Student Issue for January 8, 2026
Coming up
Bright Spots and Success Stories: Learning From Communities That Are Preventing Opioid Deaths
Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a Discovery Dialogues seminar via Zoom featuring Jacqueline Britz, M.D., assistant professor, Family Medicine and Population Health. Discovery Dialogues Series is a regular event that bridges the divide between research, health care and the public. The events are open to all and the research is presented in lay-friendly language. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/ksb0TH04Q76lgM3lKtjwQw
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or (804) 714-7551 or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.
Where Brandcenter Takes You – Advertising Industry Insights and Alumni Salary Data
Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 from 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.
Study Abroad to Ghana Summer 2026 Informational Session
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.
MLK Service Event
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In honor of MLK Day, the Graduate School is collaborating with Second Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Fifth St., to serve meals to community members experiencing homelessness. VCU faculty, staff and students are invited to come out and volunteer at this event as part of the university's campus-wide MLK activities. Volunteers will welcome guests, serve meals and hand out warm winter items. Volunteers may also bring donations of gently used and new coats, hats, and scarves. Register to volunteer at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942730
For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://mlkday.vcu.edu/.
Pizza and Politics: Legacy of Black Women’s Civic Engagement in the U.S.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites you to Pizza and Politics: The Legacy of Black Women’s Civic Engagement in the United States. Held during the annual MLK Jr. Week, this event will be a collaborative and discussion-based workshop on the history of Black women in American politics, the future of their involvement and insights into getting more young Black women into civic spaces. After hearing from some young leaders in the VCU community, the grouip will engage in a panel discussion with Councilwoman Nicole Jones, former Councilwoman Michelle Mosby and current President of the Richmond National Council of Negro Women, Tyee Mallory. Pizza and refreshments will be provided for those who sign up at the following email address. The meeting will be held James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave.
For more information, contact Tani Washington at washingtot8@vcu.edu.
34th Annual WISDM Leadership Conference
Friday, Apr. 24, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine (WISDM) Faculty Organization will host an afternoon of networking and professional development through enhancement of leadership skills. The conference theme is "Time to Lead: Reclaiming Your Path in Health Care and Science." The event will be held at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Registration will begin at the end of February 2026.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://medschool.vcu.edu/about/deans-office/faculty-affairs/women-in-medicine#d.en.629085.
Notices
New Podcast: Voices in Pharmacy Innovation With Dave Dixon, Pharm.D.
Voices in Pharmacy Innovation is a monthly educational podcast hosted by Dave Dixon, Pharm.D., professor and chair at the VCU School of Pharmacy and core faculty member at the Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation. The first episode will be available on Thursday, Jan. 8. Each episode will feature conversations with pharmacy professionals and health care leaders, offering insights and strategies to help translate research and policy into practice. Jeffrey Bratberg, Pharm.D., clinical professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and a leader in substance use disorder care, joins as the inaugural guest. In this episode, Dixon talks with Bratberg about how pharmacists can play a bigger role in substance use disorder care, expanding access to treatment, reducing stigma and turning policy into real-world practice. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or through the center's website at the following URL. New episodes will be released on the second Thursday of each month.
For more information, contact Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation at cppi@vcu.edu or visit https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/podcast/.
Don’t Let Your 'Later' Turn Into 'Never'
Researchers at the VCU School of Public Health are testing a new research study program to help improve health and well-being among emerging adult women. You may be eligible for this study if you are a woman between the ages of 18 and 25 with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-50 kg/m2. Visit www.RedefiningBMI.com to learn more and take a quick survey if you may be eligible.
For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/about.html.
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.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
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LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
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RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.