Student Issue for March 25, 2026
Today
Rollator Repair Clinic at the VCU Health Hub
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rollator Repair Clinic at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
'Genomics and Molecular Plasticity of Alcohol Use' Presented by Michael F. Miles, M.D., Ph.D.
1 p.m.
The VCU Alcohol Research Center will host the next seminar in the Foundations of Alcohol Research Seminar Series, a monthly informal lecture series for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and others interested in alcohol research. The stand-alone lectures will focus on the human disease of alcoholism and will briefly introduce animal models. The lecture will be screened in Room 1009/1011, Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/
For more information, contact Jennifer T. Wolstenholme at jwolstenholm@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84265504477?pwd=Mga1hTqNfPwrRJq1B2q1E85TH6v0ty.1.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI
10 a.m.
The VCU Writing Center will host a workshop via Zoom. Learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Coffee With CHS Dean
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join the College of Humanities and Sciences for Coffee with the Dean. These are informal opportunities for faculty, staff and students to chat with Dean Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., while enjoying a cup of coffee and/or hot chocolate. The event will be in the outside patio of the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.
For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu.
The Commons Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Commons Farmer's Market returns today to the Commons Plaza. Questions: Email thecommons@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Chris Belote at belotect@vcu.edu.
Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub
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 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.
Stories and Lunch
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Make friends, share your story and enjoy a free lunch at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Each week, a new storytelling theme is chosen and lunch is provided by a local congregation or partner organization. The event is free and open to all.
For more information, contact Shannon O'Neill at admin@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Creative Inquiries To Present Zach Blas
2 p.m.
Zach Blas is an artist, filmmaker and writer whose practice contends with computational technologies, their industries and the powers that constitute and animate them. This presentation – both in-person (Lecture Hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.) and on Zoom – is part of the annual Creative Inquiries series presented by The Workshop at VCU Libraries. The series showcases experts whose work intersects research methodologies and the creative process and technology. Additional support for 2026 is from the Humanities Research Center, the Media + AI Initiative at VCU and the AI Futures Lab. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/creative-inquiries-2026.html.
Workshop: Using Zotero to Manage Your Citations
3 p.m.
The Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Libraries will present a workshop via Zoom. Participants will learn how to create a Zotero account, import citations and PDFs, organize references and generate in-text citations and bibliographies. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Fulbright for the Arts: Wednesday, March 25
3 p.m.
Join VCU's National Scholarship Office to learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which provides funding for recent graduates and graduate students to spend an academic year abroad pursuing an independent project or a year of postgraduate study, or teaching English and how students and alumni of the School of the Arts can make the most of the program. Apply at the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/GfgsHPkrXPDqnL867.
Democracy in Dialogue: Public Square Debate
5:30 p.m.
The Baldacci Institute will host a Braver Angels debate in Room 227, Rodney's in the Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Participants will debate whether social media is a threat to democracy. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amanda Wintersieck at wintersieal@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/4stKmh6.
Bioethics Bracketology: March Madness
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Messed up your March Madness bracket? Not to fret. We're all about second chances here at Bioethics 4 Students. Join us to participate in our very own bioethics-based March Madness, hosted by officers Sanjana Gupta and Esha Jhawar. Bring your friends and join us for some fiery ethical debates – and cast your votes to determine who will make it to the final four (no money on the line, of course). Plus, free pizza and drinks will be available. The session will be in Room 2125, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.
State and Local Lowdown: Careers in Government and Public Service
6 p.m.
VCU's Department of Political Science will host an evening with Joan Wodiska, professional lobbyist and bipartisan adviser to governors, state legislators, state policy staff and c-level executives, and Hollie Sue Mann, Ph.D., to discuss careers in policy, government and public service. This conversation will pull back the curtain on how careers are built in state and local government, lobbying and the nonprofit sector – and what it really takes to break in. Students will gain practical strategies, hear real-world stories and learn how to translate their interests into meaningful, career-ready pathways. The session will be in Room 2107, Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), 1000 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Hollie Sue Mann at mannhs2@vcu.edu or (919) 357-8942.
This week
History Department Course Fair
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's History Department will host a courses fair featuring a chat with professors, a preview of the classes, snacks and the opportunity to network with other history students. The event will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. All current and prospective history majors, minors, M.A. and certificate students are welcome. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/history-department-course-fair.html.
Pause and Reflect: Tragedy at ODU and War in Iran
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
The Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) will host Pause and Reflect to consider the questions, "Where were you when you found out about what happened?" And, "How are you feeling now?" We will conclude by 10:50 a.m. for those who have an 11 a.m. class. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.
Out Loud and In Harmony
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Join the DC Gay Men's Chorus and Richmond Allied Voices at the Ram Horns plaza, 907 Floyd Ave., for Out Loud and In Harmony. The event is part of a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gay Alliance of Students, VCU’s first LGBTQ+ student organization. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Josh Leidy at leidyjw@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/schools/VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity/events/out-loud-in-harmony.
A New Way of Life (AA Meeting)
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join A New Way of Life, every Thursday from noon-1 p.m. This program is a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that provides a supportive and confidential environment. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or length of sobriety. Meetings are held at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Informational Session
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at noon
Juniors, seniors and first-year graduate students in STEM fields are encouraged to join us 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. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/k8X8QvzaFWzddXteA.
Objects + Methods Lecture Series: Pouya Ahmadi
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
This event has been moved to Zoom. Join the Department of Graphic Design in welcoming the newest visiting artist in our Objects + Methods Lecture Series. Pouya Ahmadi is a typographer, publisher and educator. He is the founder of Amalgam, a design and publishing studio and a journal that explores the intersection of typography, language and power. Through publishing, installations and lecture-performances, he engages with the material and discursive ruptures that shape typographic and linguistic ecologies. See the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89059452198.
NSO General Informational Session
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 2 p.m.
This general informational session is geared toward undergraduates in every major and year. All are welcome. Learn about the National Scholarship Office, the (inter)nationally competitive awards for which we advise and how to make yourself a great candidate. The session will be in person (701 W. Grace St., Suite 1200) and vitual. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/uZXXDs2tobQHfYFz6.
Engaging in State Public Policy
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The VCU Office of Health Initiatives and the Graduate Medical Education R.E.A.C.H. (Respect, Engagement, Accessibility, Connection and Health) Committee will sponsor an interactive panel. Guest speakers from the Office of Government Relations will break down the state legislative process and highlight key issues from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session impacting the VCU Health System – from workforce challenges to evolving health policy. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at ohiconnect@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/JLVxV2PyyJh5iLTb9.
VCU Clarinet Studio Recital
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.
The VCU Music Clarinet Studio will perform at the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/clarinet-studio-recital-3/.
VCU Dance Spring 2026 Student Concert
Friday, Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
The VCUarts Department of Dance and Choreography will present its spring student concert on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. The concert will feature works by Alannah O’Hern and Nia Reynolds, Ana Levi, Ari Stephens, Luke Moen, Vonne Walker, Nassir Tabb, Yterniti Williams, Samantha White, Kate Lingo and Josie Bennett, Vonne Walker and Josh Moise, Frances Baker, and Laila Gaddist and Elle Garcia. Tickets available at bit.ly/vcudancetickets
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at dance@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/spring-2026-student-concert/.
Coming up
Lecture by Visiting Artist Katie Hudnall
Monday, Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
VCU's Department of Craft/Material Studies will present a visiting artist lecture by Katie Hudnall (M.F.A. '05) at the Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. Hudnall is an artist, woodworker and educator living in Madison, Wis. She makes other-worldly, interactive, furnitural objects intended to solve problems both real and imagined and, sometimes, they do.
For more information, contact Emmy Garcia at garciaem2@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/katie-hudnall-visiting-artist-lecture/.
AI in Research: 'AI Implementation on Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Based Health Care Observational Study' With Hyundam (Dami) Gu, M.D., MPH
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.
Hillel's Passover Seder Masquerade
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join students and alumni for a festive Passover Seder Masquerade. Come dressed as one of the 10 plagues and get ready for a night of costumes, meaningful traditions and lots of matzah-filled fun. Register to save a spot by Friday, March 27 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sheri Rodman at sheri@hillelatvcu.org or (804) 213-2513 or visit https://www.hillelatvcu.org/calendar.
Bridging the Gap to Next Semester With Your Money Mindset
Monday, Apr. 6, 2026 at 6 p.m.
This virtual session with the VCU Financial Success Center will help you plan ahead for textbooks, fees and everyday costs while unpacking how your money habits are shaped. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Eva Waldron at waldroneb@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=ca1e56e0-e69f-4eb6-aec6-0c8b2622b508&utm_source=telegram.
VCU Choirs Spring Concert
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/.
VCU’s Commonwealth Singers Spring Concert
Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026 at 7 p.m.
VCU Choirs will present "In Bright Mansions Above" at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. The concert will feature the Commonwealth Singers performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass with choir, soloists, orchestra and organ. They will also celebrate the African American spiritual tradition, performing works by Rosephanye Powell, Roland Carter and Undine Smith Moore. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, PhD at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/commonwealth-singers-at-st-marks-episcopal-church/.
TEDxVCU Illuminate! Live Speaking Event 2026
Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
TEDxVCU is once again bringing ideas that spark and stories that shine to VCU’s Commonwealth Ballrooms, VCU Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Come for an afternoon of inspiration, innovations and ideas worth spreading. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/rsvp_boot?id=1944833.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies Informational Session
Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in the legal profession? Learn how CPE’s Certificate in Paralegal Studies can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to prepare for paralegal opportunities. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19a93df906e9409e80a9cb6b9277e218.
Register for Black Alumni Weekend
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.
Mentoring Circle Mocktails Networking Mixer
Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle for the 2026 Mocktails Networking Mixer and Graduation, connecting students, alumni and community partners. This event will also serve as a recruitment opportunity for the BAC Mentoring Circle, where those who attend can learn more about the program and meet current mentors and mentees. The event will be in the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Latisha Smart at smartlt@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/events/2026-black-alumni-weekend/?a=11986053.
Community as Curriculum: When Cultural Solidarity, Critical Care and Collective Healing Become Pedagogy
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for a Curriculum Conversation with Associate Professor of Education Amanda Morales, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PBYxyUwCS3Ofy85ZI9rFKg#/registration.
Notices
Submissions Sought for Scholars Compass
Have you contributed to community-engaged scholarly work between 2024 and 2026? Whether it is a presentation, article, video or other work, we want to help showcase it. The Division of Community Engagement and VCU Libraries are partnering to feature your work on Scholars Compass. Apply through Thursday, April 30 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSI7hPvD4hfbEXAXxoqyj_yErB1zWJs16MwDF4j0A6fOeew/viewform?usp=header.
Student Government Elections Voting Open
The voting period for VCU's Undergraduate Student Government Association is open through Thursday, March 26. For more information on the candidates, visit the SGA Instagram @vcusga or head to the RamsConnect website to vote.
For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcusga/home/.
Sign Up for SGA's Big Event
The Big Event, a day full of community service, is this Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. Sign up on RamsConnect today for free food, a T-shirt and volunteer experience.
For more information, contact Student Government Association at sga@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1944848.
Want to Improve Your Health? We Can Help
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. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey to determine if you may be eligible for this VCU study.
For more information, contact Redefining BMI at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
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.
Research Study: Understanding the Best Strategy for Estrogen Administration to Optimize Bone Health in Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
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.
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.