Student Issue for August 3, 2026
Today
WIN From Anywhere: A Virtual Pep Rally To Kick Off the Academic Year
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
VCU Women’s Impact Network will host a free virtual pep rally to give participants a first look at upcoming programming, insight into WIN’s story and impact and a chance to connect with the WIN community. Questions: Visit go.vcu.edu/WIN
For more information, contact Amy Gray Beck, Ph.D. 2019, executive director, affinity programs, Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy at acbeck@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/win-from-anywhere-a-virtual-pep-rally-to-kick-off-the-year/?a=13653296.
Health Hub After Dark: Newborn Care Basics
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Newborn Care Basics Program is a four-part community-centered educational program designed to equip expecting and new parents with essential newborn care knowledge, practical caregiving skills and the confidence needed to support their baby's health, development and overall well-being during the early weeks of life. Sessions will be held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
This week
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Professional communication is an integral part of our lives as students and staff. In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will give you the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful, and confident manner. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Community Chat and Chew
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Some to the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for food, conversation and community resources that promote resilience, mental wellness and stronger connections for individuals and families.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Voice in the Age of AI
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 at 6 p.m.
As new technologies continue to shape how we write, it’s important to ensure that our individuality still shines through. We’ll explore practical and creative ways to strengthen your voice, while taking into consideration the impact of AI and how we can make intentional choices about how and when we use it. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Coming up
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center – Facts and Faith Fridays
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Facts & Faith Fridays with the Boatman's and Keyur Shah. M.D., via Zoom. Learn more about Inherited Risks, Inspired Responses: Understanding Genetic Amyloidosis, Lived Experience, and a Call to Donor Advocacy. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration
For more information, contact the Rev. Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-9154 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.
Role Players Needed for VCU Full-Scale Training Exercise
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise is aimed at improving the university's response to a large impact incident on the VCU campus. Volunteering for this exercise is highly beneficial for any students, faculty or staff interested in homeland security and emergency preparedness, or who would like to contribute directly to improving the overall safety of the VCU community. Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old, wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty with simulated makeup and be willing to be transported via ambulance to medical centers in the downtown area for simulated triage. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at MajidM@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999 or visit https://veoci.com/v/p/form/ezm2jxm2gfu3.
Notices
Free Passport-Style Photos With the Global Education Office
Looking to apply for your first U.S. passport or renew your current passport? Need a 2-inch by 2-inch photo for your visa or OPT application? Get your free passport-style photograph taken at VCU's Global Education Office. Passport-style photo services are offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. in the Global Education office (912 W. Grace St., fourth floor.) Sign up for a 15-minute time slot at the following URL. Note: Passport photo services will only be offered once a month in July.
For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejLHsHb1Q3lapB5hNPwQiMxVs8-YfY1IWQ5OPVp5zVVmGscQ/viewform?usp=header.
Sign Up for Naloxone Training With Rams in Recovery
Get trained and save a life: Rams in Recovery is hosting Naloxone Training sessions this semester. Sign up for training to learn how to respond to an opioid overdose emergency. Naloxone kits are included for all training participants. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Fugate at edwardskm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSce5yua7uSasV8cU6jTmCvQejNMYHBIErNpCrfFV5fDSQ57Zw/viewform .
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Heat Therapy on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 with poor sleep. Compensation is up to $50. 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 information, contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
InP-ACT: Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Study for Chronic Pain and Insomnia
Recruiting individuals ages 18+ who have had chronic pain and sleep disturbance for at least three months. Participants will be compensated up to $120 for participation in this treatment study. If interested, see the screener at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lara LoBrutto at inpact@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=W48JM9TMYTCJEDWT.
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.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.