11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction invites you to Pups on the Plaza at the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St. The first 200 meals will be complimentary (limit one per those in attendance). Pre-sales will be today, Thursday, Sept. 17 on the first floor of Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St. Support the Dogs on Call program by purchasing a Dogs on Call T-shirt or securing a meal ticket in advance.

For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at CHAI@VCUHealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The format for Constitution Day 2026 will be "Ask an Expert. The Road to Democracy: From the Declaration of Independence to the United States Constitution." Bring your questions to this Constitution Day event, wherein John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., a professor in the Political Science Department, will answer questions and give context to the pressing Constitutional questions of the day. The event is free, open to the public and will occur both in person at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250, 901 Park Ave., and live-streamed via Zoom. The link is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2026-2027/constitution-day-.html.

5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Department of Political Science will hold its annual Alumni and Student Mixer in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. All past and present students and faculty are welcome to attend. Contact Hollie Sue Mann, Ph.D., a the following email address to sign up.

For more information, contact Hollie Sue Mann at mannhs2@vcu.edu or (919) 357-8942.

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.

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Join VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research for a conversation with mid-career faculty as they share lessons learned, challenges overcome and insights to help junior faculty navigate their path toward independence. Speakers will include Wendy Bottinor, M.D., MSCI; Audrey Lafrenaye, Ph.D.; and Jessie Oldham, Ph.D. The event will be at the Richmond Academy of Medicine, 1200 E. Clay St. Register for this event (and the rest of the K Club series) at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0819 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCF790n-3T4--9r_ONimm5mHqRPGb4vunhGQXbTd3vuPUnNA/viewform.

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.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for an event in its Repair Speaker Series, featuring Lyndon Harris, forgiveness teacher and author of "Forgiveness at Ground Zero: A Journey of Service, Loss and Redemption After 9/11," in conversation with the Rev. Jim Somerville, Ph.D., senior pastor of Richmond's First Baptist Church. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qCFil37VRi-08ZhXXxiRhw#/registration.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Facts & Faith Fridays via Zoom. Bloodlines of Hope brings together the clarity of medical science and the compassion of community advocacy. In this session, Ruchi Desai. M.D. – a hematologist dedicated to advancing diagnosis, treatment and research for patients with complex blood disorders, will guide participants through the evolving landscape of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and aplastic anemia. This conversation invites communities to understand the challenges patients face, recognize the importance of early diagnosis and consider how advocacy, education, and compassion can strengthen the path toward healing. Together, we’ll explore what it means to stand with individuals and families navigating hematologic disorders and how knowledge becomes a form of care. 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/.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Introducing: Depth of Field, an original discussion series in which production meets profession. VCU Cinema Program Director and Associate Professor Yossera Bouchtia and Assistant Professor of Media Production and Sequence Coordinator Robert Milazzo are collaborating on a monthly guest Zoom conversation series designed to bring students across all VCU moving-image disciplines –– media production, cinema, photo/film, kinetic imaging – closer to professional practitioners working at the front lines of the industry. The first participant will be Adam Newport-Berra, award-winning cinematographer of “The Bear,” “Euphoria” and Apple TV’s “The Studio.” The event will be at The Depot, 814 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Robert Milazzo at milazzor@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/depth-of-field-adam-newport-berra/.

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/.

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.

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.

Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Office of University Convergence Initiatives (VCU Convergence) will hold a Convergence Café on AI and the environment. Artificial Intelligence is transforming society, but at what cost to our physical world? Join VCU scholars from engineering, policy and environmental science for a conversation on AI's massive resource demands and its potential to drive sustainable solutions. The event will be at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jen Allen at jallen25@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5IBUrOZzE2QHHvOSNDwZAh6e9G2yk0V6XeJdrddiuPdxIBg/viewform.

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. Early registration ends Wednesday, Aug. 26, but 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.

Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness announces a series of workshops designed to provide the university community with practical tools and strategies for navigating the landscape of academic planning, compliance and assessment. The goal is to create a collaborative environment to review key standards, share best practices and learn from one another. The workshops will be held in the HR Training Room, 922 W. Grace St. See a list of sessions and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Franks at lfranks@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScznfWQklcahJ9SRN99bG72Hs-4c06yg02aiQAJyrpfXmS19A/viewform.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at noon

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4gmDw9R

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement to bring the VCU community together with community partners for the annual Fall VCU Day of Service. The event brings together faculty, staff, students and community partners for meaningful service across the Greater Richmond region. Volunteers will work alongside community organizations that are already making an impact, helping to strengthen partnerships, learn from one another and support thriving communities. Multiple service opportunities and shifts will be available throughout the day. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/events/dayofservice/.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Want to learn more about TEDxVCU or become a speaker? Join the open house. Meet the TEDxVCU team, learn about the speaker selection process, discover what makes a great TEDx talk and explore ways to become involved. The session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

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

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

The Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor National Conflict Resolution Day at VCU, which promotes and encourages peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event will feature a keynote address from Linda Brothers, Georgetown University Ombuds. The event will be at the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AC7xDv5uAH54V7Ys5.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty for a first look via Zoom at findings from the university-wide survey of faculty, staff and students on how the VCU community is navigating the rise of Gen AI. Explore current usage trends, prevailing attitudes, evolving skills and areas where people want additional support. The session will also consider what these initial findings suggest for the future of teaching, learning and working at VCU. Register at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead at sneadrm@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTBS0y4PsHOhsE2ZmvnIUaIMsNbYg1oRpvhOuwJnh3KRxaUg/viewform?usp=publish-editor.

VCU RecWell is accepting registration for Intramural 5v5 Indoor Soccer from Sept. 27-Oct. 9. League play begins Oct. 18 on the Cary Street Gym MAC Turf. Multiple divisions are available and participants of varying skill levels are welcome. Register and view league information at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU RecWell at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

A web-based service for all employees that includes: 24/7 on-demand crisis support, 12 free scheduled telehealth sessions with a mental health professional, self-care content and more.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit https://counseling.vcu.edu/faculty--staff/support-for-faculty-and-staff/.

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.

Do you currently hold a Ph.D. and have experience working with NIH-funded clinical research? The VCU Institute for Alcohol and Alcohol Studies (VCU IDAS) is currently looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to join the multidisciplinary research team of Caitlin E. Martin, M.D., MPH. VCU IDAS conducts research across the translational science spectrum related to substance use disorders, from population-level epidemiologic studies to mechanistic neuroimaging studies. An ideal candidate will currently have a Ph.D. in a related scientific discipline and an interest in both biological mechanisms and psychological drivers of substance use disorders. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caitlin E. Martin at caitlin.martin@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/full-time-postdoctoral-scientist-mcv-main-campus-virginia-united-states.

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. See the survey at the following URL.

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.

Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., associate professor of art education, is seeking 30 intergenerational pairs (two family members from different generations) living in the greater Richmond area and with family backgrounds in immigration (current or ancestry) to share their family stories and create artwork together. Each participant will receive a $25 gift card. Complete the eligibility form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Registration will remain open until filled.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wCdyf7iiCtJEDLrG9.

This study is seeking individuals who identify as Black or African American and are currently serving in the U.S. military or have previously served in the U.S. military (including active duty, Reserves, National Guard or veterans). The purpose of this study is to examine how Black individuals understand and experience their military and racial identity. Participation involves completing a survey asking for personal and military specific demographic information, as well as questions about your racial and military identity and psychological well-being. We expect that you will be in this research study for about 15 minutes. Questions: Contact the following email address.

For more information, contact Jayda Bryant at bryantj8@vcu.edu.