11 a.m.

Join Red Cross for tabling events on today, Jan. 30, and Feb. 2 (Monday) and Feb. 4 (Wednesday) at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Red Cross will hold its first blood drive of the semester on Feb. 5 (Thursday). Volunteers and donors are sought for the event. Sign up at instagram @redcrossatvcu

For more information, contact Aashka Patel at redcrossatvcu@gmail.com.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Research Fridays event via Zoom with Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at VCU. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z3xF8dCHQhCFGrvAWkRcBw.

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) will host a time to gather in community around the questions, "How did you find out about what happened?" And, "How are you feeling?" If the event is held in-person, light refreshments will be served. If Pace is inaccessible Friday due to icy conditions, the event will be hosted online. Questions? Email the Rev. Russ Kerr at community@thepacecenter.com

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Help Alpha Phi Omega end its SpongeBob SquarePants–themed rush with a bang. Join the organization for a movie night with snacks to wrap up a week of leadership, friendship and service. The address is available by contacting the following telephone number or the following Instagram address.

For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161.

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? You're invited to attend the group's induction ceremony. Pledges have opportunity to attend various service events, socials and retreats within the brotherhood. Upon successful completion of all requirements, pledges are initiated brothers of APO. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, dressed in business causal attire. The event will be in Room 203, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.

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

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/.

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

Join the Humanities Research Center for a Meet VCU Authors talk via Zoom with David Coogan, Liz Canfield and Becca Ringle, co-authors of "The Cambridge Companion to American Prison Writing and Mass Incarceration." Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pO9eHSguRbGJCgwOHsFZxA.

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

Create your own focaccia masterpiece with Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. Enjoy delicious treats and discover the meaning of the Jewish New Year for the Trees. Tu BiShvat is a Jewish holiday on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat.

For more information, contact Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@jewishvcu.org or (804) 404-3637.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Study ceramics abroad in Florence, Italy, May 19-June 20 with Craft/Material Studies, School of the Arts. An in-person informational session for ceramic study abroad will be held from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 in Room 231 of the Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St. An online informational session will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82736815884 The program is a deep immersion into Tuscan life and ceramics. You won't just study in the studio; you’ll spend a month being an active part of the city, discovering something new around every corner. The program blends dedicated ceramics practice with a cultural exploration of Florence. 6 CRAF 391 credits, open to all VCU students, no previous experience necessary. Apply by Monday, Feb. 16 at the following URL. Questions: Contact Elissa Armstrong at the following email address or Julia Wells, Global Education Office, at wellsj7@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Elissa Armstrong at ecarmstrong@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11760.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Join the McNair Scholars Team for a virtual informational session to learn more about what the McNair Scholars Program is and benefits of being a McNair Scholar at VCU. Register for the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/kgT4GC5NQMKuJ0smU39ZRQ

For more information, contact Shay Lumpkin at lumpkinm@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8832 or visit https://trio.vcu.edu/mcnair-scholars-program/.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 10 a.m.

VCU's Sculpture + Extended Media department will present a lecture by Em Rooney at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Rooney’s multimedia practice is anchored in a study of film, photography and ephemeral materials. In the artist’s earlier work, analog methods of photography were paired with sculptural framing devices while maintaining a conceptual link to film: costume design, filmic ephemera and the portrayal of women onscreen.

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

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Have you ever made a mistake at work and not known what to do? Join the VCU Libraries’ Collections Care Team for a behind-the-scenes look at where Collections Care Technician Interns practice a hands-on approach when learning book repair techniques for VCU Libraries. In this session, the discussion will involve how to consider mistakes as learning opportunities to develop critical thinking, confidence and achieve greater success. Success means asking questions, sharing ideas, discussing what went well and what did not, figuring out individual learning styles and supporting one another through this process. The session will be in Room 231, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

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

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at 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.

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.

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.

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.

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's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) will host a Mosaic Celebration, a gathering that honors all graduating students. OMSA invites graduates and their families for the free celebration on Wednesday, May 6 or Friday, May 8 in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register by noon on Wednesday, March 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/agoNWjsMrqYW2pJ29.

This is an open call for all faculty/staff/students interested in reading for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. The award honors a debut novel written during the preceding calendar year. Your help is needed to read and review submissions. Get your hands on new and exciting work and contribute your voice to the judging process. Reviews are submitted via Google Survey. The final deadline for submitting reviews is Sunday, March 15. Questions: Email cabellfn@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Hana Rehman at cabellfn@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.

Are you struggling to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients? Enroll in VCU Continuing and Professional Education’s Spanish for Medical Professionals course, an asynchronous, online Spanish offering designed specifically for those in health care. Whether you’re new to Spanish or looking for a refresher, you’ll gain practical language skills to improve communication with patients and their families. Class begins Monday, Feb. 2. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Coates at coateske@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=26-SS-192.

Ready to take the next step toward a career in the legal field? Enroll in Continuing and Professional Education’s Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Class begins Thursday, Feb. 5. VCU alumni, staff and faculty discounts are available. More information available at https://ocpe.vcu.edu/what-we-offer/interest/paralegal/

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

Clinical Trials Access Initiative is recruiting new board members for the upcoming term. Motivated students are needed to serve as co-chairs for Special Programs, Fundraising and Outreach. This is a leadership role with impact in clinical trial access and community engagement. Apply by Sunday, Feb. 1 at the following URL.

For more information, contact CTAI at VCU at ctaiatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTKABQGDU1YnHB8p4Fkzo0WCyrq1u4RicS3MIYS9JIntdO1Q/viewform.

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.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/sign-up.html.