Research on unconscious bias shows how the brain takes shortcuts that can be informed by socialized biases. Beginning with the roots of prejudice, this interactive presentation demonstrates its progression from thoughts, to words, to actions. Using case studies, discussion and real-life examples, this workshop will ask participants to consider the ways in which prejudice stands in the way of creating an inclusive organization. It will be facilitated by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following email address. For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/100/1712584800000.

Interested in studying or interning abroad in Italy? Join VCU Education Abroad for a virtual informational session to learn about the different available programs. The discussion will include VCU's partners the Santa Reparata International School of Art and the Sant'Anna Institute, as well as the variety of providers that operate throughout the country at universities such as Florence University of the Arts, John Cabot University or Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89072793693 Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Alex Levy at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1932604.

More than half of American adults and more than 75 percent of young Americans believe in intelligent extraterrestrial life. This level of belief rivals that of belief in God. In her lecture, Diana Walsh Pasulka, Ph.D., will examine via Zoom the mechanisms at work behind the thriving belief system in extraterrestrial life, a system that is changing and even supplanting traditional religions. The event will be sponsored by the School of World Studies and the College of Humanities and Sciences. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Andrew Chesnut at rachesnut@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4bF0Hbd.

The federal student loan program has experienced many changes in the last few years. This session, brought to you by VCU HR and VCU Financial Wellness, will highlight some of those changes that might impact your situation, along with a deep dive into the program, including qualifying repayment plans, employer certification and consolidation options that could impact your payment count. Make sure you’re on track to have your student loans forgiven. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3TOk2Q9 For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Learn about the da Vinci Center's undergraduate certificates and programs in Product Innovation and Venture Creation. Classes about human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans will also be discussed. Register for the virtual session at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Q&A-April-10 For more information, contact Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.

Discover the depth of the human spirit through the presentation of "Anchors of the Soul: A Celebration of Black Composers” and “Soul Searching" by VCU's choirs. Experience a soulful exploration of music that touches the heart and resonates with the soul, featuring performances by the Vox Concordia, Black Awakening Gospel Choir and Commonwealth Singers. The event will be held in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. All students with VCU ID will be admitted for $5. General admission is $10. For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/94056788/spring-choral-concert-richmond-sonia-vlahcevic-concert-hallsingleton-center-for-the-performing-arts.

The VCU and VCU Health communities are invited to attend the 2024 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment. Loren Melton Glasper, granddaughter of Herman D. Melton, Sr. will present the Riese-Melton Award. The ceremony will be in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons. 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Corey Martin at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AC5raf5DoMu7jKRo8.

The Behavioral Health Research Lab at VCU will host a Butts Up cigarette litter cleanup event on the MCV campus at the Hunton Student Center Garden, 1110 E. Broad St. Gift card prizes will be awarded for the most litter collected. For more information, contact Mary Heustess Bridgman at bhrl@vcu.edu or (804) 828 -1867.

Success in life begins with you and how well you communicate. This session, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, is a step-by-step class for improving communication at work and in your daily life. The discussion will include the importance of first impressions, different communication styles and providing feedback. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3TzFmrt For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

In recognition of Minority Health Month, VCU's School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a virtual presentation by Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D. The discussion, "Advancing Equity in Cancer Prevention and Control," will include a discussion about the current state of cancer prevention and control and the ongoing efforts to reduce disparities. This event is open to all. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12207686.

VCU's Center for Corporate Education is offering a 10% discount on the upcoming Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course for VCU faculty and staff. The four-day program is in-person at VCU Business and helps participants learn how to increase efficiency and reduce waste while also earning their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. To register, visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=ed669d75-8277-42a4-ae85-590d185bbea6&cdct=1 and use the code “cce_nonprofits_rock!” For more information, contact Joseph Arton, Ph.D., at artonj@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/center-for-corporate-education/.

VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute's Commonwealth Management Institute applications are open until Friday, April 19. This five-day course for experienced managers focuses on bringing about positive change in participants and others. The session will be held at Hotel 24 South, 24 S. Market St., Staunton. For more information, contact Mandy Fowler at afowler3@vcu.edu or visit https://pmg.vcu.edu/professional-development/cmi/.