Faculty/staff Issue for April 22, 2026
Today
'Invertebrate Models of Alcohol Behaviors' a Foundations in Alcohol Research Seminar
1 p.m.
The VCU Alcohol Research Center will host the next seminar in the Foundations of Alcohol Research Seminar Series. The lecture, by Jill Bettinger, Ph.D., is part of a a monthly informal series for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The film will be screened in Room 535, Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jennifer T. Wolstenholme at jwolstenholme@vcu.edu or (804) 739-3756 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84265504477?pwd=Mga1hTqNfPwrRJq1B2q1E85TH6v0ty.1.
Agency by Design
10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Do you supervise or support student staff? Don’t miss this month’s workshop via Zoom on leadership, presented by Roy Roach III (Director, Health Sciences – Office of Student Engagement). In this interactive session, supervisors will participate in dialogue on how to rethink leadership as environmental design. Join for guided conversations to learn how instead of focusing on oversight and control, leaders can intentionally build clarity, trust and ownership within their teams.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/AprSupSesh.
English Language Program Symposium
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's English Language Program in the Global Education Office will host its third capstone ELP symposium with international students. Literature research will be presented in poster sessions between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., culminating with a celebration of the semester's work. Learn perspectives from around the world on topics such as AI, the age of consent for medical decisions and the allocation of government spending. The session will be in the Grace Street Center, third floor, 912 W. Grace St.
For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu.
Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Looking for a group that provides you the space to connect with others, nature and improve your health? The Health Hub hosts Wednesday Walks, which offer the opportunity to join the Health Hub on a weekly walk in Church Hill. Each walk will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St, Suite A., and will take you through different parts of the neighborhood.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Your Voice in the Age of AI
2 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Discuss how to develop and maintain your unique voice in the age of AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Workshop: Structuring Your Writing for Your Audience
3 p.m.
The Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Develop the tools necessary to meet the needs of your audience by writing strong, logical, structurally sound work. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
This week
Alpha Phi Omega School Supply and Backpack Drive
Monday, Apr. 20, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Donate school supplies and backpacks to local Richmond schools through Alpha Phi Omega's drive. Boxes will be set up in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., and will be available until Thursday, March 26 at 11 a.m.
For more information, contact Jo Adams at adamsjc4@VCU.EDU.
'You Are Welcome Here: Identity, Recognition and Your Place in the Discipline'
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU Chapter of the International Sociology Honor Society, AKD (AlphaKappaDelta) will host a keynote speech by Catherine Mobley, Ph.D., Clemson University, during the new student member induction ceremony. The session will be in Room 308, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.
For more information, contact Volkan Aytar,Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Sociology and AKD International Honor Society VCU Chapter Representative at aytarv@vcu.edu or (540) 623-2070 or visit https://sociology.vcu.edu/.
Pace Center Leadership Interest Meeting
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Interested in becoming a leader at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for Fall 2026? Many different opportunities for involvement are available. Can't make the meeting? Email Russ Kerr (community@thepacecenter.com) for more information.
For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr, at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.
HPO: Study and Snack
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Health Professions Organization presents HPO: Study and Snack in Room 2105, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. As the semester winds down and the push for finals is underway, HPO offers space to study while enjoying some free food. Join the group for productive and fun studying.
For more information, contact Tobi Ojo at ojote@vcu.edu.
Industry Talks Webinar: Spring Housing Forum
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Dawn Bradley of Long & Foster will moderate a panel of industry experts who will touch on trends, challenges and observations facing the residential real estate industry. Join the Kornblau Real Estate program online or at a watch party in Room B2165, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu or (804) 357-5105 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=573d5e0d-db1c-4bef-b58a-edf92b98201b.
Send Silence Packing
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Active Minds at VCU will host a nationally recognized, immersive suicide-prevention exhibit in Monroe Park. Come to hear stories of loss and hope, promote stigma-free conversations about mental health and connect with campus and community organizations providing behavioral health support.
For more information, contact Arjun Nair at naira14@vcu.edu or visit https://www.instagram.com/activemindsvcu/.
Humanities Symposium
Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for VCU's first Humanities Symposium. This event, in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., will showcase the research and work of the university's faculty and students across the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/humanities-symposium.html.
New Voices in Art History
Friday, Apr. 24, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The Department of Art History, in partnership with VCU Alumni, will present New Voices in Art History, a celebration of student research, alumni scholarship and academic excellence. All second-year Master of Arts students will present on research from their capstone projects, joined by a group of undergraduate students offering a glimpse into their current studies. Alumna Sharayah Cochran (M.A.’15), a Ph.D. candidate in art history at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will be the keynote speaker. Come to the Valentine. 1015 E. Clay St., to honor the achievements and legacy of VCUarts’ art history.
For more information, contact Emily Campbell, director of alumni engagement, at campbelleg@vcu.edu or (804) 248-8050 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-history/newvoicesinarthistory/.
Frequency – DISSONANCE: Senior Choreography Spring 2026 Capstone
Friday, Apr. 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
The VCUarts Department of Dance + Choreography announces the Spring 2026 senior capstone performance, "Frequency: DISSONANCE," which will be performed Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. The performance will feature choreographic works by Nailah Barnes, Zoelle Bleazard, Toria Donaldson, Kate Lingo, Isabella Manaspit, Josuah Moïse, Maia Wagler and Brielle Wells. Tickets str $14 and available at bit.ly/vcudancetickets
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at dance@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/frequency-dissonance-senior-choreography-spring-2026-capstone/.
The Drive Against Hunger Charity Flag Football Tournament
Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Graduate students from VCU’s Center for Sport Leadership will host a 5v5 flag football tournament dedicated to making a difference in Central Virginia. This event involves a canned food drive and the proceeds from the event will benefit Feed More and their ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity across the region. The tournament will be at Cary Street Field. Admission will be three canned goods (non-expired only).
For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-drive-against-hunger-charity-flag-football-tournament-tickets-1984627562464?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Coming up
School of Public Health Student Showcase
Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Public Health students will showcase their research posters and capstone projects on the 12th floor, One Capitol Square, 830 E. Main St. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/ovpri.comms/detail/108/1777476600000.
Evening MBA Informational Webinar
Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026 at noon
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus, or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required. Join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edud or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84559324123.
Signs of Hope and Gratitude
Friday, May 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The VCU School of Education will host its annual Signs of Hope and Gratitude event at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. All community members are welcome to come paint wooden signs for keeps, pet some dogs (including golden retrievers), and enjoy good vibes. Take stock of all that has gone well and all that you have accomplished this semester.
For more information, contact Shreya Patel at patelss14@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/.
VCU Undergraduate Education Course (Re)Design Workshop, Lunch and Expo
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Office of the Provost is holding the inaugural VCU Undergraduate Education Course (Re)Design Workshop, lunch and expo at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All faculty and staff instructors teaching undergraduate courses are welcome to join 100+ of your colleagues for a day of reimagining undergraduate education at VCU, one course at a time. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Hayter at hayterd@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/about/undergraduate-education/.
Notices
Employee Health Wellness Screenings
Did you know Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location, 800 W. Broad St.? You can review wellness concerns with a nurse, get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional) and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule your appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.
Join a VCU Choir This Fall
VCU Department of Music invites students to register for choir for the upcoming academic year. Three ensembles are available: Commonwealth Singers, Choral Arts Society and Vox Concordia. All choirs are open to all students, regardless of major, and meet during the day for course credit. Students may register through eServices during enrollment. Learn more at the following URL.
For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#vocal-ensembles.
VCU Employee Health Highlights: National Stress Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month is observed every April to raise awareness about the causes and cures of the modern stress epidemic, highlighting that managing stress is essential for long-term mental and physical health. It focuses on reducing stigma and promoting healthy coping strategies. Stress is not just an emotional experience; it involves biological, psychological and social components. Understanding how stress affects you can help turn stress into a tool for growth while minimizing its negative impact. This awareness empowers you to respond to challenges more effectively and improve both your well-being and overall performance. Follow the following links to access additional resources and schedule an appointment with your Employee Health Team. Stress Awareness Month: Tips for keeping tensions in check - The American Institute of Stress: http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness and https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login
For more information, contact Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu.
Protection of Minors Office Launches Newsletter
The Protection of Minors Office, part of VCU Equity and Access Services, has published its April newsletter. This month's edition includes helpful reminders, resources and updates. View the newsletter at the following URL.
For more information, contact Protection of Minors Office at youth@vcu.edu or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/media/equity-and-access-services/docs/April26MinorsNewsletter.pdf.
Thriving Communities Research Pilot Grant Program: Request for Proposals
The Thriving Communities Research Pilot Grant Program, offered by VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, provides up to $25,000 in seed funding for community-engaged research projects across all disciplines. The program is designed to support VCU faculty and research staff in piloting community-engaged research projects that respond to community-identified needs. The submision deadline is 6 p.m. Friday, May 15. See the request for proposals at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/resources/grants/thriving-communities-pilot-grant/.
The Center on Transition Innovations Is Hiring
VCU’s Center on Transition Innovations is hiring a director to oversee this statewide center within VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. The grant-supported role is vital to the center's mission of improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities through innovation, strategic partnerships and high-quality secondary transition services. This is an internal search limited to current VCU employees. Apply or refer a colleague by May at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Camden at jLcamden2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/director-center-on-transition-innovations-cti-vcu-employees-only-vcu-main-campus-virginia-united-states.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Postmenopausal Females Are Invited For Study of the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.