Faculty/staff Issue for January 19, 2026
This week
Top Hat Virtual Office Hours
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Do you have a question about setting up your Top Hat course(s) for Spring? Join one of Top Hat’s drop-in virtual Office Hour sessions. Each session will run for 90 minutes – join at any time. Participants will be admitted one-by-one to ask questions individually. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Instructional Computing Services at tophat@vcu.edu or visit https://tophat.zoom.us/meeting/register/0-mjeK18QYyLxxGjiE5qmA.
Hub Club: A Mental Wellness Circle Presents Sustaining Your Goals
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Now that you’ve created your vision, learn how to implement it. Join the Hub Club, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for part two of a new year series. If you did not attend part one, why wait? Start now with part two. The event is in collaboration with Massey Cancer Center.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Job Search Strategies: Tailoring Job Application Materials to Stand Out
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
This workshop, part of the Graduate School's Lunch and Learn series, will help graduate students learn how to tailor résumés, cover letters and other application materials to specific jobs and employers. Whether you’re applying in academia, industry or beyond, this session will help you craft compelling documents that make a strong first impression. This session will be facilitated by Megan Hollis from Career Services. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942866.
Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop will offer examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, and give you the tools you need to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Don’t Let Your Research Die in an Ivory Tower – Seminar With Sara Serritella
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research for the first session of a Research Impact Seminar Series. Award-winning journalist Sara Serritella from the University of Chicago will share the key to making real-world impacts. Learn strategies to unlock opportunities in your career and open the doors for your science to spread to the people who need it the most. The full seminar series runs through May and provides a practical tool kit for connecting with diverse audiences and influencing policy. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Andrea Molzhon, Ph.D., at molzhonar@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/E757jRCYTz6iGtUtZM1TAA.
Eating Right: On the Run and on a Budget
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at noon
We all make excuses for eating “junk” or “fast” food. This seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, will cover realistic strategies that will allow us to eat well without breaking the bank. There are many options and knowing the truth empowers us to make the right choices for our health and even our wealth. Learn the basics of eating a healthy diet within your financial means, including when to select organic food. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4iXMbPT
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: AI Prompt Crafting Workshop
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Join the VCU Writing Center online via Zoom to learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Women's Basketball vs. George Washington
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Cheer for the VCU Women's Basketball team as they play George Washington University at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Secure your seats at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcutickets.evenue.net/event/WB25/WB08.
Jewish Life at VCU – Girls Night Out
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Take a break from the busy semester and treat yourself to an evening just for the girls, hosted by Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. What to expect: a fun and relaxing atmosphere, food amd drinks, creative activities and the opportunity to connect with other Jewish women on campus. Girls Night Out is all about celebrating sisterhood, joy and Jewish pride.
For more information, contact Cal Lawson at lawsonca@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://jewishvcu.org/girls-night-out.
Study Women in Global Politics in Provence, France
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
VCU's Department of Political Science and Jessica Trisko-Darden, Ph.D., will host an informational session via Zoom to explore studying women in global politics this summer (May 30-June 20) in Aix-en-Provence, France. Learn more about the cultural opportunities this trip will provide, in addition to studying women's political and historical experiences in France and beyond. Take day trips to nearby beaches, visit Marseille, have the option to spend the weekend in Paris, take an indigo fabric dyeing workshop, and more, all while learning about how women's complex role in global politics. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5165149487?omn=89453388887
For more information, contact Professor Trisko-Darden at triskodardj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11756.
Morning Prayer at the Pace Center
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host Morning Prayer. This is a shorter spoken prayer service which will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the sanctuary. The session will feature a light discussion of Bible excerpts and meditation on Psalms.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Workshop: Having Career Development Conversations
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join VCU Human Resources to learn more about tools to set up consistent career development conversations as ongoing meetings, understand the role of the manager and the employee in career development, explore how career paths fit into the career development plan and career development conversations and practice conversations about career development. Sign up using the Talent@VCU link.
For more information, contact Beverly Walker at bwalker@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253dc6308454-a7bf-41e4-8e05-26ed0fbbc9fa.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 11 a.m.
In this virtual informational session and workshop, the discussion will include the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help you build confidence in your writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Study Abroad Program in South Korea (SU26)
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Register for the VCU School of Social Work’s summer study abroad program in South Korea, May 26–June 6 (SLWK 391: Korea in Transition, 3 credits). Open to students of all majors, with a $2,000 scholarship available. Students will experience an immersive journey exploring Korean society, culture and emerging social issues through on-site visits, lectures and hands-on learning. Informational sessions will be on Thursday, Jan. 22; Thursday, Jan. 29 and Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.); Jan. 22 and Feb. 3 at 7 p.m (online). Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim at ykim@vcu.edu or Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu. Learn more and apply at https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759
For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759.
Celebrate the Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at VCU's Keynote Celebration
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. along with VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. The evening will feature conversations with community leaders, opportunities for connection and a blend of art, music, food and more. The event is free but registration at the following URL is required.
For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiYkenUpq_n2RYdnDcjBlb8j_t1K7StY2Pit2UlutrZz1e5Q/viewform.
Becoming a PreK-12 Teacher Informational Session With RTR Teacher Residency Program
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid education? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at our informational session. Questions: Visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/portal/soeinfosessions Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sabrina L. Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or (571) 294-4115 or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/RTRJan22nd.
Taste of Jewish Richmond Networking Event and Dinner
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students and recent alumni have the opportunity to connect with Jewish professionals in the Richmond community over a complimentary dinner sponsored by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Hear from Jewish young professionals about why they chose to stay in Richmond or return after college — and the benefits of building a career and life here. The event will be at Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave. Come for the food, stay for the connections and insights. Register on the Hillel website at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sheri at info@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Red Cross GBM
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Learn more about Red Cross activities at VCU. The session will be held in the Multipurpose Room, The Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Games and food will be available.
For more information, contact catherine nguyen at nguyenc43@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Red Cross International Humanitarian Law: Celebrate Our Veterans and Journalists Oversees
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Write meaningful cards for veterans and participate in a trivia game for a prize. The event will be at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Catherine Nguyen at nguyenc43@vcu.edu.
Evening MBA Informational Session
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87598171927
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/prospective-students/graduate/.
Global Initiatives Master Class Series: International Student Success
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office will hold its spring 2026 Global Initiatives Master Class Series: International Student Success in the University Student Commons, Virginia Salons C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Fabiola Riobé, Ed.D., founder and CEO of Satis Sum Consulting, LLC, will present the workshop, "Institutional Preparedness: Are We Culturally Ready to Receive International Students?" Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/master-class-series/.
TEDxVCU Adventure: Tour Hollywood Cemetery
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at 2 p.m.
TEDxVCU will sponsor a guided walk through Hollywood Cemetery led by Amy Tudor, Ph.D., a VCU assistant professor and past TEDx Bloom speaker. The tour will take 45 minutes to an hour and is a short walk from campus. Meet at the James Cabell Library. Follow the TEDxVCU instagram for more information.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.
AI Accelerator Workshop – Hosted by VCU Enterprise Convergence Labs
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How will AI reshape your field — and how can VCU lead that transformation? Join colleagues for a day of interactive, cross-disciplinary panels and hands-on breakout sessions as VCU Enterprise Convergence Labs hosts its inaugural workshop, designed to move AI from concept to impact. Participants will have the opportunity to forge strategic partnerships within VCU and beyond, shape the future of AI skills in individual disciplines and to learn about relevant AI resources and opportunities available through the Provost’s Office and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Bring ideas, find collaborators and accelerate VCU’s AI future. The event will be in the Richmond Salons, VCU University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tim Luckritz Marquis at tluckritzmarq@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/aiworkshopvcu.
Notices
Nominate a Star
The President’s Awards for Professional and Administrative Distinction are now open for nominations. Know someone whose leadership, creativity, or service makes VCU and VCU Health exceptional. Tell their story — nominations are open through Monday, March 16 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/employee-recognition/awards/presidents-awards-for-professional-and-administrative-distinction/.
Study in Rome With VCU This Summer
VCU's Global Education Office (GEO) and the American University of Rome (AUR) are offering VCU students a summer 2026 study abroad program in Rome, Italy. Participants will choose two classes from a wide range of academic disciplines (all taught in English), including two VCU courses: PSYC 451 “History of Psychology” taught by Mo Mathews, Ph.D., and ARTH 3XX “Renaissance in Rome” taught by Jill Blondin, Ph.D. Apply at the following URL before Sunday, Feb. 15.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11741.
RecWell American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Course
The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students and RecWell members looking to learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training in non-health care settings. The January class will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28. Register by Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.
Study Abroad in Italy: Biology of the Mediterranean Diet
Ever wondered why the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world? This summer, you can experience it firsthand – in Italy. This study abroad course will explore how food, culture, and science come together to promote health and longevity. You’ll have the opportunity to visit local farms, olive groves, markets, and/or wineries while learning how traditional Italian food practices sustain healthy living. Eat, explore and learn your way through Italy while earning academic credit and lifelong memories. Apply at the following URL by Sunday, Feb. 15. Seats are limited. Find out more at the Study Abroad Recruitment Fair Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Shafer Dining Hall, 810 Cathedral Place, and watch a short video.
For more information, contact Jill Reid at jdreid@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Study+Abroad+-+Sorrento+Italy+Summer+2025/1_bifdml9w.
Delegation of Signatory Authority – Open for Public Comment
The updated policy Delegation of Signatory Authority is now open for public comment from Jan. 12, 2026-Jan. 23, 2026. Review the policy and share your feedback at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DE4EBE3B5B77DF7ED25B8B834AAC7D.
Preparing for an Upcoming Career Fair? Drop-in Advising Is Available at Career Services
VCU has career fairs coming up on Thursday, Jan. 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 4. Learn more about how to register, questions to ask employers or ow to update your résumé. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office in the University Student Commons, Room 143, 907 Floyd Ave. During drop-in hours. A Peer Career Adviser will be available to answer questions (no appointment needed) weekly Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.
Help Improve Health Care: Take a 25-Minute Survey for Medical Providers
Medical providers – all who work in clinical settings – are invited to take a brief, 25-minute survey. The goal is to better understand provider perspectives on occupational stress related to policy changes or practices. The survey is completely confidential and individual input will help inform future health care practices. Enter a raffle to win one of six $100 charitable donations to a philanthropic organization in the Richmond area. To participateview the form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Julie Suyama, M.D., Ph.D. at Julie.Suyama@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.