) with seeds, the things that seeds may or may not do on their own and the ways seed work inspires geographic relations between people, place and plants. Chris Keeve is a Ph.D. candidate in geography at the University of Kentucky and predoctoral fellow of the Woodson Institute of the University of Virginia. This event is hosted by the School of World Studies in collaboration with the Environmental Humanities Lab of the Humanities Research. The talk will be in Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave., Room 429.

For more information, contact Kai Bosworth at bosworthk@vcu.edu or visit https://worldstudies.vcu.edu/events/event-items/seedkeeping-worldmaking-and-counter-cartographies-of-food-and-land-with-chris-keeve.html.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The VCU women's soccer team will play the University of Richmond at the Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present "Breaking Silence, Finding Strength - Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Wellness" for Facts and Faith Fridays. Shanita Brown, Ed.D., East Carolina University, will discuss her new book, "Healing and Thriving After Domestic Violence: A Practical Guide for Black Women." The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 239-7037 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 6 p.m.

The women's volleyball team will play George Mason at the Siegel Center.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Are you interested in drug discovery? Drug development? Drug delivery? You are invited to a poster session showcasing research in the School of Pharmacy. Learn about Pharmaceutical Sciences and take part in a raffle for some swag. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Mary Kate Brogan at broganm2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7701.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Are you interested in becoming a Qualified Mental Health Professional? Join VCU Career Services and Psychology Undergrad Advising for a virtual QMHP panel to hear from professionals and ask any questions you may have about the field. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Araba Andrews at andrewsab2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ouDirLQPSIuBIfxocqI6rg.

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/.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center and VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences for a Dean's Research Seminar featuring Aspen Brinton, Ph.D., and Joshua Eckhardt, Ph.D. The session will be at the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/deans-research-seminar.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Statistics takes a deep dive into both classic and cutting-edge quantitative methods, such as multivariate statistics, multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling and machine learning. Designed to integrate seamlessly with other graduate programs through elective options, it equips students with highly marketable skills for careers in academia and industry. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maryanna Stufflebeem at stufflebeemmd@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/AdvEdStatsFall25.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

The American Chemical Society will host its Model Kit Night at T. Edward Temple Building, Room 3309, 901 W. Main St. Take part in a competitive tournament in which participants race to build molecular models — and the winner takes all. It’s a hands-on event that tests chemistry knowledge, teamwork and speed.

For more information, contact Anshu Rajakumar at rajakumara@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richmond City Council members will directly address questions, concerns and solutions surrounding VCU student housing and the Richmond 300 rezoning plan at Democracy in Dialogue: Richmond Rezoning. The first in the series will be hosted by VCU's Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism and will be held in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2104, 1000 Floyd Ave. Pizza will be provided. This event is open to all VCU students, staff and faculty. Registration is required. Register in RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amanda Wintersieck at idep@vcu.edu or visit https://idep.vcu.edu/events/event-items/democracy-in-dialogue-richmond-rezoning.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Master's and undergraduate students of any major who want to work in counseling for substance use and recovery are invited to this virtual session to learn more about the credentials for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Peer Recovery Specialist. The speaker will be Lauren de Treville Powell, M.Ed., PRS, of Rams in Recovery. The event is sponsored by the School of Social Work, Rams in Recovery, the Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health and associated state agencies. RSVP: forms.gle/A13aKyYB8znyCKWJ8

For more information, contact Sarah Burton-Everette at severette2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcussw.info/CSAC.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a workshop with Teresa Mangum, Ph.D., Professor Emerita at the University of Iowa. Mangum’s workshop will help participants use the methods and matters of the humanities to prepare students to make more concrete and more hopeful connections between their studies and their futures. The session will be held at the Valentine House, Room 201, 920 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/connecting-classroom-to-career-an-applied-humanities-design-workshop.html.

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.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to Auctus’ October GBM to learn how to have your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how to join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty to review and edit submissions. The meeting will be in the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St., Room 1303. Join the group's RamsConnect at the following URL to receive Auctus updates.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from 7 a.m. to noon

VCU's Office of Admissions and the university's Student Admissions Ambassadors are seeking student volunteers for its fall open house, one of the office's biggest events for prospective students to learn about VCU's academics and student life. Volunteers will be needed from 7 a.m.-noon. Participation will include welcoming guests and guiding them to the Siegel Center, answering questions and directing and escorting guests to various academic informational sessions around campus. Volunteers should be able to navigate the campus with little or no help, be engaging and have a basic knowledge of the university. To volunteer, complete this Google Form by Wednesday, Oct. 22: https://forms.gle/JkpHwx85d8tbvkpq6

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://admissions.vcu.edu/connect/events/fall-open-house/.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join facilitator Michael A. Hunt, DDS, for an interactive virtual workshop designed to help graduate students, faculty and staff build, strengthen and sustain effective mentoring connections. Participants will gain strategies for clarifying expectations, fostering communication and navigating challenges to ensure that mentoring relationships are both supportive and productive. The session will be hosted by the Office of Professional Development and the Graduate School. 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/r1940494.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Support Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU by treating a guide dog in training to a pup cup. Puppies will be dressed in costumes in Monroe Park and ready for treats. All proceeds go toward the special naming of a future VCU puppy. Learn about available volunteer opportunities and how you can help raise, train and support these future guide dogs. Questions: Visit the organization's Instagram @gebatvcu.

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

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at noon

Are you interested in a career in sports? The VCU Center for Sport Leadership will host a virtual informational session for its 2026-27 cohort. CSL is ranked Top 10 in the U.S. and its graduates work in all areas of sports including the NBA, NFL, MLB, college athletics and more. Questions: https://sportleadership.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mya Thompson at thompsonmt3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=075feb58-66c0-4607-84c1-3b51135825db.

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.

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/.

VCU students and trainees conducting cancer research are invited to register for the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference, hosted by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The conference will take place Nov. 14–15 at the Hilton Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St. Join fellow researchers from across the state for two days of presentations, networking and collaboration. 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/summary.

VCU's new shuttle service, RamsXpress, services James Branch Cabell Library at the corner of Cathedral Place and Floyd Avenue, and Jonah L. Larrick Student Center at the corner of North Ninth and Turpin streets. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and allows the VCU community to travel between campuses – within 10 to 15 minutes – by offering direct, point-to-point service. These stops are not duplicative of current GRTC service locations.

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

Survivors Tracking Exercise and Pain (STEP) is a 12-month research study exploring pain and physical activity among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. We are looking for female survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 to partner with us. Together, we will shape the study and improve research for others like you. Your participation involves joining a 90-minute Zoom meeting once a month for 12 months. Compensation is provided for all advisory board members.

For more information, contact Karly Casanave-Phillips, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, at AYASTEP@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, Ph.D, at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EE4CW7XX7F7YPW4H.

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 to learn if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

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 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 cisgender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey 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 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.