1 p.m.

In this hands-on, interactive workshop, you’ll explore how to use AI to be your optimal teaching assistant by offloading more tedious tasks like quiz questions, discussion prompts and rubrics so you can focus more on teaching. You’ll leave feeling more confident, less stressed and equipped with tools that will allow you to spend your energy where you want to. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/FrAJObSITLuolfhHd-FytQ.

12 p.m.

Join VCU's School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required — join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82459825633.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the Data Science Lab for a discussion about open science practices. All members of the VCU community are welcome. The ReproducibiliTea schedule and articles can be found at the following URL. The session will be in the Health Sciences Library, Room 109, 509 N. 12th St.

For more information, contact Mallory Stephenson at stephensonm2@vcu.edu or visit https://osf.io/g56qp/wiki/Current%20Schedule/.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Hosted by Ivy Bell, VCU Health Hub’s Certified Community Health Worker, the Hub Club (1330 N. 25th St., Suite A) is a welcoming, wellness group where those who attend can share stories, enjoy music, practice mindfulness and build real connections. Join a session every second and fourth Tuesday for a shared space to recharge, reflect and belong,

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

4 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. 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, Oct. 29, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Stop by PennyAppeal's table in the Commons (University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) to help raise funds for care kits that provide clothing, hygiene supplies and emergency aid to unhoused individuals. PennyAppeal will be selling cookies, pumpkin bread and candy goodie bags. Not a fan of sweets? The group will also be selling bracelets. Follow the organization on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at noon

Looking to save on travel, entertainment, shopping, local discounts and more? Join VCU HR and TicketsatWork for an inside look at the VCU Discount Marketplace – your one-stop shop for exclusive deals and special offers available to VCU employees. Learn how to access big savings and make the most of this benefit. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-discounts/.

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.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Faculty members are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support community-engaged data dissemination. An informational session will be held via Zoom for those interested in submitting a proposal. Visit The Division of Community Engagement to register for the sessions and review the full proposal requirements. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88642269971 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Rro3DVF3uWVkMvk1A.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Support Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU by treating a guide dog in training to a pup cup. Puppies will be dressed in costumes in Monroe Park and ready for treats. All proceeds go toward the special naming of a future VCU puppy. Learn about available volunteer opportunities and how you can help raise, train and support these future guide dogs. Questions: Visit the organization's Instagram @gebatvcu.

For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join the VCU Staff Senate at the Employee Appreciation Fall Festival at the ballroom of the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Activities include a chili cook off by the VCU Police Department, Halloween costume contest, massage chair sessions, food, games, prizes and VCU department resource tables.

For more information, contact Melissa Burton at mhburton@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1316.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 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.

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 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCUDine and VCU Athletics will host Coffee With the Coaches upstairs in Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. Join VCU basketball coaches Phil Martelli Jr. and Beth O’Boyle for coffee, games and conversation while connecting with the coaches and fellow fans.

For more information, contact Ridge McKnight at Ridge.McKnight@vcusportsproperties.com.

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/.

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/.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join Active Minds @ VCU, International Youth Neuroscience Association @ VCU and the Psychology Club @ VCU in the STEM Building, Room 110, 817 W. Franklin St., for an event which will highlight the collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts that support individuals with substance use disorders. The evening will feature a panel discussion with a social worker, a neurobiology researcher and an addiction medicine physician. Those who attend will receive Narcan training. Free catered halal munchies will be available. This event is first-come, first-served. Only the first 50 people who register will be able to attend. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Varsha Penumalee at penumaleevs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tiSG8jqXMhxtSbUJ8.

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/.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU School of Public Health and the DMV Alumni Chapter will host Careers in Public Health, a panel discussion with alumni and public health leaders. Whether you’re curious about what a career in public health looks like or you’re ready to take the next step in building yours, this panel is for you. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Light refreshments will be served. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/sph/2025/10/21/careers-in-public-health-panel-fall-2025/.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This virtual session, hosted by VCU's Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs, supports department chairs in effectively guiding their colleagues through periods of uncertainty. Speakers will address resources and strategies to support faculty research, assist their students and foster their own health and wellness. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/WieqzoTUdNifM4GW6.

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.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to the 2025 Connect Conference, where community voices, scholarship and innovation come together to build meaningful connections. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Participants will learn skills and principles of community engagement, see partnerships in action and engage in design activities to support future collaborations that meet community needs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/z3TfbFwBu6HRDqJE6.

This is an open call for all faculty/staff/students and Richmond community members interested in reading for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. The award honors an exceptional debut novel published during the preceding calendar year. Entries for the 2026 award are currently being received and help is needed to start reading and reviewing submissions. This is an opportunity to read a new work and to contribute an individual voice to the judging process.

For more information, contact Hana Rehman at cabellfn@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.

When you sign up for a Healthy Heart Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. The clinician can discuss strategies to help improve your heart health and help you identify other wellness and health-related VCU employee benefits. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

VCUDine values your input and would like to learn more about your dining experience. Complete a brief, confidential survey by Friday, Nov. 7. Your feedback is essential to help VCUDine enhance its services. 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#?.

Registration is open for the Fall 2025 Mosaic Celebration hosted by VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. The event, open to all graduating students, lifts up the histories, traditions and contributions that shape the VCU community. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., second floor. Register by noon Friday, Nov. 21 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1krC70qEa01gt_JXGRWOGwPpZ2zZ0eGaMtK2bSOzHGa0/edit.

A half-day edition centered around "Resilience and Renewal: Navigating Leadership in Changing Times."

For more information, contact Nancy Calkins at calkinsn@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/news/news-posts/19th-annual-higher-ground-leadership-conference-announces-special-half-day-fall-event.html.

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/.

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 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 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.