10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

University Counseling Services holds a QPR/Suicide Prevention Training at the Larrick Student Center. Participants will learn how to question someone about potential suicidal thoughts; persuade them to seek help; and refer them for professional help.

For more information, visit https://students.vcu.edu/counseling/.

12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs presents a "Teach-In" event with special guest Raymond Patton in the University Student Commons, Suite 215.

For more information, visit http://omsa.vcu.edu/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute hosts the first monthly COBE Connect lunch lecture in the University Student Commons, Forum Room. Marcie Walsh, COBE administrative director, will present "Research in Action: Thrive, Fit and the Science of Happiness," a discussion of several ways in which research on substance use, mental health, and wellness has been translated into VCU programming and coursework.

For more information, visit http://www.cobe.vcu.edu.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Campus Scheduling Services hosts an open house at the MCV Alumni House and Paul A. Gross Conference Center, Room 114, for attendees to check out the five event spaces and learn about the upgraded, brand new A/V technology. The house has two large meeting rooms, a parlor room and two smaller board rooms for conference-style meetings. Attendees will learn more about the opportunities departments and student organizations have to host their next event. No RSVP or reservation is required to attend.

For more information, visit http://scheduling.vcu.edu/.

6 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center, along with the Office of the President, Office of the Dean for Humanities and Sciences and the Creative Writing Program, announce that acclaimed author Junot Díaz will visit VCU and give a public reading in Cabell Library, Lecture Hall. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session, book-signing and reception. Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/fall-2017-speaker-series-junot-diaz/.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosts the annual "Meet the Rams: Make A Change" event on the Compass. This is an opportunity for attendees to meet the 2017-18 Ram student-athletes and help raise money to benefit VCU Massey Cancer Center.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Center for Teaching Excellence and the Division of Inclusive Excellence offer a special session for faculty in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, on managing controversial topics that may surface in the classroom. To register, use the website below.

For more information, visit https://goo.gl/forms/P5awV3Lwp2Ztg6z62.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

Human Resources and the Virginia Credit Union present "How to Read Your Credit Report" in Snead Hall, Room B3207. Participants will learn how to access a free copy of their report and the importance of reviewing and understanding the report. This class will count towards the RamStrong challenge. To register, visit the website below.

For more information, visit https://training.vcu.edu/course_detail.asp?ID=16125.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Department of Health Behavior and Policy presents a seminar featuring Peter Cunningham, Ph.D., and Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., discussing "Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services" in One Capitol Square, Sixth Floor, Room 644. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, visit http://hbp.vcu.edu/seminar-series/.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Libraries hosts "Wednesdays in the Workshop," an open house designed to help participants explore new equipment, techniques, softwares or experiences every Wednesday at Cabell Library. This week's topic is "Virtual Reality."

For more information, visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2017-18/wednesday-workshops-2017-18.html.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Career Services, the Center on Health Disparities Research Training and the Office of Research present "Understanding NIH Individual Training Grants" in Sanger Hall, Room 2-020. John Ryan, Ph.D., and Melissa Throckmorton, from the Office of Research, will offer advice to predoctoral students interested in applying for NIH individual training grants, which intend to support students to develop into productive, independent research scientists while conducting dissertation research.

For more information, visit http://careers.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

VCU Massey Cancer Center invites the cancer community to "Healthy Living for Cancer Survivors," a series of free weekly workshops held each Wednesday in Sept. at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room at Stony Point 9000, 9000 Stony Point Parkway. This second session will cover nutrition and local resources for healthy eating.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 at 6 p.m.

The Social Enterprise Club hosts Dan Fickett, RVA Works, to start off the semester-long speaker series in the University Student Commons, Founders Corner. Fickett is president and co-founder of RVA Works, a nonprofit cultivating entrepreneurs with social impact that provides related curriculum, coaching, pathways to capital and inclusive professional networking through 1 Million Cups.

Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Good Clear Sound, VCU's slam poetry team, hosts an open mic at The Depot. The open mic is open to poetry, music, comedy, short stories and dancing. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, Sep. 14, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs presents a free screening of the documentary "The Legend of Cool Disco Dan" in the University Student Commons, Suite 215. A feature documentary, narrated by D.C. native Henry Rollins, that tells the story of Washington, D.C. in the 1980s through the eyes of D.C. graffiti legend, COOL "DISCO" DAN. Blending exclusive interviews with dozens of local and national celebrities along with archival footage, D.C. natives offer the most comprehensive portrait to date.

For more information, visit http://omsa.vcu.edu/.

Sunday, Sep. 17, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Off Campus Student Services and the Fan Association host a concert in Meadow Park, 401 N. Meadow St. The event will feature the band, Faculty Lounge (jazz, bluegrass and Americana). Free ice cream and roommate portraits will be provided. Pets are welcome as well. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner.

For more information, visit http://offcampus.usca.vcu.edu.

Monday, Sep. 18, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

Human Resources and Recreational Sports offer free fall chair yoga classes beginning on Monday, Sept. 18, for faculty and staff at the Cary Street Gym. Membership to Rec Sports is not required. To register, visit https://training.vcu.edu/. These classes will count towards the RamStrong Wellness Challenge.

For more information, visit http://www.ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2017 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

VCU Libraries hosts a "Constitution Day" program in Cabell Library, Room 303. John Kneebone, Ph.D., historian, and John Augenbaugh, Ph.D., political scientist, will discuss how freedom of speech has been defined historically and how the polarization of public opinion can incite a violent response. Free and open to the public. Classes are welcome.

For more information, visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2017-18/constitution-day-2017.html.

Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Office of Continuing and Professional Education presents "Opioids in Virginia," an interactive presentation that is part of the third Wednesdays free community series, in the Garden Room (off of the food court) at Regency Square Mall, 1420 N. Parham Rd. An overview of the opiate epidemic in Virginia will be provided, along with a review of some of the changes happening to address the epidemic including increasing continuing education, and community and treatment resources. To RSVP, visit the website below.

For more information, visit http://ocpe.vcu.edu/community.

Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2017 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Jewish Life at VCU holds a grand Rosh Hashana dinner and ceremony for the undergraduate, graduate, professional, faculty and staff of VCU in Cabell Library Auditorium, Room 303. President Rao will also join. Registration is open online at the website below.

For more information, visit http://jewishvcu.org/holiday.

Thursday, Sep. 28, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Office of Admissions and Career Services holds the Graduate and Professional School Fair at the University Student Commons, Second Floor. Attendees will speak to VCU Career Services professionals and learn about programs from representatives of almost one hundred schools. Attendees can stop by, ask questions and discover options. No registration is required.

For more information, visit http://go.vcu.edu/gradfair.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at 08:30 a.m.

VCU, Bon Secours and HCA sponsor a Palliative Care Symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 24 in Richmond. The keynote presenter is Holly Holmes, M.D., University of Texas, speaking on "Integrating Geriatrics and Palliative Care into the Cancer Care Continuum." Other topics will include opioid use in geriatric patients, home-based palliative care, anxiety, POST, perinatal palliative care, and the opiate crisis. For a brochure and registration form, email the contact below. Register by Friday, Sept. 29.

This week's RamStrong Wellness Challenge activities include credit report workshops and an open house at the Cary Street Gym and MCV Campus Recreation Center. RamStrong is a tool for faculty and staff to easily access university-wide resources that support their holistic well-being. To learn more about RamStrong, visit the website below. Next week's RamStrong Wellness Challenge activities will include home buying and selling workshops, as well as a walk on the Monroe Park Campus.

For more information, visit http://ramstrong.vcu.edu.

Between Sept. 11-17, VCU faculty and staff who visit any on-campus VCUDine Starbucks location between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. will receive a free tall coffee. A valid VCU faculty/staff ID is required. Not valid at Barnes & Noble Cafe.

For more information, visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

On Tuesday, Oct, 3, at 9 p.m., VCU Telecommunications will migrate Avaya Voicemail users to a new voicemail platform provided by AVST. Faculty and staff should watch for emails from voicemail@vcu.edu with directions for setting up their new mailbox. Setup takes three minutes and is only four steps. Old mailboxes will be removed on Friday, Oct. 20. For detailed information about these changes, as well as what will happen to old messages, visit the website below or call 828-2227 and press option 2.

For more information, visit http://go.vcu.edu/voicemail.

A revised Intellectual Property policy is now open for university comment through Friday, Sept. 29. The draft policy can be found at https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment

For more information, visit https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment.

A new Post-Award Financial Management policy is open for university comment through Monday, Sept. 18. The draft policy can be found at https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment

For more information, visit https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment.