1 p.m.

Learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. 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/.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Whether you’re working on a manuscript, grant proposal or other scholarly project, this group provides fellowship, accountability and focused writing time. Sessions are held every Friday from 11 a.m–12:30 p.m. via Zoom, hosted by the Division of Community Engagement in collaboration with the Council for Community Engagement Research Workgroup. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86507914411 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/dKNsb9AYcVqS7kMa8.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement will host weekly open consultations for faculty, staff and partners to receive guidance and explore how to make the most of Collaboratory: VCU's Database for Community and Civic Engagement Activities and Partnerships in their work. Bring your questions or simply join the session to explore the database. Sessions will be held every Friday from noon-1 p.m. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81793039272?jst=2 (Note that there will be no session held on Friday, Oct. 24.)

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

9 a.m.

Celebrating health, community and connection all week long at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Self-Care Friday, pause, recharge and nurture yourself. Wear your Pjs or comfy clothes and make a DIY self-care kit.

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

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Develop professionally and personally, build lasting friendships and potentially win a cash prize for you and a student organization of your choice. Come to the Reign of the Rams interest meetings to meet previous court members, hear what it means to reign and learn how to apply to be on this year's homecoming court. Show your school spirit by wearing your best VCU gear. VCU's Activities Programming Board will host meetings virtually and in-person on the following dates: Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. (SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.); Saturday, Oct. 11 at noon (virtual); Sunday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. (University Student Commons theater, 907 Floyd Ave.) and Tuesday, Oct, 14 at 7 p.m. (Commons Theater)

For more information, contact Sensiere Thompkins-Harris at thompkinshs@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/apb/events/.

Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

Both classes run from 10 a.m. to noon and are free. The course is designed to teach community members how to render aid to themselves and others during a bleeding emergency. The Monday, Oct. 13 course will be at Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave., Room 216. The Wednesday, Oct. 15 course will be in Oliver Hall, 1015 W. Main St., Education Wing, Room 2124. Registration is free and can be completed by selecting the course on the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education (CTCCE) training calendar. Register at the following URL with course codes needed. Oct. 13 course code is Rams1. The Oct. 15 course code is Rams2.

For more information, contact Matthew Majid at majidm@vcu.edu or visit https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal4a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=0&sid1=0&sid2=0&as=82&wp=443&tz=0&ms=0&nav=0&cc=0&cat1=0&cat2=0&cat3=0&aid=CTCCE&rf=&pn=0.

Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Do you enjoy helping others solve problems in math? Or, maybe you enjoy working with others to complete science investigations. If so, teaching might be a career path for you. Come to this session to learn more about the School of Educations Masters in Teaching Secondary Program for Mathematics and All Science Concentrations. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Edmondson at ewedmondson@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/LearningScienceFall25.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Brandcenter applications for fall 2026 are open. Want to learn more about the No. 1 grad school in advertising and branding? Come to this virtual informational session and chat about the program, its four concentrations (art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy) and admissions. 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-oct-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 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 academic 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 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1941472.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present "Breaking Silence, Finding Strength - Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Wellness" for Facts and Faith Fridays. Shanita Brown, Ed.D., East Carolina University, will discuss her new book, "Healing and Thriving After Domestic Violence: A Practical Guide for Black Women." The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 239-7037 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites faculty to Advancing Scholarship Through Community Engagement, an in-person workshop at the Scott House, Rooms 202 and 204, 909 W. Franklin St. Lunch will be provided. Learn from VCU faculty who have transformed their community engagement into scholarship and take part in small group discussions to explore strategies for your own work. Register at https://forms.gle/kMLFxdTqoLv8R1Tm9

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/training/.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 2 p.m.

VCU HR and Social Security will host a workshop to provide answers to questions about Medicare A and B, eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, application process and online services. VCU Benefits will also discuss the State Retiree Health Coverage. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4mO0IxX

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Abstract submissions are now open for the 11th annual Heart Health in Women Symposium, hosted by the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center. All career levels are eligible, including basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological or implementation science impacting women’s cardiovascular health. The best trainee abstract will receive a monetary travel award. The registration fee will be awived for abstract presenters. Submit abstracts by Jan. 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. at the following URL.

For more information, contact Moriah Bellissimo at moriah.bellissimomyers@vcuhealth.org or (336) 953-9707 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=WXPPNCFJ8EHHTDHY.

Survivors Tracking Exercise and Pain (STEP) is a 12-month research study exploring pain and physical activity among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. We are looking for female survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 to partner with us. Together, we will shape the study and improve research for others like you. Your participation involves joining a 90-minute Zoom meeting once a month for 12 months. Compensation is provided for all advisory board members.

For more information, contact Karly Casanave-Phillips, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, at AYASTEP@vcu.edu.

Catch up on all the latest updates, events and stories from VCU’s community engagement initiatives. Explore upcoming opportunities for faculty, staff, students and community partners, discover inspiring collaborations and find ways to become involved. Read the newsletter at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at Hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://mailchi.mp/vcu/vcu-community-engagement-october-2025-newsletter.

Faculty are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support community-engaged data dissemination. Informational sessions will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 9 from noon-1 .m. for those interested in submitting a proposal. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 1-2 p.m., VCU's Division of Community Engagement will host a virtual panel discussion featuring former grant awardees who will share their experiences and insights. Review program requirements and register by Jan. 15, 2026 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedra at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/facultystaff/grants/ddgrants2026/.

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/.

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 for 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.

The Department of Family Medicine is conducting a study titled “Feasibility and Acceptability of Using E-Cig Information to Guide Smoking Behavior.” The purpose of this study is to understand how information about e-cigarettes can help adults who both smoke and vape reduce or quit cigarette use. Participants will take part in five brief telehealth counseling sessions over six to eight weeks and complete online surveys. Eligibility: Adults aged 21 or older who currently smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes at least once per week. Compensation: Participants may receive up to $190 in Amazon or Visa gift cards for completing study activities. Questions: Contact the following email adress or Scott.Strayer@vcuhealth.org To see if you are eligible, visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Obinna Diala at obinna.diala@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-4649 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CYH78NRY7LMKPWHA.