12 p.m.

The School of Public Health will host a Master of Public Health virtual informational session via Zoom. Join to learn more about the MPH program, now offered both online and in-person. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/752NAvULTwObk8PQauXU0g.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.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.

5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega invites you to one of the group's SpongeBob SquarePants–themed rush events focused on friendship and fun. Put your decorating skills to the test, snack on cookies and get to know the brothers in a low-pressure, welcoming setting. The event will be in the Metro Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161 or visit https://www.instagram.com/apo_adi/.

6 p.m.

Medical Education and Research Mentorship (MERM) will host an Introduction to Research Workshop in the Multipurpose Room (1303) of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. This session, led by VCU medical students, will cover balancing coursework with research, how to find and reach out to principal investigators and exploring research opportunities at VCU. Those who attend will also have the opportunity to connect with current medical students. Questions: Contact merm.vcu@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Zyannah Mallick at mallickzn@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Mindful Mornings is a free monthly series that pairs mindfulness practices with the architecture, landscape and exhibitions of the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Guided by designer and mindfulness practitioner Thurmond Alford Jr. and Michael Lease, Institute for Contemporary Art Director of Facilities + Experience Design, the series explores the link between nature, art and individual well-being. This month, participants will learn to use writing to increase awareness and reduce tension. All programs will begin in the ICA’s Abby Moore Café.

For more information, contact Michael Lease at leasemk@vcu.edu or (804) 200-8859 or visit https://icavcu.org/.

Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Bagels, lox and tefillin – the perfect combo for a Sunday. Kick off your week with a fresh bagel, classic lox and the mitzvah of tefillin – good for the soul and the stomach. The event, hosted by Jewish Life at VCU, will be held at 1003 Grove Ave.

For more information, contact Cal Lawson at lawsonca@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://jewishvcu.org/about-us.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 at 1 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/.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at noon

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/.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 from noon 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.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Cheer for the VCU Men's Basketball team as they play the University of Richmond 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/B25/12.

Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation internal funding team will offer a Zoom session at which researchers can ask questions about Request for Applications (RFAs) for the VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund, VCU Momentum Fund and the VCU Quest Fund. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Gianna DeMarco at ovprifunds@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ymoFufFqQfmJU9hT2kD5lA.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Interested in entering the advertising and branding industry? Learn more about the master's program at VCU Brandcenter, which combines the best of portfolio schools with the best of academic programs. The center's in-person open house, 103 S. Jefferson St., allows prospective students to tour its spaces and classrooms, meet the world-class faculty and speak with current students about life at the Brandcenter and recent projects. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/open-house-feb-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

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.

The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus, under the SGA, will have its first meeting of the semester next week. Fill out the when2meet at the following URL to plan a time to meet. The caucus is open to students, faculty and staff. The meeting will be hybrid with a Zoom option.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibs@vcu.edu or visit https://www.when2meet.com/?34325566-qSScj.

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 focus on 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. The application deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15.

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.

There are many ways to teach and engage with the Honors College community – from full courses to miniterm courses and even offering a small set of seats in an existing course. More information is available at the following URL or email address.

For more information, contact Anthony Burnham at burnhamaj@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/for-faculty/teach-honors/.

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.

Discover how learning theory, strategy and creativity come together to design effective learning experiences. In VCU’s Foundations of Instructional Design Program, you’ll explore key frameworks such as backward design and AGILE, learn to assess learner needs, build curriculum and manage learning projects from start to finish. Class begins monday, Feb. 9. Read course descriptions at the following URL. Enroll today. VCU alumni, staff, and faculty discounts are available.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at baxterl@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/what-we-offer/interest/special-topics/instructional-design/.

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.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/sign-up.html.