10 a.m.

Check out Fat Bear Week at the Health and Wellness Library through Tuesday, Sept. 29. Fat Bear Week celebrates the brown bears of Alaska as they feast on salmon to gain enough weight to last through winter hibernation. The annual event involves a single-elimination tournament where you can vote for your favorite bear. You can also make your own "I Voted" button and relax with some coloring pages. The event will be at the Health and Wellness Library, Gateway Building, Room G-112, 1200 E. Marshall St.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/17582774.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join a meeting via Zoom to plan for Disability Advocacy Week and continue work on the group's accessibility initiatives, including reducing the impact of commercial scooters and developing accessibility education for student organizations. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89498678820.

12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Want to have step-by-step instructions for those line dances everyone seems to know? Learn all the steps to popular line dances and groove with Lise every Friday at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

5 p.m.

The Russian Club at VCU will host its first general body meeting for students interested in Russian culture and language. The meeting will be held at Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave. Click on the following URL.

For more information, contact Jordan Simonelli at simonellija@vcu.edu or (757) 285-5176 or visit https://groupme.com/join_group/92439921/JxnVFoM9.

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

Join Bioethics 4 Students, officers Rhea Chatterjee and Spoorti Kalashetti, for an involved discussion on the many ethical considerations of emerging gene therapy science and technology. Plus, pick up a zine from the organization's kick-off event earlier in the month. Snacks will be provided. The session will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 207, 900 Park Ave.

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

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come to the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. for Teachers' Night Off, an evening dedicated to celebrating local educators. Open to all K–12 teachers and school staff, this event invites you to explore the galleries, connect with peers and unwind in a creative, welcoming environment. Enjoy complimentary snacks from the ICA’s Abby Moore Café and a cash bar as you mingle and recharge. The event is an opportunity for inspiration, connection or simply a night off.

For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu.

6 p.m.

The Photography and Film Undergraduate Exhibitions Committee will host "MAXIMALISM," an exhibition celebrating bold ideas, big colors, strange processes, layered images, mixed media and work that refused to blend in. The exhibition will be on view through Friday, Oct. 9 at the Pollack Building, 325 N. Harrison St. The exhibition will feature undergraduate students Anisa Barfield, Caspian Bolton, Jinju Boyd, Andrew Carr, Morgan Crossen, Jenna Fanion, Ella Kearney, Joseph Kilmer, Levi Mason, Jennifer Nguyen, Kyleigh Quinn, Kyle Rodrigue, Tommy Smith and Kenzie Talbert.

For more information, contact Photo+Film Exhibitions at pfexhibitions@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/maximalism/.

7 p.m.

Celebrate Sukkot at Jewish Life at VCU, 918 W. Grace S.t, over a sushi dinner in the Sukkah. Enjoy great food, holiday vibes and a fun evening with friends and the Jewish VCU community.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/54964.

Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU's Department of Communication Arts and the Communication Arts Student Advisory Board will host a Q&A panel with Teresa Sharpe, Faith Anne Butler and Kailyn Byers from Unkindness Art – Richmond’s own purveyor of high-quality, custom tattoos and fine art, apparel and merchandise. The event will be held in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Communication Arts at commarts@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/lamppost/unkindness-art-panel/.

Sunday, Sep. 27, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Stop by the Sukkah, shake the Lulav and Etrog and enjoy fresh subs with friends. Celebrate Sukkot with Jewish Life at VCU, 918 W. Grace St., grab some lunch, and do the special mitzvah of the holiday. RSVP at the following URL

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/54966.

Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 at 11 a.m.

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

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

Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by the Commons Plaza to learn about mental health resources and pick up a few ways to support yourself and the people you care about.

For more information, contact Christine Strasser at cstrasser@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit https://counseling.vcu.edu/appointments/.

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

Child Welfare Stipend Program and University Counseling Services will host a confidential and supportive space for students to engage in reflection, connection and personal and professional growth. This group is best suited for students interning at a child welfare-focused placement group, students interested in working in the child welfare system or students in the stipend program. On-campus and online options (https://vcu.zoom.us/my/danielasanzetenea) are available. Each group will meet every other week for 12 weeks. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Daniela Sanzetenea at cwstipend@vcu.edu or visit http://vcussw.info/CWI-Support.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at 9 a.m.

VCU RecWell offers small group training programs to help participants build confidence, learn new skills and reach their fitness goals. Fall programs include weights of wellness, equipment orientation and ask a trainer. Weights of wellness session two begins Sept. 30; registration is open through Oct. 3. Free equipment orientation and ask a trainer sessions are available throughout the semester. Classes will be at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at sherazia@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000026001.

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 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the Valentine Museum, 920 W. Franklin St., for an afternoon of education, empowerment and resilience to explore genetic counseling and testing and their role in women’s health. The event will feature a screening of the "For Our Health" video, created by Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D., followed by a panel discussion focused on genetic testing, counseling, survivorship and community support. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Massey Events at masseyevents@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo9qqjfREFyaoHck2v08GbtGS1wtQ-0-ubnSvNOc7yg8O8JA/viewform.

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. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948413 .

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hillel at VCU will host a Shabbat dinner at 918 W. Grace St. Conclude the week with good food, good people and good vibes. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at kayla@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://hillel-heart.my.site.com/eventreg/s/flow/Engagement_Sign_In_URL_Launched_add_participant_flow_v2_1?EngagementId=a0oRP00000HO897&HillelName=Hillel_at_VCU&HillelId=0013u00001rsfBN.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Admissions seeks volunteers to assist with its largest event for prospective Rams. Volunteers will welcome guests, answer questions and direct guests around campus. Sign up at the following URL or direct questions to the following email address.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFQuVCBYL19XyHSDzeyWBXVM_ZV1hDrAiIb0cOpjUb4swRVw/viewform?usp=dialog.

This is a juried exhibition open to artists who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a chronic condition or otherwise see themselves fitting within this exhibition. This show is affiliated with VCU Libraries. Participating artists will have the opportunity to receive prizes donated by community art spaces and artist resources. All applications will be due by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Xavier McDaniel at mcdanielxl@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctITA6UkrB7x-ZMGye8stNAdiZ6cPxvTiQWAcWxKwUkG0QwA/viewform.

If you are completing an internship this semester or have secured an internship in a previous semester, please take three to five minutes to report your internship by completing the VCU Student Internship Survey in Handshake at the following URL. Questions? Contact the following email address.

For more information, contact VCU Career Services at careers@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/VCUexperience.

Have you ever felt college was not meant for you? Did you discover the path to higher education later than most? Did you take an unexpected or nontraditional route to get where you are today? Now is your chance to share that journey. Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) is coordinating a student panel to share the stories of students who did not always know they were going to college. This event supports high school juniors, sophomores and freshmen who may not be considering college. You can inspire them to view college as a real and achievable path. This is your opportunity to be the voice you once needed. Become a PECS member at the following URL.

For more information, contact Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/.

Applications for the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa spring break study abroad trip are due on Sunday, Nov. 15. All majors are welcome to apply. The trip is sponsored by the VCU School of Social Work and the Office of Global Education. Apply at the following URL.

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

Proposals are due Friday, Oct. 9 for the 2027 Research to Recovery Conference, which will be held at VCU May 19-20, 2027 and hosted by Rams in Recovery. Talks should be one hour long and come with complimentary registration. Submit a talk at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGLJhWVPxpREJeBWSrTot3obTjgDRZImCQgU-PfhiaGiy2xA/viewform.

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.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function following ankle sprains. You may participate if you either: have a first-time lateral ankle sprai or have no ankle sprain history and are healthy (control group). This study will require one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down), durring light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments. Participants with ankle sprains will also be asked to complete remote, electronic surveys at three and six months after the in-person visit.

For more information, contact Crystal Figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

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.