11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Human Resources will host 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), win prizes 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/.

11 a.m.

Learn the necessary tools to professionally communicate in a positive, skillful, confident manner. 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/.

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the School of Education and the Global Education Office to welcome guests from Andijan State University in Uzbekistan and celebrate Uzbekistan's cultural heritage, learn about their traditions and global influence through music, dance and food. The session will be held at the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 387-3319 or visit https://forms.gle/ZGnh9h4jMjDmRaJy6.

12 p.m.

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for the final walkthrough of the graduate student online application with live support for applicants before the fall 2025 deadline. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/428appwalkthrough.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join a seminar hosted by VCU's Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation featuring Marie Smith, Pharm.D., UConn School of Pharmacy. She will discuss improving collaboration between primary care providers and community pharmacists in Connecticut. Smith will join via Zoom. The seminar will also be available in the VCU School of Pharmacy, Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sydney Weber at webers2@vcu.edu or visit https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/seminars/.

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Come love a puppy in training, meet the group's volunteers and learn how you can become involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind at the Compass in front of Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join the history department to hear M.A. thesis students and graduate students from the History 631 research course "20th Century U.S. History" present on topics related to their research. The course is taught by Emilie Raymond, Ph.D. Refreshments will be served. The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 112, 817 W. Franklin St. Visit the following URL for information about topics and format.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/history-graduate-research-symposium.html.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Transformative Learning for an hour of storytelling and connection as students and faculty come together to reflect on their most powerful learning experiences this semester. Using fun conversation prompts, share moments of growth, challenge and transformation — because best lessons often come from one other. The session, in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave., is open to faculty, staff and students. No public speaking required. Just come ready to share, listen, and reflect.

For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover final gradebook configuration, submitting final grades and configuring Incomplete sections. Please use VCU eID and password to enter Zoom meeting. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18497

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/.

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.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Today’s classrooms often include students from multiple generations, each bringing unique perspectives, learning preferences and motivations. In this session, offered by the Learning Experience Design Studio, explore strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that engages learners across age groups and experience levels. Learn how to adapt your teaching methods, leverage diverse perspectives, and incorporate flexible approaches into your presentations. Register for the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/vLv6EjcvQFS948fZ7EGsVA

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

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Learn how 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/.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come join PennyAppeal as the group hosts a CPR and First Aid Basic Training session in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St. 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. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

Join the School of Nursing for a lecture by Katherine Wisner, M.D., M.S., a general and child psychiatrist and a pioneer in perinatal psychiatry. Her research has advanced understanding of mood disorders during and after pregnancy, benefit-harm decision-making for medication use during pregnancy and lactation and the pharmacokinetics of medications during these periods. Wisner is the associate chief of perinatal mental health at the Developing Brain Institute and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University. The talk will be in the VCU School of Nursing, Younger Auditorium, 1100 E. Leigh St.

For more information, contact Caitlin Hanbury at cshanbury@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcuson/detail/157/1746025200000.

Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

As the semester draws to a close, take a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge with Transformative Learning. In this interactive session, you’ll create a personal map to visually capture your semester’s biggest takeaways including what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown and what you’re taking with you. Through guided reflection and small group discussions, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose for what’s ahead. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/.

Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

You’ve received a job offer — now it’s time to negotiate. Join Senior Associate Director of Career Services Megan Hollis in this workshop to learn a step-by-step approach to navigating salary negotiations. Gain insights on aligning compensation with your skills, abilities and the market for your field. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936391.

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1 p.m.

The Staff Senate’s Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group will host a virtual ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) 101 Lunch and Learn session featuring Katy Washington, chief accessibility officer, and Hunter Lacy, ADA specialist. Those who attend will have the opportunity to get answers directly from the ADA Office about the ADA process, requesting accommodations and available resources. Also, managers and supervisors can learn how they can support their teams and foster an inclusive work environment. Questions: Visit https://staffsenate.vcu.edu/committees/accessibility--inclusion/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abigail Zaremba at apzaremba@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1yIRk3IJRSmj2hOQODEikw.

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11:45 a.m.

VCU's Global Education Office has issued an invitation to the inaugural English Language Program Symposium on the third floor of 912 W. Grace St. International students, representing several countries, will share their perspectives and insights through poster presentations and a Turkish marbling art demonstration and workshop.

For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu.

Friday, May 2, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's School of World Studies, in partnership with the DC Arabic Teachers Council and Qatar Foundation International, has organized the Second Arabic Language Education Forum. The forum highlights research and innovative practices in Arabic language teaching, with a focus on AI, assessment and K–16 collaboration. The forum will be in the STEM Building, Room 503, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kamilia Rahmouni at rahmounik@vcu.edu or visit http://go.gwu.edu/ALEFBridges.

Monday, May 5, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Drop by SHIFT Retail Lab (1235 W. Broad St.) and stay as long as you’d like at this laid-back event designed to spark curiosity and connection. Interested in learning more about the SHIFT Retail Lab, the Shelfie Program or da Vinci Center courses? Join the session at the top of the hour for a brief presentation.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/events/.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement and AI Ready RVA for an interactive webinar on how to responsibly harness AI to support community work, meet local needs and navigate tech challenges. Register at https://forms.gle/WpSE7N2jvTTtpX4c7

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In support of VCU's culture of care and appreciation, VCU HR has developed "Appreciation at Work" training sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Those who attend will learn about the languages of appreciation in the workplace; understand the core concepts of meaningful appreciation; and be able to use those skills to build and maintain good working relationships. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d60cd0c5a-816d-4c53-833e-68963d01f171.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The HR Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team will offer a workshop via Zoom for managers. Register in Talent@VCU at: https://shorturl.at/9docj Managers must first complete the Leading with Emotional Intelligence eLearning before attending the workshop, available here: https://shorturl.at/JZrjD

For more information, contact Penelope McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10 a.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host an interactive webinar for faculty or staff interested in leading a faculty-led study abroad/away program. Join the Global Learning staff to learn more about your next steps in developing a study abroad program with GEO at the following URL. Questions: Email Amy Leap, leapae@vcu.edu or Stephanie Tignor, davenportse@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89023616086?jst=2.

Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.

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.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

Heather Fudala, Ph.D., RN, CCRP, will discuss Differentiating Research and Quality Improvement at a virtual meeting of the Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Chapter hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. CE will be provided to SOCRA members. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ All are welcome. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/v8BYfUdBRq2JwKD4moUJiA.

Monday, Jun. 9, 2025 at 9 a.m.

LEDstudio announces the Adobe Education Institute, will be held June 9–12 — an exclusive (and free) event for Adobe Creative Campus partners. Explore up to eight hands-on workshops designed to boost student engagement and support multimodal teaching with Adobe Express. Sessions are available live or on demand. To read more about this event visit: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/vB5O0oK7dt4WC

For more information, contact Ginny Thompson at vthompson5@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/837c7ced-be6d-47b7-b93d-3ce9e4ca9fc7/regProcessStep1.

Monday, Jun. 23, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Supervisors and Managers Boot Camp is open for registration. This five-day course is a highly interactive sequence of topics, tips and tools focused on developing leadership skills while increasing knowledge and confidence in solving some of the challenges that come with supervising others. Sessions will be taught at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Boulevard.

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit http://www.gehli.vcu.edu.

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.

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/.

Creative Arts Day Camp, a camp for rising K-ninth grade students, offers the opportunity for high school students to earn volunteer hours by working with VCUarts' Department of Art Education program. Students will assist teachers in the classroom with a variety of tasks. Interested candidates will work closely with K-ninth grade students and are expected to maintain a level of responsibility and take initiative in their role. Applications close today, Monday, April 28. Interested students can apply at https://forms.gle/bhfyhFNpAM4uUiZS9

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

The You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center will host the 2025 Summer Faculty and Staff Institute for First-Generation and Asian American Pacific Islander Student Success. The institute will be held Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at West Grace North, Room 1030J, 830 W. Grace St., and will feature group activities, guest speakers, discussion topics and time for reflection. Participants will receive a $500 professional development award and an official Credly badge. Register at https://forms.gle/mKNmMwvF4aLfcfjq5

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-and-staff-development/faculty-programming-for-inclusive-teaching-for-faculty-and-staff/summer-faculty-institute-for-first-gen-and-aapi-student-success/.

Request applications are now open for faculty who would like a Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (SLTAs) for the upcoming semesters. SLTAs are exceptional undergraduate students who assist an instructor with a service-learning course. If you are interested in having an SLTA, contact servelearn@vcu.edu or complete an application. You can nominate a student or have one assigned to you by the Engaged Transformative Learning office at https://forms.gle/EAieBab2ZGz4R1cR6

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/.

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 faculty are invited to participate in a research study focused on how VCU collects and uses data about faculty members’ gender. Participation involves a focus group interview of about 60 minutes, and compensation is provided to participants. If you are interested, you can view the information about the study letter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jX_rA2Ljt1Ah8wUpxChtu4d5SUYvGvMO/view?usp=sharing Sign up for a focus group interview using this link: https://calendly.com/kamdenstrunk/faculty-data-focus-groups For questions or to schedule an individual interview, email the following address.

For more information, contact Kamden Strunk at strunkk2@vcu.edu.

We are recruiting adults that are 21+ who smoke cigarettes to complete a paid online survey. We want to understand how perceptions of the health harms from different nicotine and tobacco products among adults who smoke may influence the likelihood that someone might intend to purchase and use a product other than cigarettes.

For more information, contact Morgan Snell at ncorstudy@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8653.