Student Issue for August 6, 2026
Coming up
Top Hat Training Sessions
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Top Hat will host a new webinar for instructors via Zoom. Discover how to leverage the new Ace AI tool intentionally to personalize learning, generate interactive content in seconds and streamline your workflow both inside and outside the classroom. For more details and additional Top Hat training session information, please visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/classroomtechnology/2026/07/30/whats-new-with-top-hat-elevating-engagement-and-efficiency-with-ai. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Instructional Computing Services at tophat@vcu.edu or visit https://tophat.zoom.us/meeting/register/8BhkSY6xSIKi3b1dd7aoug#/registration.
Fall 2026 The Richmond Series: Getting to Know RVA
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
This virtual session, hosted by VCU Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, will share a bit of this and that of what Richmond has to offer to graduate students who are new to VCU and the city. Whether you are looking for a good bite to eat, hike, play or rest, Richmond has something to offer everyone. Balance is an important aspect of graduate school success and this session will help new students know where to go to find out what to do when you are not studying. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown.Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1946008.
Learn About Graduate Programs in Health Administration – Virtual Informational Session
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Do you aspire to a leadership role in a health care organization? Join VCU's Department of Health Administration for a virtual informational session to learn about graduate programs in Health Administration (MHA and MSHA). RSVP at the following URL to receive the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RjGRd6GJavjWCeWu8.
Full-Scale Exercise Roleplayers Needed
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Large multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise 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.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. For any other information, please contact the following email.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at MajidM@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999 or visit https://veoci.com/v/p/form/ezm2jxm2gfu3.
Notices
RecWell Facilities To Close for Training Aug. 13 (All Day) and Aug. 14 (Until 4 p.m.)
RecWell facilities will be closed for annual staff training on Thursday, Aug. 13 (all day) and Friday, Aug. 14 (until 4 p.m.). This annual training ensures the RecWell team is ready to best offer their programs and services to students, staff, faculty and general members.
For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/.
Hydrate RPS Is Seeking Research Assistants
Hydrate RPS, an NIH-funded study evaluating the effects of a water intervention in 12 Richmond Public Schools, is seeking hourly employees for the upcoming school year (2026-2027). Key responsibilities include assisting with study assessments, participating in intervention kick-off events, handing out prizes to students drinking water at lunch and assisting study coordinators with intervention tasks. Individuals would need their own transportation, availability between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and willingness to work at least one day per week. Training begins in September. Compensation is $20/hr. Interested applicants can apply to the linked position or email the study team directly at HydrateRPS@vcuhealth.org.
For more information, contact Morgan Beasley at hydrateRPS@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/healthy-lifestyles-center-research-assistant-hourly-som-pediatrics-vcu-main-campus-virginia-united-states-mcv-main-campus.
New Online Graduate Certificate: Applied Artificial Intelligence
AI is changing the workplace but the most valuable skills are distinctly human: critical thinking, communication and ethical judgment. VCU's Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed to strengthen those skills by putting AI to work alongside them. Through a non-programming, practice-focused curriculum, participants will learn how to evaluate AI tools, apply them strategically and navigate the complex decisions that come with them, all while staying grounded in human-centered values. Apply at the following URL by Friday, Aug. 7.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcu.edu/online/programs/certf-applied-ai/.
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.
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.
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.