11 a.m.

Develop effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The VCU Police Department will host a Start by Believing campaign event for the VCU community, which encourages everyone to pledge to end the cycle of silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and child sexual abuse. Resource organizations across VCU and Central Virginia will be on hand at theCommons Plaza to answer questions and spread awareness. Those who attend can enjoy games and community building.

For more information, contact Cierra Eldridge at eldridgeci@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/sexual_violence/victim_witness_program.html.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Looking for an undergrad research opportunity? Come to the College of Humanities and Sciences Research Pecha Kucha. (A Pecha Kucha presentation is a format that uses 20 slides that are displayed for 20 seconds each.) Hear from students and faculty in the following research groups: James Vonesh Lab (Environmental Studies), Ryan Smith Research Group (Richmond Cemeteries), The Tibbets Lab (Strong-Field Chemistry), AI Futures Lab (AI Technologies and Impacts) and the Haynos Lab (Restrictive Eating Disorders: Neuroscience and Psychology). The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at https://forms.gle/LTBc6RBAvpDEJ93p9

For more information, contact Angela Reynolds at areynolds2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccu55F3nvj1upxA8B5DnZZz2hgGBxMnqhluoi8SDgAQVQgjQ/viewform?usp=dialog.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for its Technology Humanities Speaker Series event with Margaret Hu, J.D., director of the Digital Democracy Lab at William and Mary Law School. The event will be at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. A reception will follow. This event is co-sponsored with The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/WCnEYFK5ExZkqLqc6.

7 p.m.

Decorate bookmarks or origami and donate them to support reading growth for children in literacy programs. Free pizza will be available. The session, hosted by Save the Children Action Network, will be in Grace E. Harris Hall, Room 2105, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact SCAN at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at noon

Join the Community Engagement Impact Collaborative for a panel hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on how institutions define and assess community engagement impact. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/6jD1aucX5VznqE268.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Are you feeling the weight of finals and deadlines? Take a break from the stress and join the School of Education for an uplifting event. Let your creativity flow as you paint away your worries, cuddle up with puppies to melt away stress and take a moment to express gratitude for the little things in life. Come to the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., and recharge to cultivate positivity and resilience. Questions: Email soeinfo@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Jill Raugh at raughj@vcu.edu or (804) 295-8013.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

The Behavioral Health Research Lab will host Butts Up, a tobacco/nicotine-trash cleanup event in conjunction with Earth Day. Meet at the Checkers House in Monroe Park. Quit kits are available and those who attend will be entered into a gift card lottery.

For more information, contact Caroline Cobb at cobbco@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1867 or visit https://rampages.us/bhrlvcu/.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, VCU Health and the Alzheimer's Association will host a discussion on balanced nutrition, smoking cessation, sleep and cognitive engagement. The session will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Register at the following email address or by calling the following telephone number.

For more information, contact Office of Community Outreach & Engagement at engagemassey@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0896.

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for our first-ever conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited to join; hear from speakers like Michael Fine, M.D., founder of Primary Care for All Americans, network with community organizations and professionals and learn more about the applications of philosophy and bioethics in health care and beyond. Lunch will be provided and attendance is free. Students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. The session will be held at the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQn69LwwoMkWpdGJG80osulkx3oVrznDxUob1PqMMlBSDPQ/viewform?usp=header.

Monday, Apr. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Human Resources invites you to an “80’s Workout Party!” at the 2025 Benefits and Well-Being Fair. Jazzercise your way to the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Meet directly with VCU vendors and benefits providers, ask questions and make decisions about the upcoming open enrollment for health benefits and flexible spending. Enjoy lunch (while supplies last) and pick up some swag.

For more information, contact VCU Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0177 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/benefits-and-well-being-fair/.

Monday, Apr. 28, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Join TIAA and VCU HR for this 15-minute on-demand session and learn how to select the right financial professionals, communicate effectively with them and make the most of your collaboration to achieve financial success. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/43mFnFH

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover final gradebook configuration, submitting final grades and configuring Incomplete sections. Please use VCU eID and password to enter Zoom meeting. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18497

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU's Office of First- and Second-Year Experiences will host an afternoon of live music, free food, games, activities and exclusive merchandise giveaways at the University Student Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with friends, celebrate your achievements and enjoy one last hurrah before finals hit.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fyesye@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938541.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Today’s classrooms often include students from multiple generations, each bringing unique perspectives, learning preferences and motivations. In this session, offered by the Learning Experience Design Studio, explore strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that engages learners across age groups and experience levels. Learn how to adapt your teaching methods, leverage diverse perspectives, and incorporate flexible approaches into your presentations. Register for the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/vLv6EjcvQFS948fZ7EGsVA

For more information, contact Cario Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/.

Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

You’ve received a job offer — now it’s time to negotiate. Join Senior Associate Director of Career Services Megan Hollis in this workshop to learn a step-by-step approach to navigating salary negotiations. Gain insights on aligning compensation with your skills, abilities and the market for your field. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936391.

Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 at noon

Join the VCU School of Public Health for the "All of Us" Research Program at One Capitol Square, Room 644, 930 E. Main St., or via Zoom. The program is one of the largest and most diverse biomedical datasets of its kind. Learn how researchers can use this dataset to conduct studies and accelerate health research and enable the individualization of prevention, treatment and care. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/H49dmGFlSUSr-DJ-OrXtZQ.

Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

VCU's Department of Political Science and the students of POLI 330 will host an evening with Del. Shelly Simonds in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave. POLI 330 (Lobbying) students will make their final presentations to Simonds (D-Va. House District 70) from 5-6:30 p.m. This will be followed by a conversation with Simonds from 6:45-7:15 p.m. and a reception in the second floor lobby of MCALC from 7:15-7:45 p.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepgrd9tRwWW-pFY-VBhH_rzyi-XfpxJZecSGa9UfvNW2AOXg/viewform.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 3 p.m.

The Partnership for People With Disabilities at VCU along with the Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network (HCPBS) and Parenting Special Needs magazine will host a webinar focusing on innovative strategies used by a person with intellectual disabilities and Stage 4 cancer to communicate his preferences and needs with his health care team. Health care support strategies and customizable visual supports and templates will be provided to participants. Questions: https://partnership.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kayla Diggs Brody at diggskg@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/CenteringChoice.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In support of VCU's culture of care and appreciation, VCU HR has developed "Appreciation at Work" training sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Those who attend will learn about the languages of appreciation in the workplace; understand the core concepts of meaningful appreciation; and be able to use those skills to build and maintain good working relationships. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d60cd0c5a-816d-4c53-833e-68963d01f171.

Looking for a fun and welcoming way to become involved on campus? Join a VCU choir this fall. Make music, make friends and be part of something meaningful. You do not need to be a music major. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359, CRN 29766) is open to students. No audition is required. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358, CRN 29770) is an advanced mixed choral ensemble. An audition is required. Vox Concordia (APPM 378, CRN 32996) is an advanced treble choral ensemble. An audition is required. The choirs are sponsored by VCU's Department of Music. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/.

By June 30, all RamPages users will need to transition their content due to security and compliance issues. Suggestions based on the type of RamsPages content you manage can be found here: https://rampages.us/ - and, for support and questions, visit: https://go.vcu.edu/ramscentral

For more information, contact Matt Roberts at mdroberts@vcu.edu.

Take a brief survey about political knowledge and enter into a raffle to win one of two $25 Target gift cards. Take the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Connor Eppley at eppleyc@vcu.edu or (757) 615-2993 or visit https://bit.ly/PCKSurvey25.

As the semester winds down, students (and fellow colleagues) are invited to share words of gratitude with VCU professors. Our faculty work hard to make a positive impact - let them know you’ve noticed. Expressing kindness not only brightens someone’s day, it’s good for you too. Spread a little joy and send your VCU profs some well-deserved props through this link: https://forms.gle/Y5mnwDQQc95fe7CQA

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at ctle@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/UKKs1x72vtErsENC6.

April showers do indeed bring May flowers and a promise of new beginnings. It’s also a great time to pause and reflect on how we are feeling from an emotional perspective. Have the winter doldrums followed you into this new season? If so, please consider Timelycare. This free, 12-session program is for VCU staff, faculty and students who need a moment and an ear to listen as they process their feelings and contemplate our turbulent world. Questions: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login Set up an appointment to meet with the Wellness Team at the following URL.

For more information, contact Susan Richards MSN RN at richardss@vcu.eduy or (804) 499-0687 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

The Q Collective builds, represents and serves all of VCU’s intellectual and creative communities by connecting all faculty and staff who conduct research and creative work in the area of LGBTQIA+ communities. Complete the form at the following URL if you are a current member or are interested in participating in the collective. Questions: Email Lisa Abrams, Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs, at the following email address or Kevin Allison at kallison@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Lisa Abrams at lmabrams@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/7neesMnx4NfQphYt8.

Ever wonder where your tuition dollars go or how VCU builds its budget? Now is your chance to ask. Click on the Google form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fyRzCUKjt7cUS9bK7.

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place 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 Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of chronic psychosocial stress and vascular inflammation to an acute mental challenge. 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 Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

VCU faculty are invited to participate in a research study focused on how VCU collects and uses data about faculty members’ gender. Participation involves a focus group interview of about 60 minutes, and compensation is provided to participants. If you are interested, you can view the information about the study letter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jX_rA2Ljt1Ah8wUpxChtu4d5SUYvGvMO/view?usp=sharing Sign up for a focus group interview using this link: https://calendly.com/kamdenstrunk/faculty-data-focus-groups For questions or to schedule an individual interview, email the following address.

For more information, contact Kamden Strunk, Ph.D., at strunkk2@vcu.edu.

VCU Social Psychology invites you to participate in two studies Compensation is available. One: A study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging. Two: A study on how people react to fictional characters. You will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. Find out if you are eligible at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.