Student Issue for January 14, 2026
Today
Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
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/.
Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub
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.
VCU Women's Basketball vs Rhode Island
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.
This week
Spring SOVO Fair
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.
Facts and Faith Fridays – Protecting Our Health Together: HPV and Cervical Cancer
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/.
Coming up
Virtual Informational Session for Graduate Programs in Health Administration
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.
Job Search Strategies: Tailoring Job Application Materials to Stand Out
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.
Welcome Reception for Indigenous Elder in Residence
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.
Third Annual Sankofa Pinning Ceremony
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.
VCU Globe Speaker Series To Feature Interim Provost Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
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.
Research Administration Back to School (RABTS) Spring Meeting
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/.
Notices
Spring 2026 Add/Drop Deadline Update
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/.
Email Delivery Ending to Former @mymail.vcu.edu Email Addresses
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.
VCU Band: Come Play With Us
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.
RecWell Aquatics Adult Intermediate Swim Classes
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.
RecWell Aquatics Children’s Swim Lessons Session 1
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.
Less Than One Month Left to Apply for VCU Massey's 2026 Summer Internships
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/.
Be an Orientation Leader This Summer
VCU's Office of Orientation and Transition Programs is hiring Orientation Leaders. This is a paid position with additional benefits including competitive pay, on-campus summer housing available, meals during orientation sessions and transferable leadership skills for your résumé. The priority deadline is Sunday, Feb. 1. Apply at the following URL. Questions: Contact newrams@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Andy Riddler at riddlerap@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/7HDKZRPe9SYzHmya8.
Virginia Recovery Scholars Program Application Link
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.
Alpha Phi Omega Rush
Alpha Phi Omega is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Alpha Phi Omega will have six SpongeBob SquarePants-themed events over two weeks Thursday, Jan. 20 through Friday, Jan. 30. Questions: Follow the group's Instagram @apo_adi (linked website) and join the GroupMe linked in the bio.
For more information, contact Emerson Hernandez-Barahona at hernandezbea@vcu.edu or (703) 581-8161 or visit https://www.instagram.com/apo_adi/.
Mindful Mornings: Connect With Nature and Art at the ICA
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/.
MLK Week 2026 at VCU | A Week of Action, Reflection and Community
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.
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.
Don’t Let Your 'Some Day' Turn Into Never'
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/.
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.