11 a.m.

Join Red Cross for tabling events today, Feb. 2 (Monday) and Feb. 4 (Wednesday) at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The 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.

In this hands-on workshop hosted by LEDstudio, participants will learn how to use UDOIT, a Canvas-integrated tool, to identify and resolve common accessibility issues in their courses … one issue at a time. Bring one of your own courses to explore practical strategies for improving accessibility and enhancing the learning experience. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/WViIyilhSWC9MehMxnlp2Q.

12 p.m. 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.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Science Hub will present a series of Study Buddy Socials starting today, Monday, Feb. 2 through Wednesday Feb. 11, in Room 201E, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Are you interested in meeting students in your class? Curious about forming a study group but don't know where to start? Kick off the semester by connecting with your peers, learning study skills and forming a study group in your STEM courses. Register to attend and for the full Study Buddy Social schedule at https://forms.gle/yZBujPagfR7hqHMKA

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or (571) 223-9390 or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

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.

8 a.m.

Career Services will host a mock admissions program for eligible pre-professional health juniors, seniors, graduate students and alumni. Participants will complete and receive feedback on a mock application and admissions-style mock interview intended to simulate the holistic review admissions process that professional health programs utilize. Early-access appointment scheduling begins today, Monday, Feb. 2 for students with a Pre-Profesional minor. All other eligible students and alumni can schedule an AYGY appointment on Friday, Feb. 13. All information about AYGY can be found in the Career Services' Pre-Professional Health Hub in Canvas.

For more information, contact Cody Rogalski at rogalskict@vcu.edu or visit https://virginiacommonwealth.instructure.com/enroll/YNNNJ7.

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

This workshop, hosted by VCU's Graduate School's Office of Professional Development, tackles the crucial skill of visual communication, teaching you how to transform raw research data into clear, persuasive and aesthetically pleasing slides. Learn how to craft slides that not only support your spoken delivery but actively enhance the audience's understanding and retention of your core findings. 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/r1942894.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Register for the VCU School of Social Work’s summer study abroad program in South Korea, May 26–June 6 (SLWK 391 and SLWK 770: Korea in Transition, 3 credits). Open to students of all majors, with a $2,000 scholarship available. Students will experience an immersive journey exploring Korean society, culture and emerging social issues through on-site visits, lectures and hands-on learning. Informational sessions will be on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100); and Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m (online). Learn more and apply: https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759. Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D. (Social Work; ykim@vcu.edu) or Alex Heyden (GEO; levya@vcu.edu)

For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759.

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/.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

YouFirst and the VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Build confidence in your writing by identifying and overcoming the impostor phenomenon. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

VCU faculty and staff are invited to attend a virtual informational session about Capstone Partnership with a School of Education Ed.D. team. The discussion will include the selection and matching process and take questions about what a Capstone partnership typically looks like over the course of the academic year. Complete this RSVP form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo8D-kw7yMI5H1oJm_a3GYRKzR-DeE1qOt11Yws1wXiQwtNQ/viewform The Zoom link for the informational session is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82289955797?jst=2

For more information, contact Kim Bridges at bridgeskm@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/leadership/leadership-edd/capstone-partnerships/.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 6 p.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/.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rollator Repair Clinic at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 15th St., Suite A. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.

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

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present a workshop via Zoom. Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn to map your research writing in a cohesive and manageable step-by-step process. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at 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/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from noon 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.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Take a deep dive into the data in the wake of the historic turnout of the 2025 Virginia elections: Is the Gen Z surge a temporary wave or a permanent realignment? Join the College of Humanities and Sciences and VCU Votes for a chat with John C. Fortier, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and one of the country’s foremost experts on election administration and the Electoral College. The event will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/250-celebration/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at 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/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 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.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at 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/.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a virtual Meet VCU Authors talk with Olivia Landry, Chair of the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and author of "Cinema of Crushing Motherhood." Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G3Ls-pkLTCesDgv_4SnMhA.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Financial Success Center for a student focus group and share your financial experiences. Help improve student support and earn a Visa gift card ($25) for participating. The session will be in Room B1128, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=c323460c-8f08-4ff7-88c7-12af16ab663e&utm_source=telegram.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid education? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at our informational session. Questions: Visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/portal/soeinfosessions Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina L. Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or (571) 294-4115 or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/RTRFeb11th.

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 please visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu.

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 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Considering a career in advertising, marketing or branding? Join Brandcenter admissions to learn about the center's application requirements, prerequisites and what to keep in mind when completing the application. Learn the qualities and skills that Brandcenter looks for in a successful applicant. A Q&A session will be included. Participants are welcome to come with specific questions about the application prompts or individual progress on the application. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brancenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/app-workshop-feb-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Curious about service-learning? Join this informational session to learn how service-learning enhances student learning through real-world experience, supports faculty with high-impact teaching and community partnerships and creates meaningful, reciprocal service that benefits the community. Participants will explore available resources, course options and designations and easy ways to become involved in service-learning and experiential education across the institution. Sessions will take place throughout the semester. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fnkgEiYh4zbDvcYz6.

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.

Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It's never too late to learn how to ride a bike. RamBikes, 1106 W. Broad St., will help you with all the fundamentals: kicking off, getting your balance, pedaling, stopping and everything in between. We can provide bikes or you can bring your own. Register at https://tinyurl.com/rambikesreg

For more information, contact Taylor Welch at welchto@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://bikes.vcu.edu/events/.

Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Graduate School, in collaboration with the Graduate Students Association, will present the Graduate Research Symposium in the Commonwealth Ballrooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This is a chance for all graduate students to share their research with the VCU community and stand a chance to win big prizes. Submit an abstract by Tuesday, March 10 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Byamungu at ronaldb@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey1DT1jGuAZEGXdnncAvU4MaavggUvtiKSder_7Mjt4LsuxQ/viewform?pli=1&fbzx=2156570649613814466.

Adult beginner lessons are designed for older teens and adults to build fundamental swimming and water safety skills. Participants should be comfortable in the water and will learn basic swimming and water safety skills including floating, breath control, and basic movement. Session 1 runs March 16-April 9. Classes are offered Mon/Wed 7-7:55 a.m. or Tue/Thur 6-6:55 p.m. Register by March 13 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

VCU has a career fair coming up on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Learn more about how to register, questions to ask employers, or update your résumé. Stop by the VCU Career Services Office in the University Student Commons, Room 143, 907 Floyd Ave. During drop-in hours. A Peer Career Adviser will be available to answer questions (no appointment needed) weekly Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/about/contact-us/.

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.

Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored to participants' goals. RecWell’s certified water safety instructors work with participants to identify goals and provide feedback and encouragement toward improvement throughout the lessons. Apply at the following URL by Sunday, March 1.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/private-and-semi-private-swim-lessons/.

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/.

Applications are being accepted for the VCU McNair Scholars Program. Interested students are encouraged to apply before Thursday, Feb. 26 for priority consideration. The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare first-generation and low-income students for the graduate school process. The program primarily focuses on Ph.D. degree programs, however, the program also works with students who plan to pursue a dual degrees. Questions: Contact mcnairscholar@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Shay Lumpkin at lumpkinm@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8832 or visit https://forms.gle/YGvmLxaGw55xfuod6.

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 today, 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.

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/.

Students now have extra time for a chance at a $1,000 prize. VCU Libraries' Jurgen Comics Contest asks artists to create the cover for an imagined comic book about a real-life incident of art censorship or suppression. The deadline for entries is now Monday, Feb. 9.  The deadline was extended after schedules were in flux due to wintery weather.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://jamesbranchcabell.library.vcu.edu/cabell-at-vcu/jurgen-comics-contest/.

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 www.RedefiningBMI.com 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.

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.