12 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. The Robertson School also offers a certificate in Media and Leadership. Have you started an application and need help finishing? The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Do you want to start a business or nonprofit? Attend a virtual informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at the da Vinci Center and how they can help you achieve your goals. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact da Vinci Center at davincicenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-04-14.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center for the third annual You First Spring Research Symposium. The 2024 research grant recipients will share progress on their studies and participate in a panel discussion and the 2025 research grant recipients will be announced. Come learn about and discuss current findings on first-generation student success. Refreshments will be provided. The session will be in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927.

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU's Learning Experience Design Studio will host a workshop, “Intro to AI in the Classroom: AI and Course Design" via Zoom. Discover tools and strategies for integrating generative AI into course design and content creation. The sessiion will begin with a focus on backward design and explore how AI can inspire innovation in your courses. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/HVUk8X7GTdyQiPnwxV7xBA

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

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the spring semester.

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

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 at noon

Take a break from the noise in the middle of your day with virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3FIshc4

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

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 at noon

Learn about the Master of Science in Health Administration in an upcoming virtual informational session. The hybrid program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, prepares leaders in health care with full- and part-time completion options. 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. 15, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Considering taking classes this summer? Stop by the Summer Studies Resource Fair on the Compass to chat with representatives from various colleges, schools and departments about your potential options. Information on summer financial aid and registration will also be available. Pick up fun summer giveaways while you're there.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at summer@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4586.

Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PennyAppeal will hold a bracelet-making event in the Multipurpose Room (1303), Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Bracelets will be donated to local elementary school students. Can't make it? Join the group's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.

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

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs will hold a monthly forum for Department Chairs entitled Strategies for Building Inclusive Workspaces. The session will be held at the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Department Chairs can register and view additional details at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tRiRXbzvhxji1X636.

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

This online session will explore common leadership styles and guide students in reflecting on their own approach to leadership in professional settings. Participants will identify areas for growth and discover strategies to enhance their ability to collaborate, network and develop as leaders within their field. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936390.

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at noon

This beginner-friendly workshop invites you to make simple digital collages about what brings you joy using Adobe Express — no design experience needed. It’s a low-pressure, collaborative space to recharge, reflect and create something just for you. Bring your own laptop — and take home a squishy little heart as a reminder to care for your own. 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/14407746.

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at 2 p.m.

This session is intended for undergraduates with at least one year of study remaining and current graduate students in STEM-field majors. Learn about RISE, a three-month research internship in Germany (working language is English). Get a two-fer study abroad and research experience (funded). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh9q3ut5ZpJzyGCdYGXMz908Qz4lpGjXAGvRPr37Oz-XUlgQ/viewform.

Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Learn how to develop a clear, focused, and complex research question. 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. 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Share your thoughts about federal directives targeting DEI, such as the Dear Colleagues Letter, and your thoughts on VCU's response to them. Free pizza will be provided. The session will be in the University Student Commons, Metro Room, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Summer Neil at neilsd@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938488.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 at 10 a.m.

The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series via Zoom with Madhur Behl, Ph.D. Behl will discuss automated extraction of temporal logic-based trajectory embeddings for enhanced autonomous vehicle safety. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/rARt9HypT6iOJaWkh_1lbw.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join VCU's transfer Center for the final Transfer Chat of the semester. Come learn about the Financial Success Center and the complimentary personal and professional financial education they provide to the VCU community. The session will be in Hibbs Hall, Room 216, 900 Park Ave.

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

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

Learn to feel comfortable with paraphrasing in academic writing. 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/.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Join the School of Education for a conversation with Joana Angélica Guimarães da Luz, Ph.D., Rector, Federal University of Southern Bahia in Brazil. The session will be in Oliver Hall, Room 3084, 1014 w. Main St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309 or visit https://forms.gle/QG73nKu6WHDob4p79.

Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Department of Philosophy for the Spring Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture. As AI systems continue to improve, we may give them so much power that humanity loses control of its future. Should we be worried? Some philosophers have argued that this sort of domination is always bad because of the characteristic harms it causes. William D'Alessandro, Ph.D., William & Mary, will argue that, in fact, powerful AI might dominate humans without causing these harms. The talk will be in HIbbs Hall, Room 303, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Christian Thompson at thompsonc19@vcu.edu or (703) 789-2994.

Friday, Apr. 18, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Learn to articulate your own, unique ideas in the style of your discipline. 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/.

Friday, Apr. 18, 2025 at 6 p.m.

University Counseling Survivor Support Services willl present Take Back the Night, an annual event at which the community comes together to stand against sexual violence, uplift survivor voices and foster healing. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons I and II, 907 Floyd Ave. The evening will include door prizes, food (while supplies last) resources and therapy dogs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tameika McCoy at Tmccoy5@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938216.

Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy free popcorn along with a screening of "The Big Short," a film about the 2008 financial crisis, finance and Wall Street drama. The film will be shown in the Financial Success Center, Snead Hall, Room B3187, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2606 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/FSCMovieNight.

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

Teamwork - for some the word generates excitement, for some dread. With time, support and facilitation, youth workers can help young people have both strong team-building skills and a sense of trust and group identity. Participants in this workshop will learn and apply group norm­ building and facilitation techniques. Time will be spent applying and scaffolding techniques to support young people in managing their communication styles and applying reframing conflict skills. The session will be held 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/200/1745416800000.

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health will present a research seminar by Paul Dawson, Ph.D., a professor of pediatrics at Emory University. Studies in Dawson’s laboratory focus on elucidating mechanisms controlling bile acid homeostasis and developing new therapies for bile acid related disease. The title of his talk is “There and Back Again: A Bile Acid Enteronephrohepatic Tale." Register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/vcu-liver

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Join VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) for an online session to introduce faculty to Gen AI fundamentals. The class will include key concepts, familiarization with common tools and building a comfort level by experimenting with readily available Gen AI platforms. This session is a foundational step in creating your Gen AI literacy. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/x3QBeGX3fk31PA2w9.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

VCU Gerontology will present an informational session via Zoom about its accelerated master's program. This program is currently available in partnership with the following undergraduate programs: Health Services, Bachelor of Science; Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science; and Sociology, Bachelor of Science. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Edmund Boxley at boxleyek@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdeqvrjkjH93_ssvc7FlH-J7nj0SZPq4w#/registration.

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

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

For more information, contact Dominique Graves 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. Those interested in joining us can register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQn69LwwoMkWpdGJG80osulkx3oVrznDxUob1PqMMlBSDPQ/viewform?usp=header

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or (571) 206-7262.

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/.

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.

Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

See VCU through a new lens. Have you joined the Student Empathy Interviews yet? The Provost’s Office is inviting all administrators to take part in this fun, meaningful and eye-opening project. It’s quick, rewarding and a great way to connect with why we’re all here — especially if you don’t work directly with students every day. The conversations will be in the Richmond Convention Center. Chat with graduating students — just three quick questions per interview. Plans are being finalized to arrange transportation from the Monroe Park Campus and a breakfast gift card. Fill out the form at the following URL by Wednesday, April 30.

For more information, contact Leslie Brown at cares@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/yRSsp6twtKRrY4Ki6.

Registration is open for Black Alumni Weekend, April 24-27. This year’s lineup features a golf outing, a block party, a comedy show and more. Reminisce, reconnect and celebrate the legacy of the Black community at VCU. See the events lineup and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jared Kline, assistant director, Signature Events, at klinejc2@vcu.edu or (540) 614-2117 or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/ae4f7a33-9e16-42fd-bcd3-ae79a8cbe687/summary?RefId=TELR.

RecWell's Mindful Ambassador Program provides mindfulness-based training for faculty, students and staff who are interested in integrating mindful practice into their day-to-day routines. Join RecWell’s health promotion staff to learn more about guided meditation and explore ways to manage stress with mindfulness. The next training will be held April 17, 2-4 p.m. via Zoom.

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18454.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers a variety of climbing clinics at the Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall. April clinics include belay, introduction to rock climbing, sport climbing and gym to crag. Full clinic details are available at the following URL. Registration closes the day of the clinic.

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

Learn belaying, or climbing with a partner, a fundamental skill for all rock climbers. VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program staff will teach current best practices for belaying and answer questions about climbing. The session will be in the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Registration opens the day before the clinic. April Belay Clinics will be held April 1, April 9, April 18 and April 23. See times and registration at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cd4e0a05-814b-415e-9ef8-43e49fe1f7fb.

Your help is needed to encourage upcoming May 2025 graduates to complete the VCU First Destination Survey. Open to undergraduate seniors and graduate/professional students completing their degree programs, survey data helps VCU improve student services and recruitment. Graduating students who complete the survey will be eligible to win prizes. Students can access the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS25.

VCU's Global Education Office has opened a call for proposals for the 2025-26 Global Impact Awards. Two awards, the Global Learning Program Development Awards and the Global Partnership Impact Awards, will fund proposals from VCU academic units to develop partnership collaborations with institutions abroad or new global learning programs. For each CFP, there will be five awards of up to $5,000. Completed proposals for both CFPs are due by Thursday, May 15, with awards announced by June 15.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/newsroom/2024/global-impact-awards/.

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. A trip interest meeting will be held 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.

During Philanthropy Week, Aptil 21-25, students, faculty and staff can learn more about philanthropy, see the impact of giving on campus and get a chance to say thank you to VCU’s donors. Daily events offer fun ways to celebrate philanthropy and earn some swag and treats. Questions? Email Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu.

The application is open for 2025 seed grants. This opportunity is for anyone who has a vested interest in economic, health and food disparities within the Richmond City community. A Zoom informational meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 21. (Register for the Zoom link at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhOb6zQRSPHivQvxIpcJkZ_YrWe7_tjQ0MNwCPbkNt-4liwQ/viewform Apply for a grant at the following URL by 4 p.m. Friday, April 25.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://healthhub.vcu.edu/working/grants/.

VCUarts Creative Arts Day Camp for children ages 6-14 is returning for Summer 2025. The camp will provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of media, such as animation, game design, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, bookmaking, fibers and more. Registration openings for students entering fifth - ninth grades are still available.

For more information, contact Lia New at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/creative-arts-day-camp/.

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/.

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.

National Student Employment Week celebrates all working learners (student employees) and their supervisors at VCU. Working learners perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication and initiative. This week provides the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the 4,000-plus VCU student staff and their supervisors who contribute in critical and valuable ways to our community. Check out ways to celebrate at tinyurl.com/VCUNSEWToolkit. Students and supervisors can also learn more about student employment at VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Career Services at careers@vcu.edu or visit http://ramsatwork.vcu.edu.

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 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.