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.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a virtual informational session exploring the M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as its Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how the programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. Join the meeting at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. The Zoom link is https://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/.

Monday, Oct. 19, 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/.

Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 at noon

VCU's School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will host the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Jason Rohr, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. In his presentation, “Planetary Health Innovations for Disease, Agriculture, Water, Energy, Sustainability and Poverty Challenges in Africa and Beyond,” Rohr will explore how nature-based solutions can address interconnected environmental and public health challenges. The presentation will be in the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, Room 253,1000 W. Cary St.

For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/event-items/slss-seminar-planetary-health-innovations-for-disease-agriculture-water-energy-sustainability-and-poverty-challenges-in-africa-and-beyond-.html.

Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Student Services Career Community will host the Fall 2026 Mentoring Mixer in the HR Training Room, 922 W. Grace St. Meet new colleagues in Student Services and sign up to become a mentor or mentee. Information will also be provided about earning exclusive Credly badges for participating in the mentoring program. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zsmc1otb8sihgbPu7.

Monday, Oct. 19, 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 The Why Behind Our Spending and Buying. Come out, enjoy refreshments and learn something new.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at noon

Join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for the next Side by Side Exchange, which will bring together a university faculty member, civic employee and community partner to discuss housing availability and accessibility. Hear via Zoom how different perspectives can add value to addressing shared societal challenges. Come join us. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBX9QKTa6AK7jW4qaXZpmjlOBChEMVinG5twXVpiMbzSiptA/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Developing Men of Color in collaboration with VCU, Mastercard and Virginia Credit Union will host former NFL and MLB player Bo Jackson at the Altria Theater. Hear real-world advice, fresh perspectives and a chance to go further. This is a conversation that an lead to a brighter future.

For more information, contact Tyrese Perkins at vcu.dmc@gmail.com or (276) 806-5184 or visit https://www.dmcvcu.com/.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at noon

For many, working remotely is no longer new. But the joys of working in sweatpants from the comfort of home has given way to some unexpected challenges. From video call fatigue to social isolation, the topic explores strategies to implement consistent work from home success for employees and organizations alike. Join VCU HR and Anthem EAP for this informative session. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3VZCM2B

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

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The OVPRI Division of Research Development will host a short, high-energy session to bring together research interest groups across VCU whose work closely relates to one another. Groups from the Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health (IRBEH) and the Institute for Women’s Health (IWH) will be featured during this event. You’ll hear about the different research groups within these Institutes, explore potential collaborations, and also learn about a research resource available here at VCU, Spit for Science, which provides access to longitudinal datasets and genotyped data for researchers at no cost. If you’ve been looking for collaborators, proposal partners, research resources, or a community around a research theme or method similar to your groups’, this is designed for you. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at ovprird@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn3tYHGPhEQasLiovaypUPur4kvZocXZvoblVnXKpTQ-vr6g/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Are you a STEM graduate student exploring career paths beyond traditional academic research? Whether you're aiming for R&D, biotech, tech leadership, data science or engineering consulting, the transition from academia to industry requires a distinct set of tools and strategies. Join this virtual panel featuring advanced degree holders who have successfully built high-impact careers across the STEM landscape. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1948911.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

The MCV-Suit Yourself Closet has re-opened for business. Mark your calendars for this special grand reopening celebration. Come to the new location in the VMI Building, Suite 103, 1000 E. Marshall St.. The Suit Yourself Closet (SYC) provides gently used professional clothing to VCU students. At this special event, VCU students can take – and keep – up to 10 items of clothing for free. Cupcakes, snacks and drinks will also be available.

For more information, contact Virginia Damron at vmdamron@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/suit-yourself-professional-closet/.

Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's Health Professions Organization (HPO) will host a grad panel in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ariana Torre at torreas@vcu.edu or (571) 365-8967.

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cranial B-Mode (CUPID) is a free virtual course introducing clinicians to point-of-care ultrasound for evaluating intracranial pathology. The program includes sessions on image acquisition and interpretation, followed by guided review of real clinical cases involving adult and pediatric patients with closed fontanelles. No CME. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cfX4aHoMSSu9Zeg6B0erIQ#/registration Submit cases or lectures: https://forms.gle/xiPpKgRRRiAtqxmt7

For more information, contact Briana Garnett at briana.garnette@vcuhealth.org or visit https://neurology.vcu.edu/education/cpe/.

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) 828-6563 or visit https://forms.gle/pS5LktetjBb6uHLx6.

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Often, both the biggest challenges and greatest opportunities for learning and growth for students and their supervisors exist in the realm of communication. Whether you are new or seasoned as a supervisor of working learners, managing individuals or teams, this session, hosted by Ann Carter and Valerie Sutton, will provide communication best practices you can utilize immediately, including related to supportive structure and delivering feedback. Register for the Zoom link via the following URL.

For more information, contact Samara Reynolds at sreynolds4@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wFPKEc1P9Zgumu8k6.

VCU's Transformative Learning Week, Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30, is an annual initiative that highlights and encourages collaboration in transformative learning experiences. The week showcases opportunities, provides networking for faculty, staff and students and fosters cross-unit collaboration and community service.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://uc.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/transformative-learning-week/.

Whether you’re in the early phase of a concept or an active business owner in the community, you’re invited to present at the VCU da Vinci Center's Pitch Night on Friday, Nov. 13. Participants have the chance to win sponsored awards from Capital One, Judges’ Choice awards in each category and People’s Choice awards voted on by those in attendance. All participants have the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 total in funding for their ideas.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/pitch-night/.

Do you have an idea worth sharing? TEDxVCU speaker applications are now open. TEDxVCU is an independently organized TEDx event run by VCU students and is currently accepting speaker applications. Email tedx@vcu.edu for more information. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQXQo0ZfmMb1cL6zTa1DK7N8_Ji02neNnz0kyqSPPFuIy00Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101963627659439864958 Questions: Visit tedx@vcu.edu for questions.

For more information, contact Aditya Badhrayan at badhrayana@vcu.edu or visit https://ramsconnect.vcu.edu/tedxvcu/remodeled-home-/.

Know a community partner with an idea to make a difference? Encourage them to apply for the 2027 Community-Led Solutions Initiative. Community organizations can receive up to $10,000 to lead projects that address community-identified needs in partnership with VCU faculty or staff. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/communitygrant/.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking healthy control participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function. You may participate if you have no ankle sprain history or other foot/leg injuries. This study will require: one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down) and during light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments.

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

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 in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group at VCU is seeking children, adolescents and adults (ages 5-70) for participation in a research study to assess movement patterns during walking, running, and sport-related tasks among healthy and injured patients. This study will require one initial study visit at the RAMHS Laboratory lasting about two hours. an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation and movement assessment while you are walking, running and sport-related tasks (jumping, cutting) with and without responding to thinking tasks. Up to five total visits within about one year of the initial visit, completing the same. activities. Parking will be validated for your study visit(s). If you are interested, please complete the study screening form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Asal Aflatounian at Fatemeh.Aflatounian@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-1981 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YTTMY9KNH9Y3MCT4.