11 a.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, participants will learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register 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.

Nursing research at the VCU School of Nursing spans a wide array of impactful topics, from patient safety and chronic illness to integrative health, self-management, interprofessional education and biomarker discovery. This year's Research Weeks event will feature a keynote delivered by Ashley Kathleen Apple, D.N.P., and Kimberly Deanne Acquaviva, Ph.D., who will discuss using generative AI tools to shape health policy. Lunch and a poster session will follow. The event will be at VCU School of Nursing, Room 1013, 1100 E. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caitlin Hanbury at cshanbury@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcuson/detail/151/1743692400000.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Graduate School at VCU is home to more than 140 master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Come to Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave., to learn about these programs, their admissions requirements and more. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938375

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

STEM in Art will present Layers of Life: Painting The Microbial World. Learn about microbiology while painting and enjoying free snacks. The workshop will be held in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Wondering how to make your courses more accessible and inclusive for all learners? Join the Learning Experience Design Studio for a virtual workshop with LEDstudio instructional designers who will guide you through simple, practical strategies to enhance accessibility in your courses – whether you’re teaching online or in person. We’ll explore best practices, answer your questions, and help ease any concerns you have. You’ll leave with valuable tips, resources and the confidence to create courses that support all learners.

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

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attend Experience Day and see why the VCU Executive MBA program is the right choice for you. Tour Snead Hall, interact with students, faculty and staff over lunch, sample the classroom experience with a faculty presentation and learn key program and admissions steps. The session will be in Snead Hall, Room 3106, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/executive-mba/?post=executive-mba-experience-day-3#.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attend Experience Day and see why the VCU Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program is the right choice for you. Tour Snead Hall, interact with students, faculty and staff during lunch, sample the classroom experience with a faculty presentation and learn key program and admissions steps. The session will be in Snead Hall, Room 3106, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/mda-weekend/?post=mda-weekend-experience-day.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Biostatistics in the School of Public Health will host the inaugural David Wheeler, Ph.D., Memorial Lecture in Spatial and Cancer Statistics featuring biostatistician Lance Waller, Ph.D. Waller’s talk, “Maps: A Statistical View”, will explore how the location of data points affects patterns and outcomes, using geography to enhance statistical methods such as data visualization and model evaluation. This approach helps interpret data by showing how maps provide important context for understanding both known and unknown information. The talk will be in the Molecular Medicine Research Building, Room 1013, 1220 E. Broad St.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/sph/2025/03/19/david-wheeler-memorial-lecture/.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host Walk-A-Dog. Meet new people, get some fresh air and snag a little love from a four-legged friend. Depart from the center at 2 p.m. for the walk. If it rains, play time with the pups will move inside.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at community@thepacecenter.com or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The School of the Arts, Art Foundation Department will present a screening of interdisciplinary artist Marcellus Armstrong's film "Talking Walls" with a discussion to follow. The event will take place in the Bowe Street Parking Deck, Room 535, 609 Bowe St.

For more information, contact Chelsea A. Flowers at flowersc2@vcu.edu or (440) 409-3115.

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.

Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center's Graphic Narratives Lab, in collaboration with independent artist Rae Whitlock, will host an artist talk with Kayla E., creative director of Fantagraphics, in conversation with Francesca Lyn, Ph.D., co-director of the Graphic Narratives Lab. The talk will be about Kayla E.'s graphic memoir, "Precious Rubbish," followed by a book signing. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 216, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/precious-rubbish-discussion--book-signing.html.

Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center's AI Futures Lab for a screening of the film "Her" (2013). "Her" is a romantic science fiction film about a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an artificially intelligent operating system. The screening will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 403, 900 Park Ave. Pizza will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/.

Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

This hybrid event will feature international leaders in global health offering insights into strategies for driving change and fostering cross-sectional partnerships. Limited in-person seating is available at Reynolds Community College - Downtown Campus, Room 633, 700 E. Jackson St. The program will also be available virtually. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Heather Ashton at ashtonhr@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tFkGkyuizLfuS4KF8.

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Celebrate Excellence in Virginia Government at the 17th EVGA luncheon. The ceremony will take note of Virginians who have made exceptional contributions to government practice and the welfare of the Commonwealth's communities and citizens. Event proceeds will pay for the event and provide two $10,000 scholarships to Wilder School students. Sponsorship of this event will help secure annual support for future leaders in Virginia. The event will be at the Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 S. 12th St.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/excellence-in-virginia-government-awards/.

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join VCU business for a graduate program informational session and alumni spotlight event at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Lane. Hear from alumni like Kate Lee, president of Hardywood (MBA, 2021), and others as they share how their experience at VCU’s School of Business helped shape their career. Gain insights into VCU's graduate program offerings and connect with local professionals. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. Register at the followoing URL.

For more information, contact Hawley Smyth at smythh@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5127 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/GSIBInfoSessionHardywoodApr25.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) for a session that invites faculty to critically examine their pedagogical approach to teaching. Speakers will explore strategies to design course elements that enable student success. Through discussion and reflection, faculty will gain insights into aligning their teaching practices with the goal of fostering deeper thinking skills in their classrooms. The session will be held at the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4199, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2Vx6xKEeXasxJHVj6.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Celebrate the arts, connect with fellow students and have unforgettable fun. Refreshments will be provided. The event will be in the Underground, Room 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Check Rams Connect for more information.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at studentorg@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Join VCU Toastmasters Spring Open House to learn how Toastmasters can help improve your public speaking and build leadership skills. The meeting will be at the School of Engineering, West Hall, Room 106, and also available via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Charleyne Kelley at clkelley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2093 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82921531244.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 at noon

Learn how to reduce consumer debt at a virtual session hosted by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union. Specific examples and strategies will be shared. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3DV6kWD

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

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the department of Graphic Design for a lecture with Yeju Choi, a New York City-based designer, artist and educator. She designs books, visual identity systems, websites and environmental graphics for civic, public and cultural projects. The lecture will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and is open to all. A workshop will follow at 2 p.m. at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. Register at icavcu.org/events

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit http://objectsandmethods.net.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of National Public Health Week, the Public Health Student Association invites you to de-stress. M.P.H. student Kelci Straka-Mai will lead a discussion on coping with stress and learning relaxing activities. Coloring pages, crafts and snacks will be provided. The session will be held at One Capitol Squre, Room 4-104, 830 E. Main St.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/education/nphw2025/.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join VCU's Office of Alumni Relations Blue Bee Cider, 4811 Bethlehem Road, for an evening of peer-to-peer networking with VCU alumni. Enjoy tasty bites, a complimentary drink and discover the volunteer opportunities available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kendra Light at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/VolunCheers2025.

Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come to the free Community and Family Field Day and Health Fair at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., and Cary Street Field. All are invited. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/.

Monday, Apr. 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

In this program, participants will be updated on the latest significant substance use trends (such as vaping, cannabis and opiates) as well as prevention messaging, signs and symptoms of use and where to go with concerns about a young person. Facilitator/Partner: Kierra Price, Caron Treatment Centers. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/179/1744639200000.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

HR's Employee Relations and Learning, Development and Organizational Culture (LDOC) teams will facilitate a workshop via Zoom for managers on how to apply modern management skills to working with different generations. All managers of university academic professionals and staff can register in Talent@VCU at the following URL by Tuesday, April 15.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/47pcrabc.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

When it comes to leadership, we sometimes fall back on what we know, regardless of our values. In this virtual workshop, participants will come away with concrete strategies for translating inclusive and team-centered values into practice. Register the following URL.

For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcOipqjgoHd0JBq-AOzx63g_OCiG48Q4d#/registration.

Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at noon

The Impact Learning Collaborative, a group of faculty and staff, has been exploring one of the most pressing questions in the field of community engagement: How do we assess impact? The group has examined national models, institutional best practices and methodological approaches used to assess the impact on community engagement. Their work has focused on identifying gaps, strengths and emerging trends in evaluation strategies. Members of the group will discuss via Zoom their insights. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/BnjL5ez5XhFcQmLM8.

Join RecWell Aquatics for a log rolling clinic at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St. Participants will practice balancing and staying atop the log in the pool's shallow end. Registration is open through the day of the clinic. April clinics will be held Friday, April 4 and Friday, April 18, 7:30-8:45 p.m. Beginners welcome; intensity level is medium.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=273c61cc-6561-4f46-b99d-c5c80a0a4062.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host a number of trips for VCU students and RecWell members in April. They include day caving, day hike, introduction to camping, meteor shower backpacking weekend, paddle and paint and a day climb. Spaces for all trips are limited, so register early. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., and how members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged. Orientations will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 5 and are open to VCU Students and RecWell members.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

VCU RecWell Intramural Sports runs leagues and tournaments for all experience levels. No prior experience or skill with the sport needed. Make friends while going for bragging rights in friendly competition with other Rams. Players may join with others or as free agents. One $10 IM semester pass covers individual participation in any/all Intramural tournaments and leagues for the semester. April features the 2v2 Pickleball Tournament. Register by Friday, April 4 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Delaydia Frink at intramurals@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

A master of landscape architecture, Charles Gillette (1886-1969) shaped the distinctive Virginia Garden style, blending classical European influences with the Southern landscape. Curators Amie Rennolds and Mimi Sadler, both architects, have assembled an exploration of Gillette’s legacy. Fourteen projects – spanning educational, commercial and residential landscapes – are presented through photography and architectural renderings, offering insights into a visionary approach. The exhibit is open until Sunday, June 8 at The Branch Museum of Design, 2501 Monument Ave. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Camden Whitehead at wcwhiteh@vcu.edu or (804) 512-2371 or visit http://branchmuseum.org.

VCU students are asked to share their experiences with and awareness of on-campus offices and organizations that offer services or resources to students. VCU staff member Jess Hoy, M.S.W., is conducting a research survey that can be completed online and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Students are not required to have ever used a VCU resource to participate. Students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $25 gift cards to the VCU bookstore.

For more information, contact Jess Hoy at hoyj2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctIBpT8H0TVLHzE4sq66PB1aEx8HCkKwtNtbG8odN3VY0qIA/viewform?usp=sf.

Help shape the future of political discourse by highlighting the importance of your personal values. Your input will reveal how values drive political identity and related processes. This study seeks equal representation from all sides of the political spectrum — your perspective matters. First, fill out the survey at the following URL. If eligible, you will take part in a one-hour lab session to complete computer-based tasks. Participants will receive $50.

For more information, contact Sydney Kavanaugh at kavanaughs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/bJeLuvsPu8r5mMTR6.

UNCOVERING Fashion, a research project organized by Associate Professor Kimberly Guthrie, has a donation box at the Student Commons information desk, 907 Floyd Ave., to collect discarded, unwearable and unwanted garments. These garments will serve as materials and inspiration for artwork created by VCUarts fashion design faculty for an exhibition at the Main Street Station Gallery in October. The UNCOVERING Fashion project is funded by a VCUarts Dean’s Research Grant. Donations will be accepted until Monday, April 7.

For more information, contact Kimberly Guthrie at kguthri1@vcu.edu or visit https://www.popupstop.org/upcomingevents.

Visit the following URL or email the following address for more information about the program, which is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Apply by Wednesday, April 16.

For more information, contact Melody Wang at psambassadors@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1200 or visit https://forms.gle/MWQrAtPzF8uFoXYq6.

The Office of the Provost, Faculty Affairs will host a Monthly Session for Faculty/2025 Spring New Faculty Orientation (NFO) entitled: Building Your CV. The virtual session is on Thursday, April 17 from 10-11:15 a.m. All Faculty are encouraged to join. Please register at: https://forms.gle/aGyNfhHzP2HTpVk67 by Monday, April 14.

For more information, contact Maunchi Khan at khanm31@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/.

Applications are now open for Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the upcoming semesters. SLTAs are exceptional undergraduate students who assist an instructor with a service-learning course. SLTAs provide an average of two to five hours per week of teaching assistance throughout the semester, including ongoing group and individual supervision with service-learning administration through a seminar course. Interested? Contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application: https://forms.gle/W6kGbynrY3KanoHs7

For more information, contact Shanza Isom, Director of Engaged Transformative Learning at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/service-learning/.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Community Field Day and Health Fair at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., and Cary Street Field on Sunday, April 13. Assistance is needed to set up for the day, help with activities and event clean-up. Questions: https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4DAAAE2FABFB6-55769580-family#/.

Brandcenter students are seeking respondents for a brief four- to five-minute survey. All respondents may be considered for future paid survey opportunities. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexander Robinson at robinsona19@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/7uau3kqjiH9fTMTZ7.

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. New sign-up dates are available. If you have already completed the eligibility survey but the listed times did not work for you, email or call t the researchers to schedule a different session time.

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

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.

Would you be willing to participate in a 30-minute research study at VCU? Are you 18 years or older? If so, we invite you to participate in a study at the School of Business about consumers’ responses to product images. You will receive compensation for your participation in this research. The last day to qualify for this study is Wednesday, April 9. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jodie Ferguson at rvaviews@vcu.edu or visit https://vcubusiness.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d57GJG4n44s05zE.

We are looking for male volunteers who experience low back pain to participate in our single-visit study, the Human Trunk Behavior Project, happening at the Physical Therapy Department at VCU’s College of Health Professions. In this study, we'll assess how well you can stabilize your torso against external forces in various directions. We'll use surface EMG sensors to measure trunk muscle activity and a new index developed by our team to gauge trunk stiffness. Would you be interested in participating? Participants will be compensated for their time. Questions: Email mcl@vcu.edu. If we do not receive a response to this announcement, we may follow up with you.

For more information, contact James Thomas at jthomas32@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0234.