12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center will present an online author talk with Jessica Nelson on her book "Joy Rides Through the Tunnel of Grief." Nelson will discuss the intersections of her research, creative process and teaching. She will offer insights into framing a memoir through a conceptual lens. Register for the webinar at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/nel0408.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

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.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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.

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

A planning session about a clothing swap will take place at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., and include when the event should take place and how to best support the event.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at info@thepacecenter.com.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn how to develop a clear, focused, complex research question. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

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

Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn to map your research writing in a cohesive, manageable step-by-step process. 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/.

Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Roanoke City Public Schools will host a tabling event in the first floor of the Education Wing of Oliver Hall, 1001 W. Main St. Discover career opportunities for students across majors (education, business, technology and more). Swag will be available.

For more information, contact Orina Chen at cheno2@vcu.edu or (540) 209-1465.

Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Understanding childhood development is critical to supporting young children with disabilities. Learn more about how to be the change in a child's life today. The School of Education's early childhood concentration prepares individuals to work with families and young children, from birth through age 5, with and at risk for developmental disabilities. Using a hybrid of online and face-to-face formats, the program is learner-centered, innovative and collaborative.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/SPEarly24.

Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Join Richmond Youth Development Network for morning tai chi at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. This introductory class is intended for anyone interested in starting their day by destressing and connecting to their bodies and breath through slow, soft and rooted movement. The class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 2. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/138/1712664000000.

Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.

Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Roy Sabo, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biostatistics, will lead a discussion at a lunch research seminar via Zoom hosted by the VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu,edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvf-ytqD8iGd1SbZMNIPg-2QJimTME2OIW.

Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024 at 7 p.m.

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.

Thursday, Apr. 11, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m.

Are you curious about what VCU looks like during the summer? Have you considered taking a class to get ahead but aren't sure what it would look like? Come to the summer resource fair at the Compass. Departments from all over campus will show that the university does not shut down over the summer. Free ice cream (first come, first served) will be available.)

For more information, contact Mallory Mackie at mackiem2@vcu.edu or visit http://summer.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Apr. 11, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

RecWell’s Mindful Ambassador Program aims to identify students, faculty, and staff who are interested in creating a mindful revolution and healthier campus community. Participants will learn about various types of meditation, belly breathing, mindful posture and special considerations for leading meditation with others. Those who complete the workshop will receive additional resources to lead meditation in the community along with a campus leadership sticker. No registration is necessary. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85690700369

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Apr. 11, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR Teacher Residency is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Questions: http://teachrtr.org RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at evanssl4@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/RTRAPPApril.

Friday, Apr. 12, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Kevin Harris, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and various Department DEI Leaders will cohost a series of discussions with colleagues/learners to come to a common understanding of what DEIB is and how it functions within VCU's work, academic and clinical environments. The meeting will be in person (Learning Center of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/11489678.

Saturday, Apr. 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Big Event at VCU is a one-day, student-run service project where Rams come together to thank the residents of Richmond. VCU SGA will provide leadership to help complete service projects such as yard work and painting. The event will kick off in Room 1030J, West Grace North Residence Hall, 830 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lisa Cooper at lcooper4@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932435.

Monday, Apr. 15, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will give the 2024 Research Weeks: UNlimited Impact keynote address, titled "The Importance of Research at a Public Institution" at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6bc854f5bfb04632affa7d2e06a8ea0d.

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Have you thought about your financial future lately? Whether you’re planning for retirement, seeking a second career or looking to spend your later years traveling the world, it’s never too early to begin saving for your future self. This program is designed to educate participants on the core financial wellness topics. Facilitated by Virginia Credit Union, this workshop will be held via Zoom. Register for the Zoom link at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/66/1713276000000.

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The VCU and VCU Health communities are invited to attend the 2024 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment. This year’s recipients are Shawn Utsey, Ph.D. (Academic and Administrative Leadership); Kim Case, Ph.D. (Faculty Award); Christina Davis (Staff Award); and Austin Ezzard and Ka’Lyn Coghill (Tristen Sloane Student Award) The Riese-Melton Award recipient will be announced at the ceremony. Loren Melton Glasper, granddaughter of Herman D. Melton Sr., will present the Riese-Melton Award. The event will be held 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.

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Department of Health Administration to hear about VCU's hybrid, executive MSHA program from current students and recent alumni. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Science Hub is partnering with the Developing Men of Color organization for this installment of Not on My Résumé, which will feature VCU alumnus Lester Brown (laboratory technician at Medicines for All Institute) and Daquan Hembry (clinical research chemist at Thermo Fisher). During this program, students will engage with the guest panelists and learn about the side steps and challenges they overcame on their path to achieving a successful STEM career. The session will be in Room 1104, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register using the following URL.

For more information, contact Mariah Maxwell at maxwellmc@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3063 or visit https://forms.gle/3V6WE8TYfqd2VCqu9.

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This interactive workshop will introduce mindfulness as a tool for self care and collective well-being in the workplace. The workshop is designed to explore individual and collective bias and micro-aggressions, identify cultural barriers and understand the experiences of individuals not in the majority must navigate daily. BareSoul Wellness will facilitate the event, which will be held 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/98/1713366000000.

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D., will lead a conversation on postdoctoral fellowships and what they entail, the benefits of completing one and how to maximize an individual postdoctoral fellowship. The event will be live (Hess Library conference room, fifth floor, West Hospital, 1200 E. Broad St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Alebna at Pamela.Alebna@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlfuqhrzsiHtINQ60k5sNnfe0kCS6LrtQJ.

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024 at 5 p.m. (time corrected)

VCU's Division of Inclusive Excellence will host a webinar led by Amer F. Ahmed, Ed. D., University of Vermont, an organizational strategist and co-founder of Equip Inclusive. He will explore Muslim identity and offer strategies to combat Islamophobia and anti-Arab discrimination. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brooke Berry at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoceyhqzksH9ZUKDBfFN289i1_kmzAN_sW#/registration.

Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024 at 12 p.m.

The Division of Inclusive Excellence webinar led by the Academic Engagement Network, seeks to mobilize the VCU community to counter antisemitism through education and civil discourse. The webinar will focus on educating and promoting awareness about Jewish identity and antisemitism. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brooke Berry at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcOqqrzosGdEXAaL3QwHAY7vMLWZ5Stp6#/registration.

Friday, Apr. 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Graduate School and VCU Libraries for a session which will provide graduate students with time, space and resources to support writing. This session, at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., will be particularly useful for students writing their thesis or dissertation. The day will begin with a short presentation followed by quiet space to write and research. Students are welcome to stay the entire time or drop in for a few hours. Lunch will be provided. Register on RamsConect or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932234.

Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Participants will develop a shared understanding of wellness from an individual and organizational perspective. This presentation will feature a discussion of wellness and mental health in the context of the workplace and a DEI framework. Individual and organizational supports needed to build a community of wellness and support positive mental health will also be discussed. The meeting will be in person (Learning Center of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E. Marshall St.) and via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/11489808.

Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 at 3 p.m.

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.

Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Division of Student Affairs will host a time of remembrance and reflect upon the lives lost in the VCU community. This vigil will include brief remarks, student performances, a candlelight reflection and the opportunity to create a memorial luminary. The event will be in the plaza of the University Student Commons. 907 Floyd Ave. (In case of rain, the event will move to the Richmond Salons of the Student Commons.) Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lynanne Jamison at ljyndestad@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1932664.

Monday, Apr. 29, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

In recognition of Minority Health Month, the VCU School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a presentation via Zoom by Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D. The talk will apply an equity lens to inform listeners of the current state of cancer prevention and control and to discuss ongoing and needed efforts to reduce disparities therein. This event is open to all faculty, staff, team members and students. 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 Tech Services is conducting a student survey to gather data about VCU students’ experiences with technology. All students are invited to participate. Responses are anonymous. Students will have the chance to enter a raffle to win an iPad at the end of the survey. The survey will be live until Friday, April 26. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Henson at cio@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/studentsurvey.

Students interested in law enforcement are invited to speak with VCU Police staff. Take courses or classes in all levels of degree programs for free, work toward student loan forgiveness and receive a full salary and benefits as a VCU Police officer. VCU students receive a $5,000 bonus after completing the academy and field training. Applications are available for an academy later in 2024.

For more information, contact Lt. Joel Abernathy at policedept@vcu.edu or visit http://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.

VCU Parking and Transportation is gearing up for the transition to the License Plate Recognition system. To ensure uninterrupted access to your designated parking facility and avoid the risk of a citation, review and update your license plate information through your online parking portal at https://vcu.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal Visit the following URL for For video instructions.

For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/lpr.

Celebrate VCU Night on Thursday, April 11 as the Flying Squirrels take on the Akron Rubber Ducks at The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Watch fireworks from inside the fences after the game. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The first pitch will be at 6:35 p.m. The event will be presented by Virginia Credit Union.

For more information, contact Garrett Erwin at garrett.erwin@squirrelsbaseball.com or visit https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Vcunight1.

The Presidential Student Ambassadors program in the Office of the President is recruiting new ambassadors for the upcoming academic year. The goal of the program is to provide students with interdisciplinary professional development opportunities. Program members often meet with university administration, faculty and experienced professionals across a range of disciplines. Apply by Sunday, April 14 at https://forms.gle/h5iob4nSoBbJ2xya6

For more information, contact Melody Wang at psambassadors@vcu.edu or visit https://psambassadors.wixsite.com/vcupsa.

VCUDine offers a number of April events at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. The events include Food Truck Fest (Monday, April 22: 3-7 p.m.), Prime Rib Day (Wednesday, April 24: 11 a.m.-close), National Pretzel Day (Friday, April 26: 11 a.m.-close) and Midnight Breakfast (April 30: 8 p.m.-midnight). Questions: Follow @VCU_Dining on Instagram.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

Visit the following URL to see the weekly open court times at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. The courts will be available beginning today, April 8 to VCU faculty, staff or community members to play pickleball.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10Vo05USr8hQJ2C4oZDrFOygOeuaD8WXs9OgacJs6z5w/edit?usp=sharing.

VCU Health will purchase two pieces of artwork inclusive of ownership rights by two different artists. Prints will be gifted to nurses, team members and their families upon retirement or when they pass away. Artists who currently attend VCU are eligible. The selected artists will be paid $1,000 each for the original piece of artwork and will sign an agreement giving reproduction rights to VCU Health. The deadline submission is 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28.

For more information, contact Alexis Shockley at alexis.shockley@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-1771.

The Wellbeing Lab at VCU is entering a project to study the effects of stress management programs on student behavior. The lab needs your input to map social locations across campus for thorough analysis. Your participation is key to the study and will help to uncover insights into how stress management impacts social behaviors within the VCU community. Visit the following URL to participate.

For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at beloborodp@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/p52xUiBeqfgUf5G28.

This study by the Social Psychology and Neuroscience Lab aims to better understand how the myriad of factors that contribute to one’s identity can further translate in our cognitive abilities. The study consists of an online screening questionnaire followed by a single one-hour laboratory visit. All participants will receive $25 cash for their time. If you are interested in participating in this study, you will need to complete this online screening questionnaire at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sydney Kavanaugh at vcuicastudy@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/4GL9KwmazUthNYm66.

Have you ever wanted to take part in a research study? Are you interested in advancing the field of mental health? The REPEAT Lab at VCU is recruiting adults with or without a psychological disorder for upcoming research studies.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=JCDPN7XJL8YLTLHH.

Would you be interested in helping to assess the effectiveness of prepared AI prompts to support students in career planning and setting SMART goals? Fully complete a two-survey study on AI-mentoring to receive a $100 gift card. Spots are limited. Complete the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/EZfApm5SJSx3o13h9.

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.

For more information, contact Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The VCU School of Education's AI mixed method research team is seeking participants for a study of undergraduate college students' perspectives on utilizing AI in education. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Completing the survey allows entry into a drawing for one of eight $50 gift cards. See the survey at the following URL. Questions? Contact Lindai Xie at the following email address or Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Lindai Xie at xiel3@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/AIINEDU.