Faculty/staff Issue for July 8, 2025
Today
Small Changes, Big Impact: Accessibility Basics for Educators
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In this interactive session, participants will explore the differences between accessibility, accommodations and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, faculty will learn practical strategies to improve the accessibility of slide decks, videos, PDFs and Learning Management System (LMS) course structures. Come ready to engage, evaluate and enhance your digital teaching materials. Questions: https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/ Register for the Zoom lilnk at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/o6L9dHpjRwu2bjWeSPXNvA#/registration.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
2 p.m.
Attend a virtual informational session with the Writing Center. Also, build confidence in your writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. 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/.
The Hub Club by VCU Health Hub at 25th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event, hosted by Ivy Bell, VCU Health Hub’s certified community health worker, will be at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The Hub Club is a wellness group which offers participants the opportunity to share stories, listen to music, practice mindfulness and build connections. Hub Club is held every second and fourth Tuesday.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
This week
VIRBs (VCU IRB System) Research Community Open Lab
Thursday, Jul. 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
In preparation for implementation of the new IRB system (VIRBs), the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP)/IRB will hold a VIRBs Open Lab for the research community. Open labs will include VIRBs real-time practice and Q&A sessions. Several open lab sessions will be held for the research community in July and August. A complete schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required. Open labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during these sessions. A Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the open labs schedule. The same lab will also be offered at from 1-2 p.m. Monday, July 14. Join the open lab at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89679536817
For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/human-research/hrppirb/virbs/.
Starting Point for Young Investors
Thursday, Jul. 10, 2025 at noon
Now is a good time to start saving for retirement. Retirement should be something to save for along the way. Join VCU HR and Voya to learn about designing a budget, why sdaving should begin immegiately and the basics of investing. Register for the virtual session in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4lpGWsc
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Participate in Two Psychology Studies (Compensation, New Times, Sign-Up Dates Available)
Thursday, Jul. 10, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
VCU Psychology invites participation in two studies. One - A study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging. Two - A study on how people react to fictional characters. Participants will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. See details and find out if you are eligible at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
Coming up
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2025 at noon
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate a career. Learn about the dynamic curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required — join via the following Zoom link.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89587773967.
Emotional Intelligence: Taking It To the Next Level
Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2025 at noon
Join VCU HR and Anthem EAP for this in-depth virtual class focusing on what an emotion is and how understanding emotions can help make or break situations. It’s an interactive, tool-based seminar that dives deeper into the world of emotional intelligence to help participants understand general emotions, recognize the four basic emotions and learn what works best for each individual. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/44BpbQQ
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Notices
July 15: Deadline for VCU's Certificate in Clinical Research Application - Fall 2025
VCU's Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research offers a 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificate ideal for current research, allied health and clinical staff and students. The certificate provides an academic pathway for career progression or first-time entry/transition into the field of clinical research. Tuition benefit and financial aid available for eligible employees and students. Review course and admission requirements with program overview at the following URL.
For more information, contact Catherine Brown at crbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/office-research/center-clinical-translational-research/clinical-research-cert/.
RecWell American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Course - July/August
The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU students and RecWell members looking to 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-healthcare settings. Classes will be held July 9, 19, 23 and Aug. 2. Register 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.
Aquatics Children’s Swim Lessons Summer Session 2
VCU RecWell offers children’s swim lessons for ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified water safety instructors under the American Red Cross program. The lessons focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 2 runs July 12-Aug. 2. Classes will be at the VCU Aquatic Center, 101 S. Linden St. Register May 1-July 11 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.
Camp Explore: Health Care Professions
Have a little summer enjoyment and explore careers in health care at VCU. Fun, educational and camp sessions are available for students in elementary school (Saturday, Aug. 2), middle school (Monday-Friday, July 14-18) and high school (Thursday-Friday, July 24-25). Register by emailing Karen Hill-Holliday at the following address. Spots are limited so register today.
For more information, contact Karen Hill-Holliday at karen.hill@vcuhealth.org.
OMSA Seeking Part-Time Student Workers for Upcoming School Year
Looking to become involved and gain on-the-job experience this upcoming year? VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is hiring. Multiple part-time student positions are open for passionate, creative and community-minded students. Current openings include graduate assistant for Multicultural Student Affairs, graphic design and marketing graduate assistant, Federal Work Study office assistant, FWS marketing/social media manager and FWS photographer/videographer. Apply by noon Tuesday, July 8 via the Handshake app at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Brown at dgbrown@vcu.edu or (804) 882-3023 or visit https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa.
Nominations for MCV Physicians Distinguished Clinician of the Year Award Due July 15
Nominations for the MCV Physicians Distinguished Clinician of the Year Award are due by Tuesday, July 15. This award recognizes clinical excellence among faculty at the VCU Health System. Criteria considered include compassion, clinical effectiveness, efficiency, comprehensiveness, professionalism, availability and responsiveness to patients. Submit the following to Anne Bonnevie: a letter of nomination no longer than one page; three letters of support addressed to Scott Stringer, M.D., including one from the clinician’s supervisor/chair; and a CV or NIH style biosketch.
For more information, contact Anne Bonnevie at abonnevie@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8406.
Twins, Triplets and More
The Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry (MATR) is a group of twins and their families who are willing to consider taking part in twin-based, health-related research. The MATR welcomes twins of any age, ethnicity and zygosity (identical or fraternal). All twins (triplets, etc.) in the VCU community are invited to register and encouraged to pass on information about the group to other twins.
For more information, contact Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry at matr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8116 or visit https://matr.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.