12 p.m.

VCU School of Medicine invites the SOM community (students, trainees, staff, faculty, leaders, community partners) to attend the 27th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Lunch to be held in-person on the MCV campus and virtually via Zoom. This program honors outstanding faculty in the areas of teaching, humanism in medicine, professional achievement, clinical excellence and leadership in graduate medical education. The event will be held live in the Bruce Oliver Tucker Auditorium and McGlothlin Medical Education Center lobby, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/14345721.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to make friends, share stories and enjoy a free lunch. Each week, a new storytelling theme is chosen and lunch is provided by a local congregation.

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

2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The format for the 2025 Constitution Day will be Ask an Expert. Bring your questions to the event in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., Political Science associate professor, will answer questions and give context to the pressing Constitutional questions of the day. 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/constitution-day-.html.

3 p.m.

This online Writing Center workshop will help you feel more comfortable when beginning a research project and will teach you how to develop a clear, focused and complex research question. Register forthe Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Looking to get primed and ready for the upcoming career fairs and networking events? Come shop for free career clothing at a pop-up shop co-hosted by P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) and the Suit Yourself Closet. Browse the many clothing racks, chat with staff style consultants, and “check your fit” by trying things on. All you need to shop is your student ID; you will be able to take — and keep up to six items. You are encouraged to bring a reusable bag. The event will be in the University Student Commons, VCU Career Services, Room 143, 907 Floyd Ave. (across from the Chick-fil-A). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Suit Yourself Closet at suityourself@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/1818313/share_preview.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

STEM In Art invites you to enjoy learning about astronomy while painting with watercolors (free with snacks). The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.

7 p.m.

VCU HOSA will host a general body meeting of HOSA x SODA (Health Occupations Students of America and Student Organ Donation Advocates) at the Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303), 701 W. Grace St. Snacks, a raffle, games and more will be available. Meet the team and learn about plans for the coming year.

For more information, contact VCU HOSA at vcuhosa@gmail.com.

Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take a look behind the scenes of VCU's grad program in advertising and branding. This virtual session will break down the application process, the four creative concentrations — art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy - and give participants a look at what life is really like as a Brandcenter student. The discussion will also include the kinds of industry careers available and how Brandcenter can help grads get there. 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-sept-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The VCU women's soccer team will play Miami (Fla.) at the Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions.

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

Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Save the Children Action Network will hold its first GBM at Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 2119. Learn about the mission of SCAN, meet members of the executive board and make custom bookmarks to donate to a local library.

For more information, contact Lavanya Vemuri at vemuril@vcu.edu.

Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 at noon

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 in their community-engaged work. Bring your questions or simply join the session to explore the database. Sessions will be held every Friday from noon-1 p.m. beginning Sept. 19. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81793039272?jst=2 Register

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

Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 at noon

Suzie Attiwill, Professor of Interior Design, School of Architecture and Urban Design, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Australia, will discuss concepts of interior and interiority in relation to contemporary conditions of living, inhabitation, subjectivity and pedagogy. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Refreshments will be served at 11:45 a.m. The event is sponsored by VCU's Department of Interior Design in the School of the Arts.

For more information, contact Roberto Ventura at rlventura@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/interior-design/.

Friday, Sep. 19, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn from Chelsea Salyer, M.D., about the disparities in endometrial cancer and the increase in rates compared to other cancers. Salyer is a gynecologic oncologist whose personal experience with cancer has deeply shaped her career. Her father's battle with esophageal cancer and subsequent passing, coupled with the financial hardships her family faced, have driven her commitment to patient care. Register for the meeting through Zoom using the following link.

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration.

Monday, Sep. 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

A new school year is always a fresh start - full of challenge, excitement and opportunity. The Jewish calendar is also about to reset with Rosh Hashanah, a day that establishes the tone and energy for the whole year. There’s no better place to celebrate than with your friends at Jewish Life at VCU. Join us for delicious holiday meals (the brisket will be back), inspiring “taste of” services and plenty of community spirit. The Rosh Hashana dinner will be in Salon 1, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at lessoffmm@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

Are you exploring majors or considering adding a minor? Or do you just want to learn more about the major you are in? Check out the annual Majors Fair, hosted by the Discovery Advising team. Connect with students, faculty and staff from all the majors VCU has to offer as well as various campus resources. The fair will be in the Commonwealth Ballroom on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Cathryn Coffey at ccoffey@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in leadership studies is designed for professionals who want to lead in nonprofits, policy, higher education, health care and beyond. This flexible, equity-centered program combines a rigorous core with customizable electives tailored to your goals, so you can grow as a leader while balancing your career and life. 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/MEdLSTFall2025.

Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The 2025 L. Douglas Wilder Symposium, "Virginia’s Elections: Our National Importance," will be held at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. This event will explore Virginia’s historic gubernatorial race and the commonwealth’s role in shaping national politics. The program will bring together thought leaders and scholars including former Gov. Wilder; Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School; Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D., associate dean of the Wilder School; Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., managing partner of DecideSmart and and Niraj Verma, Ph.D., professor of urban and regional planning at the Wilder School. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/wilder-symposium/.

Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

VCU will partner with George W. Carver Elementary School, 1110 W. Leigh St., for a Spirit Day Pep Rally or sign up for a Field Day shift to help with games, activities and book giveaways. VCU students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to participate. Sign up to volunteer at the following URL.

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AMuFSoxQknDDSG9X9.

Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU Research Administrator Day will feature presentations, activities and roundtable discussions focusing on the research administrator profession and community. Register via Talent@VCU or at the following email address. Lunch will be provided. Learn more and view the detailed agenda at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The fall RABTS meeting, hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's (OVPRI) Sponsored Programs and Grants and Contracts Accounting, will include speakers and updates centered around disseminating information related to research administration and compliance issues. All individuals involved in research administration or interested are welcome to attend. Register via Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

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 CVCRC, 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/summary.

VCU Libraries seeks participants for brief Zoom interviews to provide feedback to improve the libraries’ web home page. If interested, fill out the Google form at the following URL to learn more and determine your eligibility and availability. If you cannot access the form, email the following address with your contact information.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/vcul-homepage.

The VCU Graduate School will host this year's Three Minute Thesis Competition. The event is open to all current graduate students and asks students to share the impact of their research in three minutes using one static slide. Preliminary competitions will be held on Monday, Sept. 22 and Friday, Sept. 26. Graduate student registration is open now. Register at https://forms.gle/ncJewsX27aWKmMCv9

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/3mt-competition/.

VCU's third annual Transformative Learning Week will be held Oct. 27-31. The initiative highlights and encourages collaboration on transformative learning experiences at VCU. Transformative learning happens through experiences that merge academic knowledge with real-world experiences, helps students develop critical thinking and self-discovery and prepares them to be independent learners and active citizens. The week provides networking for faculty, staff and students and fosters cross-unit collaboration and service activities benefiting the Richmond community. Be on the lookout for the schedule of events for students, faculty/staff and community partners.

For more information, contact Shanza Isom, Director of Engaged Transformative Learning at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://uc.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.

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.

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.

Paid research opportunity to improve bone health among girls and women ages 14-30. This is a 12-month clinical trial in collaboration with UVA Health studying the effects of two medications in addition to estrogen and progesterone on bone health. This will require nine study visits including history and physical exams, blood draws, health questionnaires and bone density scans. Participants will be paid up to $925 and up to $25 per visit to cover travel. For more information and to become involved, please see the full study flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vEGBy9G6FO1VO0oo5s_yRlOmAgS-VE_q/view?usp=share_link

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://uvahealth.com/clinicaltrials/romosozumab-adjunct-physiologic-estrogen-replacement-adolescents-young-adults#:~:text=434.982.0871-,Romosozumab%20as%20an%20Adjunct%20to%20Physiologic%20Estrogen%20Replacement%20in%20Adolescents,925.

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. The study is designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-50 kg/m2 who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey to see if you may be eligible.

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

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-Based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision-making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder and no history of a psychological disorder. Participants will be compensated for participating in the study. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

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.