1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Navigating the path to employment requires pre-planning and an understanding of the various visa types available for students interested in working in the United States, both before and after graduation. This event will bring together immigration advisers from VCU's Global Education Office and local immigration attorneys to discuss the legal pathways to employment, including F-1 OPT, H-1B work visas and more. This workshop is open to F-1 students enrolled in programs in the School of Business. The session will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact GEO Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu.

12 p.m.

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will present the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Ember Morrissey of West Virginia University. Morrissey will discuss “Life in the Land: Unraveling the Hidden Lives and Functions of Soil Microorganisms,” exploring the diverse and often unseen communities of microorganisms that inhabit soils and their important roles in ecosystem function. The event will be in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, (Room 151) 1000 W. Cary St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/events/life-in-the-land-unraveling-the-hidden-lives-and-functions-of-soil-microorganisms-.html.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Fine Arts will present a visiting artist lecture by Erin Jane Nelson at the Grace Street Theater, 314 W. Grace St. Her artwork is grounded in photography sourced from her personal archive of found and original images. Nelson’s newest works have expanded to include ceramic cameras that the artist creates herself and uses to capture landscape photographs.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/erin-jane-nelson-visiting-artist-lecture/.

2:30 p.m.

The VCUarts Cinema Program will host alumna Ashley Dean (B.A. ‘21) to share her post-grad experience and accomplishments in her professional career. Dean is a multi-hyphenate director, writer and producer who creates poetic, raw but real narratives that encompass the Black experience. Her roots date back to Virginia where her passion for filmmaking began to develop through her community and environment. Having graduated from VCU in 2021 with a BA in Cinema and minors in Media Studies and African American Studies, Dean’s career took off shortly after as part of the Apple TV+ film “Raymond & Ray” and television series “Lady in the Lake.” She will speak at The Depot, 814 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/cinema/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This Zoom session, facilitated by VCU Career Services, guides graduate students through a reflective process to recognize and articulate their existing professional value. Participants will learn how to strategically align their academic skills with in-demand career competencies, ensuring they can confidently promote their strengths for future opportunities, whether in academia or industry. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945955.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at noon

VCU's Department of Epidemiology will host the Fall 2026 Epi Forum Seminar Series. This year's theme highlights epidemiology as an interdisciplinary field, showcasing the breadth of our faculty’s innovative research. This week's speaker is Monica Swahn, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor and dean of the VCU School of Public Health. The session will be at One Capitol Square, Room 644, 830 E. Main St. Refreshments will be provided. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 at noon

Learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.

VCU’s Global Education Office (GEO) will host Cultures in Common(s): A Global Learning Fair. VCU students can meet with representatives from study abroad providers and international university partners on the VCU Commons Plaza (907 Floyd Ave.) and learn how they can study or intern abroad. Students can also connect with VCU Global Learning advisers and explore ways to engage globally on campus and in the local-global community. Students can collect stamps on a passport from engaging in various activities throughout the event. Food trucks representing cuisines from around the world will be in the Commons until 2 p.m. Students who complete the Cultures in Common(s) passport will earn a free lunch ticket to the food truck of their choice. During the event students can take photos with Rodney the Ram (noon-1 p.m.), VCU’s English Language Program (ELP) will host their monthly Tea-Time (2-3 p.m.) The event will close with GEO's annual Global Buddies matching event (apply now to be a Global Buddy) from 4-5 p.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1945945.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

If you missed the SOVO fair, don't worry. The Underground at VCU, (University Student Commons, Room 015, 907 Floyd Ave.) is bringing back the Mix and Mingle Series. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about various campus organizations, organized by category. The second Mix and Mingle series is cultural. RSVP via Rams Connect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948347.

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.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Join the School of Education for its ongoing Critical Quantitative Methodologies Series this fall. Ben Van Dusen, Ph.D., Iowa State University, will present a statistical analysis for addressing intersectionality in quantitative research. The methodology is called MAIHDA (Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy). He will discuss the approach and examples of applying it to real-world research. This event is virtual and free, but pre-registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kamden Strunk at strunkk2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7m3fVVkDRfCFCdq6wt_yPQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hillel at VCU welcomes you to its weekly bagel break at 911 W. Grace St. Grab a bagel to go or stick around to study.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Massey's Bioinformatics Shared Resource presents and Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research sponsors Bioinformatics Bites at Goodwin Research Laboratory, Thalhimer Conference Room (GRL-131), 401 College St., with with Adam Hawkridge, Ph.D., Proteomics Core and Brien Riley, Ph.D., Genomics Core. See how the Bioinformatics Core now works directly with the Genomics and Proteomics Cores, giving researchers streamlined, coordinated workflows from data generation through analysis. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christiane Carter at morecockcm@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/qQQvgJRaTfeqOPEvaX48VQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Learn to feel comfortable when beginning a research project and developing a clear, focused and complex research question. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pauley Heart Center in partnership with VCU Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences will host a discussion on applying to graduate school, résumé development and finding/navigating mentorship in graduate school. The session will be in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St., Room 600.

For more information, contact Gabrielle McInerney at Gabrielle.Maldonado1@vcuhealth.org.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center and the VCU Division of Community Engagement are offering up to 12 microgrants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, to turn student-led ideas into community action that benefits a community partner. Register for the virtual informational session at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Turn your personal interests into profit with VCU Financial Success Center by the Virginia Credit Union. Dive into information regarding side hustles such as freelance work, tutoring, nannying and creating your own small business. The class will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=d8d0a6d5-e6ec-4bcb-87eb-7151951da9eb&utm_source=telegram.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 at 6 p.m.

This introductory workshop is designed to guide students through the résumé writing process, from what to include and how to say it. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in VCU's School of Public Health will present a talk featuring current American Public Health Association President Nandi Marshall. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Sabrina Janesick at janesicks@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg1dYS3TPSbqZ3Yvp4mdX0nCvYGL5pMPfCGg1Q6uTAhL9_MQ/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Have a passion for working with youth? Want a high-impact career that changes lives? RTR Teacher Residency equips future teachers with the knowledge, experience and support to teach for change — all while earning a fully funded degree through the VCU School of Education. Turn your passion into purpose and make a difference from inside the classroom. Join the informational session via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 17. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2627

For more information, contact Sabrina Evnas at teachrtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-9801 or visit https://teachrtr.org.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Learn about the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate programs and how they can help advance your career and professional goals. Questions: Contact https://bit.ly/whywildersep2026 Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/whywildersep2026.

Sunday, Sep. 20, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCUarts Department of Kinetic Imaging will present an immersive sound installation by KI faculty Sara Bouchard inside Richmond’s historic Byrd Park Pump House, 1708 Pump House Drive. Informed by conversations with Paul Bukaveckas, Ph.D., VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, the piece translates water quality data from the James River into a musical composition, revealing the drastic fluctuations of dissolved oxygen levels in the river due to harmful algal blooms.

For more information, contact Sara Bouchard at bouchardse@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/899007373020915.

Monday, Sep. 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hillel at VCU, 911 W. Grace St., will host a Yom Kippur Break Fast Dinner. Come together to break the fast, enjoy a meal and spend time with your community after a long day of reflection.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work will present a clinical skills lab on serious mental illness and person-centered care planning. The lab will be in the Academic Learning Commons (ALC), Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave. This workshop is open to undergraduates interested in practicing their approach to a hypothetical client with real-life issues as a clinical social worker. Food and raffle tickets will be available to participants. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Zay Diamond-Tapper at bsw@vcu.edu or visit https://canva.link/8z0lskkm4yq87j0.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This interactive workshop is designed to support graduate students who may feel a bit rusty in transitioning back into academic life. Through guided discussion, practical strategies and peer connection, participants will explore ways to rebuild confidence, navigate imposter syndrome and successfully adjust to the expectations of graduate study. The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) session will also highlight how professional and life experiences are powerful assets in the classroom, research environment and beyond. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945967.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Gerontology offers you the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in aging studies while continuing your current studies. This program is available in partnership with the following graduate programs: Social Work, Pharmacy, Health Administration (MHA), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Public Health. Join this virtual information session to learn more about these programs and how to apply. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kim Ivey at ksivey@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/V0WXKtL0Rn2EhTEZKNtsIA.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work and VCU Office of Global Education will host an informational session about the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa spring break study abroad trip, The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons, (MCALC), Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., at gattism@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11568.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This online-synchronous course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces participants to the foundations of process consultation and the consultant mindset. Over six weeks, learners will explore how to respond effectively to requests for help, identify the right stakeholders, establish clear agreements and clarify roles, expectations, scope and desired outcomes at the start of a consulting engagement. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/process-consultation.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn about the research administration profession through speakers, roundtable discussions and activities. The event will be hosted by VCU OVPRI and the University Controller's Office.The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Registration, agenda and additional event details at https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Whether you're looking to understand machine learning or figure out how to integrate AI into your workflow ethically, the Graduate School has you covered. Join a two-part online learning series designed to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Foundations of AI from 9-10:3 a.m. and Applications of AI Tools from 11 a.m.-noon. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946011.

The planning process for VCU’s next strategic plan is under way and it will be strongest if our community shapes it. Join us in building our Uncommon Future. Visit uncommonfuture.vcu.edu to learn more and click “Get Involved” to register for a town hall, focus group or to submit your thoughts and ideas.

For more information, contact Megan Wood at stratplan2032@vcu.edu or visit https://uncommonfuture.vcu.edu.

Are you interested in research? The research lab of Melanie Bean, Ph.D., is seeking detail-oriented, reliable research assistants to support an NIH-funded school-based research study. This role involves working directly with students, school staff and the study team to conduct study assessments during school hours (7 a.m.-3 p.m.) or performing data coding in the lab. Compensation is $20/hour; reliable personal transportation is required. To apply or learn more, contact the study team via the following URL..

For more information, contact Sarah Farthing at hlcresearch@vcuhealth.org or (804) 527-4756 or visit https://hlc.lab.vcu.edu/.

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) and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.

VCU RecWell's Outdoor Adventure Program offers climbing clinics throughout September at the Cary Street Gym climbing wall, 101 S. Linden St. Participants can build their climbing knowledge and skills through belay clinics, belay tests, sport climbing, rappelling and gym to crag instruction. Clinics will be offered Sept. 15, 16, 23, 24 and 28. Dates, times, prerequisites and registration availability vary by clinic. View the full schedule and registration at the following URL.

For more information, contact outdoors@vcu.edu at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/outdoor-adventure/climbing-and-bouldering/.

VCU RecWell's Outdoor Adventure Program offers outdoor trips throughout September for participants looking to explore beyond campus. Upcoming opportunities include day hikes, canoe trips, caving and a beach bike overnight. September trips run through Sunday, Sept. 27 and include options designed for beginners. Transportation, equipment and guides are included with programs as indicated. View trip dates, availability, pricing and registration information through Fusion.

For more information, contact outdoors@vcu.edu at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

The VCU Graduate School is hosting the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition. This competition is open to all graduate students from any discipline. The in-person competition challenges students to share their research in three minutes using one static slide. This year’s competitors will be provided with resources and support from the Office of Professional Development and Writing Center. The deadline to submit is Friday, Sept. 18. Preliminary heats will be held in-person on Friday, Oct. 2 and the final competition will be held Friday, Oct. 9. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/3mt-competition/..

PECS (Personalized Exploration for College Success) is a VCU Honors College-sponsored, student-led nonprofit organization expanding access to higher education for high school students across the greater Richmond srea. The organization is looking for interested students to join as interns. All interns will be encouraged to voice their thoughts and suggestions fully, regardless of their role, and will also be preferred for upcoming board applications. Many opportunities are available across the group's five committees. Specific role descriptions can be found at https://forms.gle/6Bvo2v65BimvYmWc9 Apply by Friday, Sept. 18. Learn more about each committee at the group's website, https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/.

For more information, contact Alekhya Kotha at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/.

Build confidence and achieve your academic and professional goals through focused English language training. GEO's English Language Program offers part-time community courses available online and in person on a rotating basis. Those interested can take courses that will help with areas such as English pronunciation, grammar for basic communication, English for professional communication, advanced reading and writing skills and more. Now accepting registration for the Fall II session starting Monday, Oct. 12, and the Spring I session starting Friday, Jan. 19. Questions: Email geo-elp@vcu.edu. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Aziz at geo-elp@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2551 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/part-time-courses/.

We are seeking VCUarts undergraduate students, age 18 or older, majoring in visual art-related disciplines, including painting and printmaking, communication arts and graphic design, among others, to participate in this VCU IRB-approved research project, “A Mixed-Methods Study of Art Students’ Flow Experiences With and Without the Use of GenAI” (VCU IRB ID: HM300001354). As a participant, you will spend approximately 130 minutes in the study, during which you will complete a background survey, an art-making task, pre- and post-task evaluation forms and a focus group discussion. Participants will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for their time and effort. If you are interested in participating, please review the research information and fill out the Participation and Informed Consent Form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. We will contact you with further information once the recruitment cycle has concluded. If you have any questions about the study, please contact the Primary Investigator, Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., associate professor in art education at VCU, via email at weiy2@vcu.edu. This research is supported by the 2026-2027 VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences grants and the 2026-2027 NAEF Research Grants.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kkDCbZbAmLWy6bYP9.

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 more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.