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.

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/.

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.

7 p.m.

Celebrate the Jewish New Year with your Jewish VCU family. Join the group at 1003 Grove Ave. for a Rosh Hashanah dinner with holiday food, meaningful traditions, great company and a community atmosphere. Come celebrate, connect and start the New Year together.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hillel at VCU will host a Rosh Hashanah Lunch and Vision Boarding Event at 911 W. Grace St. Come grab some lunch after services and manifest for the Jewish New Year.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon

Start the Jewish New Year with your Jewish VCU family. Come to 1003 Grove Ave. for meaningful and inspiring Rosh Hashanah morning services in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. No prior experience necessary, come as you are and celebrate the New Year with us.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

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.

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 at noon

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with your Jewish VCU family. Come to 1003 Grove Ave. for a holiday brunch with great food, good company and a warm community atmosphere. Come hungry and celebrate the New Year with us.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Join your Jewish VCU family for Tashlich. Walk as a group to the river for this meaningful Rosh Hashanah tradition, reflect on the past year and welcome the New Year with a fresh start. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Start the Jewish New Year with your Jewish VCU family. Come to 1003 Grove Ave. for meaningful and inspiring Rosh Hashanah morning services in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. No prior experience necessary, come as you are and celebrate the New Year.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

Hear the powerful sound of the Shofar and experience one of the most meaningful traditions of Rosh Hashanah at Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. Join your Jewish VCU family for a brief Shofar experience. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Hear the powerful sound of the Shofar in the heart of VCU. Join your Jewish VCU family at the VCU Ram Horns for a short and meaningful Rosh Hashanah experience. Stop by, hear the Shofar and celebrate the Jewish New Year. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.

Monday, Sep. 14, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Navigating the path to employment requires pre-planning and an understanding of the various visa types available for students interested in working in the United States, both before and after graduation. This event will bring together immigration advisers from VCU's Global Education Office and local immigration attorneys to discuss the legal pathways to employment, including F-1 OPT, H-1B work visas and more. This workshop is open to F-1 students enrolled in programs in the School of Business. The session will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact GEO Immigration Services at geois@vcu.edu.

Monday, Sep. 14, 2026 at noon

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will present the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Ember Morrissey of West Virginia University. Morrissey will discuss “Life in the Land: Unraveling the Hidden Lives and Functions of Soil Microorganisms,” exploring the diverse and often unseen communities of microorganisms that inhabit soils and their important roles in ecosystem function. The event will be in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, (Room 151) 1000 W. Cary St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/events/life-in-the-land-unraveling-the-hidden-lives-and-functions-of-soil-microorganisms-.html.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

If you missed the SOVO fair, don't worry. The Underground at VCU, (University Student Commons, Room 015, 907 Floyd Ave.) is bringing back the Mix and Mingle Series. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about various campus organizations, organized by category. The second Mix and Mingle series is cultural. RSVP via Rams Connect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948347.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Join the School of Education for its ongoing Critical Quantitative Methodologies Series this fall. Ben Van Dusen, Ph.D., Iowa State University, will present a statistical analysis for addressing intersectionality in quantitative research. The methodology is called MAIHDA (Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy). He will discuss the approach and examples of applying it to real-world research. This event is virtual and free, but pre-registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kamden Strunk at strunkk2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7m3fVVkDRfCFCdq6wt_yPQ.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Association of Students With Disabilities and Chronic Conditions will hold a general body meeting in the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity Office. SAEO is located in the basement of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event will include games, food, non-alcoholic drinks and a short presentation on the club.

For more information, contact Kyle Hull at asdcc@vcu.edu.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Cassi Namoda: Life Is the Seamstress of Dreams through Feb. 21, 2027 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. The exhibit will be the first U.S. solo museum presentation of the work of Cassi Namoda (b. 1988, Maputo, Mozambique), whose paintings explore culture, folklore and mythologies of Mozambique across the nation’s colonial and postcolonial eras.

For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/89502106/cassi-namoda-artist-walkthrough-gallery-talk-richmond-institute-for-contemporary-art-at-vcu/.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Diane Severin Nguyen: WAR SONGS duet, Friday, Sept. 18 through Feb. 21 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St.True Farr Luck Gallery 4. Diane Severin Nguyen (b. 1990, Carson City, Calif.) works across photography, video and installation, approaching the photographic moment as one of transformation. Moving beyond documentation, she engages photography as a site of tension, shaped by desire, speculation and material instability.

For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/exhibitions/dianeseverinnguyen/.

Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hillel at VCU will host a Shabbat dinner at 911 W. Grace St. End the week with good food, good people and good vibes. Come every Friday to unplug, share a delicious meal and enjoy a welcoming community.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026 from 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 on Thursday, Sept. 17 and Monday, Sept. 21 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 (recommended if you may not be among the first 200 or would like more than one ticket).

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

Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies until emergency medical personnel arrive. This course meets OSHA requirements for workplace CPR/AED and first aid training in most non-healthcare settings. The class will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-noon. (Registration closes Friday, Sept. 18.) The class will also be offered Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 5-8 p.m. (Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 23.) The clas will be held in the wet classroom at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact aquatics@vcu.edu at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.

The planning process for VCU’s next strategic plan is under way and it will be strongest if our community shapes it. Join us in building our Uncommon Future. Visit uncommonfuture.vcu.edu to learn more and click “Get Involved” to register for a town hall, focus group or to submit your thoughts and ideas.

For more information, contact Megan Wood at stratplan2032@vcu.edu or visit https://uncommonfuture.vcu.edu.

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) and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

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

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/..

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.

Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester. This month's Google Updates Recap includes improvements in Google Calendar and Google AI, quality-of-life features for charts in Google Sheets, an improved homepage in Google Meet and more.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2026/09/09/google-updates-recap-september-2026/.

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.