1 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop will offer examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, and give you 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/.

8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hosted by Alpha Phi Omega, a gender-inclusive service organization dedicated to developing leadership and providing service to humanity. Join the group for a SpongeBob-themed rush event and give back alongside the brothers while learning more about APO. Participants will be painting rocks for the Mary and Frances Youth Center.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at 10 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/.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at noon

If you are looking to refine your eating habits and begin the year with a renewed focus on health, you are invited to join VCU HR and Employee Health for this timely diet review. This session will provide an overview of a variety of dietary approaches – from carnivore to vegan – and outline the key principles, benefits and considerations associated with each. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4ajO7jp

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

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

This workshop, facilitated by the Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, is designed to move participants beyond simply reading slides and into becoming a truly confident and compelling communicator. Participants who attend this workshop have the opportunity to receive the Introduction to Public Speaking for Graduate Students badge. 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/r1942893.

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 7 p.m.

Cheer for the VCU Men's Basketball team as they play the University of Richmond at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Secure your seats at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcutickets.evenue.net/event/B25/12.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rollator Repair Clinic at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 1 p.m.

This monthly informal lecture series is geared for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. It is sponsored by the VCU Alcohol Research Center and will be held monthly on Wednesdays. Lectures will be 30-50 minutes. Year 1 will be an introduction to the field of alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures will focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The lecture will be in Rooms 1009-1011, Molecular Medicine Research Building (MMRB), 1220 E. Broad St.

For more information, contact Jennifer Wolstenholme at jennifer.wolstenholme@vcuhealth.org or (804) 363-4007.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Do you supervise or support student staff? Don’t miss this month’s workshop for supervisors on communication. In this interactive session, supervisors will participate in dialogue on how active listening and solution-focused communication can result in better outcomes for you as a supervisor and the quality of work your student provides in their job. Join the guided reflection and conversations to learn how your unconscious bias can prevent your students from consciously listening to you versus passively hearing you. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

VCU Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering will present the Rehabilitation Research Grand Rounds, featuring Ron Seel, Ph.D., via Zoom. Learn processes and tools for synthesizing research evidence and identifying effective health interventions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joshua Hahn at hahnj2@vcu.edu or visit https://pmr.vcu.edu/research/cerse-grand-rounds/.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join VCU's Global Education Office (GEO) for a virtual Study in Italy informational session to explore the many programs and locations available to VCU students. Hear from a recent returnee, get your questions answered and learn how you can make studying in Italy a reality. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82958201181

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1944120.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Learn to build your writing confidence by identifying and overcoming the impostor phenomenon. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 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. 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 5 p.m.

David Goldberg, M.D., will present on "Liver Transplant Allocation in 2025: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?" He is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases and associate professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is a transplant hepatologist who dedicates most of his time conducting epidemiology and health services research on topics related to chronic and end-stage liver disease. The seminar will be in the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at bit.ly/4oYqVf4

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at Chantay.Harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Learn the necessary tools to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Discover a panorama of Jewish study covering eight big ideas, loads of hands‑on learning and no subject taboo. Arm yourself with fresh perspectives on Jewish and contemporary issues, for campus and for life. The event, hosted by Jewish Life at VCU, will be held at 1003 Grove Ave.

For more information, contact Cal Lawson at lawsonca@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://www.sinaischolars.com/index.html?task=affcities.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR is facilitating a SMART Goals and You workshop via Zoom. The course clarifies the function of SART goals, how to use them for performance and career development and includes practical application. The session is geared for those who want to learn more about SMART goals for themselves and/or their team or is in a position to educate others about SMART goals. Workshops are offered in January, February and March. Register for the Jan. 29 session by Tuesday, Jan. 27 in Talent@VCU at http://bit.ly/4m0vbbm

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

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 from 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 on Thursday, Jan. 29, and Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.); 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.

Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at noon

In this hands-on workshop hosted by LEDstudio, participants will learn how to use UDOIT, a Canvas-integrated tool, to identify and resolve common accessibility issues in their courses … one issue at a time. Bring one of your own courses to explore practical strategies for improving accessibility and enhancing the learning experience. 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/WViIyilhSWC9MehMxnlp2Q.

Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will present the SLSS Seminar Series featuring Jason Rohr, Ph.D., professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. A world leader in ecology and public health, Rohr was recently honored as an International Champion of the 2024 Frontiers Planet Prize and a 2025 Fellow of the Ecological Society of America for his work in sustainability science. Rhor will speak in Room 253, Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, 1000 W. Cary St. Questions: Contact slss@vcu.edu visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Joe Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562 or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will hold its spring 2026 Global Initiatives Master Class Series: International Student Success in the University Student Commons, Virginia Salons C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Fabiola Riobé, Ed.D., founder and CEO of Satis Sum Consulting, LLC, will present the workshop, "Institutional Preparedness: Are We Culturally Ready to Receive International Students?" Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/master-class-series/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Designed for graduate students, this workshop examines contemporary manifestations of antisemitism and the needs and experiences of Jewish people on college campuses and beyond. Participants will explore how antisemitism may emerge overtly or covertly, even in spaces that are seemingly dedicated to belonging and inclusion, and the challenges such dynamics pose for educators, learners and practitioners. Participants will also consider how their own ideas and understandings of Jews and Judaism may impact their perceptions of antisemitism and interactions with Jewish people. The session will include dedicated time for questions and group discussion. The workshop will be facilitated in collaboration with Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative and VCU's School of Social Work. The session will be in Room 3100, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sheri Rodman at sheri@hillelatvcu.org or (804) 213-2513 or visit https://hillel-heart.my.site.com/eventreg/s/flow/Engagement_Sign_In_URL_Launched_add_participant_flow_v2_1?EngagementId=a0oRP00000D5eyD&HillelName=Hillel_at_VCU&HillelId=0013u00001rsfBN.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at 2 p.m.

TEDxVCU will sponsor a guided walk through Hollywood Cemetery led by Amy Tudor, Ph.D., a VCU assistant professor and past TEDx Bloom speaker. The tour will take 45 minutes to an hour and is a short walk from campus. Meet at the James Cabell Library. Follow the TEDxVCU instagram for more information.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/adventures/.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Interested in entering the advertising and branding industry? Learn more about the master's program at VCU Brandcenter, which combines the best of portfolio schools with the best of academic programs. The center's in-person open house, 103 S. Jefferson St., allows prospective students to tour its spaces and classrooms, meet the world-class faculty and speak with current students about life at the Brandcenter and recent projects. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/open-house-feb-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Global Education Office has opened a call for proposals for the 2026-27 Global Impact Awards and a call for nominations for the Global Initiatives Leadership Awards. Information sessions will be held in person and virtually at 912 W. Grace St., Room 3124, on Feb. 9, 3-4 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10-11 a.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/global-impact-awards/.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

In order to manage today’s extremely challenging situations, we need to believe in ourselves so we can be at our best. This seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, will outline why confidence is so important and how to continue feeling strong and empowered. We will have an interactive, engaging conversation that will help you feel more confident both at work and at home. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3YMVR6v

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Interested in community-engaged research and building equitable partnerships? Join the Community Engagement Research Series to examine the role of funders in community-engaged research – from project design to partnership development. The next session, to be held via Zoom, will feature speakers Frannie Noble, Suzannah Stora and Ariana Bracalente. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBI298g_D1yH9kSCp9dXnwcq1zU54RPx3-xDXiox8421G2iw/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Considering a career in advertising, marketing or branding? Join Brandcenter admissions to learn about the center's application requirements, prerequisites and what to keep in mind when completing the application. Learn the qualities and skills that Brandcenter looks for in a successful applicant. A Q&A session will be included. Participants are welcome to come with specific questions about the application prompts or individual progress on the application. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/app-workshop-feb-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Office of the Provost-Faculty Affairs will host the 2026 Associate Professors Forum in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-B, 907 Floyd Ave. This session is designed for associate professors seeking to maximize their effectiveness in working toward promotion to full professor. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfniH0nZ5rNGYQjkWJ_r-UIuNRvITEpSMWcB5hJ-1pKclR0SQ/viewform.

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.

Due to the inclement weather, the VCU Globe Speaker Series lecture featuring Arturo Saavedra, Ph.D., scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a date later this semester.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053.

The annual Cary Street Crux top rope climbing event will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Cary Street Gym, 120 S. Linden St. Climbers may choose between beginner, intermediate or advanced categories. Prizes will be awarded to top three spots in each category. Advanced climbers will have the chance to climb the finals routes and compete for first place overall. A free T-shirt will be included with each registration before Saturday, Jan. 17. Questions: Email outdoors@vcu.edu or DM @vcuoap on Instagram.

For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=9d1d77d7-57b5-4fc8-936a-820d38b85f92.

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.

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/.

Are you a first-generation college student? Join the You First Peer Mentoring program. You'll develop your leadership skills, receive comprehensive training, help other first-generation college students navigate the college journey and become part of a supportive network of other peer mentors. Apply at https://bit.ly/2026mentorinfo by Monday, Feb. 9.

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

Ever wondered why the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world? This summer, you can experience it firsthand – in Italy. This study abroad course will focus on how food, culture and science come together to promote health and longevity. You’ll have the opportunity to visit local farms, olive groves, markets and/or wineries while learning how traditional Italian food practices sustain healthy living. Eat, explore, and learn your way through Italy while earning academic credit and lifelong memories. The application deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15.

For more information, contact Jill Reid at jdreid@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Study+Abroad+-+Sorrento+Italy+Summer+2025/1_bifdml9w.

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.