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.

4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

SGA’s Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus, in collaboration with Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO), will present a screening of "Crip Camp" at the VCUarts Depot. 814 W. Broad St. The award-winning documentary explores the origins of the disability rights movement and the power of community, activism and identity. The event will feature ASL interpretation and closed captions to ensure accessibility for all who attend, along with brief discussions before and after the film to reflect on key themes, share perspectives and connect its message to ongoing disability advocacy efforts on campus and beyond.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu.

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. Screenings will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and VCUarts Cinema faculty. The series will be presented by the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center (ICA), 601 W. Broad St., and VCUarts Cinema professor Yossera Bouchtia. "Removal of the Eye" (2025) will be screened at the ICA. A Zoom Q&A with directors Prashanth Kamalakanthan and Artemis Shaw will be hosted by VCUarts Cinema professor Yossera Bouchtia. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCUarts Cinema at cinema@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/4-3-first-friday-new-richmond-filmmakers-removal-of-the-eye/.

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

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

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

Curious what it’s like to be part of VCU’s Executive MBA program? Come to Room B3106, Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St., to sit in on a live class, connect with the EMBA community over lunch (optional), and get a true feel for the transformative learning environment that defines VCU’s EMBA. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-students/events/?post=executive-mba-weekend-observe-a-class-4.

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

Curious what it’s like to be part of VCU’s Master of Decision Analytics Weekend program? Join us on campus to sit in on a live class, connect with the MDA Weekend community over lunch (optional) and get a true feel for the collaborative learning environment that defines VCU’s MDA Weekend program. Whether you’re beginning to explore future options, or are ready to take the next step toward enrollment, this event gives you an authentic look at the VCU MDA Weekend Program experience. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-students/events/?post=mda-weekend-observe-a-class-3.

Sunday, Apr. 5, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Meet at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for Easter lunch after church.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at community@thepacecenter.com or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

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 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Are you in need of assistance with your finances? Are you trying to figure out how to stretch a dollar? Make an appointment with the VCU Health Hub's financial coaching team. They will be at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, the first Tuesday of each month. Create an appointment at the following link.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ2CDnPp0yXguzgIqwOboClM03Q4ANF2wX1yYybJp48O3YZM8ijXQveFDAvL96wembPgz1KN-jAT.

Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a cross-institutional exchange of groundbreaking research via Zoom. The Wright Center Visiting Scholar Mini-Symposium – a collaboration between the VCU Wright Center and the Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science – showcases the next generation of clinical leaders. The program offers KL2/K12 scholars the platform to share science across disciplines, network with peers and spark new team science collaborations between our institutions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brad Williams, MSPH at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/FY6KOdz3SD-ALNjGSeCPZw#/registration.

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

Looking back on the year that VCU crossed the half-billion mark in both research expenditures and sponsored funding, the numbers are what show our impact, but the people and their stories are what truly matter. The late nights in the lab, the tired eyes searching for answers to the most vexing questions, the innovators who make up our research community are the ones who drove VCU to cross institutional boundaries and break records in FY25. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation, invites you to join him for a fireside chat as he looks back at our monumental year and celebrates the people who make VCU a premiere research university. At the annual State of the Research, President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will open the event with a formal welcome and introductory remarks, setting the stage for our discussion on VCU’s role and journey as a premier research institution. Srirama Rao will reflect on VCU’s monumental year, but more importantly will discuss his vision for the future for our enterprise. The address will be in the Lecture Hall, Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. A reception will follow at VCU's Scott House, 909 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/40cd5d516a4f45e9af947238dd36d0d8.

Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.

Join the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A., for their life planning clinic. Create life documents now so you don’t have to worry about them later. The event is open to ages 18+. Register using the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gJ7OrYIQVUu9Tjl96lZnGRXSbpF6CpFNiAL0g8EhnihUOEtETTRMU0dFNlpMSkdFRkNKR0ZRNTVRRS4u.

Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Graphic Design in welcoming the newest visiting artist participating in the Objects + Methods lecture series. Paolo Pedercini’s work deals with the relationship between electronic entertainment and ideology. He often works under the project name “molleindustria” producing video games addressing various social issues such as environmentalism, food politics, labor and urbanism. The location has been changed. The lecture will now be held in Room 1160, T. Edward Temple Building, 901 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

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 6 p.m.

The Doughctors Club will host a C-section simulation. This workshop is designed to provide a low-stress, supportive environment in which participants can learn and walk through the key steps of the procedure. Build understanding, ask questions and engage in interactive learning. No prior experience required. The simulation will be held in the Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. (Room TBD.) Sign up on RamsConnect.

For more information, contact Saniya Chethan at chethans@vcu.edu.

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/.

Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 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 mentors and those who are being mentored. Register at the following URL.

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

Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Office of Orientation and Transitions Programs and VCU Financial Success Center will present Senior Stampede: Money Talks in Room 207, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. Are you a Junior or Senior feeling those pre-grad jitters? Transitioning from the classroom to the world is a major milestone – and your financial health is a huge part of that journey. Whether you’re curious about budgeting on an entry-level salary or wondering how to maintain your lifestyle after you cross the stage, we’ve got you covered. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antoinette Gregory at gregoryad@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945109.

Friday, Apr. 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Clearly communicating your expectations around generative AI use in your course(s) is more important than ever. This interactive workshop via Zoom builds on prior conversations about Gen AI in teaching and learning with a focus on developing syllabus policies that align with your instructional goals and course design. By the end of the session, participants will have draft policies which can be refined and used, along with strategies for clearly communicating expectations to students. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeodZ3HG-8idg9CqWhum58B7v6cwenHtNKSt8RzGBzK7mqhfg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108408918132427679850.

Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Public Health Student Association to plant seedlings at Stockton Community Garden, 3901 Stockton St., to support healthier, more sustainable urban green spaces.

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

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.

Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The VCU African Student Union will host the Afro Step-Up Dance Competition. This fun event at 501 E. Broad St. brings students and the community together to celebrate African culture through dance, creativity and friendly competition, with teams vying for a cash prize and the title.

For more information, contact Esther Annan at annane2@vcu.edu or (240) 810-6233.

Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026 at noon

This communications development seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, helps participants develop the skills to talk to anyone about anything. Begin by identifying the uncomfortable issues and realities they face at work and home. Then learning how to confront such issues with tact, empathy and clarity. This seminar helps increase productivity and improve relationships by proactively addressing problems, conflicts and misunderstandings. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3NzlJAN

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

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.

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.

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.

Attention students: Beginning Monday, April 6, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your learning location (i.e., the state or U.S. territory where you are taking classes this semester). Here is the timeline: Monday, April 6: Look for an email with your unique verification link. It takes less than a minute to complete. Monday, April 13: A reminder email will be sent to those who have not yet responded. Faculty and Staff: Please help us share this routine compliance step. To learn more, visit the Student Location webpage or email location@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Angela D. Menjivar at location@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/assessment-accreditation-and-compliance/compliance/student-location/.

Richmond Public Schools is working to establish a local teachers institute modeled after the nationally recognized Yale National Initiative, a professional development program that strengthens content knowledge for K-12 teachers. As part of this effort, VCU tenured faculty who teach are invited to participate in a sponsored four-day program at Yale University July 6–9, 2026 (travel July 5 and 10). Contact Valerie Schwarz at the following email address by Friday, April 17. Limited slots are available.

For more information, contact Valerie Schwarz at vschwarz@rvaschools.net or visit https://teachers.yale.edu/.

Demo Day, hosted by the VCU da Vinci Center and SHIFT Retail Lab, is an opportunity to test your ideas, tell your story and take meaningful steps toward putting your ideas into action. Whether you’re just getting started or actively growing a venture, you’ll gain feedback, expand your network and access resources that can accelerate your progress. Participants who pitch will compete to win up to $5,000 in funding for their idea. Open to all students, alumni and small business owners in the community. Apply by 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 6 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Wenger at wengeran@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/demo-day/.

Asian American and Pacific IslandAAPIA (Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity) will sell graduation stoles for $17. The stoles are woven fabric (not printed) with intricate patterns and blue and warm colors that represent the organization's identity at VCU. The stoles will be available until 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 3. Order at the following URL.

For more information, contact Randy Amomoy Soriano at amomoysorianr@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqw7otnqPmdcGJJQOhDEGSKwmIyvda_0UiaQ-AzH9TtcqXVA/viewform.

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.

Check out Redefining BMI — a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit www.RedefiningBMI.com to learn more and take a quick survey 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/.

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, 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. Email brown8@vcu.edu with questions. Visit the following link if you are interested in participating in this study.

For more information, contact Wyatt Brown at brownw8@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8icpTWvtLFvjbo2.

We are VCU Brandcenter students researching AI and personalization as it relates to ChatGPT App usage for a project. We would truly appreciate your time and consideration! We will keep all responses anonymous, as this research is strictly for academic experimentation. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Leah Glass at glasslm@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/H9E5TTbUgF1ku1Dc6.