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.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Sustainable Transportation for a bus ride to Richmond's City Hall to visit the observation deck on the 18th floor. Meet at RamBikes, 1106 W. Broad St., at 1 p.m. to board the free GRTC bus and return by 3 p.m. For more information visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1949434, for questions email commute@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Sera Erickson at ericksonss@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1949434.

3 p.m.

In this Zoom workshop, 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/.

4:30 p.m.

Embark on a transformative journey with VCU’s School of Education and related human services programs to explore the dynamic world of international education in Lisbon, Portugal over spring break 2027. This immersive study abroad experience offers students the opportunity to engage with innovative organizational and instructional practices at United Lisbon International School. Virtual information sessions will be Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Monday, Nov. 9 at 4:30 p.m. The first 10 completed applicants will receive a $500 scholarship. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/kellydenny

For more information, contact Brandin Conrath at conrathb@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11755.

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. OMSA events are open to all students, faculty and staff.

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

5:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Art History will present a lecture by visiting scholar Maura Reilly, Ph.D., at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. Reilly is director of the Zimmerli Art Museum and professor of art history at Rutgers University. She is the founding curator of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum, where she developed and launched the first exhibition and public programming space in the United States devoted entirely to feminist art.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/maura-reilly-visiting-scholar-lecture/.

6 p.m.

Explore how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

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

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 at noon

What does it take to build and sustain a successful community advisory board? Learn practical strategies from the Greater Richmond CAB for recruiting community members, fostering trust and sustaining meaningful partnerships that strengthen research. 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/1FAIpQLSfd3MjX7VO3GHSq7EjhOh1IfvZy_qh7W2osP7OSJCk_9jpbJA/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 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, Nov. 5, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join You First for a guided study session before final exams. Learn simple self-care tips, organize your final projects and finish the semester feeling proud and prepared. The session, open to all students, will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Questions? Contact youfirst@vcu.edu.

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

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

Love to read for fun? The Pace Center hosts Sip 'n'' Tale Book Club weekly on Thursdays at 700 W. Franklin St. The group is currently reading, "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah and "The Compound" by Aisling Rawe. As we are able, copies of the book are available for short-term lending. Snacks are provided in this low-stress environment.

For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at community@thepacecenter.com or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work and VCU Office of Global Education will host an informational session via Zoom about the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa spring break study abroad trip. All majors are welcome. Register at the following URL.

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

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 noon to 1 p.m.

This workshop helps participants prepare for the holidays without financial regret. The event, hosted by VCU's School of Business, will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=f5c3ea82-2fb0-470e-84b4-4407ecc43e41&utm_source=telegram.

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 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Have anything on your mind you'd like to share? The Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies (GSWS) Advisory Board will host an open mic night at Crenshaw House, 919 W. Franklin St. Enjoy a night of singing, poetry, art and more. Treats will be available as well.

For more information, contact Kayla Hendricks at hendrickskr@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Want to enjoy nature, connect with others and experience one of Richmond's most historic sites? Join VCU's Global Education Office for a walk and talk through Hollywood Cemetery with partners from Befriend, a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting people and building community through casual and compassionate community strolls. This activity is free and open to all, including family and friends. See RamsConnect page for details. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1949448.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The Mary Anne Rennolds Chamber Concert series will present cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The Colombian cellist is a soloist, composer, commissioner, recording artist, painter and photographer described as “technically flawless … totally under the skin of the composers’ idioms” (The Strad). Tickets are available at arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/santiago-canon-valencia-cello/.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Please join us for the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research’s Discovery Dialogues seminar presented by Brooke Dexheimer, Ph.D., assistant professor, occupational therapy, via Zoom. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/yrQzR6eFT6OFjQbct_ZjzA

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 from 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 (Safe Harbor Title) and risk management and insurance (Markel) 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU Parking and Transp[ortation will host a virtual fall forum with updates on parking and transportation and address customer questions and/or concerns about the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. See the Zoom link is at the following URL.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ul-DLuGDTTWnbwm0exp3mg#/registration .

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Office of Student Involvement in the Commons Underground, located on the lower level of the University Student Commons, for an interactive open house. Learn how to connect with student organizations, meet student leaders and explore campus programs, leadership opportunities, VCU traditions and student government. Visit four involvement areas to collect clues and complete a crossword passport – your ticket to food, mocktails, make-and-take activities and promotional items. Find the clues. Make connections. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Bria Taylor at taylobc7@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1949310.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

International Studies faculty in the School of World Studies, in conversation with guest panelist Dana El Kurd, Ph.D., University of Richmond, will discuss the future of the Middle East. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1105, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Faedah Totah at ftotah@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 at noon

VCU's Military Veteran Students, Veteran Faculty and Veteran staff are invited to join the Military Student Services Office for a Veteran's Day luncheon to honor VCU's Veteran community. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact William Morley at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8730 or visit https://forms.gle/CtgRtidu2HsqJzFN6.

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 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 is a biannual pitch competition held each fall and spring semester. Building a business and presenting an idea takes courage and entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to do it alone. Friends, family and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the pitches. Following the pitches, all are invited to stay for awards, networking and to shop the Shelfie Holiday Market. The event will be held at the Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. RSVP at the following URL.

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.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 at 12:30 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 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 Heather Chapman, Ph.D.; Lyndon Aguiar, Ph.D. and Dave Yeager, chairman and CEO of Hub Group, on "Clinical Considerations for Military and Veteran Clients With Gambling Issues." One CEU is available for attending. Register at https://vpgh.jotform.com/262744264320958

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

Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Join VCU Alumni and make a difference on International Volunteer Day. In the midst of caring for a child in the hospital, families are overwhelmed and exhausted and often go hours without eating. Lend a hand as we package snack kits for families with children at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and help ease a small but significant burden, offering comfort and care when it’s needed most. The event will be at Shafer Court Dining Center, Rodney’s Room, 810 Cathedral Place.

For more information, contact Jared Kline at klinejc2@vcu.edu or visit https://link.vcu.edu/hub/vcualumni/events/154684?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=telegram-stu&utm_campaign=oar-bitesofcomfort-fy27.

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Region I STEM Ecosystem Summit is coming to James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. VCU's Center for Innovation in STEM Education will host the inaugural Region I STEM Ecosystem Summit. The summit will bring together educators, industry leaders, higher education, nonprofits, government agencies, families and community partners to connect with others invested in STEM to share ideas, resources and best practices, collaborate across sectors, build pathways to STEM education and careers and strengthen and sustain a thriving Region I STEM Ecosystem. The summit is open to K–12 educators, administrators, staff and parents and students, higher education faculty, staff and students, business and industry representatives, informal and out-of-school STEM organizations, nonprofit and community organizations, local, state and federal agencies and everyone passionate about strengthening STEM education and workforce development. Register by Monday, Dec. 7 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Breonne Shana Brooks at brooksbs@vcu.edu or visit https://lnkd.in/eCNnZ5Kq.

Saturday, Apr. 3, 2027 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join the Bioethics 4 Students, Philosophy of Medicine and Medical Ethics Clubs at VCU and the School of Medicine for a joint conference focusing on the aspects of the healthcare experience that go well beyond clinic walls. The one-day conference will be held in the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. The event will feature speakers with expertise in medicine, philosophy, policy, science and the health humanities, and spotlight student researchers. Join the day of networking, learning and collaborating on how communities can come together to make a change in the healthcare system.

For more information, contact Ria Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.

Scammers are becoming more convincing, trying to gain your trust by using fake emails, texts, phone calls, social media messages and even job offers that appear to come from companies or organizations you know, like VCU. If a message seems urgent or asks for your password, personal information or MFA verification code, pause and verify that the request is coming from someone legitimate by checking contact information. Protect yourself, keep your personal information safe and report suspicious emails, texts, calls and screenshots to phishing@vcu.edu. Visit the following URL for VCU's latest scam alerts.

For more information, contact VCU Information Technology at phishing@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/phishing/.

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.

As the semester winds down, students (and colleagues) are invited to share words of gratitude with VCU professors. University faculty members work hard to make a positive impact – let them know you’ve noticed. Expressing kindness not only brightens someone’s day, it’s good for you, too. Questions: Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at ctle@vcu.edu. Spread joy and send your VCU profs some props through the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerjwb9dTq0uCmfwwKe2QCOngYThpOXYoFCtOieEHFquegCqA/viewform?usp=header.

VCU Dine wants your opinion about campus dining. Please share your experience through a quick, confidential survey (3 to 5 minutes) by Sunday, Nov. 15 to help us continue refining our program. Begin the survey at https://horizons.confirmit.ca/wix/p196121123061.aspx?Client=50C001323

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.mydininghub.com.

Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) will be hosting the second year of our flagship Catalyst Scholars program, which pairs RPS high school students with trained VCU student mentors. Throughout the semester, mentors work directly with students on college application essays, resumes, and academic and career planning, giving students a consistent source of support as they consider their next steps after high school. The program is designed to be flexible; mentors meet with mentees for an hour every other week and follow a curriculum designed by PECS, but mentors will still have the independence to work with their mentee about the mentee's specific areas of improvement. If interested, please fill out the mentor application form and/or share with anyone who would be a good fit: Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Varunika Miryala at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit http://forms.gle/48ow929nDqnGk3EF7.

National First-Generation College Celebration Day is Sunday, Nov. 8, and the You First Center and campus partners are celebrating with a week's worth of fun, recognition and information. Check out RamsConnect at https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/events?topic_tags=13459642%2C13529730 and the youfirst.vcu.edu website at https://youfirst.vcu.edu/students/programs-and-initiatives/first-gen-week/ for event details.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/events?topic_tags=13459642%2C13529730.

Looking to apply for your first U.S. passport or renew your current passport? Need a 2-inch by 2-inch photo for your Visa or OPT application? Get your free passport-style photograph taken at VCU's Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St., fourth floor. Passport-style photo services are offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Register at the following URL for a 15-minute time slot.

For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejLHsHb1Q3lapB5hNPwQiMxVs8-YfY1IWQ5OPVp5zVVmGscQ/viewform?usp=header.

Researchers with the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health are looking for participants, 18-75, who may be experiencing sinus infection symptoms to participate in the NOSES study. The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatments for individuals with acute sinus infection symptoms and to identify which patient populations respond best to different treatments. You may be eligible to participate if you have sinus symptoms lasting for less than three weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their time. What’s involved? A virtual visit with a study doctor and team member, a two-minute daily symptom survey, a free saline nasal rinse kit delivered to you plus a $20 gift card at enrollment. If symptoms last longer than nine days, randomly assigned to receive antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, both or neither, with the opportunity to receive additional compensation. To learn more, contact the NOSES study team at the following telephone number or email address.

For more information, contact Gaby Villalobos at NOSES@vcu.edu or (804) 600-5823 or visit https://nosesstudy.georgetown.edu/.

Recruiting women between 45-55 years old for a study on whether diet education, lifestyle changes and medication can help women in perimenopause feel healthier. Qualifications and what to expect: https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/studies-currently-recruiting/ To sign up, please use the link listed in the Contact information below:

For more information, contact Brooke Foley at ocrcoordination@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-4849 or visit https://mailxto.com/axs1fyrusn.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent, and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and no history of a psychological disorder. Participants will be compensated.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

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.

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