We will be hosting Common Book events throughout the 2025-26 Academic Year. Check back often as new events are being added all the time!
September 10, 2025, 3:00 - 3:50 p.m.
STEM Building, rm 216
917 W Franklin St.
Growing with the Wave: AI Transforming Pharmacy from Bench to Bedside
Dive into the future of pharmacy and discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the field—from groundbreaking research to real-world patient care.This dynamic session begins with an inspiring 45-minute lecture, followed by an interactive, hands-on workshop where you’ll explore AI tools and applications in pharmacy. Bring your laptop and roll up your sleeves—you’ll be working with real examples and guided exercises.
To get the most out of the experience, you’ll receive a digital workbook a few days in advance so you can preview the content. The workbook will also serve as a valuable take-home resource to keep learning long after the workshop ends. Be part of the AI wave that’s transforming healthcare—reserve your spot today!
Friday, September 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
College of Health Professions Auditorium
900 E Leigh St., Rm 1075
Hosted by the School of Pharmacy
Synthesis, Optimization, or Chaos: New Technologies and the Perils of Forecasting
From flying cars to atom bomb mining projects, from the massive capacity of a 30mb disk drive to the physical keyboard on a Blackberry, assumptions about the utility, danger, and permanence of technologies have often proven incorrect. Today's unquestionable firmament is tomorrow's amusing relic. From this perspective this event considers the current wave of enthusiasm, fear, and confusion about AI and related technologies, exploring whether "being ready" is a relevant affective frame or meaningful target of resource allocation.
September 18, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons, Rm 4100
1000 Floyd Ave
Hosted by University College
Leading the Future: Critical Perspectives on AI in K–12 Education for Educational Leaders
This event is part of the School of Education’s Education Leadership Department's Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into the operations and instructional practices of K–12 education, school leaders face pressing questions about equity, ethics, and innovation. This panel—Leading the Future: Critical Perspectives on AI in K–12 Education for Educational Leaders—will feature educators, school system leaders, school board members, researchers, and policy experts who will examine how schools can critically and responsibly engage with AI tools. The discussion will explore how to protect student data, mitigate algorithmic bias, and uphold academic integrity.Rather than embracing a tech-first approach, this session will highlight human-centered, justice-oriented leadership that prioritizes student well-being and public trust. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging AI applications and walk away with leadership frameworks and guiding questions for navigating the evolving intersection of technology and learning.
September 30, 2025, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons, rm. 4100
1000 Floyd Ave
Hosted by the School of Education
AI: Intelligence Without a Pulse
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining every aspect of our lives and the future of education by offering innovative tools and methods that improve both teaching and learning. This talk will start with an overview of AI and machine learning, examining how Large Language Models (LLMs) are being developed and their potential to reshape the educational landscape and our daily lives. The second part of the talk will demonstrate AI-powered tools across multiple use cases, showing how these technologies can streamline processes, support personalized learning paths, and foster engagement. Finally, the event will conclude with a discussion on how AI and LLM tools will impact the future – K12/Higher/ and continuing education and ultimately make it more adaptable and efficient for all.
October 20, 2025, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Engineering Research Building, Rm 1313
401 W Main St.
Hosted by the College of Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Public Trust: A Conversation with Virginia’s Chief Information Security Officer
The Wilder School invites you to join Mike Watson, Chief Information Security Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in state government. Drawing on themes of technological advancement, ethical governance and responsibility to the public, Mr. Watson will share insights from his leadership in cybersecurity and digital policy. The event will include a moderated Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of Virginia’s foremost experts on the intersection of technology and public service.
November 11, 2025, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Student Commons, SGA Senate Chambers
907 Floyd Ave
Hosted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs
How AI Reshapes Business and the Skills that Matter
Description: Ankit Mathur, Chief Technology Officer at UNOS, and Shamim Mohammad, Executive Vice President & CIO at CarMax, will share their expertise on how artificial intelligence is transforming business strategy, reshaping organizational structures, and redefining the skills essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
November 14, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Snead Hall, rm. B1134
301 W Main St.
Hosted by the School of Business
Generative AI for the Arts; Promise & Peril I - Lecture
Part of a two-day event.
January 29, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons, Rm 4100
1000 Floyd Ave
Presented by the School of the Arts
Generative AI for the Arts; Promise & Peril II (Workshop)
Hands-on with custom-trained models for artistic practice
January 30, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons, rm 4100
1000 Floyd Ave
Presented by the School of Arts
The Role of the Health Care Provider in an AI Empowered World (Keynote & Round Table: Dr. Gabe Alain from The Ohio State University)
These are two events, the first a keynote (11:00 a.m.) from Dr. Alain and the second a round table discussion (12:00 p.m.) with the keynote speaker, faculty, and students.
February 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
900 E. Leigh St.
Presented by the College of Health Professions
2026 Tech Challenge: Solving Social Problems with AI and Technological Innovation
Technology has the potential to be a tool for change. Students will explore how in this hackathon designed to give students the opportunity to work together to propose a solution to a social problem using technology. Students will be put into teams and provided a social problem. They will then be provided 30 minutes to develop a solution using technology and will then give a brief presentation on their solution and explain how it can help work towards social justice. The hope is that as students think about the evolution of technology and how it changes society, they can also think about the change they can affect using it.
March 18, 2026, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Academic Learning Commons, rm 4100
1000 Floyd Ave
Presented by the School of Social Work
Paddling Out with LEDstudio: Hands-On AI Workshop for Faculty & Staff
Whether you attended some of the engaging Common Book sessions held across campus this year or are joining for the first time, this culminating event will showcase the best highlights from those sessions in an exploratory, hands-on format. Together, we’ll experiment with a variety of AI tools and assignment ideas, hear from LEDstudio’s instructional designers, web developers, and media specialists about the most exciting ways faculty have integrated AI into their teaching, and exchange ideas with fellow participants for new possibilities in VCU courses. Come paddle out with colleagues, gather inspiration, and chart your course together as we ride The Coming Wave of AI in higher education.
Please note: We’re offering this event twice so more faculty & staff have the opportunity to participate. Surfer snacks will be provided. RSVP Here!