Student Issue for October 30, 2026
Today
VCU Spring Break LGBTQIA+ South Africa Study Abroad Informational Session
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU School of Social Work and VCU Office of Global Education will host an informational session about the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa spring break study abroad trip. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave., and on Zoom. (link on website). All majors are welcome.
For more information, contact Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., at gattism@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11568.
'The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History'
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center and VCU Libraries for an event with Ned Blackhawk, Ph.D., Howard R. Lamar Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History." The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/the-rediscovery-of-america-native-peoples-and-the-unmaking-of-us-history.html.
Wellness Wind Down
12 p.m. 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.
Richmond Valentine Museum Tour – Presented by the Urban Studies Student Association
12 p.m.
Join the Urban Studies Student Association for a tour of Richmond's Valentine Museum. This local staple features the finest artifacts, stories, recollections and personal accounts of what sculpted Richmond into the bustling city we call home. Admission is free for college students upon presentation of a valid student ID. The specific exhibit we're touring will be announced the day of the trip. Meet at the Compass at 12:10 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – Board bus from VCU/VUU Pulse Stop to the VCU Medical Center Pulse Stop. 12:50 p.m. – Arrive at the Valentine Museum. 1 p.m. – Begin tour, courtesy of the Richmond Valentine Museum.
For more information, contact Ira Ruffin at ruffinio@vcu.edu or (804) 418-9690.
Moroccan Shabbat Dinner
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave., for a special Shabbat dinner filled with delicious Moroccan food, great friends and an unforgettable Shabbat atmosphere.
For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://student.chabadoncampus.org/vcu/rsvp/events/56706.
This week
National Campus Take Back the Night Rally
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.
VCU Campus Partners will present the National Campus Take Back the Night Rally. Campuses across the country. One night. One national demand, that we end campus rape culture. We will be participating in a live streamed rally that that brings campuses across the country together to demand stronger sexual violence prevention, survivor support, and institutional accountability. There will be virtually streamed speakers and a question and answer session after the event. This event is open to everyone. The event will be held at the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Tameika McCoy at tmccoy5@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5539 or visit https://survivorsupport.vcu.edu/.
Coming up
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Professional Communication
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Learn the tools necessary to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. 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/.
Reform and Repair: Removing Blood Quantum From Tribal Citizenship Requirements
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for an event in our Repair Speaker Series with Jill Doerfler, Ph.D., to learn about blood quantum and its effects on citizenship and tribal enrollment. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JDl8NPG2SOi2-R3QBXj37A#/registration.
VCU Writing Center Personal Statement Workshop for Clinical Radiation Sciences
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
University Academic Advising (UAA) in collaboration with the Writing Center will present the Pre-Radiation Sciences Personal Statement Workshop via Zoom. Those who attend will learn tips on effectively crafting their personal statement for the Radiation Sciences' upcoming application cycle. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pre-Health Advising at prehealthadv@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUXfEOguBDXim8RK6V4HmEYskz6jICXJJeDNurGyniFeqA8Q/viewform.
Group Wellness Sessions With VCU Student Health: Nutrition for College Students
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join VCU Student Health in the kitchen. VCU Student Health is offering a series of free group wellness sessions with our wellness nurse practitioner. Come join us in the West Grace North classroom and kitchen (1030F) to discuss our first topic: Nutrition for college students. This session will include an informational session, Q&A with a wellness professional and a participatory healthy cooking demonstration. Additional dates/times are available.
For more information, contact Kathleen Leiner, FNP at leinerkh@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/i8GLgpNeHMubfLy76.
VACU Fall Financial Series: Understanding Your Credit Report, at the VCU Health Hub
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Join the VACU at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for their Financial Success Fall Series. This week's topic is Understanding Your Credit Report. Come out, enjoy refreshments and learn something new.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
What School Could Be: Portugal Edition Virtual Informational Sessions
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 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.
Building a Community Advisory Board That Lasts
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.
Study Abroad Informational Session – Art and Politics in Chile: Spring Break 2027
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 from 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.
Sleigh Your Budget: Holiday Spending Without Stress (Free Lunch Provided)
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Learn how to enjoy seasonal traditions while sticking to a spending plan that won’t derail your budget with the VCU Financial Success Center. The event will be in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edi or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=f5c3ea82-2fb0-470e-84b4-4407ecc43e41&utm_source=telegram.
Guided Tour Through Hollywood Cemetery With Amy Tudor, Ph.D.
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.
Trivia Night
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VCU's Student Alumni Council will host a trivia night with Qdoba, games and prizes. Play to win disposable cameras, a matcha set, headphones and more. Learn about the impact of philanthropy at VCU with SAC and its leadership council. The event will be in the Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303), 701 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sania Desai at desais3@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948975.
Money Matters – Lunch and Learn With VCUarts and VCU Financial Success Center
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.
Paralegal Certificate Program Virtual Informational Session
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.
Accidental to Intentional: University Class-Based Research and IRB
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Determining when a project requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and what steps should be taken before beginning a study can sometimes be confusing. The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a session that will provide an overview of VCU’s IRB processes as they relate to university class-based research, scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and other educational research projects. Registration at the link. Direct questions to Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4-LzU2sJPH_78-xm__sReB_pt1iDFtvdALF4yAfJxSo97Xw/viewform.
Connect Conference 2026: Build Connections, Strengthen Communities
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.
Diversifying Funding Sources/Creative Grantseeking in a Challenging Landscape With Hanover Research
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.
Free Stop the Bleed Training
Monday, Nov. 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The course is designed to teach community members how to render aid to themselves and others during a bleeding emergency. Free. Registration code: RAMS! The course will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at MajidM@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999 or visit https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0082-0003-3553af742b5c4ecdaf77a167f640f08c.
Celebrate National Rural Health Day With VCU
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://forms.gle/DXPXkGCAQsS4pqxHA.
Notices
Rising Talent: Internship Support Fund
Need help funding your internship? Apply now. The Rising Talent: Internship Support Fund helps eligible VCU students overcome financial and other barriers to participating in a credit-bearing academic internship. If you're preparing for or currently participating in an internship and need financial support, you may qualify. Not sure if you're eligible? Apply anyway. Apply at the following URL by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a0ede1fe2276619a634f4343213e34.
TEDxVCU Speaker Applications: Nov. 1 Deadline
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.
Apply to the da Vinci Center's Pitch Night
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. At Pitch Night, VCU students, alumni and Richmond community members deliver elevator pitches to compete for up to $5,000 in seed funding and resources for their entrepreneurial ideas and innovative ventures. Register at the following URL. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 2 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/pitch-night/.
VCU Student Mentors Needed for High School Mentorship Program
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.
Study Recruiting Participants
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.
Adobe Club Creative Jam
We’re challenging VCU student creators to subvert the minimalism trend and design vibrant, maximalist merchandise mockups that celebrate our campus diversity and what makes VCU truly "uncommon." Join us for a hands-on workshop, submit your original artwork and compete for incredible prizes. Selected entries will be featured in a digital exhibit at the Data Visualization Wall on the lower level of Cabell Library, outside The Workshop. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hannah Nguyen at nguyenhh11@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2026-2027/creative-jam.html.
Research Study: Understanding the Best Strategy for Estrogen Administration To Optimize Bone Health in Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
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.
Recruiting Participants for a Study on Understanding the Menopause Transition
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.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.