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 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Looking for a summer or part-time job this year? VCU Career Services will host a seasonal and part-time job fair for Rams interested in student employment opportunities. Learn about available jobs, meet employers who are recruiting students and explore opportunities that can provide hands-on experience, relevant skill-building, professional connections and a paycheck while you are in school. The fair will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons (second floor), 907 Floyd Ave. Learn more about the fair on Handshake and which employers will be there — and register to receive reminders and tips.

For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/SPTJobFair26.

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.

7 p.m.

The College Panhellenic Council with Fraternity and Sorority Life will host an event at which students interested in joining a sorority through spring formal recruitment can learn about and register for the upcoming formal recruitment from Friday, Jan. 30 to Sunday, Feb. 1. The session will be held in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: Contact Keila Vanda at the following email address or cpcvprecruitment1@gmail.com

For more information, contact Keila Vanda at vandake@vcu.edu or (813) 944-8674.

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.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Virginia Repertory Theatre Education will host puppeteer Mary Nagler for a Puppetry 101 workshop in the Newdick Theater, 221 N. Shafer St. Explore the art and mind of a career puppet maker and performer who has worked all over the United States. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlGUoDLBtqjaM7Tqfr4LB_OvnstUDXuYSbXWtFI8rdxePGAw/viewform?usp=header.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Juniors and seniors, don’t miss the VCU Ring Sales Event. Browse the official ring collection at the Student Commons outside of the P.O.D. Market: Jan. 27-29 (Tuesday-Thursday), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Engineering College: Jan. 27 (Noon-3 p.m.) and Jan. 28 (Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.). The School of Business: Feb. 5 (Thursday), 2-5 p.m. Learn about interest-free payment plans and order in time for Grad Send Off. You can also view options and order your ring at balfour.com/vcu. For the latest updates, check RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.balfour.com/VCU.

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 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU's Department of Focused Inquiry and the Global Education Office will host an informational session about a trip to Christ's College, University of Cambridge, to study place, culture and communication. The trip will be Sunday, July 19-Wednesday, Aug. 5. The informational session will be held in Room 5116, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. A second informational session will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the same location. Questions: Contact Michaux Dempster at the following email address, Meriah Crawford (crawfordml@vcu.edu) or Alex Heyden (levya@vcu.edu). Visit the following URL for information about financial aid and scholarships.

For more information, contact Michaux Dempster at dempsterm@vcu.edu or (804) 387-3981 or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11672.

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.

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's Activities Programming Board will host an event for students to bring and customize their own gear to show school spirit. The event will be held in the ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Students will be provided with iron-on patches, fabric paint and other design materials. The APB will provide a limited amount of hats, tote bags and shirts for students to decorate. Students are welcome to bring their own gear to decorate. Questions: Contact apb@vcu.edu or instagram.com/apb_vcu

For more information, contact Sensiere Thompkins-Harris at thompkinshs@vcu.edu.

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/.

Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Alpha Phi Omega will have six SpongeBob SquarePants-themed events through Friday, Jan. 30. Questions: Follow the group's Instagram @apo_adi (linked website) and join the GroupMe linked in the bio.

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

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/.

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.

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.