12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc. at VCU presents a Krispy Kreme fundraiser on the Compass. All proceeds will benefit Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

University College's Common Book Program and the Division of Community Engagement present a screening of "Oxyana," about a town at the center of the opioid epidemic, in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 1104. The screening will be followed by a brief discussion. Refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public. For details about other events tied to the 2017 Common Book, "Dreamland," visit the website below.

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

7 p.m.

Virginia21 hosts "Pizza and Policies" with the policy director for the Ed Gillespie Campaign will be held in the University Student Commons, Virginia Room A. Higher education and college affordability will be discussed over pizza and refreshments.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs presents the "Executive Police Panel Discussion: Diversity and Inclusion in Policing," featuring panelists from area jurisdictions who will share their expertise on diversity and inclusion surrounding law enforcement as it relates to hiring, recruitment and retention in policing, in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons. Free and open to the public.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Center on Health Disparities hosts a group viewing of "An Introduction to Photovoice as a Method Aligned with Community-Engaged Research at the Theatre Row Building, 730 E. Broad St., Fourth Floor Conference Room. The viewing is free and open to all interested. This webinar is sponsored by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) of Wake Forest University.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs celebrates Latinx Heritage Month by inviting the VCU community to learn how to salsa on the Commons Plaza.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute hosts a COBE Connect lunch lecture featuring VIPBG researcher Nathan Gillespie, Ph.D., discussing the genetic and environmental risk factors in cannabis use/misuse and they relate to annual income, in the University Student Commons, Forum Room. The COBE Connect lunch series is held the first Tuesday of each month. Lunch is provided.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

VCU Massey Cancer Center invites the VCU community to "Nutrition for Cancer Survivors," a series of four workshops led by Massey dietitian Elizabeth Miller, R.D., all about the connection between nutrition and cancer care and survivorship. Workshops are held at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room at 9000 Stony Point Parkway the first four Tuesdays in October.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 from noon to 12:50 p.m.

The Graduate and Professional Student Programming Board (GSPB) holds an informational workshop on home buying in the Hunton Student Center, First Floor Conference Room. Speakers from Rashkind Saunders and Co. Real Estate will discuss the steps to purchasing a home from start to finish. Free lunch will be provided to all guests.

For more information, visit https://vcu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/1510989.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

University Student Commons and Activities: MCV Campus programs and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond invite the VCU community to an art sampler in the Hunton Student Center, First Floor Lounge.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 from noon to 4 p.m.

The VCUarts Sculpture Department hosts a blood drive with Virginia Blood Services in the Fine Arts Building, First Floor Lobby. Walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, visit the website below. Snacks and T-shirts will be provided to all donors.

For more information, visit https://donateblood.vablood.org.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Department of African American Studies hosts a fall open house at Harrison House. Attendees will learn more about the African American Studies program and major, meet faculty and students, enjoy light refreshments and see a pop-up gallery of student artwork. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at 7 p.m.

The Department of English presents a reading by poet Mark Doty and author Lina María Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas in Cabell Library, Third Floor Lecture Hall, as part of the VCU Visiting Writers Series. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit https://english.vcu.edu/about/visiting-writers/.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 from noon to 4 p.m.

The Sikh Student Association invites the VCU community to its biannual Langar event on the Commons Plaza. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the Sikh practice of Langar, or community kitchen. Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy free traditional Panjabi food and try on a Turban while learning more about the Sikh faith and interacting with members of the Sikh community at VCU.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at 3 p.m.

The Department of English invites the VCU community to Cabell Library, Third Floor Lecture Hall, to hear Ghanaian poet and scholar Kofi Anyidoho speak on African literature in memory of English Professor Emeritus Richard Priebe, who passed away on June 9. Anyidoho is Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies at the University of Ghana. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit https://english.vcu.edu/news-events/events/.

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU Globe and the Peace Corps host a film screening of "Girl Rising" in West Grace Street Student Housing-North, Room 1030J. Attendees will enjoy a free screening of "Girl Rising," a documentary about the transformative power of education for girls around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominated director, Richard E. Robbins, "Girl Rising" follows nine unforgettable girls living in the developing world who confront tremendous challenges and overcome nearly impossible odds to pursue their dreams.

For more information, visit http://peacecorps.gov.

VCU has launched the beta version of its new home page. Throughout October, the University Relations team will be conducting user testing, collecting feedback and making tweaks to make the site beautiful across all browsers, platforms and devices. The site is currently best viewed in Chrome. To start using the new site and tell the team what’s working and what’s not, visit beta.vcu.edu

For more information, visit https://beta.vcu.edu/.

VCU Business Services is conducting a brief, 5-10 minute survey that examines the retail services offered at VCU, including student textbook, technology and general merchandise. The VCU community's input is important, as it will provide powerful insights about experiences with VCU’s various retail services. The survey is open to all members of the VCU community and will be available from Oct. 2-6. To complete the survey, visit https://www.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?id=5766276

For more information, visit https://www.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?id=5766276.

VCU Rec Sports offers a Lifeguard Certification Course at the Cary Street Gym on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 10/6-10/8 & 10/13-10/15. The cost will be $100 for students and $175 for members. If interested in the discount, email vculifeguards@gmail.com before Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. Register online from the MyRecSports portal by Thursday, Oct. 5.

For more information, visit https://portal.recsports.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8f04eb94-8b05-4785-bfc5-8f1060041199&semesterId=8224abd5-d5e6-4bc0-b993-c350f6ee9f71.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is currently recruiting members to join the Black History Month Committee. If interested in joining, use the contact information below.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs accepts applications for the VCU Leadership Development Program Class of 2018. The goal of this program is to develop approximately 30 current and emerging leaders each year at VCU who represent the academic and administrative units of the university and VCU Health. Applications for the 2018 class are due by Sunday, Oct. 15.

For more information, visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/vcu-leadership-development/application/.

The Outdoor Adventure Program offers a weekend hiking and camping trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia from Oct. 3-4. Participants will enjoy autumn's changing colors and cool weather, as well as pre- and post-hike yoga sessions. The cost is $44 for students and $50 for members and includes food, transportation, equipment and guides. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 3.

For more information, visit https://portal.recsports.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=dc40ec16-2cf9-4e49-89fc-039db98ed11f&semesterId=8224abd5-d5e6-4bc0-b993-c350f6ee9f71.

The Outdoor Adventure Program holds a day canoe trip on Saturday, Oct. 7. Participants will be introduced to canoeing on a scenic stretch of local flatwater. Experienced trip leaders will teach strokes and packing techniques, while participants explore places where larger boats cannot go. The price is $15 for students and $20 for members and includes equipment, transportation and guides. Food is not included, so be sure to pack a lunch. This trip is geared for beginners who have little to no experience. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 3.

For more information, visit https://portal.recsports.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=6037e1f3-4d9c-4fd5-958d-adf836fa8e11&semesterId=8224abd5-d5e6-4bc0-b993-c350f6ee9f71.

VCU, Bon Secours and HCA sponsor a Palliative Care Symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in Richmond, Virginia. The keynote presenter is Holly Holmes, M.D., University of Texas, on "Integrating Geriatrics and Palliative Care into the Cancer Care Continuum." Other topics include opioid use in geriatrics patients, home-based palliative care, anxiety, POST, perinatal palliative care, and the opiate crisis. Email Paul.Swadley@VCUHealth.org for a brochure / registration form. Register by Monday, Oct. 2.