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.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present a dialogue series via Zoom encouraging participants to approach developments in AI with both curiosity and critical reflection, centered on the 2025-2026 VCU Common Book, "The Coming Wave: Technology, Power and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma." Join us for Part 4 as we discuss Ethics of AI. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Massey Events at MasseyEvents@VCU.edu or visit https://cvent.me/B2BzA1.

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.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health's Office of Clinical Research will host a clinical research town hall via Zoom. Featured will be Christopher Dor, J.D., VCU Health Director of Privacy and Compliance, and Tamas Gal, Ph.D., VCU Wright Center Director of Research Informatics, who will present “Privacy Board and Honest Brokers for Clinical Research,” and answer questions from participants. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Harris at harrisl4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/RpRcQ95rSTSADSe6UHu43w#/registration.

5:30 p.m.

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.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83376010821.

7 p.m.

VCU Emergency Medicine Club will hold a S'mores and Stories event for Day 3 of EMS week at the 1200 W. Marshall Common Space. Connect with fellow EMC members, share EMS stories, learn from others and make your own s'mores. The sponsor is Christina Spohn (spohncl@vcu.edu).

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

Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Alzheimer's Association will host a Memory Café at VCU Health Hub. Join for a fun, social space for those with early-stage memory loss to connect, while care partners gain support and information. The bonds formed in Memory Cafés often last throughout the continuum of the disease and become additional support for those involved. The session will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

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

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 p.m. to 5 p.m.

University Counseling's Survivor Support Services will host its first annual Take Back the Night Resource Fair at the VCU Commons Plaza (907 Floyd Ave). Come join us as we highlight resources dedicated to helping survivors heal and thrive. There will be food (while supplies last), games, prizes and impactful resources. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tameika McCoy at tmccoy5@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/uscsss/rsvp_boot?id=1945231.

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.

Friday, Apr. 17, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Facts and Faith Fridays via Zoom. Learn more about Camp Kesem, an organization committed to creating a world in which each child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. The program supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. Wendy Bottinor, M.D., who is leading the work at Massey of providing and promoting cardiovascular health during cancer survivorship, will present. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-9154 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Friday, Apr. 17, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The VCU da Vinci Center will host its Spring 2026 Demo Day at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Come for an evening of exciting business and venture pitches, delicious food and even better community building. This event is free and open to all VCU students, faculty and non-VCU community members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/demo-day/.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Spit for Science will host an interactive idea‑exchange with Matthew Rossheim, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, focusing on measuring cannabis use behaviors, understanding and assessing alternative alcohol products and developing new research questions and survey items for Spit for Science. This virtual session invites collaborative thinking around emerging substance use trends and how we can better capture them in our research. Join at https://zoom.us/j/98775074030?pwd=SngzSFoxL2w4UzJLV2dPUUdCNGpDdz09

For more information, contact Spit for Science at spit4science@vcu.edu or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy free coffee or tea, giveaways and friendly conversations with leaders from two industries: real estate (Thalhimer) and risk management and insurance (Allianz). This is your chance to get to know the firms shaping our region – no pressure, just great coffee and connections. Last one of the year – join us in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Witthoefft at witthoefftjh@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

The 2026 Massey Critical Conversations series will conclude with a culminating online event featuring Sayash Kapoor, who is among TIME’s inaugural list of the most influential people in AI. Kapoor will speak about the themes and throughlines in relation to the learning goals and developments of AI. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Massey Events at MasseyEvents@VCU.edu or visit https://cvent.me/mW1KNy.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Take part in Stewards of Children: Prevent, Recognize, and React Responsibly to Child Sexual Abuse training at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. This evidence-informed session equips adults with practical tools to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in their communities, organizations and families. Facilitated by Joseph Feldman (Greater Richmond SCAN). Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIlNOIicVDmE8sFDtFPr_lCVQkRz2yKFnXn1-znQZEmtWeAA/viewform.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join VCU's Graduate School via Zoom to hear the story of a fellow graduate student who successfully navigated the complex world of academic publishing. Jackie Otieno, a VCU Ph.D. candidate, will share her firsthand experience, detailing the steps she took, the challenges she overcame and strategies for approaching editors and writing compelling proposals. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1942905.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 at noon

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This session, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3NUQhwW

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from noon to 2:30 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE) and Policy Pathways, Inc. will present the UNCOUNTED Virginia Kick-Off at VCU's Raleigh Building, 1001 W. Franklin St. This event will mark the official launch of Uncounted: Virginia, an initiative focused on preventing, documenting and analyzing in-custody deaths across the Commonwealth as part of a broader national effort. The program will feature a panel discussion with members of the Uncounted National team, followed by a book discussion and signing with UCLA professor and author of "The Coroner's Silence," Terence Keel, Ph.D. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested at https://tinyurl.com/3c9xa2rs.

For more information, contact Tivoli Dabney at dabneytt2@vcu.edu or (804) 912-8922 or visit https://rise.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Matthew Rossheim, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, will present his research insights on the evolving landscape of THC products in a talk titled "The Changing THC Product Landscape: Risks for Young Adults and Policy Implications for College Campuses." Catering will be proided at 3 p.m. followed by the presentation from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The event will be available in person (Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave.) and online. Join virtually via the URL: https://zoom.us/j/98775074030?pwd=SngzSFoxL2w4UzJLV2dPUUdCNGpDdz09

For more information, contact Spit for Science at spit4science@vcu.edu or visit http://spit4science.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The VCU Q Collective, with support from Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost, will sponsor the 2026 Senior Scholar-in-Residence Keynote by Jules Gill-Peterson, Ph.D., as she presents “The Political Struggle to Transition, 1866-2026.” This event is a part of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of VCU’s Gay Alliance of Students and also aligns with the College of Humanities and Sciences America at 250 commemoration events. The presentation will be in Room 1107, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ethan Coston at bmcoston@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Qhaah9Gw2CwB7A8h7.

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/.

Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in the legal profession or advance your knowledge in your current role? Learn how Continuing and Professional Education’s Certificate in Paralegal Studies can equip you with the tools you need to build essential legal and transferable skills. Register here for the virtual informational session: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19a93df906e9409e80a9cb6b9277e218

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/what-we-offer/interest/paralegal/.

Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

RecWell will host a free destress fest to help students relax and recharge to finish the semester strong. Come to the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., for an afternoon of mindful activities, stretch breaks, games, food and giveaways.

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

Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR is offering a course on the manager’s role in employee career development and performance planning. This course via Zoom is aimed at new and veteran managers looking to understand the fundamentals of career development and performance planning, and how to lead both processes with greater efficiency. Practical application is included. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penelope McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdyk6sc6.

Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The unyielding scars of colonialism are confronted in the VCU Department of Theatre’s production of Wole Soyinka’s "The Bacchae." Soyinka reimagines this classical myth through the lens of West African tradition and Yoruba culture, transforming the narrative into a revolutionary communion rite. Performances will be Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. Performances will be at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets ($20) are available at bit.ly/vcutheatretix

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at theatre@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/theatre/mainstage-season/currently-showing/.

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 intensifies, 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.

Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Last chance to submit an abstract for the 20th Annual Women's Health Research Day. The deadline to submit is today, Friday, April 17. Women's Health Research Day is a celebration and promotion of research activities in women’s health at VCU, presented by the Institute for Women's Health. This year’s symposium, “Midlife Matters: Integrating Menopause Research, Innovation and Impact,” begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a poster session and reception from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Abstract submissions are welcome from all fields that incorporate elements of women’s health and/or sex and gender differences. Awards will be presented for outstanding posters in Basic Science, Clinical/Translational Science and Community Science, as well as monetary awards for the Early Career Investigator Award and the Building Bridges in Interdisciplinary Women’s Health Research Award. Register and submit an abstract at the following URL.

For more information, contact Molly Hyer at molly.hyer@vcuhealth.org or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/womens-health-research-day-2026/.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the Family Friendly Community Health Fair and Field Day sponsored by the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Thirty vendors are scheduled to be on site promoting healthy living, in addition to 20-plus games and activities. The event will also feature music, food trucks and prizes. Rodney the Ram will be on hand, along with other VCU departments across both campuses.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or (804) 305-1134 or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will have over 25 field day games, including Fit4Kids with a bike rodeo, First Tee with golf activities, a 40-foot inflatable obstacle course and a 30-foot inflatable rock climb and slide. Over 30 health-focused vendors have registered to provide information and giveaways. The event will also feature Kona Ice and Happy Mobile Pizza, a DJ and prizes. The fair and field day is free and is a part of VCU's Division of Community Engagement.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center for the two-day Faculty and Staff Summer Institute. The focus of this year's institute is on utilizing institutional data to make data-informed decisions, with Post-Secondary Data Partnership and VCU Data Digest training included. The Institute will be on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14 at the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave. Breakfast, lunch and professional development funds will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/3i55zayXqrE8zw5S9.

Friday, May 15, 2026 at midnight

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/.

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.

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/.

Stay connected to the supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share reminders and updates that can enhance your workplace experience and strengthen your connections to the VCU community. Follow on Facebook (vcuhumanresources), Instagram (vcuhumanresources), and X (@VCUHR)

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.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.

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.

Want to turn your experience into impact? This 3-credit course fulfills Virginia’s 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training requirement and is open to all majors. The class will meet Mon/Wed 2–3:15 p.m. with monthly Friday labs. The class will meet in-person at VCU. You are eligible if you have at least one year of lived experience in substance use or mental health recovery or are a family member of someone with a mental health/substance use challenge. Complete the course and 500 hours and qualify to sit for PRS certification. Spots are limited.

For more information, contact Lauren de Treville Powell, Ed.D. at detrevillelj@vcu.edu or visit http://recovery.vcu.edu.

As we wrap up the semester, we’re looking to highlight VCU faculty who have incorporated service-learning into their courses. These experiences create meaningful connections between academic content and real-world impact, and your story can help inspire others to explore this work. Whether it was a powerful student outcome, a meaningful community partnership or a moment that stood out in your course, we invite you to share. Your insights can help showcase the value of this work and encourage more faculty to integrate service-learning into their teaching.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/cuymGqmz9Qoe9quX8.

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.

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.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.