10 a.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/.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Mental Health Fair, hosted by University Counseling Services, will be held in the Commons Plaza. Stop by to explore mental health resources on and off campus and learn how to support yourself and the people around you.

For more information, contact Christine Strasser at cstrasser@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Student Health Services and REPRO Rising will sponsor a free reproductive health consultation clinic. The event, at Suite 113, Student Health Services, 1300 W. Broad St., is open to all VCU students who would like to receive a complimentary STI/STD test or speak with a health care provider about birth control options. Set up an appointment at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vinata Kondragunta at kondraguntv@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jhPcHDLUNoNsc9GZCUmvAciIagsSU8i00TJC41QuaAA/viewform?edit_requested=true.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Science Hub will present a Life Sciences Alumni Edition of the Not on My Résumé (NOMR) panel at the STEM Building, Room 110, 817 W. Franklin St. NOMR is an opportunity for you to learn about experiences on the other side of a traditional résumé, which often highlights the accomplishments of an individual but doesn’t tell their whole story. You will hear from VCU Life Sciences alumni panelists about all the things that happen on the path to success that do not always end up on a résumé, including overcoming obstacles and navigating various side steps on their journeys. Join us for a candid panel conversation, including a Q&A portion, then stay for a meet and greet where you'll have the chance to mingle and network with the panelists as well as other students interested in the life sciences. Register at https://forms.gle/GjjHUX7aBfkEGdF17

For more information, contact Sunauz Moezzi at moezzis@vcu.edu or (571) 223-9390 or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/science-hub/.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The University Student Commons team is hosting focus groups to better understand your experience – what you love, what isn't working and what you want to see next. Three sessions will be offered in the Alumni Board Room in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Each session will have eight to 12 students, last one hour and have pizza. Questions: https://thecommons.vcu.edu/ Sign up for one session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Carole Dowell at dowellc2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-YxM4syI-g08Dxr68kgqS5OJ0Z_1i8iW_4MsODPbz2E/edit.

6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

The Humanities Research Center's Spirituality, Care and Culture Lab will host an event with Melissa Bradner, M.D., a family medicine physician with VCU Health, to discuss how interpretations of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" might speak to issues of knowledge and care at the heart of medicine today. The event will be in Room 503, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/1wRQozwfqcqtAHLNA.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 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 walks in Church Hill each Wednesday. Walks begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Each walk goes through a different part of the neighborhood.

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

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 at noon

​​Join Rams in Recovery and MCV campus schools for a lecture series highlighting health care professionals in recovery. This week we will hear Nikki Leggett, Pharm.D., share their real story as we gain new perspectives and help reduce stigma in health care spaces. Hybrid attendance is available and box lunches will be provided for in-person guests. The lecture will be in Room 129, School of Pharmacy, 410 N. 12th St. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tom Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJNa9cQseLWw4MzGZfG7iEehXEPB4wFW9yTT4Z5RDoa4sU4w/viewform.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 at 3 p.m.

VCU Libraries' new AI series wraps up with an online presentation exploring how generative AI, particularly natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs), is reshaping research in medicine and public health. Drawing from her team’s work at the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Hyundam (Dami) Gu, M.D., MPH, will share real-world challenges faced in studying alcohol-associated liver disease and substance use disorders and how AI tools have helped overcome them. The session will also highlight broader applications of AI in clinical practice, translational research and real-world evidence generation, offering a practical and inspiring perspective for researchers, students and health professionals. 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/ai-in-research.html.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Affinity @ VCU will host a multi-cultural benefit show in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. for Abdullah and his family in Gaza. Scheduled performers will include Jay Irvine, La Muevelos, Bella Pam, and Sagan. Catering will be provided. Register on RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Maryam Rabiutheen at rabiutheenm@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 at 8 p.m.

Enjoy a meaningful and interactive Passover Seder with Jewish Life at VCU, 1003 Grove Ave. A celebration will also be held at the same time and location on Thursday, April 2. An RSVP is required. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at Rabbi@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/passover.

Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Are you interested in graduate school but could use support navigating the exploration and application process? Are you a graduate student looking to enhance and grow your mentorship skills? The Graduate School's Mentorship Program is open for 2026-2207 cohort participants for both undergraduate mentees and graduate mentors. Come to this session via Zoom to learn more about what it means to participate in this program and what benefits are available for both mentees and mentors. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hali Massey at dayberryhj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945277.

Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SGA’s Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus will host a community service visit to the Virginia Home, a residential living community for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Those who participate will help residents make posters for their 5K Walk ’n' Roll Marathon. Participation is limited to 10 people and all who attend must sign in advance the form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemV-YhMy1oRVK8yFuggYg30wZXGq3DCimvNKWL-n4zh3Yqwg/viewform?usp=header.

Friday, Apr. 3, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join Active Minds at VCU and Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU at Monroe Park for free mocktails, photos with friends and a chance to spend time with the guide dogs.

For more information, contact Arjun Nair at naira14@vcu.edu.

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU's Office of Admissions is seeking student volunteers for the university's upcoming Preview Day for Admitted Students. Volunteers will assist with greeting and directing guests around campus. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kevin-Allen Harris, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, at harriskv2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFQuVCBYL19XyHSDzeyWBXVM_ZV1hDrAiIb0cOpjUb4swRVw/viewform?usp=preview.

Monday, Apr. 6, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) for the Office of Health Initiatives will be tabling at University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., to promote history and health trivia. Come on out to learn about social drivers of health and the history that has shaped health outcomes in Richmond. Complete the trivia scorecard and you will earn prizes.

For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu.

Monday, Apr. 6, 2026 at 8 a.m.

VCU Public Health Student Association and the VCU School of Public Health invite you to participate in National Public Health Week. Events will be held in person at One Capital Square and virtually. See a list of activities at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://sph.vcu.edu/about/nphw2026/.

Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

As the population of older adults rises, systemic ageism, poverty and policy gaps will continue to contribute to the increasing rates of homelessness among older adults. As a VCU gerontologist, you will be equipped to create responsive solutions that expand society's capacity to bridge the gap. Register for this virtual informational session at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/z6qn1SrWSu6zAWomiUXfTw#/registration

For more information, contact Kim Ivey at ksivey@vcu.edu or visit https://gerontology.chp.vcu.edu/programs/information-sessions/.

Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU Choirs will present their Spring Choirs Concert at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The concert will feature the Choral Arts Society and Vox Concordia, with guest ensembles Ramifications and Notochords. Tickets are $6 for VCU students and $14 for general admission.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcu-choirs-spring-concert/.

Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the inaugural Division of Community Engagement Showcase and discover how faculty and staff are partnering with community members to create real-world impact. Network across disciplines, foster new partnerships, explore innovative projects, connect with community collaborators and gain fresh ideas for your own work. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ-s_0fAEAWAk5P0ohjWFMp2CL1g9BIcGGiE2AcGDmRpVhnw/viewform?usp=header.

Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The VCUarts Commonwealth Singers will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. The performance will feature Mozart’s Coronation Mass (K. 317) with a chamber orchestra and organ and a selection of African American spirituals. This performance is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/commonwealth-singers-at-st-marks-episcopal-church/.

Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU faculty are invited to participate in a live-streamed presentation by Leo Lo, Ph.D., Dean of Libraries and Adviser for AI Literacy at the University of Virginia. The session will take place in commUNity and examine pedagogical approaches and assessment strategies in the context of generative AI. A moderated Q&A will follow. Prior to the event, Faculty need to join commUNity to participate in the discussion. Visit https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/who-we-are/community/ to join commUNity. Register at https://vcu.us.beekeeper.io/events/e14a5ea6-3854-4374-9a18-ec3f3d0d27e3?source=events-list

For more information, contact Ginny Thompson at vthompson5@vcu.edu or visit https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/who-we-are/community/.

Monday, Apr. 13, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit VCU's Transformative Learning Information Fair to meet program leaders, learn about hands-on opportunities and discover how to connect your academic experience with real-world impact. Participate in a scavenger hunt to explore VCU’s Transformative Learning spaces and win prizes. The first 100 students to attend the fair, to be held outside the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., between 1-2 p.m. will receive free Kona Ice.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join this informational session to learn how service-learning enhances student learning through real-world experience, supports faculty with high-impact teaching and community partnerships and creates meaningful, reciprocal service that benefits the community. Participants will explore available resources, course options and designations and easy ways to become involved in service-learning and experiential education across the institution. The session will be in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fnkgEiYh4zbDvcYz6.

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.

Monday, Apr. 27, 2026 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The OVPRI (Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation) Division of Research Development will host a one-hour session to help you find research communities and collaborators across VCU. You’ll hear brief spotlights from several research interest groups, then have structured time to connect with group leads and those in attendance. Identify proposal partners, methods, peers, shared-interest communities and new interdisciplinary connections. The session will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at OVPRIRD@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/oosfymWqo2sJ85fT8.

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. Post-Secondary Data Partnership and VCU Data Digest training will be included. The Institute will be on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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/xuQMn6ZwpUrU3zfB8.

This non-credit, in-person course supports English language learners in developing practical communication skills for the workplace. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing in professional environments, including interacting with supervisors and coworkers, joining meetings, following instructions and managing everyday workplace situations. Course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 15 through Aug. 7. Some partial scholarships are available. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Aziz at rcwiltshire@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2551 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/part-time-courses/.

VCU Global Medical Brigades (GMB) is a service organization focused on providing sustainable health care in underserved communities. Members can gain hands-on experience, participate in international brigades and work alongside health care professionals. No experience is required, just an interest in global health and helping others. Follow the organization on Instagram @ramsgmb and join our GroupMe at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sanjana Gupta at guptas18@vcu.edu or visit https://groupme.com/join_group/113792280/Xo7iQkaq.

April is Financial Literacy Month. Meet one-on-one with a VCU Financial Success Center coach to learn where you stand financially. Complete a short survey after your appointment and be entered to win a $50 gift card. Schedule your appointment through Navigate.

For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/centers-institutes-and-labs/vcu-financial-success-center/student-programming/.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 with poor sleep quality. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on cardiovascular responses and vascular inflammation. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Contact the following email address.

For more information, contact Garrett Oehlert at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

VCU and UVA seek females ages 14–30 for a research study. If you are low weight, lost significant weight, or exercise heavily and have missed or irregular periods (FHA), you may qualify. FHA can harm bone health due to low estrogen. This study tests estrogen and progesterone to improve bone health. Includes four visits over 14 months (exams, questionnaires, nutrition/exercise review, bone scans) at no cost. Up to $875 compensation + travel support. Contact: misralab@uvahealth.org

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org.

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.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent, and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder and no history of a psychological disorder. Participants will be compensated. See the screening questions at the following URL.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD 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.

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.

Nate’s Promise is conducting a study on individuals who are parents or legal guardians of disabled dependents between the ages of 0 and 21 are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of average household income on the overall feeling of support that caregivers feel within the state of Virginia.

For more information, contact Matthew Bogenschutz at mdbogenschut@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=NGop7sqJTo4ECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months

For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.