Student Issue for February 6, 2026
Today
Study Pathology in Italy Informational Session
11 a.m.
Study abroad in Italy this summer and still make it back for summer classes in Richmond. The College of Health Professions in collaboration with VCU School of the Arts and Department of History will offer a study abroad course entitled “Pathology in Renaissance Art.” Travel to the Italian cities of Florence and Rome to discover representations of pathology in renaissance art while living “la dolce vita,” the sweet life. Explore topics in art, pathology, observation and history relating to the Renaissance period in Italy. The Zoom link for the informational session is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83881774618
For more information, contact Cherish Parham, Ph.D., RT(R)(M) at cbparham@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11746.
Exploring Sustainability To Present 'Food Sovereignty and Indigenous Literatures'
12 p.m. 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/.
TEDxVCU Adventure Today: Tour Hollywood Cemetery
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/.
This week
'Brain Stew' Exhibition
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The VCUarts Photography + Film Undergraduate Exhibition Committee will present an exhibition of short films at the Seipel Gallery, Murry N. Depillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. The exhibition explores weird, dreamy surreal and abstract topics and will feature work by Coen March, Ruby Carmela, Kyle Rodrigue, Karina Achico, Katie Werner, Tommy Smith, Saige Richardson, Elizabeth Murphy, Poppy Snyder, Asher Love and Erica Leia. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 from 5–8 p.m. in the gallery. The exhibition will be on view from today, Wednesday, Feb. 4–Wednesday, Feb. 11.
For more information, contact Photo + Film Undergraduate Exhibitions Committee at pfexhibitions@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/brain-stew-exhibtion/.
VCUarts Cinema Summer Intensive Screening
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 6 p.m.
The VCUarts Cinema Program will host the screening of its 2025 Summer Intensive Films at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. The event celebrates the work of VCU's students and summer intensive faculty. Doors open at 6 p.m.; screening begins at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/summer-intensive-screening-2/.
Dodgeballs and Dragons: Old Blood
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.
Spring Art Market
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.
Coming up
Workshop: The Personal Statement
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 11 a.m.
The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Read examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones to develop 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/.
'Using Patient Samples to Understand Why Pancreatic Cancer Becomes Resistant to Treatment'
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a seminar via Zoom presented by Ph.D. student Nina Dashti-Gibson. The Wright Center's Discovery Dialogues Series is a regular event that bridges the divide between research, health care and the public. The events are open to all, and the research is presented in lay-friendly language. 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/n-SfsANkRFCLldbjLDPeuA.
Science Hub, VCU Writing Center and VCU Libraries To Present An Introduction to AI Workshop
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 3 p.m.
The Science Hub, VCU Writing Center and VCU Libraries will present An Introduction to AI Workshop in Room 201E, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. to learn how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. A discussion led by VCU Libraries will follow. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Beyond the Paycheck: Understanding Benefits Before Your First Job
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Your first job offer is exciting, but benefits can be confusing. Come to Beyond the Paycheck: Understanding Benefits in Your First Job Offer with Abby Benson, HR Generalist and Benefits Administrator at GRTC. Learn what benefits to look for, how to evaluate compensation beyond salary and what to ask before accepting an offer. The session will be held in Room B2165, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. The sponsor is Shamyra Hoggard-Wilkerson. Questions: Email vcu.shrm@gmail.com
For more information, contact Cooper Meidinger at meidingerca@vcu.edu.
Center for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning at VCU
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 9 a.m.
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 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. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1943531.
Profs + Pints: What's Behind Those Super Bowl Ads
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join a post-game analysis of the production of some of the nation’s most-watched commercials, with Alyson Gaiser, visiting professor of practice at VCU Brandcenter, group strategy director at AKQA, and a strategist on past Super Bowl ads. Tickets are $13.50 in advance, $17 at the door ($15 with student ID) plus processing fees. The event will be at Triple Crossing Fulton, 5203 Hatcher St.
For more information, contact Sarah Moore at mooresw4@vcu.edu or visit https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/richmond-bowl-ads.
School of Education: International Joint Research Symposium
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VCU's School of Education will host educators and students from around the world at the third annual International Joint Research Symposium – Innovation in Education: Preparing Educators for the Future in Global Contexts. The virtual event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 7–9 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 12 from 8–10 a.m. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/SnRG3onbRNWuscd5OSC4uw
For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9331 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/SnRG3onbRNWuscd5OSC4uw.
Interest Meeting for Humanity First Student Organization Medical Mission Trip to Antigua, Guatemala
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 at 7 p.m.
HFSO at VCU (HFSO@VCU) will host an interest meeting via Zoom for a medical mission trip neeting. This session will provide an overview of the grouip's upcoming medical mission trip during spring break (March 8–15). The discussion will include clinical roles, community engagement, fundraising expectations and travel logistics. Students interested in global health, service and hands-on clinical exposure are encouraged to attend. For more, contact the ogranization's GroupMe (https://groupme.com/join_group/105962028/YBHzEWcb), Instagram (@hfsovcu) or email (hfsovcu@gmail.com).
For more information, contact Akil Badvel at badvela@vcu.edu.
State of the University
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Join President Michael Rao, Ph.D., for the State of the University Address in the James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.
For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu.
Funding for Community Engaged Research
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.
Bicycle Repair Workshop: Fix-a-Flat
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fix-a-Flat is a class for every bicycle rider of any skill level. Come get your hands dirty, where everyone will get the experience of swapping out and patching a tube. Discover the difference between a flat caused by debris in the road and a flat caused by low air pressure. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Pf-LobARYwQQt_CMYfwlzjq_NgSeJZOzwsCLyw6FtZnR2Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
For more information, contact Taylor Welch at welchto@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://bikes.vcu.edu/events/.
From Poland With Love (and Detours) Magdalena Adamek Faculty Recital
Thursday, Feb. 12, 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 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/from-poland-with-love-and-detours-magdalena-adamek-faculty-recital/.
Enjoy a Cup of Kindness With the VCU Health Hub
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cup of Kindness is a two-hour, open-invitation program with a mindfulness and stress management activity, followed by warm beverages and social time. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
All-State Audition Workshop for Strings
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Virginia All-State Audition Workshop is for those who play violin, viola, cello, bass and harp. Guided by VCU string faculty, participants will hone their skills and build their confidence in preparation for the Virginia All-State audition. The event will be at the James W. Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. The fee is $60. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1166 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/all-state-audition-workshop-for-strings/.
You First To Host Presentation Summit
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You First will host a Presentation Summit in Room 1201, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. With learning opportunities geared toward your degree path, seasoned speakers will introduce you to specific tools you can use to level up for your next presentation and speaking engagement. You’ll be more prepared, confident and motivated to achieve your presentation goals. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/semss/rsvp_boot?id=1944330.
New Date, Same Big Opportunity: U.S. Cyber Command at VCU
Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come to Tech Talks at VCU, hosted by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Central Virginia Node (CVN) in collaboration with U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). Hear from leaders on real-world cybersecurity challenges, research and available partnership opportunities. The session will be in Room 1313, Engineering Research Building, 401 W. Main St., and virtual via Zoom. On-campus seating is limited. Register to reserve a spot at the following URL (VCU students, faculty and staff only).
For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5sRY5uN9PrZOvDFvd43dkYOMvNn6kHR8kHKMbSU9-spBpcA/viewform.
Notices
Study Abroad in Italy: Biology of the Mediterranean Diet
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.
VCU Libraries Series of Workshops of Cover Data, Design and Dissemination
The Workshop's Research Communication Series will encompass data alongside visual design and dissemination strategies. The workshops center around how data can be communicated engagingly to audiences in a rapidly changing world of informatics. Sessions will be Feb. 10-12 (Tuesday-Thursday) at noon via Zoom.
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.
Last Chance to Earn $500 While Making Friends and Doing Good
The Bridging Service Fellowship brings a small group of students together in a cohort experience that fosters belonging and connection across differences. Fellows build relationships, deepen dialogue and service skills and create shared impact on campus and in the broader community. Students who complete the eight-week program will receive a $500 stipend. The program will be co-facilitated by Hillel and the Pace Center and classes will meet on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. starting Wednesday, Feb. 11. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sheri Rodman at sheri@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/internships.
Graduate Research Symposium
The Graduate Research Symposium is accepting abstracts. Graduate students in all fields are welcome to network with other researchers, present your work to the VCU community, get professional development and receive a presentation of your research badge. Submit an abstract by Tuesday, March 10 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ronald Byamungu at ronaldb@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/graduate-research-symposium/.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
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.
An Exercise App for Young Black Women: Tell Me, What Would You Want?
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.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.