Faculty/staff Issue for July 14, 2025
Today
VIRBs (VCU IRB System) Research Community Open Lab
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 for the research community 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 open labs schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required to attend open labs. Open labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during open lab sessions for the research community. Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the open labs schedule. Join an open lab at this link: 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/.
Multi-Site IRB Submissions in VIRBs (VCU IRB System)
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Join the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)/IRB for new IRB system (VIRBs) training demonstrations for human subjects researchers, study teams, administrators, regulatory coordinators or anyone supporting human research at VCU. The session will focus on the process for multi-site submissions in VIRBs. All training sessions will be recorded and posted on the HRPP Kaltura channel. Registration is required. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s-Wt7lFFQUOCpIsWsUfMRw
For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/human-research/hrppirb/virbs/.
Gardening Workshop: All About Vermiculture at VCU Health Hub
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn how to grow your own food with Malique Middleton, entrepreneur in residence at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. This month's workshop is all about vermiculture and worm composting at home. A short talk will explain what vermiculture is, its benefits and how to set up your own bins.
For more information, contact Malique Middleton at middletonme3@vcu.edu.
This week
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Take a look behind the scenes of Brandcenter's program. The session will break down the application process, the center's four creative concentrations — art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy — and give participants a look at what life is really like as a Brandcenter student. The session will also include a discussion about the kinds of industry careers Brandcenter grads go on to and how the program can help you get there. Register adt the following URL.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-july-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Attend a virtual informational session. 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/.
Kaltura's Transition to the V7 Player
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.
On July 1, Learning Systems upgraded the Kaltura player from V2 to V7. Learn more at an informational session on Wednesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81036619195 Visit Kaltura's blog at the following URL for a discussion about transitioning to the V7 player.
For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at jpmartin@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/learning-systems/2025/06/23/kalturas-transition-to-the-v7-player/.
Emerging Researchers Academy To Present National Scholarship Workshop
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 at noon
Meredith Sisson, Ph.D., will facilitate a workshop which will prepare students to identify and apply for a variety of national (and international) scholarships. 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/.
Wilder School Lunch and Learn - Introducing Uncounted: A Civilian-Led Approach to In-Custody Death Transparency
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual presentation by D. Pulane Lucas, (Ph.D.’13, Cert.’18), president and CEO of Policy Pathways Inc., who will discuss her project to document deaths while a person is in custody — in prison, detained, under arrest, in the process of being arrested or en route to being incarcerated or hospitalized. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M1KvlQhdQKSW5s19NC0I0w?utm_source=Test+list&utm_campaign=517f940a0c-Wilder-LunchandLearn-07%2F02%2F25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d9dd0bf910-517f940a0c-#/registration.
Taking Control of Your Money
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Join VCU Human Resources and the Virginia Credit Union (VACU) and discover effective strategies for saving money, managing spending and improving your credit. VACU can help you set personal financial goals to gain control and peace of mind. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/5ew6fk6r
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Participate in Two Psychology Studies (Compensation, New Times and Sign-Up Dates Available)
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
VCU Psychology invites you to participate 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 then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about one hour. See more details and find out if you are eligible at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@vcu.edu or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
Using Epic’s SlicerDicer for Clinical Research
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
VCU's Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health's Office of Clinical Research will host a monthly series to address various topics about clinical research, provide updates from VCU and VCU Health and address hot-button topics or concerns. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lauren Harris at Lauren.Harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/aiR4LFYiRtWEBeiW8Y_I3w.
Social in the City: Ax-Throwing
Thursday, Jul. 17, 2025 at 6 p.m.
VCU Alumni will host Social in the City, a lineup of events at Shield N Sheath Hatchet House, 1511 Altamont Ave. Join fellow alumni for a night of friendly competition and socializing — ax-throwing and appetizers on us. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill, assistant director of regional alumni engagement, at hillk8@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/sitc2025-rvaaxthrowing.
Facts and Faith Fridays - CARE: Spiritual Care Companion Program and Caring for Caregivers
Friday, Jul. 18, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn about the Spiritual Care Companion Program led by the Rev. Marilyn J. D. Barnes, chair of the Department of Patient Counseling, College of Health Professions and director of Pastoral Care at VCU Health, and engage in a panel discussion led by Jessica Y. Brown, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at VCU who specializes in the area of applied psychology and in intersections of faith and mental health, racism and intergenerational trauma. Register for the Zoom session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration.
Coming up
Seminar: Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation
Monday, Jul. 21, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Rafael Saenz, Pharm.D., will speak via Zoom at the next Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation (CPPI) seminar. The title of his talk will be "Adaptability and Reinvention: A Reflection on the Versatility of a Pharmacist." Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sydney Weber at webers2@vcu.edu or (540) 771-0034 or visit https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/seminars/seminar-series/cppi-seminar--july-21.html.
The AI Assignment Lab: Experiment, Build, Engage
Monday, Jul. 21, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Ready to bring AI into your classroom in meaningful ways? In this hands-on workshop via Zoom, you’ll experiment with generative AI tools and design engaging, ethical assignments aligned with your course goals. Collaborate with peers, explore real examples, and leave with an AI-powered assignment draft you can use right away. Questions: https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/DWeR62IiRuiayY2Kgxg7-Q.
Attend Fundamentals for Supervisors, a Professional Development Course
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Fundamentals for Supervisors is open for registration. This three-day course (Aug. 5-7) provides skills required by those new to supervising others, leading project teams or who have not received prior supervisory training. The goal of the training is to increase individual performance as a supervisor and to provide practical tools to enhance staff performance. Sessions will be held at Westover at Maymont, 1000 Westover Road. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/fundamentals-for-supervisors-ffs/.
Attend Experienced Supervisors Institute, a Professional Development Course
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration. The goal of the three-day course (Aug. 26-28) is to instill in participants the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor to become an influential leader. The course will focus on advanced supervision tools and tips and provide an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The course will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/experienced-supervisors-institute-esi/.
Notices
Call for Weeks of Welcome 2025 Event/Program Submissions
Weeks of Welcome at VCU will take place Aug. 16-Sept. 7. Campus partners are invited to plan events that help new and transfer students explore campus life, form meaningful connections and discover their place in the Ram community. All submissions are due by Tuesday, July 15 at 11:55 p.m. Submit programs at https://cglink.me/2dV/s82257
For more information, contact Bria Taylor at taylorbc7@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/WoW/.
RecWell Massage Therapy Services
Table massage is an effective way to support a healthy and active lifestyle, alleviate stress and muscle tension and aid in injury rehabilitation. RecWell’s licensed massage therapists will discuss your needs and provide a personalized treatment plan. Sessions are open to VCU students, RecWell members and facultRegister at the following URL.Visit our website to register.
For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at massage@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/massage-therapy/.
RecWell Personal Training Packages
RecWell’s personal training packages are available to VCU students and RecWell members. Participants will be guided through an exercise program customized to meet their specific needs and goals by a certified personal trainer, a fitness professional who is committed to supporting client progress. One-on-one and buddy-training packages of three-, six-, 12- or 18-hour-long sessions will be offered. New clients are required to complete an introductory package of three 60-minute sessions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.
Teaching English as a Foreign Certificate Program (TEFL)
The Global Education Office's Teaching English as a Foreign Certificate Program (TEFL) program is accepting applications. The TEFL Certificate program is an intensive course designed for individuals interested in teaching English to students. Gain work experience, travel abroad and earn money simultaneously. The next program start date is Tuesday, Aug. 19. Learn about this opportunity and how to apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/outreach/specialprograms/tefl/.
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.
Start Your Engines, VCU
NASCAR at Richmond Raceway is offering VCU employees, their friends and families 20 percent off grandstand admissions for the Cook Out 400, under the lights on Saturday night, Aug. 16. Tickets are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/20vcu2.
Expecting or Raising a Black Child Under Age 5? Participants Invited for a Study on Parenting and Race (Compensation Provided)
Be part of VCU's AYA Collective Research Team's ongoing study called ROOTED Endeavor. We're discussing racial socialization with romantically involved couples who are either expecting or raising Black children ages 0-5. Explore how racial factors shape parenting through five virtual interviews every six months involving both parents and brief online questionnaires every three months. Compensation will be provided for every interview and every questionnaire. Ready to join? Complete the eligibility screener at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shawn C.T. Jones, Ph.D., at ayaresearch@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k4TWXvqDDvYd9A.
Seeking Southern Black Queer Women and Femmes (18–29) for a Creative Storytelling Project — Paid Opportunity
Black, queer-identifying women/femmes (ages 18–29) are sought who have lived in the South for eight to 10 years and are open to joining eight in-person group sessions in Richmond to share their stories through photography. Groups will ideally begin in September. Cameras and training will be provided. Participants will be compensated. Participants from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama are especially encouraged to apply. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chandler Golden at goldenc2@vcu.edu or visit https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nu7kw0t0oRapr8.
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.