10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Destress before finals at the Monroe Park campus location of Barnes & Noble @ VCU, 1111 W. Broad St. Stop by between Nov. 17-21, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for relaxing activities and giveaways to help you unwind and recharge. Plus, enjoy a special visit from therapy dogs and create a treat with the VCU dietitian on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit each station on Nov. 18 to complete your event passport and be entered to win a prize every hour.

For more information, contact Tammy Vallario at tvallario@bncollege.com.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Purchase a 2026 Dogs on Call calendar and show your support for the therapy dog teams who visit patients and staff at VCU Health and students at VCU. All sales will take place at the Main Hospital (1250 E. Marshall St.), Floor 1 Box Office near the floor compass. Sales are contingent upon stock and scheduled for: Monday (Nov. 17), Thursday (Nov. 20), Monday (Nov. 24) and Tuesday (Dec. 9). Calendars will also be available for purchase at the Three Bears Gift Shop (MCV), the Fish Bowl Gift Shop (Community Memorial Hospital) and the Hummingbird Gift Shop (Tappahannock).

For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at chai@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

12 p.m.

The School of Public Health will host an online Master of Public Health (MPH) virtual Information Session. Join to learn more about the MPH program, now offered both online and in-person with new concentrations in health communication and health policy. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/F06Eh8XuSdeZaS5xnUFhcA

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/programs/mph/.

3 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is intended to help participants feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. 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.

9 a.m.

Full-time faculty and staff can shop in store at RamTech, 1111 W. Broad St., between Nov. 17-21 (Monday-Friday) using payroll deduction with zero percent down at purchase. Save on Apple products, audio gear, computer accessories and more. Staff can show a VCU ID to receive additional discounts on selected items. To preorder, complete the form at: http://go.vcu.edu/_25g

For more information, contact Rafael Wells at ramtech@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8324 or visit https://ramtech.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Health Hub will offer free kidney health screenings with simple tests and education tips at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Learn about kidney health and resources to support your well-being.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This overview will cover tips for wrapping up your Fall 2025 and starting your 2026 courses. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18547. Authenticate into workshop by using your eID and password. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom linnk is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89582209930

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

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at noon

Balancing work and family life is not always easy. Today’s working parent needs to build resiliency in order to prevent burnout. This session, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, will help you learn how to build resiliency, prevent burnout and give you the tools to manage stress while maintaining a sense of work and family life balance. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4oyiNky

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

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's Division of Research Development will host a virtual session to cover creative, collaborative strategies to broaden funding options and help PIs sustain their research in a shifting funding landscape. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at OVPRIRD@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Oo-L_78SQFOWJUvf_FVepg#/registration.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at the 2025 Morton B. Gulak Lecture in Urban and Regional Planning featuring Barbara Brown Wilson, Ph.D., associate professor of urban and environmental planning at the University of Virginia. Learn about creative and successful co-design tactics for working with neighborhoods, towns and rural regions grappling with socio-environmental crises. The talk will be given at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-posts/morton-b-gulak-lecture-preview-barbara-brown-wilson-examines-community-capacity-during-uncertain-times.html.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

PennyAppeal at VCU is hosting its Thanksgiving Pack-A-Bag event in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-B, 907 Floyd Ave. Fifty care kits with essential items will be packed for members of the local homeless community. Follow the organization on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at VCU at Officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 1 p.m.

James Branch Cabell Library will join organizations around the world to observe Geographic Information Systems Day and maps and their ability to connect people, regions and systems. A program will be held in the lecture hall of the library (Room 303, 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/gis-day.html.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students and faculty of Craft/Material Studies and Painting + Printmaking will host their annual pop-up sales from Wednesday, Nov. 19 through Friday, Nov. 21. The sale will be held each day in the lobby of the Murry N. DePillars Building (1000 W. Broad St). Paintings, prints, jewelry, mugs, vases, bowls and more will be available for purchase. Only Venmo or exact cash will be accepted. No change will be available.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/painting-printmaking-ceramics-and-metals-pop-up-sale/.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The VCU Metalsmithing Club is hosting the Pedal to the Medal Sale on Nov. 19-21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the lobby of the Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. The event celebrates the creativity of VCU craft students and their learning to create ethical jewelry as informed metalsmiths.

For more information, contact Acacia Olander at olanderaa@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Have you ever struggled to explain your complex research to friends, family or colleagues in other fields? The ability to communicate your work clearly and effectively is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in graduate school. Learn more about a unique professional development opportunity designed to help you do just that - the Translate Your Thesis: Graduate Research Talks. RSVP for the webinar at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942415.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a timely conversation via Zoom with political scientist Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., to examine the outcomes of Virginia’s 2025 election and their implications for Virginia and the nation. The event will be moderated by Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D. (M.S.’00, Ph.D.’03), Wilder School associate professor and associate dean of research and outreach. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/event-posts/november-2025-lunch-and-learn.html.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at noon

VCU School of Medicine assistant professor S. "Obi" Aseem, M.D., Ph.D., will discuss "Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Regulation of Cholangiocyte Fibroinflammatory Signaling in Biliary Fibrosis" in the latest SSI research webinar. Join in person (James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, MMEC, Room 3-101, 1201 E Marshall St.), or online by registering at https://bit.ly/47F069n.

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is an intensive, transformative two-year experience designed for recent college graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge of social equity, pursue careers in social impact and lead the change. Hear directly from current Fellows and fellowship executives and learn how Fellows have used their experience to launch careers in social impact. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact National Scholarship Office at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://www.faoschwarzfellowship.org/infosessions/?utm_source=emailsml&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=applications_are_open_details_on_the_new_fellowship_positions_november_2025&utm_term=2025-11-05.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 3 p.m.

This online workshop, led by a previous McNair Scholar, will equip researchers with strategies to effectively communicate their work to diverse audiences, from academics to the public. 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, Nov. 19, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Join Amy Rector, Ph.D., (World Studies) and Andrew Crislip, Ph.D., (History) as they share their work on scientific, archeological, historical and spiritual perspectives on human origins and its relevance to contemporary culture. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnGxDQFeyTjf915FJmdnDHlJgtYYgRCcxzUWvTCigHqw-auA/viewform?usp=dialog.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 4 p.m.

New this academic year, the "AI in Research" discussion series explores how generative AI is studied and used across VCU. The VCU Libraries series is designed for faculty and advanced researchers. VCUArts faculty Hawa Stwodah and Jennie Cook kick off the series with "Speculative Fashion: Education Futures." This presentation will examine how generative AI and multi-modal technologies are reshaping fashion design and merchandising education. Their research explores how students engage with intelligent systems to develop AI literacy, creativity and ethical awareness. Drawing on qualitative data and interdisciplinary insights, the study highlights pedagogical opportunities and challenges of integrating human–AI collaboration in design education. The session will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 203, 904 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2025-news/ai-in-research.html.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

BAPS Campus Fellowship will present the VCU Campus Diwali Celebration at the Student Commons Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. The Hindu festival of lights symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The evening will feature a program, exhibition and free food. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Tilak Rana at ranat@vcu.edu or (804) 750-5664 or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUCDC25.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 6 p.m.

VCU's Spanish Program will hold the first meeting of its Student Spanish Singing Club in Hibbs Hall, Room 203, 900 Park Ave. The club is open to all students. No musical training or knowledge is required, only the desire to try something new and have fun. Come sing your gratitude in Spanish. Pizza will be provided. RSVP by email to the following address to have an accurate count for pizza.

For more information, contact Maribel Moheno, Ph.D., at mmoheno@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

VCU's School of Education will host educators and students from around the world at the third annual International Joint Research Symposium - Innovation in Education: Preparing Educators for the Future in Global Contexts. The virtual event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7–9:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 20, from 8–10:30 a.m. Register for the first session at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/MnT110xQSlKE7CevVnqG0A Register for the second session at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/RO2acgAYQJ6vjfTABe3iIw

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 387-3319.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Those who attend this virtual session will learn about the Brandcenter experience, its concentrations, admissions and more. Micah Berry, associate director of technical training, will discuss generative AI tools and how Brandcenter approaches new technology. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-nov-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This overview will cover tips for wrapping up your Fall 2025 and starting your Spring 2026 courses. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18548. Authenticate into the workshop using eID and password. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=85353886479

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

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at 4 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/.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid education? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at our informational session. Questions: Visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/portal/soeinfosessions Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina L. Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or (571) 294-4115 or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/RTRNov20th.

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Preview Day is a limited-capacity event that allows prospective students to see what life is like as a Brandcenter student. Those who atend will tour Brandcenter (103 S. Jefferson St.), attend a forum speaker series and observe a workshop with Google Creative Lab at which Brandcenter students will present work experimenting with Google Gemini and AI storytelling. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Preview-day-nov-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

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

The annual university-wide Holiday Open House is hosted by President Michael and Mrs. Monica Rao as an opportunity for the university community to come together and celebrate the holidays prior to winter closing. It is an informal gathering, with food and drink provided in the Commonwealth Ballroom at the University Student Commons. VCU parking subscribers may receive the reciprocal parking for this event and street parking is available for non-subscribers. RSVP using the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at univevents@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/holidayopenhouse.

Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.

See examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, and learn how to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.

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

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host the Global Initiatives Master Class Series: Global Engagement Strategies in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salon IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Sherif Barsoum, senior associate vice president for global services of NYC, will present "Holistic and Collaborative Approaches to International Student Support," introducing a holistic framework for international student support that integrates immigration services, transition programming and student engagement under a cross-cultural model. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/master-class-series/.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present a dialogue series encouraging participants to approach developments in AI with both curiosity and critical reflection, centered on the 2025-2026 VCU Common Book, "The Coming Wave: Technology, Power and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma." The virtual series will consist of four sessions in 2026: Jan. 14, Feb. 4, March 14 and April 15. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sam Burns at burnss3@vcu.edu or visit https://cvent.me/B2BzA1.

The Campus Learning Center's Academic Coaches are here to help undergraduate students tackle their to-do list and get organized for final exams. Set up an appointment at https://forms.gle/GSNMQpBx94bf94MXA

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8108 or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

VCU departments can surplus unneeded VCU surplus viaGovDeals, 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 visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/facilities-operations/general-services/.

International Education Week promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. Historically, International Education Week has provided institutions in the United States with an opportunity to showcase the people, places and power of global connections among its students, faculty and staff. The Global Education Office has coordinated events and activities throughout the week, which can be viewed at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/iew.

Applications are now open for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the upcoming semesters. SLTAs are undergraduate students who assist an instructor with a service-learning course. SLTAs provide an average of two to five hours per week of teaching assistance throughout the semester, including ongoing group and individual supervision with service-learning administration through a seminar course. Contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/EAieBab2ZGz4R1cR6.

Registration is now open for the University Band (APPM 357), which is open to all VCU students and faculty regardless of experience. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. and performs one to two concerts of music for all each semester. The band is under the direction of professor Duane Coston.

For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.

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 and/or have a question, we highly suggest you come to hear from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. RSVP on the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefPBrM6APFGQ7W1rswhBCqusfZ-CfWHX-6-t0LZjdYHr_LfQ/viewform?usp=header.

Due to a recent audit, VCU email accounts using Grammarly must either be part of the VCU Grammarly Enterprise account or switch to a personal email. Your VCU email account is currently linked to a free Grammarly account. VCU does not have central funding for individual licenses. What You Need to Do: You must change the email address associated with your Grammarly account to a non-VCU email by Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Failure to update your account will result in loss of access to Grammarly via your VCU Google account. To change your email: Refer to Grammarly's help article, "I need to change my email address." If you registered with Google, Facebook or Apple, you will first need to set a password for your account to enable the option to change your email address. Follow the steps in this article: "How do I set a password if I registered using Google, Facebook, or Apple?" How do I request to be added to the VCU Grammarly Enterprise account? You will need to obtain approval from your supervisor, manager or director to request access to the VCU Grammarly Enterprise account. The annual license fee is $70. Please note that an index code is required for processing. You can submit your request using this form; all requests are submitted to the financial administrator associated with the provided index code for approval.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu.

To comply with a board-level audit finding from Assurance Services, all VCU email accounts using Grammarly must switch to a personal email account. VCU doesn't have central funding to offer students licenses for Grammarly. Contact your school's Dean and inform them that Grammarly is important and should be included in your technology fees. Contact the VCU Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC). STAC advises VCU TS on current student-related services and proposed programs.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu.

Students in VCU Sustainability are requesting members of the university community to complete a survey on waste at VCU. One participant will win a free pair of AirPods. Responses will be accepted up until Tuesday, Nov. 18. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Andrew Ruddock at ruddockaj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/bFoLJ4VZcpsVoNMx6.

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 using the link below. 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.