12 p.m.

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.

3 p.m. to 4 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 on Zoom, https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81573889772, to learn details of the trip. For more information, contact Hilary Levinson at the following email address or Julia Wells at wellsj7@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Hilary Levinson at hlevinson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11753.

3 p.m.

VCUarts Cinema Program Director and Associate Professor Yossera Bouchtia and Assistant Professor of Media Production and Sequence Coordinator Robert Milazzo are collaborating on an original, monthly guest Zoom-conversation series designed to bring students across all VCU moving-image disciplines closer to front-line practitioners in the industry. Join the conversatiion with filmmaker Joe Berlinger in the T. Edward Temple Building, Room 2211, 901 W. Main St. Berlinger is an eight-time Emmy nominee and a two-time Emmy-winner. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rob Milazzo at milazzor@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/depth-of-field-joe-berlinger/.

3:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Kinetic Imaging will host interdisciplinary new media artist Alfredo Salazar-Caro for a visiting artist lecture. Salazar-Caro is a creator and world builder living and working between Mexico City, New York City and online. His practice brings together portraiture, installation, documentary, video, XR, social sculpture and biocompatible architecture, connecting the creation of virtual worlds with the physical spaces we inhabit. His current work centers on 3D-printed earth architecture and sculptural experimentation, bringing computational design and robotic fabrication into dialogue with ancestral knowledge and vernacular building traditions. The lecture will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact VCUarts Kinetic Imaging at kineticimage@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/alfredo-salazar-caro-visiting-artist-lecture/.

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.

5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Spend an evening exploring the musical, cultural and spiritual traditions of sufism through a lecture and solo musical performance. The program, to be held at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St., will be sponsored by VCU's School of World Studies.

For more information, contact Samaneh Oladi at soladighadiko@vcu.edu.

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.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU Military Student Services will offer Green Zone training to educate faculty and staff on the challenges our VCU veteran students face and the strengths they bring to VCU as they transition out of the military and into the VCU academic environment. This one-hour workshop includes information and resources related to student veterans. Training will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1102, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tres Morley at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8674 or visit https://forms.gle/pS5LktetjBb6uHLx6.

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

You made it through the week. Now take a minute for yourself. Stop by “Wellness Wind Down” to breathe, reset and ease into the weekend with simple activities designed to support your mind, body and overall well-being. Stay for a while or just drop in for a quick reset. No pressure, no forced sharing and no registration needed. Sessions will be at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Gennese Springs at springsge@vcu.edu.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Love to crochet? Knit? Other fiber arts or hand crafts? Join us Fridays from 4-6 p.m. at the Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) for Strings 'n' Things. Connect with others who share your passion. This is a social event for crafters of all levels. Want to learn? The group is happy to teach.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCUarts announces the “Circle Game,” an exhibition including the work of select 2026-2027 Post-Master’s Teaching Fellows: Amelia Ruth Baxter, Cole Kamerick Eller, Eva Foldy, Brice Goldberg, Daša Kulikova, Irene Piazza and Luz Del Carmen Salama-Tobar. The exhibition will be on view in the Seipel Gallery, Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St., through Saturday, Nov. 7. A closing reception will be held Friday, Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m.

For more information, contact VCUarts Fine Arts at fineartsgroup@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/circle_game/.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Meet a small group of students at the Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) at 10 a.m. to attend worship at Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (8 N. Laurel St.) for their 10:30 a.m. worship service. VCU Choirs will be singing in worship. A simple lunch (with vegetarian options) will be served after worship. All churches the church crawl group attends are LGBTQ+ affirming.

For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 at midnight

Calling all Rams: Ready to make your mark on VCU Homecoming? Want to win some money for the student organization you're a part of? Applications are open and will close Sunday, Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. All students are welcome to apply. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris at thompkinshs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/BGNoZbvz6pkt5wF99.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meet at the Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) at 4:30 p.m. to attend 5 p.m. Jazz Vespers Service at The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church (11421 Gayton Road). Because it is about a 20 minute drive, please arrive promptly. Transportation will be furnished. Dinner after worship is provided (cost is free). Those who attend will return to campus by 7 p.m. at the latest.

For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Join the Health and Wellness Library as Mark Davy, M.D., leads participants in a therapeutic writing program. Davy will explore journaling as a tool to relieve stress and check in with yourself. Bring a notepad or paper for writing. Pens will be provided. The session will be held in the Gateway Building, Room G-112, 1200 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/17608762.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Science Hub and Career Services will present a STEM internship workshop, STEM Success Series: Landing a STEM Internship. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 201E, 817 W. Franklin St. Learn about a STEM internship/research experience through interactive activities. A Q&A session will be featured. The workshop will be offered on two dates: Monday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday Nov. 11, each from 4-5 p.m. Register at https://forms.gle/r6XkkMFUUYbqhc186

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

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

From the United States to Brazil, those who have no institutional religious affiliation have been rapidly expanding while Christians who seek to establish governments based on their faith have been multiplying. Join Andrew Chesnut, Ph.D., (Religious Studies) and Jeffrey Green, Ph.D., (Psychology) for a discussion of two of the most important trends on the religious landscape of the Americas. The session will be in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmM64Qy3BPNr6Ej7r1MlJiE190E-2lzqxvY7Jk-5YBkJbpvA/viewform.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 at 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.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR is facilitating a SMART Goals and You workshop via Zoom. The course clarifies what SMART goals are, how to use them for both performance and career development and includes practical application. Attendance is encouraged for anyone who wants to learn more about SMART goals for themselves and/or their team; or is in a position to educate others about SMART goals. Register in Talent@VCU here: http://bit.ly/4m0vbbm

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

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. Register at the following URL.

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 at noon

Not all differences and disabilities are visible, but they can have a big impact on daily life. Join VCU HR and Employee Health to virtually explore experiences that often go unseen and learn how we can better support one another. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4swUGWO

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

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 is required at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The VCU Military Veterans Alumni Council, in partnership with the VCU Student Veterans Association, will host a Veterans Day celebration. Come cheer on the VCU Rams as they play the NJIT Highlanders at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Guests are invited to stop by the Military Veterans Alumni Council swag table beginning at 6 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. tip-off. Tickets are free for student and alumni veterans and $5 for guests.

For more information, contact Stefani Bonner at bonnersj@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/veterans-alumni-night-at-the-stu/?a=14313442&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=telegram-fs&utm_campaign=oar-vetalumninight-fy27.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Faculty Affairs invites department chairs to a session about the Eisenhower Matrix, a framework used by leaders to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively and focus on what truly moves the needle. Those who attend will learn how to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important, reduce time spent on low-value activities, empower others through delegation and create more space for strategic thinking. Register for the Zoom link 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://forms.gle/gsyygxjHTHcYDk896.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

VCUarts Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of Duncan Macmillan’s "People, Places and Things" is a visceral exploration of identity, recovery and the terrifying honesty required to begin again. Performances will be Nov. 12–15 (Thursday-Sunday) at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets available at bit.ly/vcutheatretix Questions: Email theatre@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/people-places-and-things/.

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 Wenegr at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/pitch-night/.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The VCU Guitar Ensemble and the VCU Community Guitar Ensemble will be featured in combined concert in VCU’s James W. Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. The program will include works by Boccherini, Paganini, Granados, David Toussaint, and a Holiday Tribute to Chet Atkins by Frank Mullen III. Email music@vcu.edu for more information. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The VCUarts Music Fall Choirs Concert will take place in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts 922 Park Ave. Featured performances by: Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Vox Concordia and Commonwealth Singers. Tickets are $7-15, available at arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets Questions: Email music@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 at noon

If healthy living sounds exhausting, you are not alone. The truth is, you don’t need a restrictive diet, hours in the gym, or a stress-free life to live healthier. It’s not all of nothing. In this virtual session, brought to you by VCU HR and CommonHealth, you will learn to strive for progress over perfection. Let’s feel better without making life harder. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4sv1Lao

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

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.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Accessibility doesn’t have to add to your workload. Join LEDstudio to learn how to prioritize what to fix, what to improve over time, and what to stop doing. Explore practical strategies for creating accessible courses more efficiently and sustainably, and leave with actionable steps you can use right away. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/n7s3k8QvQ_enPVgizbdcqA#/registration.

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of the future leader you are destined to be? If so, the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute invites you to apply to the 2027 HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program. This immersive five-month leadership development experience is designed for current and emerging leaders of all career levels who are ready to stretch beyond their comfort zones, expand their leadership capacity and elevate their impact as leaders. Apply at the following URl by Friday, Nov. 13.

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or (434) 270-2026 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/higher-ground-leadership-development-program/.

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.

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.

Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) will be hosting the second year of its 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, résumés 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. See the form at the following URL.

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

The CLC is hiring Tutors, PASS Leaders and PACs (Peer Academic Coaches) for the Spring 2027 semester. The application is open through Sunday, Nov. 8. Benefits: Starting pay at $14/hour. Flexible hours. Convenient, on-campus work location. Receive REAL Level 3 Certification. Requirements: 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher (or two consecutive semesters at or above a 3.2 GPA for Peer Academic Coaching Candidates) Currently be enrolled in at least their second semester at VCU. Enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate or 4.5 graduate credits at VCU. Commitment to working a full semester. Attendance at CLC student employee orientation on Jan. 14 and 15, 2027. Available to work a minimum of 11 hours per week. Must be in good disciplinary standing. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Schuster at schusterkl@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8108 or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/our-team/work-for-us/.

The Student Government Association and its Independent Finance Board have extended their Spring 2027 Funding Request Deadline to 11:55 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Currently registered undergraduate student organizations (RSOs) that have not yet submitted a spring request are encouraged to submit the spring funding request form before the extended deadline. The form can be accessed by emailing IFB at this email; sgafunding@vcu.edu to request the form link. Other information and form access options are found in RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Artemas Dowell at dowellam@vcu.edu or (310) 227-2320.

A study at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use and reaction time within friendships. You may be randomly assigned to consume alcohol; you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. The in-person portion of this study will not take longer than two hours to complete. You may earn either SONA credit or $20 USD. Your eligibility is determined by a screening survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rf7Q9immr4FgtU.

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 TREAT Lab (Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JD4YKAEPKPPWAYXR.

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/.

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.