1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rams in Recovery will host two virtual Recovery Ally Training sessions this semester. Sign up for training to learn how to be an advocate and ally for people struggling with substance use disorders and people in recovery. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Fugate at edwardskm@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/R5XCgpqpvxW22Fhpj4CcMR5Rf8H84V32v3qR9Pv1/forms/3009672514464.

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join David Pate, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, for a discussion of Partnered Research as Process through the Re-entry Rising Project, a five-year community-engaged initiative focused on re-entry in Milwaukee. The talk explores the challenges and lessons that emerge when scholars and communities work side by side. The session will be in the Raleigh Building, Room 0001 (lower level), 1001 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Katie Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/event-posts/wilder-school-doctoral-lecture-series-david-pate-phd.html.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Alzheimer's Association will host a Memory Café at VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Join for a fun, social space for those with early-stage memory loss to connect, while care partners gain support and information. The bonds formed in Memory Cafés often last throughout the continuum of the disease and become additional support for those involved.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

3 p.m.

VCU's Department of Painting + Printmaking will present a visiting artist lecture by Anna Ehrenstein in Room 301, Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. Ehrenstein is an interdisciplinary Albanian-German artist working between Berlin, Tirana and the cloud. Through what she calls precarious assemblages – installations combining video, sculpture, textiles, photography, AI and social practice – she examines migration, ritual and belief as material practices that shape collective life, and speculative forms of world-building.

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

5 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Read examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones to develop 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/.

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Department of Political Science and the POLI Student Ambassadors will present a Town Hall in Room 2201, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Join faculty from POLI as they discuss the interconnectedness of international and domestic issues. Questions will be taken from the audience.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology) for a free movie night open to all students. "The Truman Show" will be screened with free pizza and popcorn in Room 112, STEM Building , 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Olivia Washington at washingtonon@vcu.edu.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for teaching 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 an 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/RTRFeb19th.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of English Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing will host its annual MFA Spotlight reading featuring Lea Marshall and AJ White. Marshall's debut collection, "The Slow Hammer of Roots," was published in 2025 by Broadstone Books. White's debut poetry collection, "Blue Loop," was selected for the National Poetry Series by Chelsea Dingman and published by the University of Georgia Press. All VCU Visiting Writing Series events are free and open to the public. The readings will be in the third-floor event hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Thom Didato at tndidato@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83496858202.

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Health Professions Organization will host an event to examine health care issues through clinical case study in Room 2105, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. Students will be able to learn about various careers in the health care field through engaging clinical case study for the group's first general body meeting of the semester.

For more information, contact Dylan Abaidoo at abaidooda@vcu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon

Each month the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, will offer different health focds that participants can ask professionals about. February is American Heart Health Month. Did you know: heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the East End of Richmond, lowering high blood pressure is the easiest thing you can do for better heart health and choosing a healthy eating plan and being physically active are two important ways to lower the risk of heart disease? Stop by to learn more.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual 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 the session here: https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad Questions: Visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academic.

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

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will present "Exploring Sustainability," a cross-disciplinary, interactive seminar series held in Room 202, the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. This week’s seminar will feature Lesley Bulluck, Ph.D., who will present “Partnering With Private Landowners To Support Bird Conservation in the Appalachians."

For more information, contact Ron Lopez at lopezr5@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host a mini-conference in Richmond Salons III and IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This event is designed to help students explore what it means to be a global leader and learn the academic, professional and personal benefits of cultural agility practices. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5579 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943781.

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? Faculty and staff can 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. Attend to connect with colleagues, learn about funding opportunities, help shape the university's public conference and discover VCU Enterprise Convergence Labs. The session will be in the theater of the 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.

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Improve your afternoon with free coffee or tea and friendly conversations with leaders from real estate and risk management and insurance. This is your chance to get to know the firms shaping our region – no pressure, just great coffee and connections. Casual attire. Check In with the QR code when you arrive at the event, which will be in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or (804) 357-5105.

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Come to the Starbucks in James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., for a cup of coffee and some Jewish discussion and connection. The event will be hosted by Hillel at VCU. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kayla Seabolt at info@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Chris Burnside, a leading light for many years in the Richmond dance scene, will return to campus in a new role – author. At this book launch event in the lecture hall of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., Burnside and his husband, Karl Green, will read passages and engage in conversation. The evening will conclude with a reception and a book signing.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/burnside-book-launch.html.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at noon

The VCU Financial Success Center will host an interactive session to break down the basics of investing. Great for first-time investors looking for a clear, approachable starting point. The meeting will be in B2165, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=b879c144-edce-4925-a292-39b3eba4bd7b&utm_source=telegram.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual session with Myung Jin, Ph.D., to learn about the Master of Public Administration program. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/mpa0225.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

VCU HR offers a course on the manager’s role in employee career development and performance planning. This course is aimed at new and veteran managers looking to understand the fundamentals of career development and performance planning and how to lead both processes with greater efficiency. Practical application is included. Register in Talent@VCU here: https://tinyurl.com/bdyk6sc6 by Monday, Feb. 23.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 1 p.m.

VCU's Center for Drug Discovery will host a demonstration about MillporeSigma's Aiddison and Synthia, an AI-powered drug discovery platform that streamlines the drug discovery process. The session will be at the Biotech Center, Room 100, 800 E. Leigh St.

For more information, contact Michelle Wise at mcwise@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3899.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at noon

Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? Join a presentation and Q&A conducted by the Wilder School's Urban and Regional Planning faculty to learn more about graduate school options. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/wsmurp0226.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Graphic Design in welcoming the newest visiting artist in 2026's Object + Methods lecture series. Nina Stössinger is the senior typeface designer at Frere-Jones Type, an independent typeface design studio in Brooklyn, and a critic for typeface design at Yale School of Art. In addition to several retail typefaces, she has designed or co-designed custom type for the New York City Football Club, the National Gallery of Art, Microsoft, SAS Institute and the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Her talk will be at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join a Black History Month community cypher featuring the co-hosts of the podcast Trendy Black. Through unfiltered conversation, explore the realities shaping Black life in America today by unpacking myths, sharing lived experiences and discussing what stands in the way of meaningful progress. This open dialogue space welcomes students who are ready to listen, reflect and engage across perspectives. All are welcome. The event, hosted by VCU Transformative Learning, will be on the fourth floor of the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/NYo3vMU4MMNvu2gQ9.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Join the Doughctors Club to simulate a coronary artery angioplasty and stent placement on a Play-Doh model. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Sign up on Ramsconnect,

For more information, contact Saniya Chethan at chethans@vcu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m.

The VCU video/photography team will hold open auditions for models and actors to participate in future university productions. Auditions will be held at the Scott Carriage House (behind 909 W. Franklin St.) from noon-3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 and Friday, Feb. 27. Register at the following URL. No prior experience is necessary; all students are encouraged to audition.

For more information, contact Alex Robinson at robinsona19@vcu.edu or (571) 318-8210 or visit https://forms.gle/FRbXPLwFpDpoY7rLA.

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Hosted on the VCU campus, the Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques Workshop offers a two-day immersive experience for instrumental music educators and advanced collegiate musicians seeking to enhance their conducting and ensemble leadership skills. Participants will work directly with guest clinicians Don Scholfield of the U.S. Air Force Band and Terry Austin, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Director Emeritus of Bands at VCU. Through interactive sessions, participants will conduct the VCU Wind Ensemble, receive individualized feedback from the clinicians and attend workshops designed to strengthen rehearsal effectiveness and instructional approaches. This professional development opportunity is geared for current music educators and upper-level collegiate students preparing for careers in music education. Sessions will be held in Room B40, W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Questions: Contact music@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?course=26-SS-290.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This interactive workshop, hosted by VCU Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, will help graduate students master strong cover letters and résumés, practice interviewing techniques and understand the crucial role of AI in today's hiring landscape. Students can choose to attend in-person (912 W. Grace St., lunch provided) or virtually. This workshop will be co-facilitated by Megan Hollis from Career Services. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1943005.

Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU Office of Health Initiatives is providing co-sponsorship funding to a variety of events, programs and educational opportunities that align with the goal to address patients' health-related social needs and identify and reduce long standing health disparities. Learn more at the virtual informational session. Register: https://forms.gle/J5ErabSCC594Zu326

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026 at noon

This virtual panel will feature five tenured faculty members who will share how they have leveraged community-engaged teaching, research and partnerships into peer-recognized scholarship. The session will include small breakout conversations in which those who attend can learn from one another and share experiences. The event will be hosted by the Division of Community Engagement in partnership with Faculty Affairs in the Office of the Provost. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMmr86AExgSwx3alK90cfJUEekl6kcxc4pApl-OF_bqmnwVw/viewform?usp=header.

Monday, Mar. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration. This three-day course will help participants build the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor and become an influential leader. The institute focuses on advanced supervision tools/tips and an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The course will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/experienced-supervisors-institute-esi/.

Friday, Apr. 24, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The WISDM faculty organization will host an afternoon of networking and professional development through enhancement of leadership skills. The theme is "Time to Lead: Reclaiming Your Path in Health Care and Science." Learn how to recognize common behaviors that waste time and reduce productivity; prioritize tasks that align with goals; apply time management techniques to career advancement; identify ways to reclaim time, space and authority; practice peer coaching skills; and develop a personalized networking strategy with best practices for maintaining and strengthening alliances. The event will be at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Registration is now open at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at jody.hedstrom@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-6591 or visit https://vcu.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=39680.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Rams in Recovery will host a two-day professional development conference exploring substance use, recovery, harm reduction and student well-being. Open to students, staff, faculty and community members. This conference will be held May 20-21 at VCU's Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/research-to-recovery-conference-2026-tickets-1978139562682.

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.

Participants will work in a small group with a certified personal trainer to learn the foundational methods of resistance training and workout design. Starting with basic movements, the class progresses to more advanced exercise. Use strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build knowledge of proper technique and progressions. Classes run Monday, March 16-Thursday, April 23. Two sections are offered: M/W 4:30-5:30 p.m. and T/Thur 7:30-8:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

Calling all first-generation college students. The deadline to apply to become a You First Peer Mentor for Fall 2026 has been extended to Thursday, Feb. 19. Build your leadership experience while supporting first-year first-generation college students. Apply at https://bit.ly/2026mentorinfo.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/students/programs-and-initiatives/you-first-mentoring-program/.

The Underground Student Organization Resource Center invites nominations for VCU's annual Student Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions in leadership and community engagement. Students, faculty and staff are invited to nominate individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to campus and their communities. Friday, March 6 is the final day to submit nominations at the following URL.

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

Each semester the Division of Student Affairs shares information with students, faculty and staff about the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and the resources available to assist those who need them. Please read our spring 2026 notification on our Division of Student Affairs updates page at the following URL.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at skillmanj2@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/studentaffairs/index.php/spring-2026-alcohol-and-other-drug-policy-and-resources-notification/.

VCU successfully conducted a full test of the VCU Alert system on Feb. 12 at noon. This activation included all alerting technology available to notify the community of an emergency, including outdoor sirens, Alertus boxes, text messages, emails and desktop alerts. VCU's Emergency Notification, Response and Evacuation Policy is located within the VCU Policy Library. For additional information on emergency procedures on campus, visit the VCU Emergency Management website at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tara Thomas at emergencymgmt@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/emergency-management/.

This research study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

Black women ages 18-35 who have no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share their perspectives about resistance exercise and their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview and two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility using the following URL.

For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.

Check out Redefining BMI – a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL to take a quick survey and find out if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

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