1 a.m.

The VCU Alcohol Research Center will host the next seminar in the Foundations of Alcohol Research Seminar Series. The lecture, by B. Todd Webb, Ph.D., is part of an informal series for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The seminar will be screened in Room 1009, Molecular Medicine Research Building, 1220 E. Broad St. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer T. Wolstenholme, Ph.D., at jwolstenholme@vcu.edu or (804) 739-3756 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84562387648?pwd=GfZxaNUXbbpyl5ionlKG29s6LXp6to.1.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join SCAN at VCU (Save the Children Action Network) for a Halloween bake sale on the lawn side of the Compass.

For more information, contact Save the Children Action Network at VCU at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Office of Student Engagement will host its annual Spooky Baskets: Tricks and Treats for Well-Being. Stop by the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St., to create your own spooky basket full of goodies, explore available well-being resources and snap some photos with friends. Come dressed in an appropriate costume for a chance to win a $50 gift card in our raffle.

For more information, contact The Office of Student Engagement at ose@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/undergraduate-students/office-of-student-engagement/.

3 p.m.

This workshop will go over tips to more confidently and effectively incorporate synthesis into your research. Register at the following URL.

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

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Good food is enhanced when it is shared. Pull up for a free bite, real conversation and a chance to connect with people across campus at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. Each week will bring a different menu and cultural connection to the table. Bring a friend or show up solo. No registration needed as long as food lasts. OMSA events are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Thailon Wilson at wilsont15@vcu.edu.

6 p.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.

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

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join Muslim Women in STEM, FemHealth and Save the Children Action Network at VCU to pack feminine hygiene product bags, which will be sent to a local middle school. The activity will take place in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Save the Children Action Network at VCU at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Graphic Design for the next installment of Objects + Methods, a VCUarts public lecture series that focuses on expansive conversations around design practices. Rebecca Wilkinson is a designer, visual artist and educator based in Brooklyn, N.Y. She currently works as an art director at Bloomberg Businessweek, where she specializes in editorial design. She also co-directs Fullservice Office, an NYC-based studio and research practice that develops visual identity systems, websites, books, installations, objects and other special projects. Before becoming a designer, she worked internationally as a producer and art director in commercial photography. The lecture will be presented in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will present "Your Brain Deserves a Break, Too." Each Thursday session will feature a different project ranging from painting and bracelet-making to journaling, vision boards and more. Sessions will be at the OMSA, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. No experience or artistic talent is required. All supplies will be provided and no registration is needed. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Jaymes Elentrio-Pitt at elentriopijn@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Science Hub and the Office of Undergraduate Research will present the third and final Undergraduate Research Series panel of the semester in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. Want to become involved in research but not sure how? This panel features undergrad student researchers who share about their work, their experiences and how they connected with their faculty advisers. Register or submit questions for panelists at https://forms.gle/EvC46HzPCQbgefaHA

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

VCU Music’s Flute Studio and Flute Choir will perform in a free recital open to the public at the James Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. Questions: Email music@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/flute-studio-and-choir-recital/.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The VCU Guitar Studio will give a free performance in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Questions: Contact music@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/guitar-studio-recital-2/.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH), Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) and Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for a free webinar by VPGH Certified Peer Recovery Specialists Azeem Majeed and Matthew Britt on "Peer Support in Virginia Corrections: The Why, The How and The Impact." This presentation addresses the core reasons behind implementing peer support within correctional settings. It highlights how individuals with lived experience bring connection, credibility, hope and reduced stigma to addiction recovery efforts. This bridges the gap between formal training/education and the practical realities of living through recovery. Register at https://vpgh.jotform.com/262735879525977

For more information, contact Emma Freeman at freemane@vcu.edu or visit https://vpgh.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cranial B-Mode (CUPID) is a free virtual course introducing clinicians to point-of-care ultrasound for evaluating intracranial pathology. The program includes sessions on image acquisition and interpretation, followed by guided review of real clinical cases involving adult and pediatric patients with closed fontanelles. No CME. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cfX4aHoMSSu9Zeg6B0erIQ#/registration Submit cases or lectures: https://forms.gle/xiPpKgRRRiAtqxmt7

For more information, contact Briana Garnett at briana.garnette@vcuhealth.org or visit https://neurology.vcu.edu/education/cpe/.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU HR offers a one-hour course on coaching for managers. This course introduces managers to an easy-to-use mindset and model to help employees progress toward goals. Registration is required by Monday, Nov. in Talent@VCU at https://tinyurl.com/3pvf7vb9 Employees without access to Talent@VCU may complete this form to register (https://forms.gle/Hk1dRH75xvg9MQ3c8).

For more information, contact Penelope McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

University College's Interdisciplinary Studies program will sponsor Innovate Here: Product Innovation, Practical AI and Immersive Reality at the da Vinci Café, University College Commons. Students explore three interactive stations (Product Innovation, Practical AI, and Mixed and Immersive Reality), share their own ideas for the future campus and enter a raffle to win a prize.

For more information, contact Eavey Ellis at ellisel@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center invites faculty and staff from both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses for a youth-focused networking session. The goal of this gathering is to bring together university professionals across disciplines, share current initiatives and lay the foundation for an ongoing, collaborative network of youth-focused faculty and staff at VCU. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/EAYB4uXhJhEX4M3s5.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

Shift Sustainability Lab in the Office of Innovation and Strategic Design will host a Sustainability Board Game Design Jam. Help build games that will impact real people and prepare the public for a sustainable climate future. The event is open to all. No prior experience is required. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The design jam will start at noon. The event will be at the da Vinci Center, 1235 W. Broad St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Makayla Donigan at doniganmb@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/1mNxKkLkYa3uD81F9.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Looking for one more spooky adventure after Halloween? Join TEDxVCU and Amy Tudor, Ph.D. for a guided tour of Hollywood Cemetery, one of Richmond’s most historic (and hauntingly beautiful) spots. Meet by the Ram Horns at the Commons. Make sure to register here: https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/tedxvcu/rsvp_boot?id=1944257 Reach us at tedx@vcu.edu for questions.

For more information, contact Emma Martinez at tedx@vcu.edu.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate this historic year with the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference. As we commemorate our 20th anniversary alongside America’s 250th year, we will honor the achievements that have shaped our history and explore what it means to make history through leadership, growth and possibility. Our 2026 theme, “With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground,” invites participants to consider how grace, determination, and vision can help leaders break through barriers, reach HIGHER Ground and leave a lasting legacy. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St. Register at the following URL

For more information, contact Brian Biggio at gehli@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2026-conference/.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., for a session on understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on resilience and healing. This interactive experience led by Leigh Ann Breckenridge, clinical associate professor at VCU's School of Nursing, will explore how experiences shape us and how healing can emerge. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfxoXsfns28lqw-A_vYxokNWa72mdh68gLkCphzIlqYslrug/viewform

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcumfyc/detail/277/1794254400000.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

While you’re honing your creative practice, your finances shouldn’t take up all of your mental energy. Join a School of Business workshop via Zoom for a practical, judgment-free conversation about basic budgeting, student borrowing and financial habits that support your future so you can focus on being an artist, designer, performer or scholar.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=d312ea83-e360-4d68-895a-50bbb81489ef&utm_source=telegram.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join VCU Continuing and Professional Education for this intermediate-level course that builds on foundational Power BI skills to support deeper analysis, advanced modelling, and insight-driven decision-making. As many academic units increasingly rely on data to guide strategy, the ability to move beyond basic reporting to deeper analysis is essential. The course focuses on practical techniques that can be immediately applied to uncover insights, identify trends, and support strategic business decisions. The class will be in the VCU Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave. 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-151.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Free liver screenings will be available to the public on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 3-7 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Richmond Raceway infield, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. There will be complimentary roundtrip shuttle service from the Omni Richmond Hotel to the Richmond Raceway for the expo. Richmond Raceway gates will close 30 minutes before the expo ends. To ensure entry, those who attend must arrive at the raceway no later than 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 or 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13.

For more information, contact Cynthia Mathews at Cynthia.Mathews1@vcuhealth.org.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join VCU Continuing and Professional Education for a virtual informational session about the Paralegal Certificate Program. The legal world is evolving, and so is the demand for skilled paralegals. Today’s paralegals don’t just work in law firms – they’re essential in education, healthcare, government, corporate offices and beyond. Register for the informational session to learn more about this six-month, online program designed for working professionals. Discounts and a payment plan are available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19a93df906e9409e80a9cb6b9277e218.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The da Vinci Center Pitch Night, previously named "Demo Day," is a bi-annual pitch competition held each fall and spring semester at The Retail Lab's Feedback Friday events. Building a business and presenting your idea takes courage, and entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to do it alone. All friends, family and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend and cheer on the pitches. Following the pitches, everyone is invited to stay for an awards ceremony and networking session. The event will be held at the Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/pitch-night/.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Come to Connect, VCU’s Community Engagement Conference. Exchange ideas, strengthen community-university and research partnerships and explore how collaboration can drive meaningful local impact. The program will be held at Midtown Green, 2401 W. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUlZObZjtqTVClsYF8lCnBfut00PF7S5PiYbXr3Ylwb67Iug/viewform?usp=header.

Monday, Nov. 16, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Hanover Research for a webinar on strategies for navigating today’s changing funding landscape. The session will explore ways to diversify funding sources, identify foundation and other non-federal opportunities and strengthen proposals by clearly communicating research impact. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at ovprird@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/I4SduSBBRTqAihP8g89rGw.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join one of five celebrations across Virginia. Connect with others, hear from keynote speaker Heidi Hertz, director of Rural Health Transformation, and celebrate the people and partnerships strengthening rural health across the Commonwealth. Register at the following URL to join a celebration near you.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeikqLHZQZpSU0EgwZt7VOxnhD5pqWJKI1qnp5wciaOxoPZlQ/viewform?usp=header.

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to join a first look at findings from the university-wide survey of faculty, staff and students on how VCU is navigating the rise of Gen AI. The event will include an exploration of 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. Regiser at the following URL. Direct questions to Rhonda Snead (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.

CVC is the only annual workplace giving program for the Commonwealth’s workforce and provides employees with a selection of approximately 700 carefully screened charities you can support. The campaign will run through Thursday, Dec. 31. All monetary donations through the CVC are 100 percent tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You can give by credit card (until Thursday, Dec. 31) or payroll deduction (until Wednesday, Dec. 15). Learn more about CVC at the following URL. Questions: Contact worklife@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign.

A new "Abnormal Report Phish" add-on will be installed university-wide. It is used to report phishing and scam emails. You may see a pop-up beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Gmail. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://knowledgebase.vcu.edu/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?solutionid=261021095612247.

Did you know Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location (800 W. Broad St.)? You can review wellness concerns with a nurse, get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional) and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule your appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Understanding your health shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Health Literacy Month reminds us how important it is to have health information that is clear, understandable and useful. So, let’s get the conversation started. Visit your partners in Employee Health at 800 W. Broad St. on the Monroe Park campus for a wellness screening or heart-health assessment. When you understand your health, you can ask better questions, make informed decisions and take a more active role in your well-being. Set up an appointment at the following URL.

For more information, contact Employee Health at ehs@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Faculty and staff, order your rental regalia by Friday, Oct. 30. You will receive an email when your order is ready for pickup. Please contact your campus Barnes & Noble @ VCU manager with any special or late requests. Limited sizes will be available in-store. To begin your order, please fill out the form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tammy Vallario at tvallario@bncollege.com or (804) 828-1678 or visit https://forms.gle/croMfDbHqt1vwQdJ8.

Know a community partner with an idea to make a difference? Encourage them to apply for the 2027 Community-Led Solutions Initiative. Community organizations can receive up to $10,000 to lead projects that address community-identified needs in partnership with VCU faculty or staff. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/communitygrant/.

Do you have an idea worth sharing? TEDxVCU speaker applications are now being accepted. TEDxVCU is an independently organized TEDx event run by VCU students. Apply at the following URL by Sunday, Nov. 1. Questions: Email tedx@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/cguanvsUjkxC2aQD9.

VCU and UVA seek females ages 14–30 for a research study. If you are low weight, lost significant weight, or exercise heavily and have missed or irregular periods (FHA), you may qualify. FHA can harm bone health due to low estrogen. This study tests estrogen and progesterone to improve bone health. Includes four visits over 14 months (exams, questionnaires, nutrition/exercise review, bone scans) at no cost. Up to $925 compensation plus travel support. Contact: misralab@uvahealth.org

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org.

Associate Professor of Art Education, Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., 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. This community-based participatory art project aims to explore the family stories of Richmond community residents. It examines how participants and their family members collaboratively shape, preserve, and reinterpret their cultural heritage. Each participant receives a $25 gift card. Open until filled. See the form at the following URL.

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