12 p.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/.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health Sciences Library will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Nina Exner, Ph.D., research data librarian, will discuss how data repositories can be used to meet the National Institute of Health's data dissemination requirements. Questions: https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/jTvw13ZFSsC2O9QqURZRvw.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU Interdisciplinary Studies is hosting an informational session for the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program. In the session, participants learn how to customize a Masters degree at VCU that reflects individual interests and goals. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87684684446 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/5bFvL397HeuyY5rQ7.

Friday, May 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cup of Kindness is a two-hour, open-invitation program with a mindfulness and stress management activity at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The session will be followed by warm beverages and social time.

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Do you aspire to a leadership role in a health care organization? Join VCU's Department of Health Administration for a virtual informational session to learn about the hybrid Master of Science in Health Administration, geared toward health care professionals looking to sharpen their leadership and technical skill sets. RSVP at the following URL to receive the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RjGRd6GJavjWCeWu8.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at noon

Clean living is an integrative mind-body approach to enjoying a healthier life by eliminating unnecessary toxins. This virtual seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, will explore a healthier way of eating by including whole, real and nutrient-rich food. Participants will identify toxic products used in the home, discuss the use of vitamins and supplements and learn other options to support a clean-living lifestyle. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4csBROg

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for its final Curriculum Conversations event with educators from around the globe on education and AI. Cosponsors for this event, online via Zoom, include the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation and the International Education Studies Center from the School of Education.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/curriculum-conversations/teaching-in-the-age-of-ai-voices-from-a-global-dialogue.html.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Division of Community Engagement at VCU invites you to attend the Excellence in Community Engagement Ceremony, an evening dedicated to honoring individuals, teams and community partners who have made a meaningful impact through collaboration and service. Hosted by the Council for Community Engagement, this special event at 900 E. Leigh St. will celebrate those who exemplify a strong commitment to addressing societal challenges through teaching, research and community-focused initiatives. Those who attend will have the opportunity to recognize and applaud outstanding achievements across multiple award categories while connecting with others passionate about community engagement.

For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu.

As the semester winds down, students (and colleagues) are invited to share words of gratitude with VCU professors. University faculty members work hard to make a positive impact – let them know you’ve noticed. Expressing kindness not only brightens someone’s day, it’s good for you, too. Questions: Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at ctle@vcu.edu. Spread joy and send your VCU profs some props through the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-bQxqzSHjvQtndTHFAU1rBCPmXPMAsQlthL2Jh2ShvLeCdQ/viewform.

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.

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 submission 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/.

This collaborative is an opportunity for tenure-track faculty to connect across disciplines and strengthen community-engaged research. All sessions will be held in person and focus on peer exchange and shared learning from September 2026 to May 2027. Those who complete the program will receive a $1,000 stipend in support of professional development. Apply by Friday, May 29 the following URL.

For more information, contact Division of Community Engagement at engage@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/.

FLCs are small groups of faculty members who meet regularly to explore a shared teaching and learning topic. Participants engage in collaborative discussions and reflect on their teaching in a supportive environment. Faculty members who are interested should complete the short application form at the following URL. Those selected will receive a small stipend in recognition of their contributions. Individual feedback will help VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence plan future FLCs that best support your teaching and student success.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtisHQHusI5wFIJOMTDU3DcBgFvsB2PQpskAsVK9MfbtgZFg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102580568854293550927.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Kitchen Assistant to join our early childhood education team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the Kitchen Manager in preparing nutritious, appealing and age-appropriate meals for young children in our preschool program. Your culinary expertise will help foster healthy eating habits and ensure a safe, clean and welcoming dining environment. This position offers an opportunity to combine culinary skills with a commitment to nurturing young minds and bodies. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tessa NeSmith at nesmithtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7377 or visit https://vcujobs.com/jobs/center-kitchen-assistant-vcu-main-campus-virginia-united-states.

VCU School of Medicine and VCU Health Department of OB-GYN are inviting medical providers – like all of you working in clinical settings – to take a brief, 25-minute survey. The goal is to better understand provider perspectives on occupational stress related to policy changes or practices. It’s completely confidential, and your input will help inform future health care practices. Enter a raffle to win one of six $100 charitable donations to a philanthropic organization in the Richmond area. To participate, visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Julie Suyama, M.D., Ph.D/, at Julie.Suyama@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD 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.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (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.