1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Looking for a space to connect with other rural students while also staying on top of your coursework? Rooted and Ready: Rural Rams Co-Working Hour is an opportunity to get homework done before the weekend begins, meet and network with other students who share a rural background and build community and support with peers who “get it.” The meeting will be in James Branch Cabell Library Multipurpose Room (Room 250), 901 Park Ave. All friends, allies and supporters of the rural student community are welcome.

For more information, contact Sara Rafuse at rafusese@vcu.edu.

12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Hosted by the VCU Global Education Office (GEO) in celebration of First-Gen Week, join GEO for this virtual overview session to discover how to fit a study abroad experience into your degree program. Funding options will also be discussed. Register for this virtual session at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942513

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.

12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. Robertson also offer a certificate in media and leadership. Join the session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

2 p.m.

Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to meet new people, get some fresh air and snag a lil' loving from a four-legged friend at Walk-A-Dog. Walkers will depart promptly at 2 p.m. If it rains, the group will just play with the pups inside.

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

7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Join RecWell Aquatics for a log rolling clinic. Participants will practice balancing and staying atop the log in the pool's shallow end. Enjoy friendly competition and get a fun workout. Registration is open through the start of the clinic. Beginners are welcome; the intensity level is medium. The class will be at the Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. 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=273c61cc-6561-4f46-b99d-c5c80a0a4062.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Meet a group of students at Pace (700 W. Franklin St.) at 10 a.m. to attend worship at First English Lutheran Church (1603 Monument Ave.) for their 10:30 a.m. worship service. The purpose of Church Crawl is to build community and attend Sunday morning worship of local churches. Like all Pace events, Church Crawl (and the churches we attend) is 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/.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 at noon

Hike with a group of students to Belle Isle. Meet at the Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) and start the walk at 12:10 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Bring a bag and water if wanted. The full trip will take around two hours. Learn about leadership opportunities after the walk.

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

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Have you ever wanted to study abroad? Join Associate Professor Nicole Corley, Ph.D., for a virtual informational session to learn about a study abroad opportunity to Ghana, West Africa in Summer 2026. Scholarship opportunities are available, including a $2,000 study abroad scholarship from the School of Social Work. Attend a virtual informational sessions to learn more about the program's details: Nov. 10 (Monday) 10-11 a.m.; 5-6 p.m.; Nov. 13 (Thursday) 10-11 a.m.; 5-6 p.m.; Nov. 18 (Tuesday) 11 a.m.-noon; 6-7 p.m.; and Nov. 21 (Friday) 10-11 a.m. Register for the informational session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Corley at ncorley@vcu.edy or (404) 213-5694 or visit https://forms.gle/GC3VLrScQ5goGCF2A.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the VCU Health Hub, Massey Cancer Center, Nationz Foundation and Hope Pharmacy for a Fall Flu Vaccine and Wellness Clinic at 1330 N. 25th St. Receive your annual flu vaccine (free with insurance) as supplies last, sex education, health materials and free HIV tests.

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

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 from noon 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 cultural 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.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn to develop your research writing with the help of a cohesive and manageable step-by-step process. 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/.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join VCU's School of Education for a virtual informational session on the Educational Leadership M.Ed. – Higher Education Administration concentration and discover how you can turn your passion for equity, innovation and student success into a transformative leadership career. Whether you're aiming to become a college administrator, student affairs professional or shape educational access through nonprofit work, this program equips you to lead with purpose and impact. Questions: 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/Fall25HEAD.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Military Student Services and the Student Veterans Association to celebrate VCU veterans at the Rams horns in the courtyard of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Bring canned goods and/or gently used clothing to donate to local veterans in need and receive a Mission BBQ sandwich. Donations can be dropped off in advance at the Military Student Services Office (Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., third floor, Room 3122). All donations will go to U.S. vets.

For more information, contact Military Student Services at militaryserv@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6563 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942460.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants will share stories and support about mental health while designing and decorating a mask, reflecting their mental health journey. The Massey Cancer Center will then explain to participants how facial masks can be a healing skin care routine. The session will be at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Join FILL peer mentors for a roundtable discussion on the first-gen experience. Hear real stories, share your own and connect with peers who understand the ups and downs of being first-gen at VCU. The session will be hosted by the Department of Focused Inquiry in celebration of First-Gen Week, at Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 5116, Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge, 1015 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Matthew Vechinski at mjvechinski@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join in the First-Gen Grad School Mixer (James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 904 Park Ave.) to connect with first-gen graduate students and alumni, pick up advice on applications and build your network for the next step in your academic journey. This event is hosted by the Graduate School in celebration of First-Gen Week. Registration is required. Register by Friday, Nov. 7 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942376.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join VCUarts for a lecture with Painting + Printmaking alumnus Joe Cortina (B.F.A. ’76) at Institute for Contemporary Art at The Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Through examples from his 50-year career in art making, exhibit design, film and television, Cortina’s lecture will explore how the lessons he learned at VCU set him up for a diverse and rewarding career. Register at the following URL to participate in-person or virtually.

For more information, contact Carla Averill at averillc2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcuarts-lecture-series-joe-cortina-b-f-a-76/.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave., will host visual artist and VCU alumna Natalya Belenkaya.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Stop by the Orientation and Transition Programs (Grace Street Center, 912 W. Grace St., seventh floor) for coffee, cocoa and small breakfast bites in celebration of First-Gen Week.

For more information, contact Antoinette Gregory at gregoryad@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for an online presentation by Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D.; Jessica Larose, Ph.D.; and Autumn Lanoye, Ph.D., that highlights how community-engaged research can evolve into opportunities for student engagement, experiential learning, training and scholarly outputs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fdQx36fwiuVgGEUP9.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at noon

VCU and VCU Health invite you to celebrate National Rural Health Day with two events (virtual and in-person) that highlight the contributions of faculty, staff and students advancing rural health through research, programming, clinical practice and service. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIZGkzLYl262m_lo9XzU082yIYCAohuohMSiSRfbPt5au7Bw/viewform.

Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU's Student Virginia Education Association will host the Scholastic Book Fair in Oliver Hall–School of Education, Room 3064, 1015 W. Main St. The book fair will be open Monday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 1 to Thursday, Dec. 4 from 1:30-7 p.m.

For more information, contact Linda Le at lel7@vcu.edu.

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.

Do you want to deliver a TEDx Talk on campus? Or do you have a talent you want to showcase to your peers? Questions: Visit tedx@vcu.edu Speaker/performer applications will be accepted at the following URL until Friday, Nov. 14.

For more information, contact Sruthi Ravindran at ravindrans@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/speaker-guide/.

The You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center wishes you a happy National First-Generation College Celebration Day, which was celebrated Saturday, Nov. 8. This date commemorates the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which provided greater access to colleges and universities through need-based financial aid. Congratulations to VCU's first-gen students, faculty and staff on all of your successes. Join the First-Gen Week celebrations Nov. 10-14, listed at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events?topic_tags=13459642.

Are you a single parent who currently resides in the Richmond metropolitan area; works full time, attends school full time or a combination of working and attending school; and has a child or children under 18 years of age? If so, we want to hear from you. We are doctoral students at VCU's School of Education conducting a project on the single-parent experience (e.g., child care needs and support). Complete the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Yadira Guerrero at guerreroy3@vcu.edu or visit https://yadiguer.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=Ekd6XsvpH8wECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.

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.