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Today

In this Humanities Research Center talk, Josh Galarza will discuss how writing "The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky" supported his journey as a man healing from patriarchal conditioning and how writing for young people provides satisfying opportunities to illustrate lessons that can help any boy (and any man) on his own path away from hegemonic performance and toward authenticity and active allyship to women and genderqueer identities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/writing-pathways-out-of-patriarchy-the-creative-research-behind-the-great-cool-ranch-dorito-in-the-sky.html.

Join Katie's Art Project and unleash your inner artist in the Alumni Association Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Enjoy drinks while creating your own masterpiece. No skills required. For more information, contact Safa Saad at saads@vcu.edu.

This week

Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue throughout the fall semester. For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit http://transfer.vcu.edu.

Interested in a career in environmental planning, community revitalization or metropolitan planning? VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host an online presentation and Q&A conducted by the school's Urban and Regional Planning faculty to learn more about graduate school options. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit http://bit.ly/murp108.

In celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a mixer for the VCU queer community. This event will be open to all LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and students. Treats will be available, human bingo will be played and prizes will be raffled. The event will be in the Commonwealath Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Joshua Lockhart at lockhartjcj@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6672 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933339.

Join RVA's own Gamelan Raga Kusuma with special guest vocalist Peni Candra Rini for an evening of Balinese and Javanese gamelan music. The event will be in the W.E. Singleton Center for Performing Arts, 922, Park Ave. Those who attend will be invited on stage following the concert to try out the instruments. For more information, contact Justin Alexander at jlalexander@vcu.edu or (501) 358-8083.

This is a slower 30-minute practice focused on active stretching of muscles and opening of connective tissue. Release built-up tension, prevent injury, increase blood flow to muscles and increase long-term flexibility. No equipment requirements, though a yoga mat is recommended. Brought to you by VCU HR and VCU RecWell. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3TDTgtn For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

VCU Biology will present a two-part interest meeting for the Biology Ambassador Program and Mentorship Program in Room 117, Trani Life Sciences Building, 1000 W. Cary St. Join to gain professional skills, connect with peers and support department events and recruitment. For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at this virtual informational session. Register at https://tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2425 For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at teachrtr@vcu.edu or visit http://teachrtr.org.

Join VCU HOSA (Future Health Professionals) to learn to join committees for leadership experience, volunteer for health care exposure and enter a raffle to win free merchandise. Also, discuss upcoming events and preparations for students to compete at the state leadership conference. The event will be in the multipurpose room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St. For more information, contact HOSA@VCU at vcuhosa@gmail.com or (425) 979-6452.

The podcast "Civil Discourse" and the VCU Political Science Department will present an election forum to discuss the potential foreign policies of the two major party candidates in the 2024 Presidential race. The event will be in the lecture hall, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/election-forum-.html.

Learn to feel comfortable with the process of paraphrasing in academic writing. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Elisa Gonzalez, the 2024 Levis Reading Prize winner, will read from for her poetry collection "Grand Tour." The prize is awarded annually for the best debut or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year and is chosen by the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at VCU. "Grand Tour," Gonzalez’ debut full-length poetry collection, was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2023 and was named one of the best books of that year by The New Yorker. The reading will be in the Lecture Hall, Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Thom Didato at tndidato@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/levis-2024.html.

Join the Medical Innovation and Sustainability Society to make origami to donate for a smile or keep for yourself and learn about sustainability and waste research at VCUHealth. MISS is looking for innovative students who are ready to tackle problems at the intersection of sustainability and medicine. Learn more at the meeting, which will be held in Rooms C and D, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: DM insta @miss_vcu For more information, contact Emma Marie Samson at missatvcu@gmail.com or (703) 302-0070 or visit http://linktr.ee/missatvcu.

Join the internal research funding program team to discuss upcoming funding opportunities. The team will answer any questions regarding the four recently released funding opportunities: VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund; VCU Breakthroughs Fund, VCU Momentum Fund and VCU Quest Fund. Join directly at the ;following Zoom link. For more information, contact OVPRI funds team at ovprifunds@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89365296981.

Coming up

The Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and co-sponsors will present the Matilde Moros Annual Lecture in Room 110 of the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. This year's lecture will feature the Beehive Collective, an activist arts group, discussing a display of Mesoamérica Resiste — a massive illustration depicting stories of resistance and solidarity from Mexico to Colombia. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Emily Humberson at humbersone@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/matimoros.

Join VCU Alumni to pack birthday kits and write birthday cards for children in the community so no child has to go without a special celebration. The event will be at 908 Oliver Hill Way. Sign up at the following URL. For more information, contact Kendra Robinson, regional programs and volunteer engagement, at robinsonkm10@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0311 or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/rvabdaykits.

Multiple class sessions: Oct. 15 (Tuesday), 16 (Wednesday) and 17 (Thursday). This workshop considers common misconceptions around DEI work and ways to approach it with more vigor and authenticity. Participants will come away with strategies for making their DEI work more clear and compelling for a wider group of participants. Choose a date and register at the following URL. For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqd-yorjIvE9ZaxNirLuVObT0JM-zsmKR3#/registration.

The Political Science Department will host an informational session on how to get a good internship. It's time to start applying for spring internships and summer opportunities. Pick up tips on searching, applying and interviewing, as well as earning credit. Speakers include Experiential Learning Coordinator Hollie Sue Mann, Ph.D.; Melinda Snyder from Career Services and poli students who have had successful, impactful internships in political science. The session will be held on the third floor, Founders Hall, 827 W. Franklin St. For more information, contact Hollie Mann, Ph.D., at mannhs2@vcu.edu or visit https://politicalscience.vcu.edu/academics/real-world-learning/internships/.

VCU Common Book Program and VCU’s Project Gabriel will host a panel discussion to explore the intersection of DEI and reparative justice. This event, to be held in Room 202, STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St., will examine how efforts to address racial injustice have impacted historically marginalized communities, both within academia and beyond. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Stephanie Rizzi at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RQ6WRaiBKaKAAArWA.

Join CTLE for a discussion about humor in the classroom. This session, in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave., will explore the role of humor in fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment and provide practical strategies for integrating it in respectful and inclusive ways. Discover practical approaches to create a more connected classroom experience. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/dmRCZTwX4vwkwTde6.

Learn how VCU's School of Education integrates the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC). The M.Ed. in Counselor Education provides three specialized tracks: school counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and couples and family counseling. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/MEdFall24coun.

Join the Rev. Ben Campbell for a discussion of his book, "Richmond's Unhealed History." The book explores Richmond's crises and contradictions over the last four centuries as well as the promise of the future. Those who attend will receive a copy of the book. The event, to be held in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., will be hosted by VCU's Graduate School. Register at the following URL. Dinner will be served. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1933286.

Explore personalized financial strategies designed to support neurodivergent students in managing their money with confidence. This session will provide practical tools and tips for budgeting, saving and making informed financial decisions tailored to diverse cognitive needs. The session will be held in Room B2165, Snead Hall, School of Business, 301 W. Main St. Register at the following URL. The session will also be available via Zoom (https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83900272748). For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=ccb10704-a9e1-4fed-a6d5-33bb9f88b0f2&utm_source=telegram.

VCU HR is sponsoring a Leadership in Action workshop via Zoom for managers on integrity and compliance. Join the conversation to learn how managers can lead in creating a healthy workplace culture by understanding and applying relevant policy and by building psychological safety within teams. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL by Tuesday, Oct. 15. For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/883c932c-ebd2-4a13-ba0e-08ab57ccd140.

Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if it happens to you. This webinar will be hosted by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4de9PDa For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

This informational session via Zoom is for in-state and out-of-state students. Grant funding from the Office of Special Education Programs is available. Learn more about how the Ph.D. in the special education program prepares future leaders who care about supporting students with disabilities, their families and their teachers. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/PhDSpedFall24.

This session via Zoom is designed to answer questions for community members and future students who are interested in taking one or one more classes as a non-degree seeking student. A Department Senior Educational Specialist will share common non-degree courses that are taken by provisionally licensed teachers, educational leaders and individuals looking to learn more and experience an academic program before applying. Apply at the following URL. For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://rar.vcu.edu/registration/nondegree-seeking-students/.

VCU psychology professor Richard Bargdill, Ph.D., will give a dream interpretation workshop at the Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Road. The workshop will share the insights of a new book on the meaning of dreams. For more information, contact Richard Bargdill at rwbargdill@vcu.edu or (804) 549-1967 or visit http://www.dreammetaphors.com.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host via Zoom the 2024 Postdoc Grant Academy. The six-part series is designed to guide postdocs through the process of finding, applying for and securing research funding. Each session will feature expert speakers, panels of successful applicants and valuable resources to support your grant writing journey. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at OVPRIRD@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/KBKLxbnGhzuA1W7XA.

Learn more about VCU's doctoral program in Health Services Organization and Research at a virtual informational session. Meet with program faculty and learn about admissions and funding. RSVP at the following URL. For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/FJPPUcSo1QzpLQag7.

VCU's Global Education Office will hold the fall Global Initiatives Master Class Series: Global Engagement Strategies. Cheryl Delk-Le Good, executive director, EnglishUSA, will discuss "Maximizing the Impact of Campus-Based English Language Programs." The workshop will explore the crucial role of campus-based English language programs in advancing international education. Lunch will be provided. The session will be held in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 442-6805 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/master-class-series.

Discover the latest technology tips and tricks while filling your bag with treats. Join the university's Technology Services for the annual VCU Tech Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 30 (Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) and Thursday, Oct. 31 (Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St.). This free event is open to all students, faculty and staff. No registration is required. Pick up tech tips, tricks and treats from university IT staff. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the VCU tech community and enjoy some Halloween fun. For more information, contact Technology Services at tsengage@vcu.edu or visit https://techfair.vcu.edu/.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs announces to fall 2024 VCU graduates (undergraduate, graduate, professional studies) that registration to participate at the end-of-the-semester Cultural Achievement Ceremony is now open. The ceremony will be held in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register by Monday, Nov. 4 at the following URL. For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/yi7ZoFifUYDSYBAj9.

Notices

Free U.S. Passport-Style Photograph at VCU Global Education Office

Did you know VCU students, faculty and staff are eligible for a free U.S. passport-style photograph? The Global Education Office (912 W. Grace St., fourth floor) offers this service on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot at the following URL. Sign-ups are first-come, first-serve. For more information, contact Alex Heyden at abroad@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://bit.ly/48vyeCK.

RecWell American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Course

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students, RecWell members, non-member faculty/staff and the Richmond community. Learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training in non-health care settings. October class dates are Saturday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 16; Wednesday, Oct. 23 and Wednesday, Oct. 30. See registration deadlines at the following URL. For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=157236e4-f012-4926-b19a-80ba87072981.

RecWell October Climbing Clinics

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers a variety of climbing clinics at the Cary Street Gym climbing wall, 101 S. Linden St. Registration opens the day before each clinic. Climbing clinics for October include beginner-friendly sport climbing clinics on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Tuesday, Oct. 22. Advanced skills clinics include gym-to-crag on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and rappelling on Tuesday, Oct. 29. See the full schedule and register at the following URL. For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=d722033b-3a3d-44c6-a639-491797a4b9a2.

RecWell’s Unlock Your Fitness: A Journey Through Equipment Orientation

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally-accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym fitness center, 101 S. Linden St., and how RecWell members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged to ensure the experience is as enjoyable and open as possible. Orientations are held Mondays and Thursdays, 1-2 p.m. For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

RecWell’s Ram Power Challenge

RecWell invites students and RecWell members to test their strength in the Fall 2024 Ram Power Challenge. Certified personal trainers will provide guidance on mastering the fundamentals of the squat, bench press and deadlift. Participants will have two opportunities to showcase their strength on each lift. The Ram Power Challenge will take place Friday, Oct. 11 from 4-7 p.m. at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St.. Register by Friday, Oct. 11 at the following URL. For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=8ee0c83c-0246-469b-84fe-6e484ddb3ace.

How to Retire With VCU ORP

Human Resources presents "Retiring With the VCU Optional Retirement Plan." These sessions are open to VCU faculty and VCU University and Academic Professionals, not VCU Health System employees. Register for an upcoming session at https://bit.ly/3xuwHLZ. Questions: Create a service request at https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport. For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/retirement/planning-resources/.

Google Sites Decommission

The ability to create and edit Google Sites is no longer available. The Google Sites service will be fully decommissioned as of December 2024. University-related sites and course-related sites should be moved or created in the appropriate university systems. Personal sites should be created on non-university hosted platforms. For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://collaborate.vcu.edu/apps/sites/.

Nominations Open for Building Manager Awards

Nominate your building manager(s) for the Building Manager Awards. Recognize these behind-the-scenes individuals for their dedication to serving building occupants, their assigned building(s) and the VCU community. Nominate a building manager at the following URL. For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/units/facilities-operations/building-managers/awards/.

New: VCU Discounts Marketplace

As an employee of VCU, you have access to the VCU Discounts marketplace. This newly re-envisioned compilation of all VCU employee discounts is your one-stop shop for exclusive savings on products, services and experiences, with new deals added when available. Make the most of your money and enjoy the many rewards that come from your employment at VCU. Within 24 hours after registering the employee will receive an email with a promo code to save even more. And it's free. Register today. For more information, contact Cindi Phares at worklife@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.savings.workingadvantage.com/.

VCU Human Resources Listening Sessions

Alison Miller, VCU’s Chief Human Resources Officer, is hosting a series of listening sessions to better understand which aspects of the VCU employment experience are most important to staff and how VCU HR can best serve staff moving forward. Join the virtual session to share your thoughts. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL. For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at avphr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d79d4adf8-a696-43b5-b200-79ecc3d1945b.

Surplus Your Department Property Via GovDeals

VCU departments can surplus unneeded VCU inventory via GovDeals, an online government surplus auction program. VCU Facilities Management helps departments navigate the online government auction platform to surplus (technology, lab equipment, furniture and more). Learn more at the following URL. For more information, contact Dwayne Brown at brownde5@vcu.edu or (804) 310-9936 or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/units/facilities-operations/general-services/.

Long COVID Study Participants Needed

VCU School of Nursing is looking for participants ages 0-25 to participate in a Long COVID study. Have you or your child experienced lingering health symptoms or behavior changes since having COVID or a virus? Participants will be paid for their time. Sign up for the study at the following URL. For more information, contact Amy Rider at recoverkidsva@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/RECOVERkids.

See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.

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