11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction will host Pups on the Plaza. The first 200 meals will be complimentary (limit one per those in attendance). A rotating cast of Dogs on Call therapy dogs will be at the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St., ready to meet and greet passersby. You can also support the Dogs on Call program by purchasing a Dogs on Call T-shirt or purchasing a meal ticket.

For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at CHAI@VCUHealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business transfer students are invited to stop by the Office of Student Engagement's table to learn more about resources and support systems that are available to them. The table will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Come say hello, fill out a quick survey, ask questions and grab an Insomnia cookie. We look forward to learning about your experience and how to support you better.

For more information, contact Office of Student Engagement at ose@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/undergraduate-students/office-of-student-engagement/.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This workshop via Zoom will cover Canvas gradebook configurations. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword search: Canvas). Log into the workshop with your VCU eID and password.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu.

2:30 p.m.

Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates.

For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

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.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from noon 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.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities via Zoom for their monthly problem gambling lunch and learn. This month Vena Schexnayder, MSW, will speak. Register at https://vpgh.vcu.edu/events/

For more information, contact Emma Freeman at freemane@vcu.edu or visit https://vpgh.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Sep. 25, 2026 at 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.

Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join VCU’s Public Health Student Association and Inspire Together for Richmond’s first Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Walk. The event will be at Taylor Farm Park, 301 E. Parham Road, and will feature raffles, refreshments and event T-shirts. Secure your spot at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/rpfaw2/

For more information, contact Emiolakan Oyeneyin at oyeneyine@vcu.edu or (443) 303-1514 or visit https://corefoundation.org/inspire-together/.

Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host Homework Hangout. Start your week in a space where you can lock in without stressing out. Bring your laptop, assignments or study group and settle in for focused work, quiet conversation and breaks. Whether you need a change of scenery, help finding a campus resource or just don’t want to study alone, Homework Hangout is your spot to get things done and connect with others. No appointment or registration is needed. Sessions will be ih the OMSA office, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jaymes Elentrio-Pitt at elentriopijn@vcu.edu.

Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Science Hub will present the STEM Success Series: STEM Survival Guide workshop. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 201E, 817 W. Franklin St. The workshop will feature a discussion about skills and topics necessary to help you reach your potential as a STEM student. STEM Survival Guide is a crash course for the tips and tricks to succeed in STEM classes, including study suggestions for biology, chemistry, physics, math, HPEX and psychology. The workshop will be offered on two dates: Monday, Sept. 28, and Wednesday, Sept. 30, each from 4-5 p.m. Register at: https://forms.gle/gpgYYKvRCxTr4vqk8

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host The Link Up. Looking for something to do after class or people to connect with? Pull up to The Link Up for games, friendly competition and an easy way to meet new people. Each week will feature a different game, challenge or conversation starter. The office’s full game library remains available. No registration is needed. All OMSA events are open to students, faculty and staff. The event will be ih the OMSA office, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Gennese Springs at springsge@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 at noon

The speaker will be Milton L. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., a pioneering physician-scientist and executive leader in translational medicine, experimental therapeutics and drug discovery. At Eastern Virginia Medical School and at Old Dominion University, he shapes the unified research agenda for the newly integrated health sciences enterprise, spanning medicine, nursing, health professions and public health. His talk is titled "Discovery of Novel Therapeutics to Mitigate Gastrointestinal Acute Radiation Syndrome (GI-ARS)." Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://bit.ly/4wzMRQx.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Toastmasters will host an open house at the School of Engineering, West Hall, Room 106, 601 W. Main St. (Or join virtually at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89694464100) Whether you're curious about public speaking, would like to sharpen your leadership skills or just try something new, this is your opportunity to see for yourself. All are welcome. RSVP at the following email address.

For more information, contact Charleyne Kelley at clkelley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2093 or visit https://www.vcutoastmasters.com/.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Good food is enhanced then it is shared. Pull up for a free bite, real conversation and a chance to connect with people across campus at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. Each week will bring a different menu and cultural connection to the table. Bring a friend or show up solo. No registration needed as long as food lasts. All OMSA events are open to all students, faculty andstaff.

For more information, contact Thailon Wilson at wilsont15@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work presents Korea in Transition (SLWK 391/770), a three-credit summer program exploring Korean society, culture and emerging social issues. Open to all undergraduate and graduate majors, the program offers an immersive experience featuring cultural visits, hands-on learning and expert lectures. Funding: $2,000 scholarship reflected in the listed program fee. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87828864871 Additional informational sessions: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027 at 7 p.m. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Youngmi Kim at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at noon

Choosing a graduate business degree is an important investment in your future, but which path is right for you? Join VCU School of Business for an interactive webinar comparing our M.B.A. and seven specialized master’s programs. Explore the differences between developing broad business and leadership skills through an M.B.A. and building deeper expertise in a specific field through a specialized master’s degree. You’ll gain a better understanding of each path and the options available at VCU. Register at the following URL. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89053650794

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/mba-vs-specialized-masters-which-is-right-for-you.html.

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

Join the Humanities Research Center's Indigenous Humanities Lab for an event with Riley Taitingfong, CHamoru, Co-founder, U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network and Postdoctoral Researcher, Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ogjtRi_zTJe8h1tWshG7xQ#/registration.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will present "Your Brain Deserves a Break, Too." Each Thursday session will feature a different project ranging from painting and bracelet-making to journaling, vision boards and more. Sessions will be at the OMSA, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. No experience or artistic talent is required. All supplies will be provided and no registration is needed. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Gennese Springs at springsge@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host Wellness Wind Down. You made it through the week, now take a minute for yourself. Stop by to breathe, reset and ease into the weekend with simple activities designed to support your mind, body and overall well-being. Each Friday features something different, including reflection prompts, stress-relief activities, wellness resources and care items. Sessions will be at the OMSA, University Student Commons, Suite 215, 907 Floyd Ave. OMSA activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Jaymes Elentrio-Pitt at elentriopijn@vcu.edu.

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 .

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VCU’s da Vinci Center and VCU TechTransfer and Ventures will host a workshop on prototyping and patents. Curious about how to bring your innovation idea to life, how to protect your intellectual property or how to apply for a patent? Join the workshop to have your questions answered. This event is free and open to all VCU students, alumni, faculty and community members. It will be held at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger, da Vinci Center program manager, at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/events/attend-events/.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU HR will facilitate an Appreciative Approach to Feedback workshop via Zoom. The event is designed for managers, but anyone interested in learning about ways to share feedback that focuses on appreciation and strengths is welcome to attend. Register at the following URL by Monday, Oct. 5. VCU Health employees should register at https://forms.gle/EvkgUtGHXWKxQMiL8

For more information, contact Penelope McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/yc2k3hu6.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This course offered by Continuing and Professional Education builds advanced Excel skills for professionals who need to manage, analyze and report on data with greater accuracy and efficiency. Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, participants will work with complex datasets, apply advanced formulas and create dynamic reports. The course will be held at the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Registration will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 5 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-SS-149.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

Join the UNStoppable VCU Liver team on the 2026 Liver Life Walk and help raise funding for research. The American Liver Foundation celebrates its 50th year with its annual walk in Richmond. Team members include faculty and staff from the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Walk and/or donate. Registration is free.

For more information, contact A.J. Hostetler at liverinstitute@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon

The Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor National Conflict Resolution Day at VCU, which promotes and encourages peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event will feature a keynote address from Linda Brothers, Georgetown University Ombuds. The event will be at the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AC7xDv5uAH54V7Ys5.

To learn more about this genetic condition, register at the following URL for "Introduction to Sickle Cell Disease," a collaboration between VCU’s Sickle Cell Disease Program, CPE and LEDstudio. This online, asynchronous course is designed to introduce community health care workers and others in the field to sickle cell disease and review the types of disease, its complications, the pain, treatments and how patients move from pediatric to adult services. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/introduction-to-sickle-cell-disease.

World Heart Day is observed annually to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, and to encourage heart-healthy habits such as nutritious eating, regular physical activity and early detection through health screenings. Start your healthy heart journey by visiting the Employee Health and Wellness Team at 800 W. Broad St., where you can speak with an RN and assess your overall heart health. Don't miss a beat. Follow the URL below to learn more.

For more information, contact Employee Health at ehs@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting female participants (aged 12 to 20 years) for a brain imaging study to understand the development of learning and decision-making among people with body image concerns, overeating, purging, restrictive eating, and/or maladaptive exercise. The TREAT Lab is also recruiting individuals without a psychological disorder for this study. There will be compensation for participation. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact TREAT Lab (Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JD4YKAEPKPPWAYXR.

Quit smoking to be there for the people who matter most. Earn up to $275 and receive free treatment as part of a seven-month study designed to support Black adults on their journey to quit smoking tobacco.

For more information, contact Angel Lewis at Angel.Lewis@vcuhealth.org.

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.

Equity and Access Services's EO and Title VI Office published updated guidelines for student requests of religious, ethical or moral belief accommodations. The updates include guidance for how faculty members should address accommodation requests and additional resources.

For more information, contact Equal Opportunity & Title VI Office at equity@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1347 or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/equal-opportunity--title-vi/.

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.

Do you want to earn 3+ service hours/week? Volunteer with PECS (Personalized Exploration for College Success) at VCU. If you would like to help Richmond high school students navigate college, join the organization's Drop-In Hours program. As a volunteer, you will go to Richmond high schools weekly and talk with students and help with essays, deadlines, FAFSA and college questions. Transportation will be covered. Interested? Check the requirements and details at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DSVbPKv2FTvO0s29bn8GufYbxNV_gA3ACsnBAXiQpkk/edit?usp=sharing

For more information, contact Alekhya Kotha at pecsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://pecsatvcu.wordpress.com/.

Researchers with the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health are looking for participants, 18-75, who may be experiencing sinus infection symptoms to participate in the NOSES study. The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatments for individuals with acute sinus infection symptoms and to identify which patient populations respond best to different treatments. You may be eligible to participate if you have sinus symptoms lasting for less than three weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their time. What’s involved? A virtual visit with a study doctor and team member, a two-minute daily symptom survey, a free saline nasal rinse kit delivered to you plus a $20 gift card at enrollment. If symptoms last longer than nine days, randomly assigned to receive antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, both or neither, with the opportunity to receive additional compensation. To learn more, contact the NOSES study team at the following telephone number or email address.

For more information, contact Gaby Villalobos at NOSES@vcu.edu or (804) 659-1287 or visit https://nosesstudy.georgetown.edu/.

We are seeking VCUarts undergraduate students, age 18 or older, majoring in visual art-related disciplines, including painting and printmaking, communication arts, and graphic design, among others, to participate in this VCU IRB-approved research project, “A Mixed-Methods Study of Art Students’ Flow Experiences With and Without the Use of GenAI” (VCU IRB ID: HM300001354). As a participant, you will spend approximately 130 minutes in the study, during which you will complete a background survey, an art-making task, pre- and post-task evaluation forms, and a focus group discussion. Participants will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for their time and effort. If you are interested in participating, please review the research information and fill out the Participation and Informed Consent Form at the following URL by Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. You must log in with your VCU account. We will contact you with further information once the recruitment cycle has concluded. If you have any questions about the study, please contact the Primary Investigator, Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Art Education at VCU, via email at weiy2@vcu.edu. This research is supported by the 2026-2027 VCU Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Grants and the 2026-2027 NAEF Research Grants.

For more information, contact Yiwen Wei, Ph.D., at weiy2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/kkDCbZbAmLWy6bYP9.

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.