11 a.m.

Learn to feel more comfortable when beginning a research project and developing a clear, focused and complex research question. 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 p.m.

Rams in Recovery's speaker series will host Devin Byrne, MS, LPC. to the College of Health Professions, 900 E. Leigh St., first floor Multipurpose Room (1075). Byrne, who is in long-term recovery, is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program and a Rams in Recovery alumnus. Questions: Email recovery@vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Thomas N. Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or (804) 366-8027 or visit https://bit.ly/MCVRecoverySeries.

5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Join the VCU Social Work programs and recruitment team to learn about your options to build a Social Welfare or Social Work and Mental Health minor into your plan of study. Discover the minor programs offered to all undergraduate students by the School of Social Work at VCU. Prospective transfer students are also welcome to attend to learn about articulation and easy paths from community college to VCU. This undergraduate interest session is a hybrid event and will be held in person in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC) Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave., and via Zoom. Register at https://forms.gle/JmKiJRcRqaEVZnDPA

For more information, contact VCU School of Social Work at sswinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://socialwork.vcu.edu/academics/all-school-discovery-day/.

6 p.m.

VCU's Spanish Program will host a Celebration of the Day of the Dead in Hibbs Hall, Room 303, 900 Park Ave. Build an altar and learn about the traditional ofrendas. Bring a photo of a loved one to honor them. Wear a costume for a chance to win a prize. Pizza, pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate will be available to accompany a viewing of "Coco," an animated film about the importance of cultural traditions as a source of connection and resilience to pursue one's dreams. All are invited.

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

6:30 p.m.

A gathering will be held at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to promote emotional wellbeing by sharing activities that bring us joy or stress relief. Come for community, food and shenanigans. All are welcome.

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

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

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: VCU's Database for Community and Civic Engagement Activities and Partnerships in their work. Bring your questions or simply join us 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

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

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is launching a new public art initiative, Brushstrokes of Discovery, to engage the community within its outreach area for cancer research. Community members are invited to help paint a mural designed by three local artists to highlight the significance of research findings and the importance of tumor tissue donation in regard to cancer care. The event will be at the RVA Big Market at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road.

For more information, contact Tatiana Del Valle at delvallet@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/brushstrokes-community-project/.

Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

VCU's Office of the Provost, Faculty Affairs, will host a virtual monthly session for faculty entitled, “Building Your CV.” This session will address the main elements of a CV and how to continuously and consistently enter items. The presenters represent diverse disciplines and will discuss teaching, creative and research CVs. This session is open to all faculty. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Archana Pathak at aapathak@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/jvzAE9GKW4XJKHbN9.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Shaojun Tang, Ph.D., assistant professor, VCU Biostatistics, will discuss Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia as the U.S. population ages. Abnormal tau protein aggregation is thought to drive brain damage. An analysis of tau proteins uncovered new biomarkers and therapeutic targets across diverse neurodegenerative disorders. A learning objective is to understand how abnormal tau protein changes contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Questions: https://bioinformatics.vcu.edu See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jinze Liu at mccbioinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/HSqTQ9eMQfSF56gUFz9PDA#/registration.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 at noon

Ever wondered why it seems one person can eat anything they want and not gain a pound, while another person’s every indulgence shows up on the scale? It’s because of differences in metabolism, muscle mass and physical activity. Join VCU HR and CommonHealth for this informative session and get tips and tricks on how to make your metabolism work for you. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4qxbQST

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

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join the Division of Community Engagement team for its November Networking Social at Bar Solita, 123 W. Broad St. Meet colleagues, swap project ideas and spark collaborations.

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for an online presentation that will highlight how community-engaged research can evolve into opportunities for student engagement, experiential learning, training and scholarly outputs. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82775901937 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fdQx36fwiuVgGEUP9.

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://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

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) 827-4309.

The Research in Athletes and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) is seeking an hourly research assistant to assist with a new musculoskeletal injury research project. This individual will assist with research operations, including study organization and scheduling, data collection and timely project completion. Applicants will need to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to this position for about 48 weeks (Anticipated start date is late Fall 2025). Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, but it is expected that those with a background in sports medicine, exercise physiology, kinesiology or related fields will be most aligned with the position expectations. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/research-assistant-for-musculoskeletal-research-project-mcv-main-campus-virginia-united-states.

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for completion at the following URL. Completing the FAFSA is key to determining eligibility for federal, state and institutional need-based financial assistance. VCU’s priority filing date is Feb. 1, 2026. Contact the Student Financial Management Center at the following email address if you have any questions.

For more information, contact Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1550 or visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Check out Redefining BMI — a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL tto take a survey and learn if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

Faculty and staff should order rental regalia by Monday, Nov. 17. You will receive an email when your order is ready for pickup. Contact your campus Barnes and Noble @ VCU manager with any special or late requests. Limited sizes will be available in-store. Begin your order by filling out the form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tammy Vallario at sm620@bncollege.com or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehyBfoaIkOwFtnJwnmAGa5q-M9y2dOBoqSAVRkPc968pxDyg/viewform?usp=preview .

Join fellow faculty and staff during Transformative Learning Week 2025 for a hands-on service opportunity with a local community partner, connect with colleagues across units and model transformative learning for our students. Use your community service leave for this. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/32k8fbx5.

Interested in teaching a service-learning course or want the latest updates on VCU’s Service-Learning Program? Join this virtual informational session from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 to explore how service-learning enhances student engagement, fosters community partnerships and aligns with Transformative Learning at VCU. Learn about faculty resources, course designation processes and ways to become involved in advancing experiential education across campus. The Zoom link is at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5143612286.

Breast Cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44 percent since 1989. That’s not a coincidence. For 40 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of Breast Cancer across the nation. It has encouraged millions to act, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives. Schedule your lifesaving mammogram at VCU Health today by calling (804) 237-6666. Uninsured? Learn more about Every Woman’s Life, a public health program that helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/every-womans-life/ .

Faculty members are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support community-engaged data dissemination. A virtual panel discussion will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 featuring former grant awardees who will share their experiences and insights. Visit the following Division of Community Engagement URL to register for the sessions and review the full proposal requirements.

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

Creating a positive environment for learning is essential to the VCU community. Alcohol and other drugs can interfere with academic success and campus safety. At VCU, these issues are proactively addressed through university well-being programs and policy enforcement. Read the notification at the following URL.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at skillmanj2@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/studentaffairs/index.php/annual-alcohol-and-other-drug-policy-and-resources-notification/.

Do you like helping other students and want to make a difference on campus? The Campus Learning Center is accepting applications for all Peer Academic Support positions for the Spring semester - PASS Leaders, Tutors and Peer Academic Coaches. See the requirements and apply at the following URL by Tuesday, Nov. 4.

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8108 or visit https://forms.gle/sGyemKU7SSigFNkV6.

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.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely, or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. See the survey at the followoing URL.

For more information, contact Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI, at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.

Are you a single parent who currently resides in the Richmond metropolitan area; works full time, attends school full time or a combination of working and attending school; and has a child or children under 18 years of age? If so, we want to hear from you. We are doctoral students at VCU's School of Education conducting a project on the single-parent experience (e.g., child care needs and support). Complete the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Yadira Guerrero at guerreroy3@vcu.edu or visit https://yadiguer.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=Ekd6XsvpH8wECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.

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.