1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Improve your afternoon with free coffee or tea and friendly conversations with leaders in the real estate (Henrico EDA) and risk management and insurance (Greenhouse Speciality Insurance) industries. The session will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or (804) 357-5105.

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. 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.

12 p.m.

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.

12 p.m.

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.

12 p.m. 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.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a virtual chat to discuss the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Adrienne K. Jones at wsinternship@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2791 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/student-support-resources/internships-and-experiential-learning-/virginia-capitol-semester/.

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.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Health Professions Organization will host its first GBM in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ariana Torre at torreas@vcu.edu or (571) 365-8967.

7:30 p.m.

Join the VCUarts Departments of Kinetic Imaging and Photography + Film in kicking off another academic year with their graduate students at the annual MFA Pecha Kucha/Slide Slam hosted by Studio Two Three, 109 W. 15th St. Get to know everyone through a rapid-fire slide slam showcase of their past and current projects.

For more information, contact VCUarts Photography+Film at photofilm@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/pecha-kucha-slide-slam/.

Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a lobby chat to discuss the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program. Stop by the Raleigh Building lobby (1001 W. Franklin St.) to learn about the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative arena while taking classes as a full-time student. Can’t make it to the in-person session? Register for the virtual chat on Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. posted on the following URL.

For more information, contact Adrienne K. Jones at wsinternship@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2791 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/student-support-resources/internships-and-experiential-learning-/virginia-capitol-semester/.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for its final Humanities Week event of 2026: a walking tour of Jackson Ward, in collaboration with the Valentine Museum. 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/walking-tour-with-the-valentine-museum.html.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join the VCU Robertson School for a virtual information session exploring the school's M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how the school's programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. You can join the meeting directly at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

The Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Student Advisory Board wil hold its first interest meeting at Crenshaw House, 919 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Mychal Young at youngm19@vcu.edu.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.

In observance of Sept. 11 and to honor the sacrifices made by first responders and military veterans, please join the VCU Military Student Services Office for a moment of silence and laying of a wreath of remembrance at the flag on the VCU Student Commons Plaza, Monroe Park Campus. Following the event, coffee will be served in the MSS Office in Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave, third floor, Room 3122.

For more information, contact William Morley at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6563.

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join You First peer mentors for a hike to Belle Isle. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and loose, light-colored clothing. Bring water! Meet at the gazebo at Main and Laurel streets.

For more information, contact Zisu Liao at liaoz@vcu.edu.

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 welligntonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu9cnVOECrf7J5VcyYjh-pDzQ6WBEWbCZkGe-Mt6GdWfYdqg/viewform?usp=header.

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

Are you ready to build your leadership skills, solve real community challenges and make a meaningful difference in Richmond? The Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) and the VCU Division of Community Engagement (DCE) are offering up to 12 microgrants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, to turn student-led ideas into beneficial community action. Interested? An informational session will be held via Zoom. Questions? Contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or Shari Garmise at the following email address or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/students/microgrants/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScj8ijJ4V6kh_JqT9GJ9glH0JWTsFXJBboX_nIKPJ3ijuWePQ/viewform.

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

The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences will host a screening of the film "Baby Doe." A panel discussion with the director, Jessica Earnshaw, and others will follow. The screening will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amy Bailey at baileyal8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8498 or visit https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/events/event-items/baby-doe-film-screening-.html.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The Global Education Office and the Department of Focused Inquiry in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU will offer an opportunity to study on site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break. Join program leader Hilary Levinson for a virtual information session. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84715346064.

For more information, contact Julia Wells at wellj7@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11753.

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.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Come to Feedback Friday at the da Vinci Center's Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., to hear our Shelfies present their ideas and give feedback to help them grow. This event is free and open to all community members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/events/attend-events/.

Monday, Sep. 21, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Gerontology offers two programs for undergraduates. Accelerated Master's: In five years, you can earn your bachelor’s degree and MS in Gerontology. This program is in partnership with the following undergraduate programs: Health Services; Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science; Sociology, and Philosophy. Undergraduate Certificate: Undergraduates in any program can earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Aging Studies in only nine credits. Join this virtual informational 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/kF_rUNHPRuWb89-eb24a-Q.

Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This workshop helps graduate students translate complex academic research into clear, non-technical language for diverse audiences. Participants will learn practical strategies to move beyond their academic knowledge by using impactful analogies and restructuring their communication to emphasize real-world relevance. Those who attend will leave with strategies for distilling their thesis into a compelling, jargon-free pitch suitable for funders, employers and the general public. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945956.

Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU School of Nursing will present "Challenging Assumptions, Changing Healthcare" with "The Seated Nurse" Andrea Dalzell, MSN-ED, R.N. Dalzell is a highly active healthcare advocate and disability rights influencer. She received her degree from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. After 76 interviews, Dalzell was finally given the opportunity to prove herself and was hired as the first registered nurse in a wheelchair in New York state. The talk will be at VCU's School of Nursing, 110 E. Leigh St., Room 1100 and virtually. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joe Schilling at soncomm@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/bxbRWkEY4TL7xxHE6.

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. Registrations 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.

VCU successfully conducted a full test of the VCU Alert system on Sept. 9 at noon. This activation included all types of alerting technology available to notify the community of an emergency, including outdoor sirens, Alertus boxes, text messages, emails and desktop alerts. VCU's Emergency Notification, Response, and Evacuation Policy is located within the VCU Policy Library, and is available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DA32A63EDBD450BA5FA430535F31B3 For additional information on lockdowns, or emergency procedures on campus, please visit the VCU Emergency Management website at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jake Burns at burnsjh2@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/emergency-management/.

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.

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.

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/..

To learn more about this genetic condition, register at the following URL for "Introduction to Sickle Cell Disease," a collaboration between VCU’s Sickle Cell Disease Program, CPE and LEDstudio. This online, asynchronous course is designed to introduce community health care workers and others in the field to sickle cell disease and review the types of disease, its complications, the pain, treatments and how patients move from pediatric to adult services. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/introduction-to-sickle-cell-disease.

VCU News is seeking participants for an article about this year's freshman class and would like to include photos of first-years along with one thing that makes them uncommon or unique. First-year students can participate by filling out a brief form, uploading a photo of themselves and including one fact that makes them uncommon. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a VCU T-shirt or VCU tumbler (four winners will be selected). Submissions deadline is Friday, Sept. 11. Questions: Contact Elinor Frisa at the following email address.

For more information, contact Elinor Frisa at ejfrisa@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedixNx3hcb3JLzfZudi-WtXvYduaymmeqt_Ua5o-bbl5ugYg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103906667154525318801.

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.

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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD 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.

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.