12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU English hosts a talk by Professor Bryant Mangum about writing and romance. “Nobody writes better about falling in love than Alice Adams,” a reviewer wrote in 1985. In “Learning to Be Happy” she fictionalized her 1958 love affair with writer Max Steele. And he, after reading her story, published his own fictional account in his 1977 story “About Love and Grasshoppers.” Mangum will explore ways in which their stories, both written nearly two decades after the affair, provide insights into a romance that changed both their lives. The talk will be in Room 308, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Rivka Swenson at rswenson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1331 or visit https://english.vcu.edu/news--events/faculty-forum/.

12 p.m. to 01 p.m.

VCU's Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will host a forum on sexual health. The discussion, in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., will focus on staying safe and taking preventive measures.

For more information, contact Payal Thakkar at thakkarph@vcu.edu.

2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Jeff Wing, director of the National Scholarship Office at VCU, will conduct an informational session about (inter)national scholarship and fellowship opportunities. The event will be held in the Multipurpose Room (1303) in the Honors College, 701. W. Grace St. A second session will be held at the same location at 12:30 p.m. March 28.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1803 or visit http://nso.vcu.edu.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The School of Social Work and VCU's Transforming Accessibility Initiative presents a screening and discussion of the film "Intelligent Lives." The documentary, to be shown in the Rams Lounge, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., serves as a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation to a life of possibility. "Intelligent Lives" stars three young American adults with intellectual disabilities who challenge perceptions of intelligence.

For more information, contact Matthew Bogenschut at mdbogenschut@vcu.edu .

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's Department of Political Science presents "An Evening with Ambassador James Collins." The event will be in Room 1100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. Collins was ambassador to Russia from 1997-2001 and is currently senior fellow and diplomat-in-residence at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

For more information, contact Judy Twigg at jtwigg@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m.

In conjunction with National Kidney Month, VCU's Community Health Education Center will host discussions of kidney health and disease. The free event will be at the Center, 1200 E. Marshall St. Speakers from VCU's School of Pharmacy will address risk factors and prevention and management of kidney disease. Blood pressure screenings will be available. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required at the following URL.

For more information, contact K.J. Ricasata at ricasatakj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/5251589.

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.

Graphic designer, editor and teacher Sara Kaaman will speak as part of the Objects and Methods Lecture Series. The talk, to be held at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St., is hosted by VCUarts. A workshop will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 29 on the third floor of the Pollak Building, 325 N. Harrison St.

For more information, contact Lauren Sue Thorson at lthorson@vcu.edu or (515) 360-0429 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/graphicdesign/.

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2019 at 7 p.m.

The Diversity Ambassadors from VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a conversation about pop culture. The discussion will focus on how pop culture can be problematic and oppressive if folks are not careful about what is consumed and shared. The discussion will be in the Fireplace Lounge, West Grace Street Student Housing – North, 830 W. Grace St. Free food will be provided.

For more information, contact Dana Vandervelde at vandervelded@mymail.vcu.edu or visit http://omsa.vcu.edu.

Saturday, Mar. 30, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Residential Life and Housing presents The Human Library. The event will be in the Rams Lounge, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.

For more information, contact Noura Allen at Allennc@vcu.edu or visit http://omsa.vcu.edu.

Saturday, Mar. 30, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Wellness Resource Center will host a benefit walk to battle suicide and raise awareness about mental health. The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk will begin at The Compass. Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Register to walk, donate or form a team at the following URL. Representatives from The Well will be tabling from 1-3 p.m. March 29 on the Shafer side of The Compass for those who wish to register for the walk.

For more information, contact Mia Liadis at liadisa@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6919 or visit http://bit.ly/OOTDVCU19.

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU's National Scholarship Office will hold a Fulbright informational session. The workshop, to be in Room 1030C, West Grace Street Student Housing – North, 830 W. Grace St., is geared toward all students and alumni. An appointment may be scheduled at the following email, with Samantha McCartney at mccartneysa@vcu.edu or Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Rorey Hughes at rhughes2@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 at 7 p.m.

VCU's Office of the President, Virginia Union University and Virginians for Reconciliation present "A Discussion on Truth and Reconciliation." The forum, to be moderated by Ted Ritter, Ph.D., VUU Chair of Fine Arts, Languages, Literature and History/Political Science, will be at VUU's Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center, 1813-1899 Bath St. The event will focus on Lynne M. Jackson, great-great-grandaughter of Dred Scott, and Charlie Taney, direct descendant of Chief Justice Roger Taney.

For more information, contact Cindy Martin at cwmartin@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3836 or visit http://VirginiansForReconciliation.com .

Monday, Apr. 1, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to noon

Queer and Trans Social Workers at VCU, the LGBTQ+ student organization for VCU’s School of Social Work, will host "Queering Social Work: Understanding LGBTQ+ Student Experience and Creating Affirming Classrooms." The event will be held in the SGA Senate Chamber, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Patrick Link at linkp@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU Human Resources and CommonHealth will host a session about the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness and meditation. The event will be held in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. All who participate will receive a mindfulness guide. Register at the following URL (keyword "re-learn to relax").

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at worklife@vcu.edu or visit http://training.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m.

Having difficulty locating specific details on a local company, event or controversy? VCU librarians will teach you the best databases for local information, how to find local news and tricks for limiting searches to particular geographic regions. The event is free and open to all staff, faculty, students, alumni and others. Register at the following URL for confirmation and a link to the lunchtime session.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/4631768.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of English presents a reading by authors Jessie van Eerden and Clint McCown. The readings, part of the VCU Visiting Writers Series, will be in the third-floor lecture hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave."

For more information, contact Thom Didato at tndidato@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Dean of Students' Office will host a panel of local lawyers for a discussion about legal rights of tenants and strategies in the resolution of conflicts with landlords. The discussion, to be held in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., will include lawyers from the firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. Dinner will be provided.

For more information, contact Lisa Mathews-Ailsworth at offcampus@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4514 or visit http://offcampus.usca.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.

The Center for Health and Human Rights at VCU will hold a vigil and silent march in support of the family and friends of Bijan Ghaisar, a VCU alumnus. Ghaisar was fatally shot by U.S. Park Police in Northern Virginia in 2017. The vigil will be held at the VCU Compass and precede a march around the Monroe Park campus.

For more information, contact Mana Nasseri at nasserim@vcu.edu or (571) 329-7543.

Friday, Apr. 12, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.

Registration will close March 29 for the Virginia Clinical Research Conference. The event, Virginia's first statewide conference focusing entirely on clinical research, will be held at the Hilton Richmond Downtown Hotel, 501 E. Broad St. The event will center on involving stakeholders in the planning and conduct of clinical research.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-2942 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/clinical-research/.

Saturday, Apr. 13, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.

Phi Sigma Rho Engineering Sorority presents its annual Phi Rho Your Boat design competition. Teams build boats using recyclable materials and race them at the Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center, 101 S.Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Samantha Zhao at zhaos@vcu.edu or (804) 332-8832 or visit https://tinyurl.com/PhiRhoYourBoat19.

VCU's Wellness Resource Center hosts a 21st Birthday Program on Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. at 815 S. Cathedral Place. If you'll be turning 21 soon, come participate in a brief celebration safety-planning session and get some free swag.

For more information, contact Kat Corrin at corrinkh@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7815 or visit http://thewell.vcu.edu.

James Branch Cabell Library now has an external book return that is always available. The stainless steel bin is located in one of the floor-to-ceiling windows facing Cathedral Place and the lawn. Just south of Starbucks, it is near an accessible ramp and stairs up to the plinth level. The mouth of the return bin is at an accessible height. The sign ("Book Drop") is in large letters above the flap and is also written in Braille tactile signage, as is the "lift to open" on the flap. The book return is for books only. Reserves and other loaned items should be brought inside the building, 901 Park Ave., and returned at the Information Desks.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2019/new-exterior-book-bin-makes-returns-easier-247-.html.

VCU's Intercultural Festival is seeking those who enjoy arts/crafts or have interest in learning arts/crafts from different cultures to participate in Intercultural Arts and Crafts Day. The event will be held April 10. Workshop leaders are sought to facilitate one-hour workshops. No experience is needed.

For more information, contact Jisoo Shin at icf.directors@gmail.com.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who have post-traumatic stress disorder or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of PTSD symptoms on blood vessel function at rest and during exercise. Participants will be compensated. This study will be conducted at the 500 Academic Centre, 1020 W. Grace St. The principal investigator is Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Dept of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

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