1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Get ready to step into summer. Come to Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, for Picture Your Summer, a green-screen experience at which you can snap a photo with the RVA background of your choice. Find out about Summer Studies and strike a pose.

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

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join VCU Occupational Health and Safety – in partnership with VCU Emergency Management, Rams in Recovery, RecWell and Survivor Support Services – in the Student Commons Plaza to learn about safety and preparedness topics.

For more information, contact Christopher D'Anna at dannac@vcu.edu or visit https://srm.vcu.edu/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Make friends, share your story and enjoy a free lunch at the Pace Center, 700 W. Frankliin St. Each week, a new storytelling theme is chosen with a free lunch provided by a local congregation.

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

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The transfer peer coaches are available to help transfer students tap into life at VCU. Enjoy food and conversations with other transfer students in the STEM Buiilding, Room 503, 817 W. Franklin St. Questions: Visit https://transfer.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1937186.

3 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. 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 9 p.m.

Join SCAN (Save the Children Action Network) at Chipotle, 801 W. Grace St., for a fundraiser. Each bite helps support SCAN and makes a difference for children in need. Just mention SCAN at checkout or order online with code VXZP6TF. #EveryBiteCounts

For more information, contact SCAN at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

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

Mohamed El Morabet, Spanish writer of Moroccan origin, will share his work in a bilingual reading in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1201, 1000 Floyd Ave. The reading is sponsored by VCU's EL CENTRO, the School of World Studies, and the University of Richmond.

For more information, contact Laura Middlebrooks at middlebrooks@vcu.edu or (804) 827-2938.

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 at noon

Spring into spring with this plyometrics class, hosted by VCU HR and RecWell. Bouncing exercises have been shown to improve balance, cardio and joint mobility. All fitness levels are welcome to participate in this 30-minute virtual exercise class. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/41YS8nl

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

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 from 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/.

Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join the history department for the annual Blake Lecture in the History of Christianity featuring Peter Marty, editor/publisher of The Christian Century. He will discuss how Abraham Lincoln's ability to take himself and his hearers deeper than self-interest provides a wisdom from which we could all learn. The talk will be at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/the-blake-lecture-in-the-history-of-christianity-presents-the-wisdom-of-lincoln-for-a-zero-sum-world.html.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Nina Exner, research data librarian, and Sam Byrd, scholarly publishing librarian, to build your scholarly visibility with Scholars Compass and ORCID. (ORCID is a unique, persistent identifier for individuals to use as they engage in research, scholarship and innovation activities.) In this two-for-one session, you’ll learn about the ETD process and then how to link your ETD to your ORCID researcher ID profile. We’ll start with a walkthrough of the online publishing process for depositing your electronic thesis or dissertation (ETD) on Scholar’s Compass. You’ll get a look at the interface, preview the steps you’ll take to submit your ETD and have a chance to ask your questions. Then you’ll learn how to create an online profile with ORCID, the digital Open Researcher and Contributor ID. The ORCID profile acts as an online vita to help your ETD and other research products be more visible. The session will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 205, 901 Park Ave. Register on RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Want to learn more about the No.1 graduate program for advertising and branding in the U.S.? Come to the Brandcenter, 103 S. Jefferson St., for Preview Day to see what it’s like to be a Brandcenter student. Meet current students and faculty, learn about Brandcenter programs and attend the center's Friday Forum Speaker series featuring an alum who works for the National Hockey League brand.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/preview-day-april-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.

Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Join VCU's National Scholarship Office to learn more about the Graduate Research Fellowship, which funds up to three years of graduate study in the STEM (non-medical) fields, and how the National Scholarship Office can support you in applying. Register for the link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/FBEhSZKFhK6Z1ESW6.

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

The VCU Department of History and the Humanities Research Center will hold a session on magazine writing and public theology with Peter Marty, editor/publisher of "The Christian Century." The session will be at the Valentine House, Room 202, 920 W. Franklin St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/magazine-writing-and-public-religion-a-conversation-with-peter-marty-editor-and-publisher-of-the-christian-century.html.

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 noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research for a Discovery Dialogues seminar to be presented by Carmen Camarena, Wright Center Translational Biomedical Sciences T32 Scholar, via Zoom. The Wright Center's Discovery Dialogues Series is a regular event that bridges the divide between research, health care and the public. The events are open to all and the research is presented in lay-friendly language. 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/cKh-HXHKR5WnW0v7ERlq_w.

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's School of Social Work and the Radical Alliance for Anti-Racism, Change and Equity will host the event, with the goal of educating those who attend about innovative approaches to gun violence prevention. The class (virtual and in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave.) will be taught by Ra-Twoine Fields, M.A., a clinical psychology doctoral student. The second session, in-person only from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 13, will include Stop the Bleed training. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938384

For more information, contact Aya Caballero at caballeroa2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAGiJT2xi6U/FD5Fx7GW_UtEls_GRMb_CA/view?utm_content=DAGiJT2xi6U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3c6a0cc6af.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Effectively communicating your research to diverse audiences is a vital skill for graduate students. This virtual workshop will help you identify the most important aspects of your research to share and explain them clearly to a general audience. You’ll learn how to convey what you’re studying and why it matters in a way that resonates with others. This session is especially valuable for students participating in the Graduate Research Symposium.

For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936389.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 at noon

The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health will host a virtual presentation by VCU's Shunlin Ren, M.D., Ph.D., on "Endogenous Epigenetic Regulators for Treating Chronic and Acute Liver Diseases." Ren’s research has focused on the therapeutic roles of endogenous epigenetic regulators in chronic and acute liver diseases. He holds 75 national and international patents related to the treatment of liver diseases and has published over 60 peer-reviewed research papers in this field. Notably, Ren discovered larsucosterol (25-hydroxycholesterol 3-sulfate, 25HC3S), a promising biomedicine that recently completed Phase IIb clinical trials for treating alcoholic hepatitis (AH). FDA has granted 25HC3S fast track and breakthrough therapy designations. Register at bit.ly/3DOXHgn

For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-6312 or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

During National Public Health Week, the VCU Health Sciences Library will host a screening of the film "Vaccination From the Misinformation Virus." The program provides an overview of how viruses spread, how they are contained and a brief history of vaccine development. It also explains how vaccines work and explores their potential future applications. A discussion led by M.P.H. student Deborah Karp-Leiss will follow. The screening will be in the VCU Health Sciences Library, Lecture Room, Second Floor, 509 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/14133768.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will hold a tabling event at the Patterson Memorial Garden on the MCV Campus. Stop by to learn more about a master's degree in Integrated Communication, Media Leadership, or certificate in Media and Leadership.

For more information, contact Veronica Garabelli at garabelliva@vcu.edu or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

VCU's Financial Success Center will host an evening of games and free pizza in the atrium of the School of Business, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Board games and video games will be available. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/FSCGameNight.

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Political Science for a panel discussion on new U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the world. The event will be moderated by William Newmann, Ph.D., with commentary from POLI professors Christopher Burdett, Ph.D.; John Froitzheim, Ph.D.; Michael Paarlberg, Ph.D.; Christopher Saladino; Andrea Simonelli, Ph.D. and Judy Twigg, Ph.D. The program will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC) Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu or visit https://politicalscience.vcu.edu/events/event-items/trump-20-a-whole-new-world.html.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 at noon

Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual session with Myung Jin, Ph.D., to learn more about the Master of Public Administration program. Register for the virtual session at the following URL. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/mpa0410.

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Your salary is just one part of your total compensation — understanding health insurance, retirement plans and other benefits is key to making smart financial decisions. This virtual workshop will break down health plans, 401(k)s, employer perks and more to help you evaluate job offers and plan for long-term success. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kirthan Iyangar at iyangarks@vcu.edu or (804) 738-2604 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/OfferLetterToRetirement.

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.

Sunday, Apr. 20, 2025 at 1 p.m.

First Love Church at VCU will host an Easter Sunday Service with singing, dancing and a sermon. Food and fellowship will be available afterward. The service will be in the T. Edward Temple Building, Room 1165, 901 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Yasmin John at johnye@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU Parking and Transportation will host a virtual spring forum to provide you with essential updates on parking and transportation and address questions and/or concerns. The discussions will include information pertinent to the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at trubanoa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/iHRCmFglQbqHNEfGuWNuEA.

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.

Monday, May 12, 2025 at 8 a.m.

VCU Continuing and Professional Education and LEDstudio are launching an asynchronous noncredit Foundations of Instructional Design Certificate Program. This program is geared for those interested in exploring instructional design. Discounts are available for VCU faculty and staff. Register at the following ULR.

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/onlineed.html.

YWCA Richmond is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. During National Public Health Week items will be collected at One Capital Square on the sixth and ninth floors until Friday, April 11 at noon. At that time, the Public Health Student Association will bring the items directly to the YWCA. See locations and a list of items requested at the following URL.

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

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 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/.

This study seeks children and adolescents (ages 6-17) with current heel pain (Sever’s Disease) or who are currently healthy without musculoskeletal injuries for participation. The purpose of this research study is to assess muscles, tendons and skeletal development of young patients with and without heel pain This study will require one 45-minute study visit at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (parking validated) and will include: Electronic questionnaire about health and sport participation; Foot, ankle and calf ultrasound imaging assessment; and Ankle X-ray assessment (heel pain participants only). Participants will be paid $50 for completing this study. For more information, contact: Gina Chan (gina.chan@vcuhealth.org). Principal Investigator: Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., ATC.

For more information, contact Gina Chan at gina.chan@vcuhealth.org.

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.

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.