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.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participants will learn and practice the basics of belaying and climber safety in this clinic at the climbing wall of the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Ideal for new climbers and those wanting to add to their knowledge and skill sets. Belay clinics also provide the needed background for the belay approval test at the climbing wall.

For more information, contact Josh Skillman at recwell@vcu.edu.

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 noon to 12:45 p.m.

VCU's Multilingual Ambassador Program (MAP) will host a virtual informational session about the experiential, on-site, FRLG 493 MAP Internship course that is recruiting for the fall 2026 cohort. Designed for students passionate about language access, educational equity and community engagement, the course combines hands-on fieldwork with reflective learning and professional development. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/J9JbLUQaSLSHzkqNeaRUNQ

For more information, contact Jenna Lenhardt at jlenhardt@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/multilingual-ambassador-program/.

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 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 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have a Psychology major? Join VCU Career Services and Psychology Advising for a virtual panel to hear from VCU Psychology alumni who pivoted into non-counseling roles. Come and hear how they navigated the job market and how you can market your skills to land roles outside traditional counseling routes. Be ready to ask questions and explore your own path as you navigate what you can do with your bachelor's in psychology. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Araba Andrews at andrewsab2@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdzesh83.

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 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The School of Social Work invites undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and related disciplines to practice clinical social work skills outside the classroom and internships. During this hour, students will engage with one another and a Social Work faculty member over a case study on the subject of mental health and the criminal justice system, using discussion and roleplay to develop real-world clinical practice skills. The session will be in Room 3100, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Food will be provided, and participants may enter a raffle to win BSW giveaways. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Zay Diamond-Tapper at bsw@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wDzmMJFnsgzYV9TH7.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Navigating major and minor requirements, policies and course progress can be difficult. At VCU, many academic advisers go the extra mile to support those they advise through their college journeys. Taking a moment to express gratitude to an adviser who has positively impacted you can brighten their day and boost your spirits, too. Global Advising Week is a time to recognize the crucial role advisers can play in student success and to celebrate the work of advisers, tutors, personal tutors, counselors and coaches who advise students around the world. As the semester comes to a close, we invite you to share your appreciation for any adviser who has made a difference in your journey – whether this semester or in the past. (If you'd like to thank more than one adviser, fill out additional forms.) Your message of gratitude will be shared directly with the VCU adviser. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way in spreading positivity.

For more information, contact Meghan Waldron at waldronm3@vcu.edu or (804) 291-6751 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfErlW_TVPl1XCIq47CbqPvWkasm2xOiGgfxWxo1PamPf7Frg/viewform?usp=header.

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.