1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Do you have a question about setting up your Top Hat course(s) for Spring? Join one of Top Hat’s drop-in virtual Office Hour sessions. Each session will run for 90 minutes – join at any time. Participants will be admitted one-by-one to ask questions individually. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Instructional Computing Services at tophat@vcu.edu or visit https://tophat.zoom.us/meeting/register/0-mjeK18QYyLxxGjiE5qmA.

11 a.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/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Looking for a group that offers participants the space to connect with others, nature and improve your health? Look no further. The Health Hub will host Wednesday Walks in Church Hill, which will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Each walk will highlight different parts of the neighborhood.

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

6 p.m.

Cheer for the VCU Women's Basketball team as they play the University of Rhode Island 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/WB25/WB07.

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Explore and connect with student organizations at the Spring Student Organization and Volunteer Opportunities (SOVO) Fair on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942998.

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present a session exploring the connection between HPV and cervical cancer and how prevention can save lives. The discussion will include current recommendations, common misconceptions and practical steps every person can take. This conversation-centered session is designed to build knowledge, reduce stigma and support healthier communities. Register for the Zoom link at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact Rev. Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at noon

Join the Department of Health Administration to learn about graduate programs in health administration (MHA and MSHA) during a virtual informational session. RSVP to the following URL to receive the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/oooKzdjSDqDxrrYh7.

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

This workshop, part of the Graduate School's Lunch and Learn series, will help graduate students learn how to tailor résumés, cover letters and other application materials to specific jobs and employers. Whether you’re applying in academia, industry or beyond, this session will help you craft compelling documents that make a strong first impression. This session will be facilitated by Megan Hollis from Career Services. 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/r1942866.

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at noon

Get up and running with Lucid in Canvas in just one hour in this workshop hosted by LEDstudio. From sign-in to grading, you’ll master navigation, choose between Lucidspark and Lucidchart, create a collaborative activity, build a Canvas assignment and copy it forward for next term. Using Lucid, students can co-create in real time, visualize complex concepts and engage in ways that enhance learning. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/fknf4xTrT-Wk_BV3FdEyYQ#/registration.

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The panel will explore the role that activists, nonprofits and community organizations have played and continue to play in shaping and sustaining the queer community. Chris Svoboda of Side by Side and Shannon McKay of He She Ze and We will be featured, along with moderator Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia. The event will be at VCU College of Health Professions, 900 E. Leigh St.

For more information, contact Josh Leidy, director, Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy, at leidyjw@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the features and functionality of Canvas. Register at: training.vcu.edu. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=84343668877

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the VCU history department to welcome the Human Resources Center's new Indigenous Elder in Residence, Robert Gray, chief of the Pamunkey Indian tribe from 2015 through 2024. The program brings Indigenous elders to campus each spring semester to foster cultural, academic, social and spiritual support for students and the broader campus community. The event will be in Shafer Dining Hall, Compass Room, 810 Cathedral Place. Space is limited. Register at the following URL. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/indigenous-elder-in-residence-welcome-reception.html.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the features and functionality of Canvas. Register at: training.vcu.edu. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82667415584

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join VCU Alumni and the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle for the Third Annual Sankofa Pinning Ceremony in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. The evening will feature a formal pinning ceremony and a networking reception catered by Family Secrets with music provided by DJ Smook. Open to VCU students, staff, faculty and alumni, this celebration brings together the VCU community to honor mentorship, achievement and the spirit of Sankofa, looking back to move forward together.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity/events/2026-sankofa-pinning-ceremony.

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 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Global Education Office for its third Globe Speakers Series. This series features professionals who bring a global perspective. Each event includes a talk followed by a Q&A. This event's speaker will be Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, dean of the School of Medicine and interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Lunch will be served. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at https://bit.ly/JoinVCUGlobe VCU GEO will raffle off two $500 study abroad vouchers for those who attend who check in and are registered for VCU Globe. The event is open to all VCU students.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943008.

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/.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Office of Research and Innovation and Grants & Contracts Accounting will hold its spring RABTS meeting via Zoom to disseminate timely information related to research administration and compliance. Learn more: https://research.vcu.edu/training/sponsored-programs Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

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.

The last day to add or drop courses for the spring 2026 semester has been moved to Friday, Jan. 16 to better support student advising. This change applies to the spring 2026 semester only.

For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu or visit https://registrar.vcu.edu/.

On Jan. 30, 2026, delivery of emails addressed to former @mymail.vcu.edu addresses will end. Accounts affected have been notified directly. Learn more at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/kb/mymail.

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.

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.

VCU RecWell offers children’s swim lessons for ages 6 months to 6 years taught by certified water safety instructors under the American Red Cross program. The lessons focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Classes will be held Saturday mornings from Feb. 7-28. Register by Feb. 6 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.

Massey’s 2026 Summer Cancer Research Internship applications are open. Pathway programs are available for high school, undergraduate, medical and pre/postdoctoral trainees interested in areas of cancer research, scientific writing and clinical trial operations. Applications close in less than one month, on Friday, Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. (Medical student applications close Friday, Jan. 16). Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/education-and-training/.

Starting with the first pay period in January, the value of group life insurance (provided to all eligible employees) will be included in each of your 24 pays throughout the year (instead of the whole amount appearing once at the end of the year, as has been done to date). This adjustment helps employees avoid potential tax liability at the end of the year, as taxes will be spread more evenly across all paychecks.

For more information, contact VCU Payroll Services at payroll@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0740.

Did you know Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location (800 W. Broad St.)? You can review wellness concerns with a nurse, get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional), and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule your appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Applications are being accepted for the Virginia Collegiate Recovery Scholars Program from students who may benefit from recovery-focused community and support. Students who apply must be in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use and must be enrolled in a two- or four-year not-for-profit college or university. Participants attend weekly, peer-led recovery seminars that foster belonging and support both recovery and academic success, and they receive a $500 scholarship per semester once meeting program requirements. Spring seminars begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. After applying, students are connected with a Rams in Recovery staff member who helps them choose from 10-plus weekly seminar options. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren de Treville Powell, Ed. D., at detrevillelj@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0e51b7704f4848ff90b66acaf18aa9ba.

Mindful Mornings is a free monthly series that pairs mindfulness practices with the Markel Center’s architecture, landscape and exhibitions. Guided by designer and mindfulness practitioner Thurmond Alford Jr. and Michael Lease, Institute for Contemporary Art Director of Facilities + Experience Design, the series explores the link between nature, art and individual well-being. Programs begin Saturday, Jan. 24 with the session Write This Way to Calm. Other scheduled programs include Feb 28, Sonic Meditation; March 28: Beyond Looking; April 25: Art by Chance and May 16: Field Trip to Glenstone. All programs are held on Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. Questions: Visit ttps://icavcu.org/calendar/

For more information, contact Michael Lease at leasemk@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/.

VCU will observe MLK Week 2026 Jan. 19-23, featuring a week of service projects, community events and lectures that honor the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The week will culminate in the MLK Week Keynote Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Register and see the full schedule at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alliannah Hamilton at hamiltonae@vcu.edu or visit http://mlkday.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 after beginning the program. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey if you may be eligible.

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