11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This workshop will cover gradebook and speedgrader configuration in Canvas LMS. Register at training.vcu.edu. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83228346429

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

2 p.m.

VCU's Department of Painting and Printmaking will present a lecture by visiting artist Louis Osmosis in the Murry N. DePillars Building, Room 301, 1000 W. Broad St. Working primarily in sculpture, installation, drawing and text, Louis Osmosis takes a speculative approach to form to interrogate systems of representation, duration and performativity that enact contemporary culture. His practice revolves heavily around manufacture/craft and humor.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/95888/.

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Put together a vision board and get to know the brothers of APO in the Metro Room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.

Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. The school also offers a certificate in Media and Leadership. Join a session here: https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? You're invited to attend the group's induction ceremony in Hibbs Hall, Room 403, 900 Park Ave. Pledges have the opportunity to attend various service events, socials and retreats within the brotherhood. Upon successful completion of all requirements, pledges are initiated brothers of APO. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, dressed in business causal attire.

For more information, contact Jessie Tignor at jessielouisetignor@gmail.com or (757) 685-1350.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at noon

Join us for an informational meeting about the upcoming trip to Guatemala sponsored by the Institute for Women's Health in partnership with the Highland Support Project. There are two upcoming meetings, one on Feb. 4 at noon (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88335299629) and another on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83230843586)

For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/education/womens-health-and-healing-in-guatemala/.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will hold a hybrid postgraduate scholarship informational session in person (NSO Conference Room, Room 1210, 701 W. Grace St.) or via Zoom. Learn about funded opportunities for postgraduate study in the U.S., UK, Ireland, China and at Stanford University, as well as how the NSO can offer support throughout the application process. Register at the following URL. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-uG8ku2RF6FpU0kLl4ZnZfafHgDXo6bxJgU6-Xi5eYhwhVg/viewform.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Consider foundational strategies for communicating across difference, preventing harm and fostering cultures of respect and inclusion. The Social Identity workshop is strongly suggested as a pre-requisite. You can choose to attend one or more of the following virtual sessions: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 5 at noon or Thursday, Feb. 6 at 12:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Barlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/workshops/#d.en.723962.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at noon

VCU's Department of Sculpture and Extended Media will present a lecture by visiing artist SCRAAATCH at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. SCRAAATCH is a duo that creates multimedia performances, experimental music, and hybrid DJ sets. They focus on Black diasporan intra-ommunication, generational traumas, social upheaval and the social conditions of urban environments.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/scraaatch-visiting-artist-lecture/.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The HR Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team offers a one-hour course on coaching for managers. This course via Zoom introduces managers to an easy-to-use mindset and model to help employees progress toward goals. Register by Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/85d7ff7f-a88a-4e1c-8c2f-37a99f3dca3f.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega will partner with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free food will be available and donors will receive a T-shirt plus a $15 E-gift card to the merchant of their choice. Appointments are recommended. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexia Jennings at jenningsac@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.

VCU's Departments of Craft/Material Studies and Art Education will present, “a sky you can’t see: A Hood as Ornamentation and Otherness,” a lecture by visiting artist Nastassja Swift (BFA ’15) at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. In this multi-layered conversation, Swift frames her recent research of hoods and varying head coverings through documented perceptions around these garments across place, time, class, race and religion.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/a-sky-you-cant-see-a-hood-as-ornamentation-and-otherness-visiting-artist-lecture-by-nastassja-swift/.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m.

Join the internal research funding program team to discuss upcoming funding opportunities. The team will answer any questions regarding the four recently released funding opportunities: VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund; VCU Breakthroughs Fund, VCU Momentum Fund and VCU Quest Fund. Join directly at the following Zoom link.

For more information, contact OVPRI funds team at ovprifunds@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u4et4daERGSzERH7bDFPdA.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join VCU's Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Conference and engage in a leadership journey. Those who attend will embark on alumni engagement and establish new connections through various interactive workshops, intentional engagement and many motivating conversations. Through dynamic sessions, networking and interactive learning, participants will actively engage in activities promoting graceful leadership. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott Downtown, 500 E. Broad St. Register by Friday, Feb. 21 at the following URL. (Register by Friday, Jan. 31 for the early bird rate.)

For more information, contact Nancy Calkins at calkinsn@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2025-conference/.

Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host Closing the Gap: Colorectal Cancer Summit at the Virginia State University Multipurpose Center, 20809 Second Ave., Petersburg. Whether you're a researcher seeking new insights, a clinician looking to improve patient care or a community member wanting to engage in meaningful dialogue, this summit will feature leading experts on prevention and screening, clinical trials and survivorship. Register at https://cvent.me/Y53Xyd

For more information, contact Courtney Rose at rosec2@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/9209d198-c466-4105-bacc-40ba0d047620/register.

First-year students, elevate your academic performance with Peer Academic Coaching. Work with an upperclass student who can personalize a plan to help you level up your academic performance this semester. Peer Academic Coaching provides personalized guidance in time management techniques, study strategies and effective goal setting. Sign up at https://forms.gle/2jAmQaRUo2twpp7u9

For more information, contact Ian Anderson at andersoni2@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

It’s time for faculty to submit progress reports for undergraduate students who need a nudge to improve their performance. It’s especially important for faculty to submit reports for students with attendance issues since attendance is strongly related to class grades and GPA. Check your VCU email for instructions on how to submit progress reports as well as tips on best practices.

For more information, contact Katina Velentzas at kvelentzas@vcu.edu or visit https://semss.vcu.edu/for-faculty-and-staff/early-notification-programs/.

The ConnectED Teaching Awards recognize faculty in the ConnectED program who demonstrate outstanding commitment and effectiveness in teaching ConnectED courses. Every academic year, two faculty will be recognized and each will receive a stipend of $1,000. Questions: Visit http://www.connected.vcu. edu Apply by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the following URL.

For more information, contact ConnectED at gened@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9zXDy53Ac1EfioBF_LOuvDohlqAXMgWsVEuWEU_TnxJQLeQ/viewform.

There are many ways to teach and engage with the honors community - from full courses to miniterm courses and even offering a small set of seats in an existing course.

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

Adobe has delayed the discontinuation of cloud-based file syncing services to now take place on Monday, Feb. 3 for all Enterprise/Federated customers (including VCU). VCU end-users need to back up/migrate any data and files stored within Adobe’s Cloud storage platform to their local computer, USB storage and/or Google Drive storage. A complete backup/migration guide can be found at https://go.vcu.edu/adobe/backup.

For more information, contact Instructional Computing Services at adobe@vcu.edu or visit https://adobe.vcu.edu/security/file-sync.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement is launching a training series to support Quest 2028 by fostering authentic community partnerships. Focused on seven Priority Partner Communities, this initiative tailors sessions to meet shared needs. Share your input on partnership priorities by completing our Community Partnership Priorities Survey: https://forms.gle/H1h8k36Y6ukNReBL6

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/.

Volunteer for a “green” Rams basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 4:45-11 p.m., at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Guide fans to dispose of recyclable and compostable materials and weigh the waste to determine the diversion rate. Eligible employees may use enhanced community service leave. Visit the following URL for a link to the sign-up form.

For more information, contact Ann Kildahl at kildahlac@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/.

The Division of Student Affairs welcomes nominations for VCU's annual Student Leadership Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in student leadership and community engagement. Students, faculty and staff are invited to nominate individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to their communities. Submit nominations by Friday, Feb. 14 at the followig URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at nlpatterson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/leadershipawards/home/.

This club, affiliated with the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department at VCU, focuses on students in the Health Science concentration of the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science major. (However, anyone passionate about health science is welcome to join.) Connect with fellow health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX) students and health enthusiasts through résumé workshops, networking events, shadowing opportunities, CPR/First Aid certifications and collaborations with organizations like the HPEX Exercise Science and Women in Medicine/Health clubs. Follow the organization on Instagram: vcukhshealthscience and see KHS on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/khshealthscienceclub. A membership form is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact KHS Health Science Club at khsclub@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LVub9jzDJwjV8HCU9.

The You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center is recruiting faculty and staff to mentor first-generation college students. If interested, fill out the matching survey (https://forms.gle/2xiprGZdHrHMNHg48) by Monday. Feb. 3. Program details are outlined in the survey.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D.. at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-and-staff-development/faculty-and-staff-student-mentoring/.

VCUarts Program for eighth-10th grade students, Investigation Now, is back for the Spring. This fiur-week program encompasses a range of contemporary art concepts and artmaking techniques taught by VCU Art Education students. Registration is now open. The registration fee is $90 (food and materials will be provided). Investigation Now will take place on Fridays from 5-8 p.m., beginning Feb. 14 and ending March 7. Register at https://apps.art.vcu.edu/investigationnow/

For more information, contact Lia New at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/investigation-now/.

The Documentary Filmmaking and SGA History Preservation Caucus is dedicated to documenting SGA events and behind-the-scenes, providing low-stakes filming and editing experience and compiling a comprehensive history of SGA using archival materials. This caucus is in partnership with the Student Government Association. All VCU students and faculty are welcome to join. See the interesst form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Natalie Bowen at bowennm@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LZScqmZP5jHJTc6c6.

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The principal investigator is Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Email the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.