12 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Hub Club: A Mental Wellness Circle holds meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. This meeting, at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, will be about building resilience during life's challenges.

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

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Interested in becoming a leader at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for Fall 2026? Many different opportunities are available to become involved. Come to the Leadership Interest Meeting at Pace. Can't make it? A second meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Interested in a career in advertising, marketing or branding? Attend a session via Zoom to learn about Brandcenter's graduate program where you can earn a master’s, build a professional portfolio and stand out to recruiters. Faculty members will also take part in a special Ask Me Anything session. Questions: http://www.brandcenter.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at baronee2@vcu.edu or visit http://vcu.edu/register/info-session-april-2026?utm_source=TelegRam.

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU Emergency Medicine Club will hold a scenario night and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians practice for Day 2 of EMS Week. The event will be at the Honors College Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St. Participants will run through realistic EMS scenarios and sharpen assessment skills. The sponsor is Christina Spohn (spohncl@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Arjun Modi at modia@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026 from noon 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.

Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Looking for an undergrad research opportunity? Come to the College of Humanities and Sciences Research Pecha Kucha in Room 216, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. (A Pecha Kucha presentation is a format that uses 20 slides that are displayed for 20 seconds each.) Hear from students and faculty in research labs across campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4mmdCo1.

Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The Critical Language Scholarship, which funds the study of a critical language abroad, is open to all undergraduates and graduate students. Join the NSO to learn about the program and application process. The session will be held in person (Room 1210, Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.) and virtually. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU National Scholarship Office at natlscholar@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6868 or visit https://www.google.com/url?q=https://forms.gle/AKsaNn7PdGtEuZDK9&source=gmail-imap&ust=1776181399000000&usg=AOvVaw1zprG1Wpaj67RmIdZdPNRi.

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Join VCU HR and TIAA and learn investing basics to grow your money, no matter the amount, by making time your biggest asset, now and for the future. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3NZq3JJ

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

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 at noon

Jesse Senechal, Ph.D., will explore a Richmond-based partnership supporting multilingual youth through collaborative, community-rooted research at a virtual division session of Commmunity Engagement via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2vmjIHdAct5Ht1e82XWr2pbVQ6MzLTg8G497vk9t_DOtGOg/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You First and Ram Pantry will host Grocery Bingo in Room 1107, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Students can participate in bingo to win bags of groceries or household essentials. All students are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Linda Le at lel7@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join VCU Libraries for an evening inspired by the 1920s, an era of speakeasies, progressive ideas such as voting rights for women, the music and dance styles of the Jazz Age, front-page literary scandals (like the censorship of James Branch Cabell’s book) and early days of the university. Nibble hors d'oeuvres, dance the Charleston, receive your special library card with access to our speakeasy and see the library transformed, all to benefit scholarships for VCU students. The event will be in the lecture hall of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Costumes are encouraged, so put on your glad rags and spend the evening with us. It'll be the bees knees. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/animcr.html.

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Health Professions Organization will present HPO: Hands of Hope Volunteer Event in Room 2105, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. The event is geared for those who need volunteer hours and want to network and make new connections.

For more information, contact Tobi Ojo at ojote@vcu.edu.

Friday, Apr. 17, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Explore practical tools – such as web accessibility checkers, color contrast analyzers and descriptive link practices 7 – for making your course materials accessible and Title II-compliant. This session via Zoom offers guidance on applying these strategies to PDFs, slides and online content. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your accessibility practices, you’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to support inclusive teaching. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoaAkV0iyJu3bB3d6QE0N0fMxz-63uqnMjztCiAzv6ldKk8w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108408918132427679850.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Behavioral Health Research Lab in Monroe Park at the Checkers House this Earth Day and help pick up tobacco/nicotine litter. Quit kits, gift cards and other giveaways will be available. Questions: Email bhrl@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Sama Monjazeb at monjazebsm@vcu.edu or (703) 347-4247.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have questions about résumés and cover letters, or how to find an internship? Chat with a Peer Career Adviser (PCA) from Career Services at the Science Hub in the STEM Building, Room 201, 817 W. Franklin St. PCAs will be ready to review documents and answer questions. Register in advance at the following URL to reserve your spot.

For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/GEPZ2uZWtHs4cQPq5.

Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

VCU's Graduate School, in collaboration with the Graduate Students Association, will host the 29th annual Graduate Research Symposium in the ballrooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event will feature the work of over 140 graduate students.

For more information, contact Ronald Byamungu at ronaldb@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/professional-development/graduate-research-symposium/.

Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Auctus will have its April GBM in the Multipurpose Room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. Are you interested in having your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal? Would you like to be a part of the group's editorial team and work with peers and faculty in your field? Come to Auctus' GBM to learn about the club and how you can become involved. No prior experience is required.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu.

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.

Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Registration is open for Black Alumni Weekend on April 23-26. This year’s lineup features an array of activities including a golf outing, block party, comedy show and more. Reminisce, reconnect and celebrate the lasting legacy of the Black community at VCU. View the events lineup and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jared Kline (M.S.C.M.’24, Cert.’25), assistant director, Signature Events at klinejc2@vcu.edu or (540) 614-2117 or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/2026-black-alumni-weekend/?a=11989084.

Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Career Services is hosting its next VCU Career Champions training session on Monroe Park Campus. The purpose of this program is to give faculty and staff the necessary tools, theories and resources to draw upon when supporting students through their career development, experiential learning and job search process. Everyone who participates will be recognized as a VCU Career Champion and will receive a certification sticker, digital badge and icon for email signature similar to other on-campus programs. Space is limited to about 50 participants. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Samara Reynolds at sreynolds4@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/vQjBt52T8uZcrcVQA.

Richmond Public Schools is working to establish a local teachers institute modeled after the nationally recognized Yale National Initiative, a professional development program that strengthens content knowledge for K-12 teachers. As part of this effort, VCU tenured faculty who teach are invited to participate in a sponsored four-day program at Yale University July 6–9, 2026 (travel July 5 and 10). Contact Valerie Schwarz at the following email address by Friday, April 17. Limited slots are available.

For more information, contact Valerie Schwarz at vschwarz@rvaschools.net or visit https://teachers.yale.edu/.

VCU celebrates all working learners (student employees) and their supervisors during National Student Employer Week. Working learners perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication and initiative. This week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the 4,000+ VCU student staff and their supervisors who contribute in critical and valuable ways to our community. Check out the week’s happenings, which include a bingo card and prizes for students, at the following URL.

For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/VCUNSEW26.

Registration is underway for The University Band (APPM 357), which is open to all VCU students and faculty regardless of experience. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. and performs one to two concerts each semester. Questions: Contact band director Duane Coston at the following email address.

For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.

VCU Convergence will award planning grants of up to $10,000 for projects in transdisciplinary research, interdisciplinary curriculum or transformative/experiential learning. Proposal submissions are due Thursday, April 30 by 5 p.m. See the request for proposal (RFP) at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tim Luckritz Marquis at convergence@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/media/academic-affairs/ConvergenceSeedAward2025(1).pdf.

Browse works from the university's alumni authors at the Monroe Park Campus Barnes and Noble. Find the “alumni authors” section to be inspired by captivating stories, imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters, by authors who once walked on campus. Are you an alumni author? Complete the interest form at the following URL to be featured in the alumni author section.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd, associate director of alumni career and personal development, VCU Alumni at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXz0lv1LnlC5kCq7EubGu0Wx9SlGv2sYXDcVSuxcdm6x1OmQ/viewform?usp=header.

As the semester winds down, students (and colleagues) are invited to share words of gratitude with VCU professors. University faculty members 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. Questions: Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at ctle@vcu.edu. Spread joy and send your VCU profs some props through the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-bQxqzSHjvQtndTHFAU1rBCPmXPMAsQlthL2Jh2ShvLeCdQ/viewform.

The Council for Community Engagement has opened nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards. The awards recognize individuals, teams and partners who exemplify community engagement, collaboration and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Nominees demonstrate meaningful partnerships that bridge the university and community, creating impactful, reciprocal learning across teaching, research and service. The five award categories are Excellence in Community Engaged Teaching, Excellence in Community Engaged Research, Excellence in Community Engagement (Faculty or Staff), Excellence in Community Engagement (Students or Postdocs) and Outstanding University Community Partner. Nominations should be submitted along with a letter of support by Friday, April 17 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcudce/detail/178/1774584000000.

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function following ankle sprains. You may participate if you either have a first-time lateral ankle sprain or have no ankle sprain history and are healthy (control group). This study will require one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down) and during light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments. Participants with ankle sprains will also be asked to complete remote, electronic surveys at three and six months after the in-person visit.

For more information, contact Crystal Figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

A study in the Department of Psychology at VCU is recruiting participants to investigate the effects of alcohol use and mood within friendships. In this in-person experiment, you will bring a close friend from your real life to the laboratory session, complete several behavioral tasks and surveys. You may be randomly assigned to consume alcohol. The in-person portion of this study will not take longer than two hours to complete. You may earn either SONA credit or $20 USD. Your eligibility is determined by a screening survey. Email brown8@vcu.edu with questions. Click on the following URL if you are interested in participating in this study

For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8icpTWvtLFvjbo2.

If you have worn the uniform and now call VCU home, this is for you. Whether you are student, faculty or staff, we want you to be a part of the HERO Study – a clinical trial funded by the Department of Defense. We are studying a non-invasive technique that may help people with a history of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who still suffer from lingering effects. Be part of a federally funded initiative to transform care for military service personnel. Get financial compensation for your time and commitment. Your best interests will be at the forefront of all study obligations, including flexible scheduling and confidential participation. Help shape the future of brain health - for yourself and for others. See if you qualify at the following URL.

For more information, contact Urenna Orazulike at herostudy@vcu.edu or (804) 827-9692 or visit https://hero-study.org/.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. Questions: Visit the following URL.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years old who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This noninvasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jessie Oldham, Ph.D., at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0891 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.

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.