Student Issue for September 3, 2026
Today
Faculty Open House at the VCU Health Hub
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All faculty members are invited to an open house at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A., to explore current programming and collectively envision how VCU’s teaching, research and resources can align with community-identified needs for mutual benefit. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrB3mY6n51tvDbCBsX_mICjnSuXyGlfsjFVSDtcl6IttG0dQ/viewform?usp=header.
Time Management Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Pace Center will host a time management badge training session at 700 W. Franklin St. Want to hone your time management skills? Come to learn more about the best practices for managing your time.
For more information, contact The Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com.
'You Did What?!' Rams in Recovery Recovery Speaker Series
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join Rams in Recovery for the first of three recovery speakers of the semester. Hear from a student and alumni speaker on their experiences in recovery. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu.
This week
Business Student Organization Recruitment Fair
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.
Come to the Snead Hall Atrium, 301 W. Main St., to meet 23-plus business student organizations and learn how to become involved in the School of Business. Those who attend will receive a free food truck ticket. (Day 2: Thursday, Sept. 3 from 2-5 p.m)
For more information, contact The Office of Student Engagement at busorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/undergraduate-students/office-of-student-engagement/.
Snead Week: Networking Hour
Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Close out Snead Week with the Office of Student Engagement, School of Business Dean Brian Brown, Ph.D., staff, faculty and alumni. Breakfast pastries and custom coffee will be available. Practice your networking skills and build your connections in a comfortable, encouraging environment in the Snead Atrium, 301 W Main St.
For more information, contact Office of Student Engagement at ose@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/undergraduate-students/office-of-student-engagement/.
GBM of Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus
Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon
The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus will continue work on RamsLink, planning for Disability Advocacy Week, and developing new trainings and advocacy initiatives. Everyone committed to justice is welcome. To participate, email the following address. The Zoom link for the meeting is at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89498678820.
Coming up
Class Ring Sales Event
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Juniors and seniors, don’t miss the VCU Ring Sales event. Browse the official ring collection at the Student Commons outside the P.O.D. Market, Sept. 8-10. Learn about interest-free payment plans and order in time for Grad Send Off. You can also view options and order your ring at balfour.com/vcu. For the latest updates, check RamsConnect.
For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.balfour.com/VCU.
Mix and Mingle: Academic Organization Edition
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
If you missed the SOVO fair, don't worry. 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, classified in different categories. The first Mix and Mingle theme is academic. If you're interested in joining an academic organization on campus, come to the event in the Underground, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for doughnuts, refreshments and connections. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Raine Harris at harrisrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1947806.
Three-Minute Thesis Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Come learn about the benefits and logistics of participating in this research dissemination event via Zoo,/
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945971.
The Game of Life Design – Workshop
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Have questions about your career path? Wondering where your major at VCU will lead you? Looking for clarity on a big decision? Join the da Vinci Center and VCU Life Design for The Game of Life Design workshop at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St.
For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO2pKhn6lqTLBhJUCJ39bQsX8P1smYlHL_jgkn8deaV7ykNQ/viewform.
Evening MBA Webinar
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 at noon
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84263422314.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 at noon
Approaching AI in Community Engaged Research: What happens when AI meets real-world community-engaged research? Join VCU’s next Community Engaged Research Series session to explore how education research-practice partnerships are navigating AI’s risks, benefits and possibilities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA1Yi5WWl0cDwH4AwpQbEDdYAV8PIBY8rYNeW_wLN_v2x7jw/viewform?usp=header.
Graduate Certificate in Applied AI Informational Session
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Learn about VCU's new 12-credit, online asynchronous Graduate Certificate in Applied AI at a virtual informational session. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gG2FJM49Qcty7htL6.
Bioethics 4 Students Kick-Off Meeting
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Bioethics 4 Students will host its first meeting of the school year at 701 W. Grace St. in the multipurpose room (1303). Meet new people, learn about upcoming meetings and events, how to become involved and hear about membership benefits from the organization's new Kaplan partner.
For more information, contact Ria Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.
Black Freedom: Public Celebration and Commemoration as Practices of Remembrance and Repair
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center and the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU for a Humanities Week keynote event with Blair LM Kelley, president and director of the National Humanities Center, in celebration of her newly published book, "Black Freedom: A Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days." The event will be held at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/black-freedom-public-celebration-and-commemoration-as-practices-of-remembrance-and-repair.html.
Foundations of Focused Leadership
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Effective leadership starts with focus, clarity and the ability to manage stress in a demanding environment. This online course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces the foundational concepts of mindfulness and how they directly support leadership growth and personal effectiveness. Participants will learn practical techniques to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and strengthen their ability to lead with intention and resilience. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-100.
Data Dissemination Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
Want to make research data more accessible and meaningful to the community? Learn about VCU’s Data Dissemination Grant, which supports creative, community-co-created approaches to sharing research data and findings with communities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu9cnVOECrf7J5VcyYjh-pDzQ6WBEWbCZkGe-Mt6GdWfYdqg/viewform?usp=header.
Cassi Namoda Artist Walkthrough and Gallery Talk
Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join ICA Executive Director Jessica Bell Brown and artist Cassi Namoda for a walkthrough of "Life Is the Seamstress of Dreams," offering personal insight into the exhibition’s paintings, sculptures and installation. Reflecting on memory, spirituality and storytelling, Namoda shares the stories and lived experiences that shape her artistic practice. The event will be at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2823 or visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/89502106/cassi-namoda-artist-walkthrough-gallery-talk-richmond-institute-for-contemporary-art-at-vcu.
Data Analysis With Excel
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This course offered by Continuing and Professional Education builds advanced Excel skills for professionals who need to manage, analyze and report on data with greater accuracy and efficiency. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, participants will work with complex datasets, apply advanced formulas and create dynamic reports. Registration will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 21 at the following URL. The class will be held in the VCU HR Learning Center Conference Room, 922 W. Grace St.
For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-148.
Full-Scale Exercise Roleplayers Needed
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteer for a large multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise aimed at improving the university's response to a large impact incident on the VCU campus. This exercise is beneficial for 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. Participants 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
TEDxVCU Planning Team Applications
Join the TEDxVCU planning team and help share ideas. More information about each position and the application can be found here: Team Lead Application (https://forms.gle/6eUqcynY7ta1QhEW8) by Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.
International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) Fall 2026 Webinar Series – Mind the Gaps: Essential Conversations for Modern Health Professions Education
The VCU School of Medicine invites the VCU community to attend the IAMSE Fall Webinar Series. Register at the following URL. Sessions will take place from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. The series will begin Thursday, Sept. 3 and continue each Thursday through Oct. 1. Register once to receive the Zoom link that can be used for each session. Questions: Contact Jody Hedstrom at the following email address.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at jody.hedstrom@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/17537488.
Ultrasound Interpretation in Critical Care: A Cognitive Skills Master Class
The Department of Neurology offers neuroultrasound courses with transcranial Doppler and carotid ultrasound applications in various settings. Build confidence in interpreting point-of-care ultrasound through this interactive, case-based master class. Participants will work through real-world critical care scenarios to learn how to evaluate image quality, identify clinically significant findings, distinguish artifact from pathology and integrate ultrasound results into bedside decision-making. No Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit will be offered for this course. Format: Live virtual course. Questions: Visit https://neurology.vcu.edu/education/cpe/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Briana Garnett at briana.garnette@vcuhealth.org or visit https://payit.vcu.edu/C20245_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=22&CATID=35.
West Grace Street Housing Project – Utility Work – Sept. 7-Oct. 2
Please be advised of the following traffic and pedestrian impacts, caused by the utility work associated with the West Grace Street Housing Project, that will take place from Monday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Oct. 2 surrounding the 200 and 300 block of North Laurel Street. All traffic lanes on North Laurel Street between West Broad Street and West Grace Street will be closed. The alley next to &pizza will be closed to vehicular traffic. The shared Chipotle, Panera and CAVA parking lot will remain open and accessible via West Grace Street. While the sidewalk on North Laurel Street between West Grace Street and the alley next to &pizza will be closed, the sidewalk on North Laurel Street between West Broad Street and &pizza will remain open and accessible on both sides of North Laurel Street. The alley behind the VCU Facilities Administration Building and Technology Operations Building will remain partially open for parking lot access, with the North Laurel Street entrance to the alley closed. To access the parking areas behind these buildings, turn right from North Belvidere Street into the ICA alley and continue across Pine Street to the alley.
For more information, contact Britt Dixon at Dixonbd@vcu.edu or visit https://masterplan.vcu.edu/implementation/current-projects/west-grace-street-housing-project/.
Recruiting Participants for a Study on Understanding the Menopause Transition
Recruiting women between 45-55 years old for a study on whether diet education, lifestyle changes and medication can help women in perimenopause feel healthier. Qualifications and what to expect: https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/studies-currently-recruiting/ Sign up at the following URL
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://mailxto.com/axs1fyrusn.
Concussion Research Study
Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This noninvasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.
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.
EXPLORE Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting female participants (aged 12 to 20 years) for a brain imaging study to understand the development of learning and decision-making among people with body image concerns, overeating, purging, restrictive eating, and/or maladaptive exercise. The TREAT Lab is also recruiting individuals without a psychological disorder for this study. There will be compensation for participation. For more information, contact the TREAT Lab at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or follow this link: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JD4YKAEPKPPWAYXR
For more information, contact TREAT Lab (Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JD4YKAEPKPPWAYXR.
Study on Alcohol Use and Friendships
A study at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use and reaction time within friendships. You may be randomly assigned to consume alcohol; you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. The in-person portion of this study will not take longer than two hours to complete. You may earn either SONA credit or $20 USD. Your eligibility is determined by a screening survey and will include a subsequent screening survey for your friend. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rf7Q9immr4FgtU.
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.