Faculty/staff Issue for October 24, 2025
Today
Walking Tours With The Valentine Museum
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for two final Humanities Week events of 2025: walking tours in collaboration with The Valentine. The "Murals of Jackson Ward" walking tour (325 N. Second St.) will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the "Women of the Gilded Age" walking tour (211 E. Franklin St.) will run from 2 p.m. to 3:30.p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/walking-tours-with-the-valentine-museum.html.
Game Night Interest Meeting
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to share your passion for games of all kinds. Also, join an interest meeting about future game nights, meet new people and enjoy apple cider.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Strings 'n' Things
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host Strings 'n' Things on Fridays. Bring your own fiber-based project of choice and connect with others who share your passion. This is a social event for crafters of all levels.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
2025 Mid-Atlantic Bioanthropology Interest Group Conference
6 p.m.
Come to the STEM Building, Room 216, 817 W. Franklin St., for the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Bioanthropology Interest Group Conference. On Friday, keynote speaker Rose Basom, Ph.D., will give a talk on "Old Bones, New Pathways of Understanding in Biological Anthropology." On Saturday, students will present their anthropology research from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by VCU's School of World Studies.
For more information, contact Marie Vergamini at vergaminim@vcu.edu.
This week
VCU Women's Volleyball vs. Loyola
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at 3 p.m.
The women's volleyball team will play Loyola at the Siegel Center,
For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.
VCU Women's Soccer vs. Davidson
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at noon
The VCU women's soccer team will play Davidson at Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions.
For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.
Coming up
REAL RAPP: Empowering Growth Through Raw, Authentic, Purposeful Practices
Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
Make the most of your role supporting students in a monthly learning series for student supervisors. In this month’s session led by Shay Lumpkin, Director of TRIO Programs, staff will reimagine development in their everyday work by integrating feedback, reflection and shared learning opportunities. You will leave with practical ways to turn management into mentorship, connect daily tasks with long-term goal-setting, and build more empowered teams. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/SupOctSesh.
Eco Interest Meeting
Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Love the outdoors? Want to build community with others who love the outdoors? Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for a first interest meeting.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Volunteer at Second Presbyterian - Walk-In Ministry
Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Pace Center will host a volunteer event in collaboration with Second Presbyterian Church on Mondays. Volunteer to help prepare and serve a meal to the unhoused in downtown Richmond. Meet at Second Presbyterian Church at 5 N. Fifth St. Sign up ahead of time is required at 2presrichmond.org
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Informational Session: Data Dissemination Grants
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/SwFHaFmqnxxarPFi6.
Service-Learning Informational Session
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Interested in teaching a service-learning course or want the latest updates on VCU’s Service-Learning Program? Join this informational session 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 how to become involved in advancing experiential education across campus. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5143612286.
Participants Needed for University Holiday Video Shoot
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The VCU photo/video team is seeking participants for VCU's annual holiday video shooting. Participants will be tasked with decorating the Ram Horns statue in the Commons Plaza, carrying boxes (less than 10 pounds) and wearing holiday clothing. Food and refreshments will be provided. To participate, fill out the interest form at the following URL. Questions: Contact Madison Probst (probstml@vcu.edu) or Alex Robinson at the following email address.
For more information, contact Alex Robinson at robinsona19@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/6NQcKoXwMH13GqsH7.
Celebrate el Día de los Muertos
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.
Stick With Service: Discover Your Superpower
Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stop by the Transformative Learning table at the Compass to reflect, connect and discover your service superpower. Take a moment to answer a quick reflection question about what service means to you, explore how your strengths align with meaningful community work and chat with current Service-Learning Teaching Assistants about their experiences. Learn how you can make a real impact through service-learning as an SLTA in the classroom and beyond.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu.
Community Engagement Connect Conference 2025
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Division of Community Engagement invites students, faculty, staff and community members to the 2025 Connect Conference, where community voices, scholarship and innovation come together to build meaningful connections. 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. The event will be at James Brnch Cabell Library, Room 303, 904 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ocWQapjbndTamh3q9.
Notices
A Legacy of Small Gifts, Big Change
Think about it: one small deduction from your paycheck or credit card can feed a family, fund research or provide critical support to those in need. For 28 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign has proven that small, steady gifts add up to remarkable results. With thousands of charities — big and small, diverse and inclusive — you can support the mission that matters most to you. The 2025 campaign runs until Dec. 31 — let’s keep this legacy growing!
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign/.
VCU Gives Back: Faculty and Staff Edition
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 VCU students. Use your community service leave for this. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/32k8fbx5.
No Collaboratory Consultation Session on Friday, Oct. 24
Note that there will be no open consultation session today, Friday, Oct. 24. Regular weekly consultations hosted by the Division of Community Engagement will resume the following Friday from noon-1 p.m. These sessions offer faculty, staff and partners an opportunity 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.
For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/.
Register for National Rural Health Day at VCU
VCU and VCU Health invite you to celebrate National Rural Health Day with two events (virtual and in-person) that highlight the contributions of faculty, staff and students advancing rural health through research, programming, clinical practice and service. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIZGkzLYl262m_lo9XzU082yIYCAohuohMSiSRfbPt5au7Bw/viewform.
Don't Let Your 'Later' Turn Into 'Never'
Researchers at the VCU School of Public Health are testing a new research study program to help improve health and well-being among emerging adult women. You may be eligible for this study if you are a woman between the ages of 18 and 25 with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-50 kg/m2. Visit the following URL to take a survey to determine if you may be eligible.
For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.
Participants Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults at Healthy Heart Lab
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.
Be Part of Our Study on Family Meal Times and Health Among Black Families (Compensation Provided)
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 ayaresearch@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2o4YLtcFE7mVnkq.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.