Faculty/staff Issue for January 27, 2026
Today
Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
10 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/.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
12 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 curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required – join via the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84154883729
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/prospective-students/graduate/.
Academic-Community Partnership Planning Grant
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Division of Community Engagement invites faculty interested in community-engaged research to register for an informational session on the Academic-Community Planning Grants. Learn how this opportunity supports meaningful partnerships with community collaborators, advances engaged scholarship and ask questions about applying. Register at the following URL. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88414126359
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@gmail.com or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLzZXtKj_d9uSPq3KXK5HTyW1gFrS37Mrye6TdRbEl3O1ktQ/viewform?usp=header.
Peer Review Made Easy With Harmonize
12 p.m.
Ready to take Harmonize to the next level? Join LEDstudio for a hands-on workshop where you’ll discover how Harmonize makes peer reviews seamless and engaging. Whether you want students to provide feedback as individuals or in teams, Harmonize gives you the tools to make the process easy to set up. See the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/rZF1pGBARg6Y_of59GTVVg.
This week
Vertebrate Animal Models of Alcohol Behaviors: A Foundations in Alcohol Research Seminar Series
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 1 p.m.
This monthly informal lecture series is geared for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. It is sponsored by the VCU Alcohol Research Center and will be held monthly on Wednesdays. Lectures will be 30-50 minutes. Year 1 will be an introduction to the field of alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures will focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The lecture will be in Rooms 1009-1011, Molecular Medicine Research Building (MMRB), 1220 E. Broad St.
For more information, contact Jennifer Wolstenholme at jennifer.wolstenholme@vcuhealth.org or (804) 363-4007.
Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Looking for a group that offers participants the space to connect with others, nature and improve your health? Look no further. The Health Hub will host Wednesday Walks in Church Hill, which will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Each walk will highlight different parts of the neighborhood.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Informational Session About Trip to Christ's College, University of Cambridge
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Department of Focused Inquiry and the Global Education Office will host an informational session about a trip to Christ's College, University of Cambridge, to study place, culture and communication. The trip will be Sunday, July 19-Wednesday, Aug. 5. The informational session will be held in Room 5116, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. Questions: Contact Michaux Dempster at the following email address, Meriah Crawford (crawfordml@vcu.edu) or Alex Heyden (levya@vcu.edu). Visit the following URL for information about financial aid and scholarships.
For more information, contact Michaux Dempster at dempsterm@vcu.edu or (804) 387-3981 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11672.
Kidney Health Screening (KARE-RVA) at the VCU Health Hub
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon
Free kidney health screening event with simple tests and education. Learn about kidney health and connect with resources to support your well-being. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, and will be hosted by VCU Health's Kidney Awareness Risk Screening and Education.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Core and More
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at noon
This 30-minute virtual class brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell will not only give you an excellent abdominal and low back workout, but will also challenge your other major muscle groups as well. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4akpoeM
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
National Mentoring Month: VCU Mentoring Panel
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Sit in on a panel discussion featuring the diverse mentoring initiatives across VCU, at which campus leaders and participants will share how these programs drive success for both students and faculty. This event is being co-hosted by the Graduate School, Alumni Relations and You First. 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/r1943326.
Study Abroad Program in South Korea (SU26)
Thursday, Jan. 29, 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 and SLWK 770: 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. 29, and Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.); Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m (online). Learn more and apply: https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759. Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim at ykim@vcu.edu or Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759.
Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program Informational Webinar
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87636200425
For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/prospective-students/graduate/.
From Poland With Love (and Detours) Magdalena Adamek Faculty Recital
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Pianist Magdalena Adamek, doctor of music, will present an evening celebrating Polish piano music, performed alongside young promising guest artists. The program explores both tradition and experimentation, featuring works by Chopin, Bacewicz, Szymanowski, Zarębski and others. The performance will take place in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets are $5 for VCU students and $14 for the general public. VCU Music students attend for free. Tickets: arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu.
Conversations About Inclusion Series – Captioning and Title II: Making Smart Choices for Your Courses
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will host a session via Zoom about captioning and Title II. This session will present a practical guide to VCU’s main captioning tools. The focus will be on scenarios to help participants manage course videos, make smart captioning choices and know when to request professional captioning support from additional VCU resources. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZP2Tw5e0wKb1cxr8w-WjCStKzPyLHBZwBQ4qZNV21JqG8Pw/viewform.
Teachers’ Night Off at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA)
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., VCU invites all local K–12 educators to a creative evening for educators to connect with peers, enjoy ICA exhibitions and be appreciated for their work. Teachers of all disciplines are welcome. Complimentary snacks and a cash bar will be provided.
For more information, contact Julia Park at parkjs8@vcu.edu or (804) 921-2282 or visit http://www.icavcu.org/.
Coming up
Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Do you receive a Pell grant? Are you interested in studying abroad? Join VCU Global Learning at its bi-annual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. This workshop will cover award eligibility (this award is for Pell grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. This workshop is designed to help maximize your chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. The workshop will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., or onlilne. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943004.
Global Impact Awards and Global Initiatives Leadership Awards Informational Sessions
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Global Education Office has opened a call for proposals for the 2026-27 Global Impact Awards and a call for nominations for the Global Initiatives Leadership Awards. Information sessions will be held in person and virtually at 912 W. Grace St., Room 3124, on Feb. 9, 3-4 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10-11 a.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/global-impact-awards/.
Community Gerontology: Services, Public Policy and More
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Job opportunities for people with gerontology education are growing in policy, advocacy and community-based service provision. In the United States alone, there are 56 State Units on Aging in all 50 states and 622 Area Agencies on Aging that employ over 34,000 individuals. Learn how you can become involved in this growing career field. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2u-DNdpFTPKUfJTr5lTfPQ#/registration
For more information, contact Kim Ivey at ksivey@vcu.edu or visit https://gerontology.chp.vcu.edu/programs/information-sessions/.
Research Roundtables: A School of Medicine (SOM) Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development & SOM Research Collaboration
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon
Are you a new faculty member, just getting started with research at VCU School of Medicine or have questions about research at VCU? If so, the Research Roundtables event has been designed especially for you. Engage with research support units across the university and within the School of Medicine and have your questions answered from OVPRI, IRB, IACUC, Tech Transfer, the Wright Center, SOM research support and more. The roundtable will be in the the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 8-200A/205B, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/14616752.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Interested in community-engaged research and building equitable partnerships? Join the Community Engagement Research Series to examine the role of funders in community-engaged research – from project design to partnership development. The next session, to be held via Zoom, will feature speakers Frannie Noble, Suzannah Stora and Ariana Bracalente. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBI298g_D1yH9kSCp9dXnwcq1zU54RPx3-xDXiox8421G2iw/viewform?usp=header.
Graduate Research Symposium
Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Graduate School, in collaboration with the Graduate Students Association, will present the Graduate Research Symposium in the Commonwealth Ballrooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This is a chance for all graduate students to share their research with the VCU community and stand a chance to win big prizes. Submit an abstract by Tuesday, March 10 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ron Byamungu at ronaldb@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey1DT1jGuAZEGXdnncAvU4MaavggUvtiKSder_7Mjt4LsuxQ/viewform?pli=1&fbzx=2156570649613814466.
Notices
VCU Globe Speaker Series Lecture Canceled
Due to the inclement weather, the VCU Globe Speaker Series lecture featuring Arturo Saavedra, Ph.D., scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a date later this semester.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053.
RecWell Aquatics Certification: LGI/LGIT Recertification
This class is for currently certified lifeguarding instructors and instructor trainers seeking recertification. Participants must have a current Red Cross LGI or LGIT certification. Proof of certification must be provided to the instructor prior to participation in the class.The course will be held March 22. Please email a copy of your certificate to aquatics@vcu.edu for verification.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=20b3d468-0e70-4e4d-bffa-66c24885b74a.
29th Annual Graduate Research Symposium Call for Faculty/Staff Judges
The 29th Annual Graduate Research Symposium is looking for faculty and staff to serve as judges to support graduate student research. The symposium will be held Wednesday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. over two sessions. Judges can sign up using the judge interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/suSeXy1THbcV7sRn8.
Employee Health Introduces a New Visit Focused on Heart Health
When you sign up for a Healthy Heart Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. The clinician can discuss strategies to improve your heart health and will help you identify other wellness and health-related VCU employee benefits that are available to you. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health 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/employeewellness.
Nominate a Working Learner for VCU’s 2026 Student Employee of the Year
VCU Work+ and the Student Employment Action Team and Advisory Group are accepting nominations for VCU’s 2026 Student Employee of the Year Award, recognizing some of the 3,000-plus student staff. Submissions will be accepted at the following URL until Friday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. Nominators can be staff, faculty or student coworkers. All student employees nominated will receive a digital certificate of recognition. The top nominees will be submitted at the national level with the chance to win up to $600, and the overall winner will be announced during National Student Employment Week, April 13-17.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/VCUSEOTY2026.
Support Available From the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation in VCU's School of Education
The Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation (ICRE) was launched in 2023 out of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC), both in VCU’s School of Education. ICRE provides collaborative, action-oriented research and evaluation support for VCU faculty, staff, as well as community partners. ICRE offers flexible support for grant-funded projects, program evaluation, data analysis, study design and community-engaged research. ICRE has worked with a wide range of VCU departments and welcomes further cross-unit collaboration. Whether you’re developing a proposal, strengthening an existing initiative or need an evaluator for your project – ICRE can help. To learn more or to request support, visit ICRE at the following URL or contact ICRE’s Associate Director, Paula Ogston-Nobile, Ph.D., at the following email address.
For more information, contact Paula L. Ogston-Nobile at ogstonpl@vcu.edu or (517) 420-1289 or visit https://icre.soe.vcu.edu/connect/.
Who Will You Nominate?
Now accepting nominations for the Dorris Douglas Budd Award — a meaningful way to recognize support staff whose exceptional service keeps everything running smoothly. Make a nomination at the following URL by Monday, March 16.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at rewrdrec@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/employee-recognition/awards/dorris-douglas-budd-award/.
Preparing for an Upcoming Career Fair? Drop-in Advising Is Available at Career Services
VCU has a career fair coming up on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Learn more about how to register, questions to ask employers, or 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/.
Like to Read? Become a Community Reader for the Cabell First Novelist Award
This is an open call for all faculty/staff/students interested in reading for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. The award honors a debut novel written during the preceding calendar year. Your help is needed to read and review submissions. Get your hands on new and exciting work and contribute your voice to the judging process. Reviews are submitted via Google Survey/ The final deadline for submitting reviews is Sunday, March 15. Questions: Email cabellfn@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Hana Rehman at cabellfn@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.
Highlight Your Community Leadership at VCU
If you serve on a board, association or community work group, the Division of Community Engagement invites faculty and staff to share your board service and leadership roles in Collaboratory, VCU’s partnership database. These contributions reflect the university's commitment to community leadership and equitable partnerships. By documenting individual involvement in Collaboratory, you help showcase the full scope of VCU’s collaborations and collective impact. Complete the form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tani Washington at washingtot8@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/qqBpDfF8rMGQUYFx7.
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.