1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the Council for Community Engagement’s Research Work Group for a virtual panel on Community-Engaged Research and the Institutional Review Board. The session will address common IRB challenges, needed resources and new support for community-engaged research at VCU, featuring faculty and Human Research Protection Program leadership. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Cobb at cobbco@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iS0ycZTlTcagYlzFhTlbRg.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Craft/Material Studies department will host Michelle Millar Fisher, Ph.D., at the theater in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Fisher is the Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and writes about the intersections of people, power and the material world.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/michelle-fisher-visiting-scholar-lecture/.

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

Make a bracelet or keychain at a beads workshop hosted by PennyAppeal in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A and B, 907 Floyd Ave. This is not a service event, just a relaxing way to unwind before exam season.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at VCU at Officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shop for treats and gifts from local vendors at the plaza of the University Student Commons.

For more information, contact Carole Dowell at thecommons@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This free attorney-led legal education series will help you learn about your legal rights concerning your housing and keeping your money safe. The session will be held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Register at the following link.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbW3CbioWMXFjk9HgO7mhCQv18XPLHEUpb43Q4mVf31F8CQQ/viewform.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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/.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

United Native Voices will hold a paint and sip night in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs office, Suite 215, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Come paint and de-stress before finals. This event is open to all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Hamilton (Rilee) Langston at langstonhr@vcu.edu or (804) 513-6311.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Are you thinking of applying to the Brandcenter master’s program, but aren’t sure where to start? Join Brandcenter admissions via Zoom to learn more about the application requirements, prerequisites and topics to keep in mind when completing the application. Find out about the qualities and skills Brandcenter seeks in successful applicants and sit in on a Q&A session. You’re welcome to come with specific questions about the application. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

A free kidney health screening event with simple tests and education will be offered at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Learn about kidney health and connect with resources to support your well-being.

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

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at 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.

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.

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 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host an informational session via Zoom for students interested in its doctoral program in clinical and translational science. The discussion will include the unique aspects of the program and the application process as well as answer questions from potential students. 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://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ULUb6eC8QDCJVHv4N_bK0w.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Those who attend will receive information about the stages and symptoms of grief, including the ways that grief can be experienced physically. Participants will then be guided through gentle stretching exercises as a way of coping with the physical expression of grief. The event will be at the Hub Club, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

Winter break is a great time to start looking for and applying to 2026 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/.

Congratulations to the VCU Class of 2025. University Events has a special opportunity for you to share your graduation photos with us so they can be displayed for your family and friends during the celebrations. Have commencement questions? Visit www.commencement.vcu.edu or email univevents@vcu.edu. Upload your photos at the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at univevents@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/99hEkXV76DnUEsWS9.

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.

The Health Humanities Lab at the Humanities Research Center and the Office of Health Initiatives are calling for applications for a cohort of faculty fellows to create new modules for the History and Health learning series focused on Rural Health and to suggest frameworks for incorporating new or existing online learning modules into syllabi. Each Health Humanities Lab Faculty Fellow will receive a $750 stipend. Apply by Friday, Dec. 19 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/3ye8pZ8rtduWjaxD6.

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/.

Adult Beginner lessons are designed for older teens and adults to build fundamental swimming and water safety skills. Participants should be comfortable in the water and will learn basic swimming and water safety skills including floating, breath control and basic movement. Session 1 runs Feb. 2-26. Classes are offered Tue/Thur 7-7:55 a.m. or Mon/Wed 6-6:55 p.m. Register by Jan 30, 2026 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

Adult intermediate swim classes are intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water and wish to improve their swimming skills. Participants will learn to improve their swimming technique on their front and back as well as safety skills such as treading water. Classes will be held Feb. 2-25, 2026, Mon/Wed 7-7:55 a.m. Register at the following URL by Jan. 30 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=f5e28d43-cd25-4832-8d45-dc8a09fdba02.

Learn to prevent, recognize, respond to and care for aquatic and breathing/cardiac emergencies that may occur in or around the water, as well as critical thinking and communication skills that are crucial to an effective emergency response. This course meets the requirements for lifeguard employment at many pool facilities but may not meet requirements for waterfront, water park or specialty facilities. Classes will be held Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Register by Friday, Jan. 30.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8f04eb94-8b05-4785-bfc5-8f1060041199.

Apply now for a new study abroad program led by Social Work faculty: “Korea in Transition: Society, Culture and Emerging Challenges” (In-country: May 26–June 6, 2026). Experience an immersive journey exploring Korean society, culture and emerging social issues through on-site visits, lectures and hands-on learning. Each student receives a $2,000 scholarship to help reduce program costs. Open to all undergraduate students from any majors. Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim at the following email address or Alex Heyden (Global Education Office at levya@vcu.edu) Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this research 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. Questions: Contact The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

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