Faculty/staff Issue for February 6, 2025
Today
3 in 30 | The Sensory Experience of African Art (Virtual)
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Join Karen Getty, educator for the African collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as she shares the experiential power and multisensory dimensions of three objects in the African Art Galleries. Register for the Zoom link at the followoing URL.
For more information, contact Karen Getty, VMFA at info@vmfa.museum or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GOOyMVSFRgW4SE819W5r6A.
Health Sciences Library Spring Open House
11:30 a.m.
Visit the Health Sciences Library, 509 N. 12th St., to explore its resources, spaces and services, both in person and online. Meet the staff and librarians dedicated to health sciences schools and programs. View demonstrations from the Makerspace and unique items from the Special Collections and Archives department.
For more information, contact Sue Moss at mosssr2@vcu.edu.
Fulbright Scholarship
12:30 p.m.
The National Scholarship Office will hold a hybrid Fulbright Scholarship informational session. Come to Room 121o, NSO Conference Room, 701 W. Grace St. (or join via Zoom), 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. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at natlscholar@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScreoCOy2V-Jj3zC0nORWNha9awAhuRG0HZ3QFhiGSSLGTpaQ/viewform.
Wild Creation: Zoology With Air-Dry Clay
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
STEM In Art will host a discussion about zoology with aor-dry as the art medium. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Free snacks and all materials will be provided.
For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu or (804) 549-9154.
This week
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Sessions
Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to noon
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. A certificate in Media and Leadership is also available. The program will also be offered today, Friday, Feb. 7 from 3-3:30 p.m. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
Coming up
Exercise as Medicine for Brain Health: Implications for Brain Injury and Beyond
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a Discovery Dialogues seminar via Zoom. Jessie Oldham, Ph.D., and Sam Walton, Ph.D., Assistant Professors, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will present. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuCvqzMsHdKuiumhD6e3DLjOUUY5AcYp.
Family Engagement: A Strengths-Based Approach
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon
In this presentation at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. across from the Cary Street Gym, participants will learn the Stages of Change, identify common barriers when working with parents/caregivers and learn how to find and tap into each family’s strengths. Register at the following email address.
For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/180/1739286000000.
PennyAppeal Pack-A-Bag
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PennyAppeal will host a Pack-A-Bag event in the Honors College Multipurpose Room (1303, 701 W. Grace St.) to make care kits for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the organization's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
Walking the Talk: Centering Values in Institutional and Team Leadership
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at noon
When it comes to leadership, we sometimes fall back on what we know, regardless of our values. In this workshop, participants will come away with concrete strategies for translating inclusive and team-centered values into practice. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcOipqjgoHd0JBq-AOzx63g_OCiG48Q4d#/registration
For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/.
Black 'n' Black: A Black History Month Mixer
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will partner with the Black Education Association to host a Black 'n' Black Mixer. This is an opportunity during Black History Month for students, faculty and staff to come together, mingle and make connections. Enjoy catered food. Games will be played and prizes will be raffled off. Attendance at OMSA events is open to all students, faculty and staff. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936805.
HIIT To Be Fit
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at noon
This 30-minute virtual full-body circuit training, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will feature a variety of strength and cardio exercises, designed to provide a total body workout hitting every major muscle group as you build strength and endurance. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/mrytv6zp
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Beyond 'Always On' Culture
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for “Beyond ‘Always On’ Culture” - a discussion with Damien Pfister and Caddie Alford on diagnosing — and resisting — the technoliberal temper of digitality. The event will be at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. A reception will follow.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://bit.ly/pfi0213.
VCU L. Douglas Wilder School Annual Legislative Reception
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs leadership, faculty and staff for a gathering of Wilder School alumni, policymaking experts, local and state officials and key policy influencers. The session will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, James River Ballroom, second floor, 100 S. 12th St.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu.
Jazz Faculty Septet To Present Roy Haynes Tribute Concert
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
VCU’s Music Jazz Faculty Septet will be playing a tribute event for legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. General admission tickets are available for $12. Discounts are offered for current VCU Music faculty/staff and VCU students. Tickets are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessica Casey at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/jazz-faculty-septet-presents-roy-haynes-tribute-concert/.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The program is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth and young adults and will be facilitated by BeWellVA. The session will be held at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym.
For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/177/1739890800000.
Paralegal Studies Certificate - Registration To End Feb. 21
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Want to get your start in the legal field? Learn more about the VCU Continuing and Professional Education noncredit Paralegal Studies Certificate program at a live online session. Sign up at the following URL. Registration ends Friday, Feb. 21. The next cohort begins Tuesday, Feb. 25. Discounts are available for VCU faculty and staff. The program adviser is available each Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Sign up at bit.ly/vcuparalegal to speak with an adviser.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/paralegal/.
18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join VCU's Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Conference and engage in a leadership journey. Those who attend will embark on alumni engagement and establish new connections through various interactive workshops, intentional engagement and many motivating conversations. Through dynamic sessions, networking and interactive learning, participants will actively engage in activities promoting graceful leadership. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott Downtown, 500 E. Broad St. Register by Friday, Feb. 21 at the following URL. (Register by Friday, Jan. 31 for the early bird rate.)
For more information, contact Nancy Calkins at calkinsn@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2025-conference/.
Ethics of AI - Early Registration Available
Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 at 8 a.m.
The rapid evolution of AI requires us to consider its usage and practical implications. Join VCU Continuing and Professional Education for a cohort-based noncredit Ethics of AI course designed for faculty, staff, students, researchers, ethics and compliance officers, technology professionals and anyone with an interest in AI. Learn more and register at: https://ocpe.vcu.edu/ai/ VCU alumni/staff/faculty discounts are available
For more information, contact Tinsley Jones at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/ai/.
Notices
The Dorris Douglas Budd Award Nomination Site Is Now Open
Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Dorris Douglas Budd Award. Established in 1981, the award honors the legacy of Dorris Douglas Budd, a dedicated staff member who served VCU for 30 years and inspired excellence in all those around her. The award recognizes a full-time administrative support staff member at VCU or VCU Health who demonstrates exemplary performance and enhances the mission and image of our institution. Nominations may be submitted until March 7 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at rewrdrec@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/employee-recognition/awards/dorris-douglas-budd-award/.
Join VCU's New KHS Health Science Club
This club, affiliated with the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department at VCU, focuses on students in the Health Science concentration of the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science major. (However, anyone passionate about health science is welcome to join.) Connect with fellow health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX) students and health enthusiasts through résumé workshops, networking events, shadowing opportunities, CPR/First Aid certifications and collaborations with organizations like the HPEX Exercise Science and Women in Medicine/Health clubs. Follow the organization on Instagram: vcukhshealthscience and see KHS on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/khshealthscienceclub. A membership form is available at the following URL.
For more information, contact KHS Health Science Club at khsclub@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LVub9jzDJwjV8HCU9.
Play Pickleball at the Mary and Frances Youth Center
Spring open court times are available at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. across from the Cary Street Gym. Open play times are Monday and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10Vo05USr8hQJ2C4oZDrFOygOeuaD8WXs9OgacJs6z5w/edit?usp=sharing.
Palestinian Student Organization E-Board Applications Open
PSO seeks candidates to fill its 2025 Executive Board. Responsibilities include event planning, communications, recruiting prospective members and more. Questions: Email pso.vcu@gmail.com or DM on instagram at @PSO.VCU. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ajnadeen Dahman at dahmanan@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgfl15fSIipsVvSMFROssL6kentrlqYU2Qoa8djyU1Dppjyw/viewform.
Nominate an Individual or Organization for the 2025 Student Leadership Awards
VCU's Division of Student Affairs is accepting nominations for the university's annual Student Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions and achievements in student leadership and community engagement. Students, faculty and staff are invited to nominate individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to their communities. Nominations may be submitted at the following URL by Friday, Feb. 14.
For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/leadershipawards/home/.
Youth Summer Camp Series at the Mary and Frances Youth Center
Registration is now open for the youth summer camp series at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym. Camps are for rising students in the first through ninth grades Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://givepul.se/gdhm8u.
2025 ConnectED Teaching Awards
The ConnectED Teaching Awards recognize faculty in the ConnectED program who demonstrate outstanding commitment and effectiveness in teaching ConnectED courses. Each academic year, two faculty members will be recognized and each will receive a stipend of $1,000. Applications due at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at https://forms.gle/mjBLAW7bHpr9mdB26
For more information, contact ConnectED at gened@vcu.edu or visit https://connected.vcu.edu.
Participants Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group in addition to individuals who identify as LGBTQ. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of chronic psychosocial stress and vascular inflammation to an acute mental challenge. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus.
For more information, contact Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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. Principal Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
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.