Student Issue for April 9, 2026
Today
Writing Workshop: Synthesis
12 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center and Campus Learning Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Review guidelines to confidently and effectively incorporate synthesis into your research. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program Informational Session
12 p.m.
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87491407671.
That (Difficult) Patient Is Me Speaker Series: Dziko Singleton, CPRS
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Rams in Recovery and MCV campus schools for a lecture series highlighting health care professionals in recovery. Speaker Dziko Singleton, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, will offer new perspectives and help reduce stigma in health care spaces. Hybrid attendance is available (in-person, VCU School of Public Health, 830 E. Main St., Room 644) and box lunches provided for in person guests. Register 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.
What's Your Why? What's Your When? Pre-Professional Health Workshop
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join YouFirst, Pre-Professional Health Advising, Pre-Health/Science Advising and Career Services for a discussion of What's Your Why and What's Your When? In this interactive workshop, you will plan out why you want to go into a professional program such as Pre-Med, Pre-Dent, Pre-PA or another field. The discussion will also include the optimum time to apply. The focus of this workshop is to look at the big picture and your personal timeline. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meg Waldron at waldronm3@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOoEMqB7lhAAlLthyLjrbr5WRpsgeJ41PYAor5i5L4x_LWtw/viewform.
Suit Yourself Closet's 10th Anniversary One-Stop Shop: Free Student Resource Market
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Come join the Suit Yourself Closet in Salons I-II, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for free career clothing, easy access to a variety of campus resources and prizes to celebrate SYC's 10th anniversary. Suit Yourself Closet of VCU Career Services offers free, gently used career/professional/workplace clothing to VCU students. Those who produce a valid student ID will be able to take – and keep – 10 items. Bring a reusable bag. Check out the event on Handshake for more information.
For more information, contact Suit Yourself Closet at suityourself@vcu.edu.
Division of Community Engagement Showcase
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.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Informational Session
3:30 p.m.
Juniors, seniors and first-year graduate students in STEM fields are encouraged to join the NSO to learn more about the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which funds up to three years of graduate study in non-medical STEM disciplines. 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://forms.gle/cZmSHVQH51BqVU5u8.
'It Was Just An Accident': Film Screening and Discussion
4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center, the School of World Studies, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and the Global Education Office for a free film screening and discussion of “It Was Just An Accident.” After the screening, special guests Omid Mehrgan and Samaneh Oladi, Ph.D., School of World Studies, will discuss the film. The event will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/co-sponsored/it-was-just-an-accident-film-screening--discussion.html.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Research Writing Process
5 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn to map your research writing into a cohesive, manageable step-by-step process. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
New Richmond Filmmakers: 'Saturnalia' (2024)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This series will offer a sample of the city's filmmaking community that celebrates emerging voices in Richmond’s up-and-coming film scene. It will be presented by the Institute for Contemporary Art and VCUarts Cinema Professor Danny Capo. "Saturnalia" (2024) will be screened at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St. A Q&A with producer Vivian Owen and producer and cinematographer Max Fischer will follow.
For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/new-richmond-filmmakers-saturnalia-2025/.
This week
Wilder School Graduate Student Application Walkthrough and Support
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 at noon
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for the final walkthrough of the graduate student online application with live support for master's, certificate and doctoral applicants. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/0410appwalkthrough.
Goldwater Scholarship Informational Session
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing graduate research in the STEM fields: this session will provide information on the Goldwater Scholarship, which awards its scholars with up to $7,500 for educational expenses and a mentoring network. The session will be held in person (NSO Conference Room, 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://forms.gle/pDokC2ATWcTr7wUD7.
Pizza Party Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
After a matzah-filled week, celebrate the end of Passover with a pizza party Shabbat dinner at Hillel House, 918 W. Grace St. Come enjoy some well-earned bread, hang out with friends, and ease back into chametz with good food and good company. (Chametz are foods with leavening agents that are forbidden to Jews on the holiday of Passover.) All are welcome. RSVP on the following URL by the evening of Thursday, April 9.
For more information, contact Sheri Rodman at sheri@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
VCUarts Kinetic Imaging Algorave
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 at 6 p.m.
VCU's Kinetic Imaging Live Coding class will present an evening of algorithmic music and visuals created and improvised in real time. Using code as a performative and compositional tool, students write, modify and remix live algorithms on stage, foregrounding process, experimentation and collective learning. The performance embraces the Algorave ethos – danceable, exploratory and transparent – inviting audiences to experience code as both sound and spectacle. Presented as programming for the KI Mixtape Exhibition running Wednesday, April 1-Thursday, April 16 at Seipel Gallery, 1000 W. Broad St.
For more information, contact Kinetic Imaging at kineticimage@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/lamppost/ki-mixtape/.
Art Exhibition Opening – April 10 (Transportation Opportunity)
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VCU Radical Alliance for Anti-Racism, Change and Equity (R.A.A.C.E.) will host a curated exhibit of works by diverse artists at 1309 Hull St. Transportation options: R.A.A.C.E. may arrange Uber XLs from VCU. Students can also take Uber, Lyft or a taxi on their own and submit receipts for reimbursement (up to $25). The tip cannot exceed 20 percent of the base fare. Detailed receipts may be submitted via Chrome River. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact R.A.A.C.E. at raace@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRJBkW9552MoghedumIZGhTz1dZGzBNpwBHG33s_kmyReGeg/viewform.
Enjoy a Cup of Kindness With the VCU Health Hub
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cup of Kindness is a two-hour, open-invitation program with warm beverages and social time followed by a mindfulness and stress management activity. Join us on the second Friday of each month for a conversation led by Leslie Stelljes Nanson, co-founder and clinical psychologist with Aspen Grove Wellness. The meeting will be centered on the importance of our social well-being and the relationships in our lives. Explore how connection supports mental health, resilience and our sense of belonging. This event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N.25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Yom Ha'Shoah Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day Commemoration
Sunday, Apr. 12, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Join Hillel at VCU and the Richmond Jewish community to honor the memory of the Holocaust through education and reflection. Come together at Congregation Or Atid, 10625 Patterson Ave., in remembrance, reflect on the legacy of those who were lost and stand in solidarity as a community. Tommy P. Baer will be the guest speaker. A light breakfast will be served and several items will be raffled. All are welcome. RSVP at the following URL by Friday, April 10.
For more information, contact Sheri Rodman at sheri@hillelatvcu.org or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Coming up
Transformative Learning Information Fair
Monday, Apr. 13, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Explore Transformative Learning at VCU. Visit the Transformative Learning Information Fair outside the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., to meet program leaders, learn about hands-on opportunities and discover how to connect 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 between 1-2 p.m. will receive free Kona Ice.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu.
PACME Award Celebration
Monday, Apr. 13, 2026 at 3 p.m.
The Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME) ceremony was created to recognize members of the University and Health System communities who have made exemplary contributions with regard to promoting civility, building community, establishing cross-cultural initiatives and nurturing an inclusive environment throughout the university and area communities. The awards will be presented in the VCU Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact University Events at univevents@vcu.edu.
Built for Change Alumni Mixer
Monday, Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Join VCU students and alumni to connect with fellow Rams and learn how to frame your career path. Helene Bumbalo, associate director of graduate professional development, VCU Career Services, will present “Built for Change: Your Career Isn’t a Ladder – It’s a Portfolio.” The event, in Room B3187, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St., will be hosted by the Women in Business at VCU student organization, the Business Alumni Society and the VCU Women’s Impact Network. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abbey Stanzione, director of alumni engagement, at stanzionea@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/built-for-change-your-career-isn-t-a-ladder-it-s-a-portfolio/?a=12931105.
Interested in Working With Richmond's Immigrant Youth?
Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office will host a virtual informational session with program coordinators from the Richmond chapter of Commonwealth Catholic Charities' Department of Refugee Resettlement. The purpose of this session is to provide information about the organization's volunteer roles that may be of interest to VCU students and community members, including: MYVA Youth Mentor, ESL Teacher, ESL Teachers Aid/Substitute, ESL Tutor and Citizenship Class Teacher. Register at the following URL. The meeting ID is 712 5069 0044 and the passcode is 4rwsjx The Zoom link is at the following URL.
For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71250690044?pwd=W3W3bqraU4BD2NCMO6ngqf20LV3rX2.1&from=addon.
Service-Learning Informational Session
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 held 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.
Responding to a Call From the Community: Community Engaged Research Series
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.
Grocery Bingo Night
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.
HPO: Hands of Hope Volunteer Event
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.
Demo Day Spring 2026
Friday, Apr. 17, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 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/.
UNCOUNTED Virginia Kick-Off
Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026 from noon to 2:30 p.m.
VCU Wilder School's Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE) and Policy Pathways, Inc. present the UNCOUNTED Virginia Kick-Off. 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/.
Bicycle Commuter Basics: A Thrift Store Tour
Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Commuter Basics workshops are for anyone who'd like to commute by bike but isn't sure how to get started. The workshop, hosted by VCU RamBikes, 1106 W. Broad St., will include review aspects of riding in traffic in a city while we navigate to different thrift stores. We'll ride for about 5 miles at a beginner's pace. Bring your bike if you have one. Commuter Basics workshops are offered in collaboration with VCU Sustainability to encourage thrifting before buying new in effort to divert items from the waste stream.
For more information, contact Taylor Welch at welchto@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://bikes.vcu.edu/events/.
HPO: Study and Snack
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.
Mental Health, Wellness and Counseling Minor Informational Session
Friday, Apr. 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Ready to get started in one of the fastest-growing helping professions? The Counselor Education Program will host an informational session via Zoom about its Mental Health, Wellness and Counseling Minor. During this session, those who atend will connect with program faculty, department staff and counseling students about the minor, its courses and other undergraduate electives offered by the counseling program. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Patrick Mullen at mullenpr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/j67rHAFmQumosNS91i-24g.
Notices
Graduates and Continued Email Access
Attention Spring graduates – your student Google account will automatically disable after three semesters if you do not re-enroll in classes. Be on the lookout following graduation for important information arriving to your student email about claiming your alumni email account.
For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://collaborate.vcu.edu/how-to/use-an-alumni-account/.
Currently Accepting Applications for the 2026-27 Presidential Student Ambassador Program
The VCU Presidential Student Ambassadors program is accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin McClinton at psambassadors@vcu.edu or visit https://psambassadors.wixsite.com/vcupsa.
Celebrate National Student Employment Week (April 13–17): Events, Resources, Bingo and Prizes
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 Band: Come Play With Us
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 Philip Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/#bands.
Recruiting for a Psychology Study
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 and 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. To participate in this event, click on the following URL.
For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8icpTWvtLFvjbo2.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.
RamsConnect events
View all of the student events happening on campus and register for events that interest you.