10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The VCUarts Department of Communication Arts will host artist Iain McCaig for a guest lecture at the VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave. As of 2025, McCaig has worked for 45 years in the entertainment industry. Many of his creations have become pop-culture icons, like his cover for Jethro Tull’s "Broadsword and the Beast" or his "Star Wars" designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. He has created art for games, from LucasArts "The Secret of Monkey Island" to Respawn’s "Titanfall," and for many films, among them "Terminator 2," "Interview With the Vampire," "Bram Stoker’s Dracula," "Hook," "Peter Pan," "Charlotte’s Web," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "The Avengers," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," Disney’s live-action "The Jungle Book" and the ongoing "Star Wars" movies, as well as designs for the "Star Wars: The High Republic" graphic novels and "Star War: Galaxy’s Edge" theme parks.

For more information, contact Jason Bennett at jebennett@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/iain-mccaig-on-visual-storytelling/.

3 p.m.

Jared Der-Yeghiayan served as the lead investigator and undercover operative on several of the most significant cybercrime investigations in history. He helped take down the Silk Road, a notorious underground black market operating on the dark web and led the dismantlement of a billion-dollar criminal torrent-sharing site. His presentation will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Maureen Moslow Benway at mmoslowbenwa@vcu.edu.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

It's that stressful time of the year again, so the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle has decided to bring back Rams Relax and Recharge. Shut down your laptops, put down your textbooks and join us at the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave., to unwind for a few hours. The evening will include music, yoga, chair massages, arts and crafts and self-care activities. Bring a friend; food will be catered by Jamaica House, RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://link.vcu.edu/hub/vcualumni/events/43430.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Come to the Auctus April GBM to learn how you can get your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn about how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about opportunities to gain leadership experience. The meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room (1303), Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. The meeting is available via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6135769251 Receive updates through RamsConnect: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://auctus.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025 at 11 a.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/.

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

VCU Parking and Transportation will host a virtual spring forum with updates on parking and transportation at the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. A Q&A session will follow. Register at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Learn how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. 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. 22, 2025 at 5:30 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/r1938489.

Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025 from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Society of Professional Journalists at VCU and the National Association of Black Journalists will host two Washington Post reporters to discuss current events, media trust and First Amendment rights. This is the last Dinner With a Journalist event of the semester. Pizza will be served and questions are encouraged. The meeting will be in the T. Edward Temple Building, Room 2211, 901 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Alix Bryan at bryaneg@vcu.edu.

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 11 a.m.

Develop effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). 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. 23, 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 via Zoom. Pat Nana-Sinkam, Ph.D., Wright Center associate director, Career Development and Mentoring, will discuss the National Institutes of Health’s career development application and review process. 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/FxBQiTOgS7q7MTS3Be-z8g.

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Looking for an undergrad research opportunity? Come to the College of Humanities and Sciences Research Pecha Kucha. (A Pecha Kucha presentation is a format that uses 20 slides that are displayed for 20 seconds each.) Hear from students and faculty in the following research groups: James Vonesh Lab (Environmental Studies), Ryan Smith Research Group (Richmond Cemeteries), The Tibbets Lab (Strong-Field Chemistry), AI Futures Lab (AI Technologies and Impacts) and the Haynos Lab (Restrictive Eating Disorders: Neuroscience and Psychology). The event will be in the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at https://forms.gle/LTBc6RBAvpDEJ93p9

For more information, contact Angela Reynolds at areynolds2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccu55F3nvj1upxA8B5DnZZz2hgGBxMnqhluoi8SDgAQVQgjQ/viewform?usp=dialog.

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Graduate Student Association and Graduate School will present the 28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. More than 100 graduate students from 11 schools/colleges will be sharing their research with the university community. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to stop by and see the transformative work graduate students are doing. The event will be in the Commonwealth Ballrooms over two sessions from 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/awards-and-competitions/graduate-research-symposium/.

Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at noon

Join the Community Engagement Impact Collaborative for a panel hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on how institutions define and assess community engagement impact. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/6jD1aucX5VznqE268.

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

Come join VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Alzheimer's Organization for a discussion about the effects of smoking on the brain. The session wil be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 at noon

Come to the Donate Life Month Expo, an afternoon of impactful conversations, expert panels and meaningful connections. Hear from transplant surgeons, organ recipients and health care professionals, and explore opportunities in research, clinical experience and community service. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward Room, 900 Turpin St. All who attend will receive a free Roots bowl and Starbucks gift card. RSVP at https://forms.gle/XYQW34Yg37qqHHb59

For more information, contact Ria Mohan at mohanr3@vcu.edu or visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAGg-GZ3ZHM/_LAMQkp5nnuepu16itGgPQ/view?utm_content=DAGg-GZ3ZHM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h82423c70eb.

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.

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

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Applying to the B.S. nursing program? Join the School of Nursing to tour the school (1100 E. Leigh St.), meet the faculty, chat with current students and get the inside scoop before scrubs become your new wardrobe. Register at the following URL

For more information, contact Alex Fisher at fisheram4@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0046 or visit https://ugradadmissions.vcu.edu/register/?id=3d1b162e-d884-433c-a953-272b58bce12d.

Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle will host a mocktail celebration in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. The Mentoring Circle connects alumni to students who share common professional aspirations and interests. Mentors are asked to promote and encourage academic excellence, provide guidance on how to socially navigate the collegiate community experience, model networking and proper social etiquette and offer advice on career success. This event celebrates 10 years of the Mentoring Circle program and acknowledges the end of the year for the 2024-2025 cohort. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel, alumni mentoring and networking coordinator, at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DOLrtzBNNOcsYzEqyayV6gjceWCNoY8HBEjddtNpRw0/edit.

Monday, Apr. 28, 2025 at noon

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.

Monday, Apr. 28, 2025 from 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.

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 10 a.m.

The Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Central Virginia Node at VCU will continue its Spring Speaker Series via Zoom with Afsaneh Doryab, Ph.D. She will present on prediction of mental health state from mobile and wearable data. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/spring-speaker-series-prediction-of-mental-health-state-from-mobile-and-wearable/.

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.

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.

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites members of the Class of 2025 to Grad Week. Celebrate graduation season with fellow graduates-to-be, friends and family. Enjoy refreshments, pick up VCU Alumni swag and learn about VCU Alumni resources. View Grad Week events and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah Ramkey, director of alumni and student engagement, at ramkeysm@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcualumni.org/students/grad-week/.

What do pasticcio, moussaka, spanakopita and hummus have in common with VCU Libraries? Answer: Bell Greek restaurant. On Giving Day, Tuesday, April 22, Bell Greek is supporting VCU Libraries. Mention VCU Libraries when you order and 25 percent of your purchase goes to the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship fund and the Affordable Course Content Initiative – vital funds that help VCU students. Valid for dine-in or takeout, only at the Village Shopping Center, 7011 Three Chopt Road.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2025-news/giving-day-2025.html.

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. today, 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/.

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/.

Are you a staff member looking to increase your supervision skills while mentoring student employees? VCU Career Services and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships invite you to enhance your leadership abilities through the Transforming Federal Work-Study Internship Program. This initiative transforms select on-campus jobs into internships, allowing you to provide meaningful, career-building experiences for students. Elevate your role as a supervisor and help bridge the gap between students’ financial needs and access to high-impact opportunities. Submit an application by Friday, May 2 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Valerie Sutton at careers@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/vcu-transforming-federal-work-study-internship-program.

Take a brief survey about political knowledge and enter into a raffle to win one of two $25 Target gift cards. Take the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Connor Eppley at eppleyc@vcu.edu or (757) 615-2993 or visit https://bit.ly/PCKSurvey25.

As the semester winds down, students (and fellow colleagues) are invited to share words of gratitude with VCU professors. Our faculty work hard to make a positive impact - let them know you’ve noticed. Expressing kindness not only brightens someone’s day, it’s good for you too. Spread a little joy and send your VCU profs some well-deserved props through this link: https://forms.gle/Y5mnwDQQc95fe7CQA

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at ctle@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/UKKs1x72vtErsENC6.

VCU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations is producing a short video to highlight the impact of philanthropy on VCU students, faculty and research. It is part of a major fundraising campaign to be launched in September — and real students will be featured in the visuals. Students are needed to appear as extras in a variety of scenes showing everyday campus life — walking, studying, chatting with friends and so forth. No acting is required. Each session will take about one hour. Filming will take place Monday, April 28 – Friday, May 2 at various campus locations. Each participant will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. Questions: Email the following address.

For more information, contact Kristen Caldwell at kcaldwell2@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 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. See the survey at the following URL.

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

VCU Psychology invites you to participate in two studies. Compensation is available. 1. A study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging, 2. 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, contact 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.