1 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center, GEO and ELP will host a workshop in Room 3127, 912 W. Grace St. Develop the necessary tools to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful and confident manner. 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 1 p.m.

The VCU Medical Center Health and Wellness Library will present the first talk in their Rare Disease Month Speaker Series: What Patients With Rare Diseases Need to Know. Join genetic counselor John Quillin, Ph.D., MPH, MS, via Zoom as he discusses how to navigate the health care landscape as a rare disease patient or family member of someone with a rare disease. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/16234123.

4 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Develop the tools necessary 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/.

4 p.m.

As Virginia solidifies its role as the nation’s political bellwether, the rules of the game are changing as fast as the players. Come for a chat with John C. Fortier, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an expert on election administration and the Electoral College. Following the historic turnout of the 2025 Virginia elections, we dive deep into the data: Is the Gen Z surge a temporary wave or a permanent realignment? From the logistics of no-excuse absentee voting to the philosophical debate over the Electoral College, Fortier will pull back the curtain on how the mechanics of our democracy are being tested by a new generation of voters. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Kelsey Jones at jonesk66@vcu.edu.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Brooke Newman, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of History, will examine the historical links between the British Crown and slavery from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Newman's work reveals how Crown involvement in slave trading and slavery evolved as the institution of the monarchy and the exercise of royal power transformed over the centuries. A book signing and reception will follow. The lecture will be in the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4ppsl1h.

7 p.m.

Brain Exercise Initiative is a student organization that brings together students and volunteers to play interactive memory games with seniors who have Alzheimer's disease by helping to boost their mood, strengthen their minds and prevent cognitive decline. The meeting will include discussions of research and leadership opportunities and conclude with a round of "Jeopardy!" The meeting will be in the Multipurpose Room (1303), Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu.

7 p.m.

Elizabeth Way, curator of costume and accessories at the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology, will give the 2026 Black History Lecture in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Way's recent exhibitions include Food & Fashion (2023) and Africa’s Fashion Diaspora (2024). She guest-curated “Ann Lowe: American Couturier” at Winterthur Museum Garden and Library (2023) and edited the books "Black Designers in American Fashion" (2021) and "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" (2023). The event is free and open to the public and will be held in person and streamed via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/bhm-2026.html.

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

Department of Political Science professor Jessica Trisko Darden, Ph.D., will host a Zoom session about a summer study abroad opportunity in the south of France to study women in global politics. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5165149487?omn=81592780595

For more information, contact Jessica Trisko Darden at triskodardj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11756.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at noon

The Graduate School will host a virtual informational session for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in learning more about the Center for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) at VCU. This network of 40-plus institutions across the nation is committed to preparing the next generation of faculty members. Participants in the program have the opportunity to earn a digital badge and participate in workshops and professional development to learn best practices of teaching and learning. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1943532.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will host a cross-disciplinary, interactive seminar series in Room 202, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. This week’s seminar will feature Cristina Stanciu, Ph.D., who will present “Food Sovereignty and Indigenous Literatures.”

For more information, contact Ron Lopez at lopezr5@vcu.edu or visit https://slss.vcu.edu/events/.

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, 103 S. Jefferson St., which combines the best of portfolio schools with the best of academic programs. The center's in-person open house 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.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

See a live D&D theatrical adventure as part of a graduate thesis. See live original shows that double as playable D&D one-shots every two weeks. This week’s show thrusts three brave adventures into the clutches of a tyrannical vampire lord. Can they free their world from this ancient malevolence? Only you can decide. Support or hinder the players by throwing dodgeballs to cast magical effects. Their fate is in your hands. Be the Hero. Be the monster. Be the dogeball. The event will be in Room 302, Shafer Street Playhouse, 221 N. Shafer St.

For more information, contact Teddy McPherson at mcphersont@vcu.edu or (414) 477-7921 or visit https://www.instagram.com/dodgeballsanddragons?igsh=MW12MWcwcG5udWppZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity will host its third annual Spring Art Market in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event highlights student and local businesses, VCU organizations, programs and initiatives by providing a platform to showcase merchandise, cultural goods and resources to the VCU community.

For more information, contact Randy Amomoy Soriano at amomoysorianr@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1944362.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.

As part of VCU Music’s Mary Anne Rennolds Chamber Concert Series, Grammy-winning orchestra Apollo’s Fire will perform in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall of the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Apollo’s Fire has performed sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, the BBC Proms, the Royal Theatre of Madrid, the Tanglewood Festival and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Email music@vcu.edu for more information. Tickets: Contact arts.vcu.edu/music-tickets

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at halene@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/mary-anne-rennolds-chamber-music-concert-series-apollos-fire-baroque-orchestra/.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

The Department of Craft/Material Studies will present a Visiting Artist Lecture by Lauren Kalman in the theater of the VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave. Kalman is a visual artist based in Detroit whose practice is rooted in contemporary craft, sculpture, video, photography and performance. Through performances using her body, her work investigates constructions of the ideal and the feminine and their impacts on self-image and identity, the politics of craft, and the built environment.

For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/lauren-kalman-visiting-artist-lecture/.

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 Monday, 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 (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/global-impact-awards/.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 3 p.m.

VCU Libraries opens Love Data Week (Monday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 13) with the official opening of the Data Visualization Wall in the lower level of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., near The Workshop. The wall, an innovative way to display and communicate data, includes high-resolution screens and an area for researchers to present their data. After a brief ceremony, enjoy hot chocolate or coffee. Love Data Week is an international celebration of information in all its forms.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/current/ribbon-cutting-for-new-vcu-libraries-data-visualization-wall-kicks-off-love-data-week-2026.html.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 at 1 p.m.

VCU Libraries' series on Research and AI continues. César Zamudio, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing and adjunct professor in creative brand management at the VCU Brandcenter, will discuss how generative AI is used to develop advertisements and the business, marketing and ethical implications of synthetic ads. The session will be in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at https://vcu.libcal.com/calendar/workshops/AI2026February

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/ai-in-research.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and the Humanities Research Center for a book discussion with Jess Goldberg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of American Literature at New Mexico Highlands University, and author of "Abolition Time." The discussion will be in Room 110, STEM Building, , 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eli Coston at ecoston@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/JDkNnXB4Zkwv3DgC6.

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 7 p.m. to 8 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, Feb. 13, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During this in-person event, participants will learn techniques to craft a concise and compelling research pitch that can be used in any professional setting, from conferences to job interviews. The session will be in Room 205, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., and will include hands-on activities to develop and practice your pitch. It will be lead by Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller. The Writing Center will be available for consultations from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942945.

Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the Pauley Heart Center in celebrating Heart Health Month at the East End Heart Health Fair at VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Enjoy free screenings, actifities, lunch and giveways.

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

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Learn how a degree at VCU Gerontology can prepare you for critical work within disability and aging services – we are pushing the needle on age and ability inclusion. Graduates will be prepared to advance the movement for age and ability inclusivity by demonstrating a holistic understanding of adult development and elderhood from a biological, psychological, social and spiritual perspective. Register for the virtual session at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-SHf5uGgQdaaoWoFyrXGiw#/registration

For more information, contact Kim Ivey at ksivey@vcu.edu or visit https://gerontology.chp.vcu.edu/programs/information-sessions/.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the Division of Community Engagement for an evening of networking, collaboration and connection. The goalof the event is to bring together members of the VCU community and Richmond partners in a relaxed setting to strengthen relationships and spark new ideas. The event will be at Casa Del Barco – Canal Walk, 320 S. 12th St.

For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcudce/detail/160/1771540200000.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Join the VCU History Department for the Lyons Lecture in Judaic Studies and hear from Rabbi Shai Held, president and dean at the Hadar Institute. The conversation, to be at the Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., will center around why the widespread perception that God vengeful is mistaken. A reception with refreshments will follow the lecture. Registration is required: Register at https://forms.gle/Wm2HcyEsG7gW6ovP9 The event will be sponsored by the Lyons Chair in Judaic Studies.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/the-lyons-lecture-in-judaic-studies-presents-the-god-of-judaism-is-a-god-of-love.html.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation will present Feedback Friday at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Your voice can help shape the future of student entrepreneurship at this dynamic roundtable. Bring your curiosity, questions and your vote for the people’s choice award. From ready-to-buy items to concepts in need of refinement, SHIFT is where ideas evolve with real-world feedback. Sessions are open to all. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=31b02a71-21c6-452f-a799-10fa3ebe4353.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host a mini-conference in Richmond Salons III and IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This event is designed to help students explore what it means to be a global leader and learn the academic, professional and personal benefits of cultural agility practices. RSVP at the following URL. Participants do not need to attend all sessions if their schedule does not allow it. Presentations will be at 9 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Lunch will be served during the 12:30 p.m. presentation. Register at RamsConnect or the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943781.

Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 8 for the Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Supervisors and Managers Boot Camp. This five-day course is an interactive sequence of topics, tips and tools focused on developing leadership skills while increasing knowledge and confidence in solving some of the challenges that come with supervising others. The course will be taught at Westover at Maymont, 1000 Westover Road. Questions: Visit http://www.gehli.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/supervisors-and-managers-bootcamp-smb/.

Rams Write is a 14-day writing challenge (March 2–15). It is a VCU-exclusive NCFDD (National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity) writing sprint, offering faculty an opportunity to take time each day to re-set and experiment with their writing habits. Write for 30 minutes each day, connect with other VCU faculty and benefit from encouragement by others. Use the time for any of your writing – draft grants, develop research ideas, work on manuscripts or other projects. Register by Sunday, Feb. 22 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://members.ncfdd.org/sessions/mar2026vcu14daychallenge.

In Foundations of Instructional Design, you’ll learn major frameworks like backward design and AGILE, how to assess a learner’s needs and craft curriculum. The class will be held from Monday, Feb. 9-Sunday, March 15. VCU alumni/staff/faculty discounts are available. Register at https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=26-LW-006

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/what-we-offer/interest/special-topics/instructional-design/.

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 and two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your 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.