11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This workshop will cover the features and functionality of Canvas. Register at: training.vcu.edu. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82667415584

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

11 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/.

12:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Graphic Design in kicking off the Spring 2026 Objects + Methods lecture series. The semester’s first lecture will be held via Zoom, and will be a presentation on GDES faculty research. The lecture series focuses on expansive conversations around design practices.

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

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 today, Thursday, Jan. 22; Thursday, Jan. 29, and Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.); Jan. 22 and 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.

3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Department of Political Science and Douglas Kimemia. Ph.D., will host an informational session to explore studying development and democracy in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya (May 19-June 5). Learn more about the cultural opportunities this trip offers, such as dialogues with key policymakers, visiting museums, communities and historical landmarks, all of which allow you to witness firsthand the transformative power of progress in the region. The session will be in Founders Hall, Room 328, 827 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Douglas Kimemia at kimemiadk@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11302.

5 p.m.

Celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. along with VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. The evening will feature conversations with community leaders, opportunities for connection and a blend of art, music, food and more. The event is free but registration at the following URL is required.

For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiYkenUpq_n2RYdnDcjBlb8j_t1K7StY2Pit2UlutrZz1e5Q/viewform.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for 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 our 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/RTRJan22nd.

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 from 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/.

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at 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 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU alumni and students come together for a basketball watch party. Connect with Rams new and old, cheer on the team and build Jewish community together. The event will be at Pizza and Beer of Richond, 2553 W. Cary St. Register on the Hillel website at the followiong URL.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Global Education Office for its third Globe Speakers Series. This series features professionals who bring a global perspective. Each event includes a talk followed by a Q&A. This event's speaker will be Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, dean of the School of Medicine and interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Lunch will be served. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at https://bit.ly/JoinVCUGlobe. VCU GEO will raffle off two $500 study abroad vouchers for those who attend who check in and are registered for VCU Globe. The event is open to all VCU students.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943008.

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 noon

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Pianist and educator Lanjiabao Ge, DMA, NCTM, will present a recital in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall of the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Ge has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Steinway Piano Gallery and the Kennedy Center. She is also an active collaborative pianist, appearing at festivals and concerts worldwide. She currently serves as Instructor of Collaborative Piano at Eastern New Mexico University. Tickets: $14 general public, $5 VCU community, free for VCU music students.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/32202/sonia-vlahcevic-concert-hallsingleton-center-for-the-performing-arts?performance_id=86545087&country=US&language=en.

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? 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. Participants will have the opportunity to forge strategic partnerships within VCU and beyond, shape the future of AI skills in individual disciplines and to learn about relevant AI resources and opportunities available through the Provost’s Office and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Bring ideas, find collaborators and accelerate VCU’s AI future. The event will be in the Richmond Salons, VCU 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.

VCU has career fairs coming up today, Thursday, Jan. 22 and 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/.

2025 W2s are now available. If you have consented to receiving your W2 via eservices, you may now retrieve your documents. If you have not consented to receiving your W2 electronically, you will be receiving your document via regular mail. Qualified Overtime Statements for non-exempt employees are also now available via email if applicable and hard copies will be released Thursday, Jan. 22

For more information, contact Payroll Services at payroll@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/payroll/.

TimelyCare is a web-based service for all employees that includes 24/7 on-demand crisis support, 12 free scheduled telehealth sessions with a mental health professional, self-care content and more.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit https://counseling.vcu.edu/faculty--staff/support-for-faculty-and-staff/.

Know someone whose dedication inspires you? Nominate them for the Dorris Douglas Budd Award before Monday, March 16, at the following URL. This award honors standout administrative support staff who strengthen our mission and community every day.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/employee-recognition/awards/dorris-douglas-budd-award/.

The VCU Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research offers the Research Design Studio, a 90-minute, no-cost consultation for investigators developing grant applications. The session provides early, multidisciplinary scientific input to help clarify scientific direction, strengthen study design and methodology and address key considerations for high-quality clinical and translational research. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rose Williams at cctrdesign@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/support/consultation/research-design-studio/.

Lavender Mic will take place on March 17 as part of VCU’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Gay Alliance of Students – the university’s first LGBTQ+ student organization. This event will feature storytelling from members of the VCU community and is themed “Celebrating Queer Voices.” Applications to be a featured speaker are now open and will close friday, Jan. 30. Apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0LzlAHH0kxxEausS_1SCfQwLPA7FUGLPIp0aIyDYlWf-0VA/viewform.

For more information, contact Josh Leidy at leidyjw@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/areas-to-support/affinity-engagement-and-philanthropy/rams-for-pride/gas-anniversary-event-/.

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/.

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.

Black Queer Grits will host an art exhibition to highlight the impact of arts-based methods for reflection, self-expression and collective healing. The exhibition will open Friday, March 27 and run through Friday, April 17 with a reception on Friday, April 3. The organization seeks artists who identify as Southern Black Queer femmes to submit works connecting to themes such as (but not limited to): familial relationships, spirituality/religiosity, gender expansion, intimacy, resistance and joy. A maximum f three works may be submitted until Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chandler Golden at goldenc2@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4q1MBXr.

The You First Center is recruiting peer mentors this spring. The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 9. Request a classroom visit for peer mentors to invite your students to join the program at https://forms.gle/bKNjC31nf9yzdexp7 Peer mentors help first-generation college students thrive in their first year. Learn more about the You First Peer Mentor Program at the following URL.

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

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.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescent girls and young adult women (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation.

For more information, contact TREAT Lab at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.

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 learn more and take a quick survey to learn if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

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