1 p.m.

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, come to hear from the institute staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. RSVP for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAOE4fVPTpa5AJMcwigVy2hgb4vCL5CdAFp5IPwCtrkdqUXw/viewform?usp=header.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The VCU Tech Fair will be held at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. This free event is open to all students, faculty and staff. No registration is required. Collect tech tips and tricks from VCU's IT community and stock up on swag and goodies. Can't make it today? VCU Tech Fair will be happening again tomorrow at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Visit the following URL for more information.

For more information, contact Hannah Steighner at hwpsteighner@vcu.edu or visit https://techfair.vcu.edu.

12 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series Workshop: Personal Statement. In this interactive Zoom workshop, look at examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, and pick up the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for an interactive session with Cristi Cooke, creator of the Pillars of Genius method. Cooke invites us to explore how our interest in the humanities, our purpose and our unique genius can come together to shape a career that fits who we truly are. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/discover-your-unique-genius-the-foundation-of-a-meaningful-and-successful-career.html.

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a talk with Teresa Mangum, Ph.D., Professor Emerita at the University of Iowa. Mangum’s talk will discuss the pedagogical values driving public scholarship, share successful examples from her own teaching and book series and make the case for the simultaneous teaching of humanities methods and career skills. The talk will be in Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave., Room 303. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/public-humanities-in-action-project-based-learning-that-transforms-communities-and-careers.html.

3:30 p.m.

The Boren Awards, which fund the study of a critical language abroad, are open to all undergraduates and graduate students. This session will provide an overview of the program and information on how to apply. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiXWMWJZQnCPQPRQpyMFIjV126VhMO2t8NxXIxN64wVd-EIg/viewform.

3:30 p.m.

Join this panel if you are interested in learning more about getting the Qualified Mental Health Professional Certification. Join the session 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 at 10 a.m.

Faculty members are invited to an in-person workshop to learn from VCU tenured faculty who have leveraged their community engagement into successful promotion and tenure. Mentorship opportunities are available. The event will be at the Scott House, 909 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kMLFxdTqoLv8R1Tm9.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Jennifer Reid, Ph.D., Evaluation Director and Senior Consultant, Center for Public Policy, for an overview of Virginia’s human trafficking policies and procedures, along with an introduction to the Office for Victims of Crime Minors Trafficking Grant, a partnership with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. This initiative sheds light on two often overlooked areas: boys amd human trafficking and youth and labor trafficking. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Registration is required.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/event-posts/october-2025-lunch-and-learn.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 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The College Panhellenic Council with Fraternity and Sorority Life will host a session at which students interested in joining a sorority through spring formal recruitment can learn about the five active chapters on campus. The session will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Keila Vanda at vandake@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

This session is intended for undergraduates beyond their first year and current graduate students in STEM-field majors. Learn about RISE, a three-month research internship in Germany (working language is English!), and SMART, a Department of Defense scholarship that provides funding for tuition and educational fees as well as summer research internships. The Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship awarded annually. The session will be available in person or on Zoom. The in-person option will be in the NSO Conference Room: 701 W. Grace St., Room 1210. Zoom links will be provided the morning of the session to all those who register.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckK7XfexUdjBd8F0pD6uUlr08EGasTPBXIv_SEiw0UKfCi3w/viewform.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

VCU's department of chemistry welcomes Kevin Plaxco, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, as the 48th Annual Mary E. Kapp lecturer. The title of Plaxco's talk will be "Molecular Vital Signs: Recent Advances in In-Vivo Biosensors." The lecture honors the founding chair of the department and will be in Room 112 in the STEM building, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Rhea Miller at rmiller3@vcu.edu or visit https://chemistry.vcu.edu/events/mary-e-kapp-lecture/.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Medical Journal Club will have its second research panel in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1104, 1000 Floyd Ave. Join the group to hear from Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D., Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy, and Derek Chapman, Ph.D., Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, who will discuss their research and how to join their labs.

For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at mjc.vcu@gmail.com.

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 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Are you pressed for time and looking for a one-stop-shop to get you ready to dive into your job search? This interactive workshop, co-hosted by Career Services and the Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, will help students get organized for their job search, learn best practices for writing strong cover letters and résumés and practice interviewing techniques to help them stand out from other applicants.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939651.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The SGA Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus will have its first official caucus meeting of the semester to reintroduce ourselves and discuss our projects from last semester and where to go forward. The session will be in person (SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and via Zoom. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89394972992.

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 is seeking student volunteers for its fall open house 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, answering questions and directing and escorting guests to various academic informational sessions around campus. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/JkpHwx85d8tbvkpq6.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 p.m.

First Love Church will host a worship service oprn to all at Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 101.

For more information, contact Yasmin John at johnye@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/times-of-refreshing-worship-night-tickets-1708556441309?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will honor and celebrate the lives of faculty members Xueming "Jimmy" Chen, Richard Huff and Blue Wooldridge, who recently passed. The ceremony will reflect on their memories, impacts and legacies that live on within the community. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms, second floor, 907 Floyd Ave. 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/wilder-school-remembrance--celebration.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at noon

Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? Join a presentation and Q&A conducted by the Wilder School's Urban and Regional Planning faculty to learn more about graduate school options. Questions: Visit https://bit.ly/murp1029 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/murp1029.

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Richmond Indie Comics Expo (RICE) is hosted by the Comics Club at VCU and will feature local artists, current and past students and guest speakers. RICE will be held in the Richmond Salons with panels in the Commons theater at VCU’s University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All events are free.

For more information, contact Richmond Indie Comics Expo at richmondindiecomicexpo@gmail.com or visit https://richmondindiecomicexpo.wordpress.com/.

Psi Chi at VCU is the VCU chapter of the international psychology honor society, which is currently accepting new members. The online application will be open until Friday, Oct. 24 for the Fall 2025 application window. Psychology minors are welcome to apply as well. Visit the following URL for information on eligibility, benefits and the link to the application.

For more information, contact Shreya Patel (Outreach Coordinator) at patelss14@vcu.edu or visit https://psychology.vcu.edu/undergraduate/student-groups/psi-chi/.

Help VCUDine enhance your dining experience by completing a brief, confidential survey. Submit your response by Friday. Nov. 7 to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of two $50 eGift cards per campus. Begin the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://repdata.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/53b/250923?list=97&cnt=us&sch=US029#?.

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.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months

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 parents, caregivers and their children (ages 8-12) are invited to share their experiences with race, family meal times and health through small-group conversations in the Richmond area. This feedback will inform future community programming that promotes family discussions about race, nutritious meals and more. Participating caregivers and youth will receive compensation for their time and insights. If you are still interested, complete our study screener at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shawn C.T. Jones, Ph.D., at scjones4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o4YLtcFE7mVnkq.