1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Finals can be a difficult time and VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is here to make it better. Come de-stress with us at Finals Week Flow today and Wednesday in the Virginia Rooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Lunch will be available, as will DIY slime and other activities to help get through finals season.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Purchase a 2026 Dogs on Call calendar and show your support for the therapy dog teams who visit patients and staff at VCU Health and students at VCU. Sales will take place at the Main Hospital (1250 E. Marshall St.), Floor 1 Box Office near the floor compass. Calendars will also be available for purchase at the Three Bears Gift Shop (MCV), the Fish Bowl Gift Shop (Community Memorial Hospital), and the Hummingbird Gift Shop (Tappahannock).

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

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants will receive information about the stages and symptoms of grief, including the ways that grief can be experienced physically. Participants will then be guided through gentle stretching exercises as a way of coping with the physical expression of grief. The event will be at the Hub Club, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn different techniques to strengthen mental health in the new year. The Massey Cancer Center will also offer participants self-care activities that can be done at home. The session will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

3 p.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/.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Cheer on the VCU men's basketball team as they play the University of New Mexico at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Secure your seat at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcutickets.evenue.net/event/B25/05.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

A free kidney health screening event with simple tests and education will be offered at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Learn about kidney health and connect with resources to support your well-being.

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

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 at noon

The “most wonderful time of the year” can often be the most stressful, especially on a tight budget and in today’s economy. By planning and staying mindful of your budget, you can savor the spirit of the holidays without the stress of overspending. Join VCU HR and the Virginia Credit Union (VACU) for this timely and informative session. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4i3BDOJ

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

In meeting our goal of making the employee ADA accommodation process more transparent, the university's ADA and Accessibility Services is sponsoring a virtual lunch and learn session about the ADA process, requesting accommodations and the resources available to support colleagues. This is an excellent opportunity for managers, supervisors and Human Resources staff to learn how to better support their teams and help create a more inclusive work environment. Bring your questions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katy Washington at Washingtonk8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/LRoKJ1Z8RjGi8-RxYWZ2ww.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites faculty, staff and students to a Data Entry Party for the division's new database – Collaboratory. This event is designed to bring the community together while making meaningful progress on activity entry. With a curated playlist to set the tone, DCE will celebrate its progress throughout the session with periodic raffle drawings. The event is open to all DCE team members, Data Champions, members of the DCE Council for Community Engagement and all those who do community-engaged work at the university. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to send a proxy. All guests are welcome. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Tani Washington at washingtot8@vcu.edu.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m.

The Valentine will host its annual Winter Wander event at 1015 E. Clay St. Note that East Clay Street between 10th and 11th streets will be closed from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for this free family-friendly event, complete with horse-drawn carriage, a musical performance, family crafts and refreshments.

For more information, contact C.J. James at jamesca@vcu.edu or visit https://thevalentine.org/event/winter-wander-2025/.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Join us for an upcoming informational session on the Leadership Ed.D., a doctoral program designed for leaders ready to drive meaningful change across education, nonprofit, corporate, government and military sectors. Questions: https://soe.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/25FallEdD.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the dynamic curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required — join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86583255993.

VCU Staff Senate announces the eighth annual Awards of Excellence are now open. These awards provide the deserved exposure and recognition of the hard work and extraordinary achievements of VCU and VCU Health staff. Submit a nomination by Friday, Dec. 19 and learn more about the awards at the following URL.

For more information, contact Staff Senate at staffsenate@vcu.edu or visit https://staffsenate.vcu.edu/initiatives/awards-for-excellence/.

In a change from previous years, VCU Libraries will close in concert with VCU’s winter break. James Branch Cabell Library and the Health Sciences Library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Both libraries reopen on Monday, Jan. 5. Online materials collections will remain available but other online services – including chat and email information services – will be unavailable. Patrons who have due dates on loans may return them without fines after the winter break. Interlibrary loan and materials delivery requests submitted during the break will be processed when employees return on Jan. 5.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/spaces-tech/hours/.

On Jan. 30, 2026, delivery of emails addressed to former @mymail.vcu.edu addresses will end. Accounts affected have been notified directly. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/kb/mymail.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is more than just a fundraising program — it’s a movement that has united state employees in giving since 1997. Together, we’ve supported charities of every size and mission, from local food banks and animal rescues to health programs, veteran services, youth organizations and more. As we celebrate 28 years of service and generosity, remember that giving is also a gift to yourself — boosting your happiness and overall well-being while helping strengthen communities across Virginia.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign/.

The Virginia minimum wage will increase to $12.77 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. On that date, all university employees currently making less than this amount will have their hourly rate raised to $12.77. No action is required from employees or managers. Employees may view their employment information, including wages, through eServices. Contact your HR Professional with any questions or concerns.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.

Winter break is a great time to begin searching and applying for jobs and internships. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 143 or the satellite office in Hunton Student Center, Suite 205, 1110 E. Broad St. Meet with a Peer Career Counselor during drop-in hours Tuesday-Friday weekly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.

The Health Humanities Lab at the Humanities Research Center and the Office of Health Initiatives are calling for applications for a cohort of faculty fellows to create new modules for the History and Health learning series focused on Rural Health and to suggest frameworks for incorporating new or existing online learning modules into syllabi. Each Health Humanities Lab Faculty Fellow will receive a $750 stipend. Apply by Friday, Dec. 19 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/3ye8pZ8rtduWjaxD6.

Travel with VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program for a week of hiking and skiing in the rugged mountains of the New Mexico Rockies, from sunny desert landscapes to the powdery slopes of Taos Mountain Resort. No camping, hiking or ski experience is necessary, but comfort in cold weather is a must. $1,000/students, $1,500/RecWell members, $2,000/nonmembers. Price does not include airfare or ski/snowboard rentals. Ski lessons will be available for purchase. Email outdoors@vcu.edu for an interest packet or to attend a trip meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=64f1bff4-83dd-4b86-a3a8-f6b67a1c17d5.

Are you up for a challenge? Choose your area of focus from one of the eight dimensions of wellness, such as physical, emotional, financial or social. Then for four weeks you will receive an email with activities selected by VCU Employee Health and VCU Well-being. Then learn about your resources and have some fun. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellnesschallenge.

This learning community is designed for both staff and faculty (tenure track and term) to come together to discuss opportunities, strategies and techniques for addressing First-Gen and Asian American and Pacific Islander inclusiveness in their courses and programs. With an awareness and understanding of the issues and challenges that First-Gen and AAPI students often experience, and the unique strengths they bring to these situations, the Faculty Learning Community will explore ways to develop awareness about and generate strategies to support First-Gen and AAPI students through their scholarship, teaching, service and/or programming activities. Regular attendance and engagement in our efforts will earn each participant $250 in professional development. This learning community will meet in person on the following Thursdays in 2026 from 2:30-3:30 p.m: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 26, March 19, April 2 and April 16. Questions: Contact Ellen Carpenter at the following email address or Michelle Yee at yeem@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellen Carpenter at emcarpenter@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/27RSU8YJEKXoA3sYA.

Apply now for a new study abroad program led by Social Work faculty: “Korea in Transition: Society, Culture and Emerging Challenges” (In-country: May 26–June 6, 2026). Experience an immersive journey exploring Korean society, culture and emerging social issues through on-site visits, lectures and hands-on learning. Each student receives a $2,000 scholarship to help reduce program costs. Open to all undergraduate students from any majors. Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim at the following email address or Alex Heyden (Global Education Office at levya@vcu.edu) Apply at the following URL.

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

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is offering virtual informational sessions for the 2026 VCU Leadership Development Program. If you are interested in a program and/or have a question, we highly suggest you come to hear from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefPBrM6APFGQ7W1rswhBCqusfZ-CfWHX-6-t0LZjdYHr_LfQ/viewform?usp=header&urp=gmail_link.