12 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host virtual informational sessions for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in Mass Communications with concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership. The school also offers a Certificate in Media and Leadership. Informational sessions will be held today, Monday, Jan. 12 from noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., is a an inclusive, multicultural VCU community and ministry of the United Methodist Church. The center will host "Pace 101 – Learn About Pace." There are many ways to become involved in the life of Pace. Learn about them at this informational session. Snacks will be provided,

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

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participate in this virtual session to learn more about the nation’s No. 1 graduate program in advertising and branding. The discussion will include Brandcenters four concentrations — Art Direction, Copywriting, Creative Brand Management and Strategy — the admissions process and what life is like as a Brandcenter student. Brandcenter Associate Director Ashley Sommardahl will share advertising industry insights and results from the most recent alumni salary survey. Register in advance for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-jan-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated. TimelyCare offers VCU employees free 24/7 virtual care, coaching and support that fits – anytime, anywhere. Join VCU HR and TimelyCare for this virtual session to learn more about how helpful TimelyCare can be. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4shovdB

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Free kidney health screening event with simple tests and education. Learn about kidney health and connect with resources to support your well-being. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, and will be hosted by VCU Health's Kidney Awareness Risk Screening and Education.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 from 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

In this application workshop via Zoom, participants will practice creating or updating their career development plan using the career pathing tool with guidance from a VCU HR facilitator. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the intersection between a career path and a career development plan, practice using a career path framework to create or update an individualized career development plan and leverage the facilitator as a resource. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d4c781f4d-6860-4dcf-b073-78b558811cd0.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at noon

SSI Biorepository Director Jennifer Sayne, Ph.D., will present on "SSI Biorepository: Services and Capabilities." Sayne received her doctoral degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Her areas of expertise and interest include biorepository design, implementation and improvement as well as cancer genetic and epigenetic modifications. The seminar will be in the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 7-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at https://bit.ly/4od1GEg

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to study abroad? Join Nicole Corley, Ph.D., to learn more about a study abroad opportunity to Ghana, West Africa in Summer 2026. Scholarship opportunities are available, including a $2,000 study abroad scholarship from the School of Social Work. Sessions will be virtual and in person in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 3100, 901 Park Ave. Register for the informational session and see the full schedule at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Corley at ncorley@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2Yztd2f5TFLrHizz8.

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join VCU Global Education Office, the Student Financial Management Center and the National Scholarship Office for this virtual informational session about how to fund your education abroad experience. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83191979627

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1943375.

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 studentogrs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942998.

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.

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.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 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: 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 Thursday, Jan. 22; Thursday, Jan. 29 and Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. (Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.); Jan. 22 and Feb. 3 at 7 p.m (online). Questions? Contact Youngmi Kim at ykim@vcu.edu or Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu. Learn more and apply at https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11759

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, Jan. 27, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

VCU HR will host Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, a five-part series designed to strengthen communication skills and confidence ahead of performance review season. This interactive workshop will help participants navigate tough conversations with clarity and respect. The series will be delivered virtually via Zoom Tuesday, Jan. 27 through Tuesday, Feb. 10. The course cost is $300, which can be covered by your department with approval from your manager. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeremy Bost at jbost2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253dfe074423-2b11-46ae-9b53-f34df1d83589.

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.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 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 visit https://global.vcu.edu/master-class-series/.

FERPA affords students the rights to inspect and review educational records, request that records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading be corrected, provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

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.

The annual Cary Street Crux top rope climbing event will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Cary Street Gym, 120 S. Linden St. Climbers may choose between beginner, intermediate or advanced categories. Prizes will be awarded to top three spots in each category. Advanced climbers will have the chance to climb the finals routes and compete for first place overall. A free T-shirt will be included with each registration before Saturday, Jan. 17. Questions: Email outdoors@vcu.edu or DM @vcuoap on Instagram.

For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=9d1d77d7-57b5-4fc8-936a-820d38b85f92.

Participants will work in a small group with a certified personal trainer to learn the foundational methods of resistance training and workout design. Starting with basic movements, the class will progress to more advanced exercise. Each week, participants will learn about new equipment and exercises to increase confidence in the weight room using strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build skill and knowledge of proper technique and progressions. Sessions run Monday, Jan. 26, through Wednesday, March 4, M/W 4:30-5:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

VCU's Global Education Office has a call for proposals for the Global Impact Awards that will fund proposals from VCU academic units to develop partnership collaborations with institutions abroad or new global learning programs. At least 10 awards of up to $5,000 will be made. Submit a completed proposal by Monday, March 16, 2026 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jill Blondin at jblondin@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/global-impact-awards/.

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.

Join Vox Concordia and find great music, friendships and fulfillment. Open to sopranos and altos of all majors. Auditions by appointment Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 12-13.

For more information, contact Lisa Fusco at fuscolc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/ensembles-auditions/.

Discover how learning theory, strategy and creativity come together to design effective learning experiences. In VCU’s Foundations of Instructional Design Program, participants will explore key frameworks such as backward design and AGILE, learn to assess learner needs, build curriculum and manage learning projects from start to finish. Class begins Monday, Feb. 9. VCU alumni, staff and faculty discounts available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at baxterl@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/wconnect/coursestatus.awp3?course=26-LW-006.

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for notifying the university community that it does not release nonpublic information about VCU students. This information is used and shared in a limited and carefully controlled manner. It is not disclosed, except as permitted by law, unless authorized by the student.

For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

The updated policy Delegation of Signatory Authority is now open for public comment from Jan. 12, 2026-Jan. 23, 2026. Review the policy and share your feedback at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DE4EBE3B5B77DF7ED25B8B834AAC7D.

VCU's new AI policy "Acceptable Use of Generative AI Technology" was officially approved on Nov. 12, 2025. This policy aims to ensure that VCU uses GenAI tools ethically, securely and in alignment with the institution's mission to promote real-world learning, innovative research and community engagement. Technology Services encourages all members of the VCU community to review the policy carefully and consider its impacts on your use of Generative AI. Questions: Contact emergingtech@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Peyton Burgess, Ph.D., at emergingtech@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DE25FC31398F5D486E7414FA311446.

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.