12:30 p.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, learn the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a logical way to hook your audience. Register at the following URL.

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

5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Spring 2025 Powell-Edwards Lecture Series will explore the interconnections of spiritual practice, scholarly inquiry and artmaking. Cliff Edwards, Ph.D., emeritus professor of the School of World Studies, is the author of several books on Vincent van Gogh, including “Van Gogh and God” and “Van Gogh's Second Gift: A Spiritual Path to Deeper Creativity.” The lecture will be in the STEM Building, second floor, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mimi Winick at mpwinick@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_-PRFmAOnPbGSclpJs-X5t__xBnYDFbUcYcBxhcwNFmbfg/viewform.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for a creative way to give back? Come join Rams Aging and Engaging GBM and make origami flowers for low-income elderly in Richmond. The session will be in the Multipurpose Room (1303), Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Join Bioethics 4 Students to learn about upcoming service opportunities, events, how to become involved and a discussion on human engineering and environmental ethics. The session will be in the Multipurpose Room (1303), the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.

Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

STAR@VCU (Students Together Assisting Refugees) will host a cultural immersion movie night with food and entertainment. "The Good Lie," a film based on the obstacles faced by a group of orphaned Sudanese siblings on their journey to the United States during the Second Sudanese Civil War, will be screened. Food will be catered by 2M Mediterranean Market and Deli. The screening will be in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C and D, 907 Floyd Ave. See a trailer from the film at the following URL.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=c2tI5zW3IU8.

Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Walk, volunteer or donate to help stop suicide at VCU's Out of the Darkness walk. Check in at 9 a.m. at Monroe Park. The walk starts at 10. and is sponsored by University Student Health Services and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Sing up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lynne Foreman at lforeman2@vcu.edu or visit http://afsp.org/vcu.

Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Dental Hygiene students will be hosting an educational event at the VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 25th St. Spend the day with dental hygiene students and learn about the role of oral health care. Learn the connection between oral health and overall health. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3XcBHlL.

Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research continues its grant-writing series with a session via Zoom. Brynn Sheehan, Ph.D., associate professor, Old Dominion University Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will discuss strategies for building trusted relationships in community-engaged research, including different levels of engagement and key planning considerations. Questions: https://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/S6KmF0VDRfaIMDsjuS6y3g.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

Learn essential skills in this workshop to create professional poster templates. Gain resources and guidelines on formatting, citations, titles, body text, graphics and more. From setting up grids to mastering character and paragraph styles, dive deep into InDesign's features and tools. The session will be in the Health Sciences Library computer classroom, 509 N. 12th St. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Moss at mosssr2@vcu.edu or (804) 838-3737 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/14287618.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Red Cross Club at VCU will partner with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at the University Student Commons, second-floor ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. All donors will receive free food and a T-shirt plus a $15 Amazon E-gift card. Appointments are recommended. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Aashka Patel at patelas13@vcu.edu or (757) 576-3673 or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PennyAppeal and Dental Hygiene Club will have a Pack-A-Bag event in the the Honors College, Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St., to make dental-themed care kits for the local homeless population. The organization is also holding a clothing drive through Monday, March 31 in the Commons next to the information desk. Men's baggy clothing, socks, undergarments and shoes are preferred, but all clothes are welcome. Join PennyAppeal'sInstagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect for upcoming events.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 8 a.m.

Join the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at VCU School of Pharmacy in celebrating 50 years of medicinal chemistry at VCU. Hear nationally and internationally recognized speakers share their latest research in the fields of QSAR, artificial intelligence, drug discovery, structural biology and molecular modeling. The session will be held at Bio+Tech One on VCU's health sciences campus, 800 E. Leigh St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeannie Kilgore at jckilgore@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/medchemsymposium.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 8 a.m.

The VCU Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, along with the HRV Institute, will host the 2025 Heart Rate Variability Workshop and Conference on April 3-4 at Maymont, 1001 Spottswood Road. The theme, Integration of Heart Rate Variability Into Clinical Practice, will feature speakers, discussions and networking opportunities. A pre-conference workshop on HRV and HRV biofeedback will be held on April 3. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Muna Ali at alim28@vcu.edu or visit https://heartratevariabilityinstitute.org/hrv-conference.

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.

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

Vox Concordia of VCU and Richmond Allied Voices Treble Chorus will co-host a concert St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace St. The free concert will feature Vox Concordia, Richmond Allied Voices Treble Chorus, Orchard House Middle School Chorus and the Greater Richmond Chorus.

For more information, contact Lisa Fusco at fuscolc@vcu.edu.

Monday, Apr. 7, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tackle real-world health challenges in this workshop at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Explore barriers to health care, social support gaps and more — all while earning a Design Thinking digital badge to boost your professional profile. The session, hosted by VCU da Vinci Center and VCU School of Social Work, is open to students, alumni and community members. Food will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Innovate-Impact-04-07.

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for its conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited; students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. 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. The session will be held at the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. Those who wish to speak for the panelist session should complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHdRbGG4YC0BuJPgZZ-fTY8G1AX07_8niNTM_JGGKIxOZt5w/viewform

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

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students and RecWell members looking to learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training in non-healthcare settings. April class dates are 4/9, 4/12, 4/14, 4/21 and 4/26. Registesr at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.

The VCU Student Government Association (SGA) elections are officially open. It's your chance to help shape the future of student life at VCU. Voting is now live on Rams Connect. Voting closes Thursday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, contact VCU SGA at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcusga/home/.

RecWell Outdoor Adventure Program’s beginner-friendly rock climbing road trip kicks off summer travel in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. Participants will explore iconic crags, hike, cool off in mountain streams and camp. No experience is needed. Trip cost includes food, transportation, equipment, camping accommodations and trip leaders. Trip interest meetings will be held Monday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Outing Rental Center, 130 S. Linden St. The program runs May 12-16. Register at the following URL by Sunday, April 27.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=1f61b787-b52d-4e9b-b47c-dc3e59f9b36a.

Graduating? Looking for an internship or experiential opportunity? The VCU Spring Career Fair will be noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons and Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd Ave. Connect with organizations looking to hire VCU students for internships as well as full-time and part-time jobs. Not sure if you're ready for a job? Come chat with employers. Participating organizations will outline the skills and experiences they are looking for in an employee and help students learn about affinity groups and internal opportunities. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tay Knighting at knightingta@vcu.edu or visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/3650bc1f-fda6-4084-8ab8-b5224128e6e1/student_preview.

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.

Volunteers are needed for the Family Field Day and Health Fair at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., on Sunday, April 13. Questions: Visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/ Volunteer at the following URL.

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

PennyAppeal, an organization dedicated to helping the local homeless community, is accepting applications for the organization's positions of social Media chair, secretary and marketing coordinator until Friday, March 28. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/j4YmmjPEq2FUotz27.

S.308 - Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. If this bill were to pass, it would mean the end of Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students. As this bill will directly affect the education of many students, the American Medical Association (AMA/MSV) at VCU asks for your help in sharing your voice and amplifying the effort in opposing this bill. Complete this form (https://forms.gle/htzaAAqexAbTKy9E6) by Friday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. if you are interested in sharing your experiences. American Medical Association (AMA/MSV) at VCU will be compiling all the responses and sending out a letter to U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. More information about S.308 can be found here (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/308/text). Questions: Email the following address.

For more information, contact AMA/MSV at VCU at kunuthurua@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Y7wozkWayAARDAn27.

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. Fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. See more details and 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, please contact the following email address to schedule a different session time.

For more information, contact VCU HHS 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. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.

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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.