12 p.m.

Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84046268707.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Nuha Farhat, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mathematics and Economics, Virginia State University, will provide hands-on instruction in importing datasets and understanding data structure in a research context. The session will cover organizing variables, selecting and sub-setting data and performing basic transformations to prepare datasets for analysis. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D. at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7vnv6e_zRxa02dOTYLWr-g#/registration.

Friday, May 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cup of Kindness is a two-hour, open-invitation program at the VCU Health Hub with warm beverages and social time followed by a mindfulness and stress management activity. Come on the second Friday of each month to 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for a conversation led by Leslie Stelljes Nanson, co-founder and clinical psychologist from Aspen Grove Wellness. The program is centered on the importance of social well-being and the relationships in our lives. Explore how connection supports mental health, resilience and our sense of belonging.

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

Monday, May 18, 2026 at noon

Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required – join via the following Zoom link.

For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89738657856.

Monday, May 18, 2026 at noon

You’re invited to VCU Alumni Career Week, May 18-23, a series of virtual and in-person events designed to support professional growth at every stage. Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience to the table, this week delivers practical skills, meaningful connections and a fresh perspective on what’s next. Sharpen your negotiation game, expand your network, explore a career pivot or get ahead of the AI curve. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/enews/2026/04/21/your-next-career-move-starts-here/.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health's Office of Clinical Research invites you to the monthly clinical research town hall. Join Rose Williams, CCRP, VCU Wright Center Research Navigator; Sarah M. Farthing, MS, CCRP, Research Manager, Healthy Lifestyles Center; and Christopher Richmond, MFA, VCU Wright Center Communications Manager, for a virtual program via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Harris, Ed.D., at harrisl4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/0jVHFr0rQ9Wi5GKWTn1ZJA#/registration.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Rams in Recovery for a two-day professional development conference exploring substance use, recovery, harm reduction and student well-being. Open to students, staff, faculty and community members. The event will be at the Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/research-to-recovery-conference-2026-tickets-1978139562682.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11 a.m.

In this virtual session brought to you by VCU HR and TIAA, discover Social Security essentials and strategies to help maximize retirement income, including spousal, survivor and disability benefits. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4dYptqj

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

Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will discuss Grant Budgeting 101 at its monthly K Breakfast Club. If you currently have a K award or you are seeking to apply for a Career Development Award, you are invited to join – the event is hybrid; feel free to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. The in-person session will be held at the Richmond Academy of Medicine Building, 1200 E Clay St.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/hCwXPZL9T6-NHHnOnfLpCA#/registration.

The Thriving Communities Research Pilot Grant Program, offered by VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, provides up to $25,000 in seed funding for community-engaged research projects across all disciplines. The program is designed to support VCU faculty and research staff in piloting community-engaged research projects that respond to community-identified needs. The submission deadline is 6 p.m. Friday, May 15. See the request for proposals at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/thriving-communities-pilot-grant/.

VCU Police and VCU Parking and Transportation remind the VCU community that upcoming high school graduations will create parking disruptions from May 18-22 (Monday-Friday) and May 26-29 (Tuesday-Friday). Additionally, traffic surrounding the Siegel Center is expected to be heavier than normal. West Broad Street Deck subscribers will relocate to alternate facilities and a dedicated shuttle service will be provided. Reciprocal parking will be disabled at West Broad St. Deck from May 18-22 and May 26-29.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu or visit https://parking.vcu.edu/.

VCU faculty and staff traveling to Universal Orlando can take advantage of a special group rate of $379 plus tax at the Hard Rock Hotel, located within walking distance of the parks, helping to save hundreds compared to standard rates. The stay also includes complimentary Universal Express Unlimited, allowing you to skip regular lines at participating attractions throughout your visit. Questions: Visit NAFA@vcu.edu Reserve by Monday, May 18 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer Sisane at jsisane@vcu.edu or visit https://nafa.vcu.edu/ce/universalorlandoresort/accommodations/.

Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years old who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This non-invasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. For more information, contact Ryan Garten, Ph.D., at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.