By Loan Nguyen

Rodney-Con celebrates VCU spirit and creativity to engage students, especially freshman and transfer students, as they explore campus life, form connections and begin finding their place in the Ram community. The con-style format highlights Rodney as the university’s beloved horned mascot.

Weeks of Welcome, which will last from Aug. 16 through Sept. 7, includes dozens of events celebrating the start of the academic year.

“Each year, Weeks of Welcome offers something new,” said Bria Taylor, assistant director of student programs and campus engagement in VCU’s Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning. “It’s more than just a kickoff to the semester. It’s a community-building experience. For returning students, it’s also an opportunity to lead by example and help create a welcoming environment for new students while reigniting their own sense of purpose and connection to the Ram community.”

Here is just a sampling of RodneyCon events this year that make Weeks of Welcome a spirited introduction to VCU.

Ram-Verse After Dark Silent Headphone Party

Saturday, Aug. 16 (8-11 p.m., Commons Ballrooms - 907 Floyd Ave.)

The room awash in colorful lighting, people dancing and singing – but no music that can be heard. Instead of a traditional PA system, headphones put guests in control of their listening experience, so they can toggle between channels of music and listen at a volume of their choosing.

New Student Convocation and more

Monday, Aug. 18 (3-4 p.m., Siegel Center - 1200 W. Broad St. - and via live-stream)

Featuring VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., and other leaders, convocation is the official kickoff to the academic year. Then join the Ram Spirit Walk to the Commons Plaza, where celebrations continue at the Into the Ram Realm block party with music, festivities and free dinner for the first 1,500 students.

Rodney Meet & Greet and Uncommon Tattoo Parlor

Tuesday, Aug. 19 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Compass - 199 N. Linden St.)

Get (temporarily) inked with school spirit: Free limited-edition, VCU-themed temporary tattoos feature the big Ram on campus – and Rodney will be on site for photos, too.

Black & Gold Wednesday: Rise of the Black & Gold League

Wednesday, Aug. 20 (noon-1 p.m., The Compass - 199 N. Linden St.)

Black & Gold Wednesdays throughout the semester highlight school spirit. At this year’s debut, pick up free B&GW gear for the year.

Back-to-School Cookout

Thursday, Aug. 21 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., outside Shafer Court Dining Center - 810 Cathedral Place)

VCUDine heralds the school year with free food, drinks and games. Enjoy cookout classics such as hamburgers and hot dogs along with vegetarian options.

Poppin’ in the Commons

Thursday, Aug. 21 (noon-1 p.m., The Commons, Room 143 - 907 Floyd Ave.)

Free clothes, hot tips and cool pops are on tap in this session to learn about two campus resources: the VCU Career Services Suit Yourself Closet and the First and Second Year Experiences program. Visitors can select up to four free clothing items from the closet, get tips to prepare for the upcoming Part-Time Job Fair and, for the earliest check-ins, enjoy a cold treat from King of Pops (limited to the first 100 students to check in at Career Services).

Da Vinci’s Lab of Forgotten Ideas: An Escape Room Experience

Thursday, Aug. 21 (2-3 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., Shift Retail Lab - 1235 W. Broad St.)

Invention meets imagination in this escape room. Visitors are recruited as a junior inventor in da Vinci’s time-tangled workshop, where forgotten ideas drift through the air and riddles lurk in plain sight. Participants will work in small teams to sketch, trade, build and think sideways as they uncover clues, decode hidden messages and bring a lost invention back to life.

Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunity Fair

Friday, Aug. 22 (3-6 p.m., Monroe Park - 620 W. Main St.)

VCU has more than 400 student organizations that cover wide-ranging interests. The fair is a chance to meet new people and find ways to get involved on campus. VCU alum-owned business Ruby Scoops will hand out free scoops to the first 500 visitors.

The Bus Rider’s Guide to the Richmond Thrift-verse

Aug. 23 (1-3 p.m., meet at Gladding Residence Center - 711 W. Main St.)

VCU’s Sustainable Transportation and RVA Rapid Transit will outline how to navigate Richmond for free while exploring the city’s many thrift shops. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. (Dropoff will be at Monroe Park, 620 W. Main St.)

Full House at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU

Saturday, Aug. 23 (1-6:30 p.m., ICA - 601 W. Broad St.)

The cross-disciplinary space for artists and scholars celebrates the Richmond arts community and three new exhibitions. The event is a chance to meet representatives from more than 30 local arts organizations, sample food from the ICA Cafe and food trucks, attend panel discussions, record a short story in the Community Media Center, enjoy music – and more.

RamFest

Saturday, Aug. 23 (2-4:30 p.m., Siegel Center - 1200 W. Broad St.)

VCU Athletics welcomes the rowdy Ram Nation back to campus with a chance to meet student-athletes and spirit squads, win prizes, participate in autograph sessions and more. RamFest leads into the VCU volleyball team’s exhibition against Christopher Newport University, which is free to attend.

Ramily Reunion

Saturday, Aug. 23 (3:30-7 p.m., Monroe Park - 620 W. Main St.)

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs sponsors this celebration with food, music, games, giveaways and good vibes to welcome new and returning students.

Uncommon Arcade Pop-Up

Wednesday, Aug. 27 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Compass - 199 N. Linden St.)

Step away from studies for an entirely different step. The arcade will include Dance Dance Revolution as well as a custom Rodney’s Uncommon Adventure mobile game. Scoreboard leaders will receive prize packs full of VCU swag.