1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Decorate Snoopy's doghouse sugar cookies with the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the Alumni Boardroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. APO 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 rush. Peanuts-themed events are scheduled over the next two weeks and you are invited. Follo APO's Instagram @apo_adi and fill out the google form linked.

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

10 a.m.

Find out about the services provided by VCU's Writing Center and learn how to break down the process of writing 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/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Want to study abroad in the U.K.? Join VCU Global Education Office and VCU GEO's partner university, University of Bristol, at this virtual informational session about studying in Bristol. Register on RamsConnect athttps://bristol-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/98271967880?pwd=OF3JDSWet4gsXfKfBJy3Uc4BQ1rGcs.1

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1936344.

12 p.m.

Join VCU's School of Business for an informational webinar to discover how the Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule, the cohort experience and the application process. No registration is required, join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89463013460.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Academic Affairs will hold a virtual workshop on DesignPlus via Zoom. DesignPlus is a Canvas integration available to all VCU faculty. Learn to use this tool to make your Canvas courses more visually engaging, organized and interactive. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/DyN0EBr7RkWq5dPs6Ifdvw

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a walkthrough of the graduate student online application and live support for applicants. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit http://bit.ly/sp25appwalkthrough.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at noon

Learn more about 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 and on-campus), curriculum and admissions process. No registration is required; join at the following Zoom link.

For more information, contact Hawley Smyth at smythh@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5127 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87687416782.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at noon

Discover how the Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the School of Businesses' interactive curriculum, weekend schedule, the cohort experience and the application process. No registration is required, join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7036 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86529859894.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Chinese New Year is around the corner and STEM in Art will host a cultural event to pay homage to this festive tradition while introducing some unique STEM perspectives. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free snacks will be available, along with the opportunity to meet new people.

For more information, contact Aleah Nguyen at nguyena51@vcu.edu or (804) 464-5000.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at 8 a.m.

Join the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and researchers from across the commonwealth to celebrate Biomedical Research Awareness Day to honor the role of animals in research and medical advancements for humans and animals. "The Synergy of Science and Animal Care" will be presented by Logan France, DVM, and addiction researcher Charles France, Ph.D. The session will be in the General Assembly Building, Room 600-B.

For more information, contact Amy Chuang at kchuang@vcu.edu.

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

Faculty Affairs will host a virtual event open to all faculty. The session will focus on the Academic Outlook for 2025. Speakers will include Matthew Conrad, Vice President for Government and External Relations for VCU and VCU Health System; Miles Gordon, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations and Carly Katz, Senior Director of Federal Relations. Register for the link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/A3wtW6EdtEC2SQDg9.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All are invited to join the VCU Health Systems Office of Inclusive Excellence's second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Walk. This event is free and open to the public. Registration not required. The walk starts at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 1000 E, Broad St

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13705559.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover how to configure assignments, quizzes and weighted groups 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=87874977258

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

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at noon

Join VCU HR and Genuine Wealth Solutions for this virtual presentation that will cover tax planning, investment strategy, and identify risks and opportunities to start 2025 financially confident. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/4agXUok

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thinking about moving into your own place but worried about the cost? Join the Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union to learn more about the essentials of saving money and budgeting for housing. You will learn how to set realistic financial goals, plan for upfront costs like deposits and furniture and build habits that help you save for the long term. Whether you’re renting your first apartment or preparing for a future home, we’ll provide the tools and tips to help you. The program wil be held in Snead Hall, Room B2165, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Amy Pridemore at finsuccess@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

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.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics (HCHA) for a mezcla (mixer) open to all at James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Enjoy conversations and Latin American food and enhance Hispanic visibility in the health sciences. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13545959.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The first general body meeting of SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability Program) will be held in the Alumni Boardroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Those who attend will decorate tote bags and canvases using eco-printing methods. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact SEEDS at VCU at seedsatvcu@gmail.com.

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host a mini conference in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event will focus on global leadership through the lens of Black identity to provide meaningful conversation, insight and action items for students in the community. During the event's lunch break, GEO will host a Global Café and resource fair to help Rams connect on campus. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at global@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936421.

Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Health Sciences Career Community Leadership and Development Committee, in collaboration with the Community Service Committee, announces a partnership with the Department of Workforce and Career Development and Technical Education to conduct mock interviews for their students. As an interviewer, you will be assigned to a table where you will conduct mock interviews with students. The event will take place at the Innovation Core, ACE Center at Highland Springs, 100 Tech Drive, Highland Springs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13680139.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Statewide VEA will host a Praxis Workshop designed specifically for aspiring educators at Oliver Hall, Room 3108, School of Education, 1015 W. Main St. This workshop will offer a comprehensive review of the Praxis exams, providing essential tips, strategies and practice to help you succeed. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact SVEA at VCU at sveaeboard@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/CL78a6RLAUaH2k6Q9.

Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Experienced Supervisors Institute focuses on advanced supervisory strategies, providing practical tools and techniques to lead more effectively. Questions: Visit https://pmg.vcu.edu/professional-development/esi/

For more information, contact Deb Taminger at dktaminger@vcu.edu or visit http://GEHLI.vcu.edu.

Undergraduate students, schedule an appointment with a coach at the Campus Learning Center to discuss your goals for the semester and create an action plan. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting and can support you as you work toward your goals. Start by filling out the questionnaire at https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

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/.

The Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus is dedicated to acting as an advocate for equitable access to education, advancing disability-focused policies and fostering a campus environment where accessibility allows all students — both with and without disabilities — to thrive. The caucus partners with the VCU Student Government Association and is open to all VCU students and faculty. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/noqf5mAiqAicW2cN8.

VCU Libraries, in support of open and affordable course materials, announces that a new round of VIVA Open Course Grants are open for applications. These $5,000 to $50,000 grants empower Virginia faculty with the resources and time they need to redesign courses by swapping expensive course materials for open, no-cost or library options. Apply by Wednesday, March 5 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2025-news/viva-grants.html.

This Google Workspace updates post for January includes: Google Calendar dark mode, Google Chat improvements (density, split pane replies, multiple media files), Google Docs with new templates and building blocks and Google Sheets with enhanced table references. See the recap at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2025/01/16/google-updates-recap-january-2025-welcome-to-the-2025-spring-semester/.

The public comment period, which is required to be open for 10 business days, is now open for the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy, Concealment of Identity and Student Code of Conduct. To ensure maximum participation in this process, VCU will have the comment period open 25 business days, closing on Friday, Feb. 28. Offer feedback by visiting the following URL and clicking on “Policies Open for Public Comment.”

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at skillmanj2@vcu.edu or (317) 908-9617 or visit http://policy.vcu.edu.

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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.