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 3 p.m.

In celebration of International Education Week, Nov. 17-21, students with corresponding meal plans can sample cuisine options from around the world. Stop by Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, to speak with the Global Education Office staff and students who have studied abroad and find out how you can experience studying and interning outside the United States.

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

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/.

12 p.m.

Interested in study abroad? VCU's Global Education Office and the Dept. of Focused Inquiry will host an opportunity to study on site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break. The trip will focus on the relationship between art, politics and social change. Apply by Monday, Dec. 1 at https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11753 An informational session will be held at 5116 Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. in the Broad Street Room). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hilary Levinson at hlevinson@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ZVafroHyE6uH7Ycw5.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Graduate School's Office of Professional Development's webinar provides graduate students with essential skills for navigating our globalized academic and professional world. Those who attend will learn to identify common barriers in cross-cultural interactions, such as differing communication styles and assumptions. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve understanding, reduce conflict, and build stronger, more collaborative relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/GradSchool/rsvp_boot?id=1942496.

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. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about scholarships at VCU and beyond that can help to support your academic pursuits, professional development and experiential learning. VCU Political Science will present and explore some of the primary scholarships on the horizon for our majors and discuss how to leverage funding opportunities that work for you. The event will be held in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1102, 1000 Floyd Ave

For more information, contact Hollie Mann, Ph.D., at mannhs2@vcu.edu or (919) 357-8942.

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.

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 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (The FILL) is hosting a workshop on making 3D physical projects for classes, including but not limited to multimodal assignments for Focused Inquiry courses. Come learn everything you need to know about designing, making and showcasing your project. The session will be in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 5116, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge at fill@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/fill.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

As International Education Week is celebrated Nov. 17-21, the Global Education Office will host the second VCU Globe Speakers Series featuring VCU Humphrey Fellow Lorato Koosaletse. She will share her journey and insights in a lecture followed by a Q&A. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1941435.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Global Education Office's Immigration Services will host a virtual workshop for students whose program of study requires participation in an experiential learning activity like an internship or who wish to take an internship-type class to satisfy a degree requirement. This workshop will cover the regulatory framework for engaging in academically aligned practical training, eligibility criteria and the process for requesting CPT authorization. Held during International Education Week. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jane Nucup at geois@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/SLk2NKj9SK6qzsfE26m5Dw#/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.

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 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 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work will sponsor an informational session for a study abroad trip to Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, that will examine LGBTQIA+ intersectional experiences of post-colonial South Africa. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC) Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave. The trip will take place March 6-16, 2026. At the informational session, students will have the opportunity to learn about the course and ask questions. Apply at the following URL by Dec. 1.

For more information, contact Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., at gattism@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11568.

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/.

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/.

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. Applicants must be college seniors at accredited four-year institutions at the time of application and be eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://www.faoschwarzfellowship.org/how-to-apply/.

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/W6kGbynrY3KanoHs7.

Now is a great time to start looking for and applying to 2026 internships. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 143 or the satellite office in Hunton Student Center, Suite 205, 1110 E. Broad St. Meet with a Peer Career Counselor during drop-in hours Tuesday-Friday weekly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.

Congratulations to the VCU Class of 2025. University Events has a special opportunity for you to share your graduation photos with us so they can be displayed for your family and friends during the celebrations. Have commencement questions? Visit www.commencement.vcu.edu or email univevents@vcu.edu. Upload your photos at the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at univevents@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/99hEkXV76DnUEsWS9.

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.

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.

The Bridge Lab at VCU's School of Social Work is conducting a research study on the experiences and well-being of first-generation immigrant and refugee college students. We are seeking 45-50 participants to share their stories about navigating academic life, family responsibilities and cultural identity. Participants may choose to take part in a confidential Zoom interview (60 minutes) or a focus group (90 minutes). Eligible participants are first-generation college students (current or recent graduates) whose parent(s) were born outside the U.S. Participants will receive a $20 e-gift card for their time.

For more information, contact Hyojin Im or Bridge Lab Research Team at fgsresearchteam@gmail.com or visit https://bit.ly/481eXtU.

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.