11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host its second annual English Language Program Student Symposium on the third floor at 912 W. Grace St. Join international students from around the world as they display their literature review research through poster presentations.

For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu.

11:30 a.m.

Ready to take the next step toward a career in the legal profession? Join Continuing and Professional Education for an upcoming Certificate in Paralegal Studies Adviser Session to learn how this program can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nancy Lowe at nalowe@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7d93a731a70c4870a4bf97e89f45eafa.

12 p.m.

Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and 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 https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82786158076 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82786158076.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Global Education Office's Jill Blondin, Ph.D., and Alex Heyden, global learning specialist, for a virtual informational session to learn more about how you can study at the American University of Rome (AUR) this summer. Take Blondin's ARTH 3xx "Renaissance in Rome" and one other AUR summer course to earn six credits and spend four weeks in this historic city. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89071144637

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1942394.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Health Hub now holds weekly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings on Thursdays at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Meetings may include readings from AA literature, personal stories of recovery and open discussion guided by the Twelve Steps. All who have a desire to stop drinking are welcome, regardless of background or length of sobriety.

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

3:30 p.m.

These informational sessions are open to first- and second-year undergraduate students in all majors. Preference for this award is given to those applicants who have not previously traveled outside of North America. The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes provide recipients with the opportunity to spend three or four weeks studying at a UK university during summer 2026. Participants will learn at the informational session how the NSO can offer support in applying.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at natlscholar@vcu.edu.

6 p.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Want to learn more about the No. 1 graduate program for advertising and branding in the U.S.? Come to the Preview Day at 103 S. Jefferson St. to see what it’s like to be a Brandcenter student. You’ll meet current students and faculty, learn about Brandcenter programs and attend the forum speaker series. The Dec. 5 forum will feature two Brandcenter alumni who are creative directors at Maximum Effort, the production company and marketing agency founded by Ryan Reynolds. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/preview-day-dec-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Session VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual infomational 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. Questions: https://robertson.vcu.edu/academic Join the session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

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

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU's chapter of Psi Chi will host a psychology student lock-in session in the STEM Building, Room 108, 817 W. Franklin St. Study for finals, meet the people in your virtual or asynchronous classes, refuel with some free food and get your graduate school questions answered by Morgan Reid, Ph.D. Non-Psi Chi members are welcome.

For more information, contact Shreya Patel at patelss14@vcu.edu or visit https://psychology.vcu.edu/undergraduate/student-groups/psi-chi/.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost will host weekly open consultations for faculty, staff and partners to receive guidance and explore how to make the most of Collaboratory: VCU's Database for Community and Civic Engagement Activities and Partnerships in their work. Bring your questions or simply join the session to explore the database. Sessions will be held every Friday from noon-1 p.m. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81793039272?jst=2

For more information, contact Tani Washington at washingtot8@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/collaboratory/.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Come to the Auctus December GBM to learn how to have your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty, and officer position openings in the group. The meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room (1303), Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Those who cannot attend in person can reach out to auctus@vcu.edu. Join RamsConnect to receive Auctus updates at https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://auctus.vcu.edu.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The VCU Department of Music will host its 38th annual holiday gala in Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall in VCU’s W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The program of holiday music will feature VCU’s Jazz Combo, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Commonwealth Singers, the Guitar Ensembles and other VCU ensembles. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Doorways. Tickets are $15.40 for adults and $6 for current VCU students and for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

For more information, contact Cleo VanSant at vansantj@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcus-38th-annual-holiday-gala/.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Cheer the VCU men's basketball team as they play Samford University in the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Secure your seat at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcutickets.evenue.net/event/B25/04.

Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host via Zoom a Discovery Dialogue seminar with Alexandra Lempke, assistant professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/IU_b7SqAQDyitj9CZoG9LQ.

Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Create your own holiday wellness kit at “Wrap Yourself in Care: DIY Self-Care Packages” in the Underground, Suite 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Take a break, get cozy and celebrate you. Supplies are limited, so come early. Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Sunday Wright at studentorgs@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at noon

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, hosted by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/48kirc0

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at 6 p.m.

VCU's School of Public Health will host a Master of Public Health (MPH) virtual informational session. Join to learn more about the MPH program, now offered both online and in-person. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t2SIOAUXSi2GvFmdUt1xRg.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Mindful Mornings at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU’s Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., is a free weekend program that pairs mindfulness practices with the goal of fostering well-being and a deeper connection to the natural world. This month’s Mindful Morning exercise explores architecture as muse, using the built environment as a lens for stillness, symmetry and storytelling. Through a camera lens, even the everyday becomes extraordinary.

For more information, contact Michael Lease at leasemk@vcu.edu or (804) 200-8859 or visit https://icavcu.org/events/mindful-mornings-mindful-photography-walk-observing-architecture/.

VCU Staff Senate announces the eighth annual Awards of Excellence are now open. These awards provide the deserved exposure and recognition of the hard work and extraordinary achievements of VCU and VCU Health staff. Submit a nomination by Friday, Dec. 19 and learn more about the awards at the following URL.

For more information, contact Staff Senate at staffsenate@vcu.edu or visit https://staffsenate.vcu.edu/initiatives/awards-for-excellence/.

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for completion at the following URL. Completing the FAFSA is key to determining eligibility for federal, state and institutional need-based financial assistance. VCU’s priority filing date is Feb. 1, 2026. Contact the Student Financial Management Center at the following email address if you have any questions.

For more information, contact Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1550 or visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

The Virginia minimum wage will increase to $12.77 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. On that date, all university employees currently making less than this amount will have their hourly rate raised to $12.77. No action is required from employees or managers. Employees may view their employment information, including wages, through eServices. Contact your HR Professional with any questions or concerns.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.

Winter break is a great time to start looking for and applying to jobs and internships. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 143 or the satellite office in Hunton Student Center, Suite 205, 1110 E. Broad St. Meet with a Peer Career Counselor during drop-in hours Tuesday-Friday weekly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.

Registration is now open for The University Band (APPM 357). University Band is open to all VCU students and faculty regardless of experience. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. The band performs one to two concerts each semester. We perform fun and exciting music for all. The band is under the direction of professor Duane Coston.

For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.

Description: The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (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. Read the survey at the following URL.

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

Looking for a fun, community-focused way to make music at VCU? Join one of the university's three choral ensembles. All are welcome — no need to be a music major. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359): No audition required. Open to all students, faculty and staff. Rehearses MW 1:30-2:50 p.m. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358): Audition required. SATB Mixed Chorus. Rehearses MWF 12-1:15 p.m. Vox Concordia (APPM 378): Audition required. SSAA Treble Chorus. Rehearses T/Th 2-3:20 p.m. All are sponsored by VCU's Department of Music.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/.

This class is for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. In order to enroll, participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate or be within 30 days of expiration. Proof of certification must be submitted to the instructor prior to participation in the review. The course will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026 at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register by Friday, Jan. 23.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=ef0b1e7e-d080-4a9d-bfb9-361ee9c303cc.

Travel with VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program for a week of hiking and skiing in the rugged mountains of the New Mexico Rockies, from sunny desert landscapes to the powdery slopes of Taos Mountain Resort. No camping, hiking or ski experience is necessary, but comfort in cold weather is a must. $1,000/students, $1,500/RecWell members, $2,000/nonmembers. Price does not include airfare or ski/snowboard rentals. Ski lessons will be available for purchase. Email outdoors@vcu.edu for an interest packet or to attend a trip meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=64f1bff4-83dd-4b86-a3a8-f6b67a1c17d5.

Nominations and applications are being accepted for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the Fall 2025 semester. SLTAs are exceptional undergraduate students who assist an instructor in their service-learning course. If you are interested in having an SLTA, contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application. Nominate a student or have one assigned to you at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/EAieBab2ZGz4R1cR6.

Stay connected to the supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share important reminders and updates that can enhance your workplace experience and strengthen your connections to the VCU community. Follow on Facebook (vcuhumanresources), Instagram (vcuhumanresources), and X (@VCUHR)

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.hr.vcu.edu.

VCU's Global Education Office offers the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program that prepares professionals to teach English to multilingual learners locally, internationally or online. The 120-hour interactive program is geared for individuals seeking to develop specialized knowledge and practical skills in English language teaching and learning. The next session will begin Jan. 12, 2026. Apply for the program at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/tesol.

VCU's new AI policy was officially approved Nov. 12. This policy aims to ensure that VCU uses GenAI tools ethically, securely and in alignment with the institution's mission to promote real-world learning, innovative research and community engagement. Technology Services encourages all members of the VCU community to review the policy carefully and consider its impacts on your use of Generative AI. Read the policy at the following URL.

For more information, contact Peyton Burgess, Ph.D. at emergingtech@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DE25FC31398F5D486E7414FA311446.

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 plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check for eligibility at 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.