Faculty/staff Issue for June 17, 2025
Today
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Certificate Program Informational Sessions
11 a.m.
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host virtual informational sessions for prospective students to learn more about the graduate certificate in Media and Leadership. Join us Tuesday, June 17 at 11 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Questions: Visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/. The same sessions will also be held at noon and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/media-and-leadership-certificate/.
This week
From Syllabus to Feedback: How AI Can Help You Teach
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
In this hands-on, interactive workshop, explore how VCU’s AI tools can support your teaching from course design to grading. Using your own ideas – assignments, policies, grading schemes or videos – you’ll explore real-world examples and learn how generative AI can indirectly support student success. Bring a Canvas course, syllabus, or something to work on. Questions: https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/ Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/4Q84u8-8TvGLd7hJz7xUOw.
Memory Café at VCU Health Hub
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Alzheimer's Association will host a memory café at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St. The event provides a social space for those with early-stage memory loss to connect, while care partners gain support and information. The bonds formed often last throughout the continuum of the disease and become additional support for those involved.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Fueling the Future of Workforce Development With Shannon Pierce, President and CEO of Va. Natural Gas
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
Shannon Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, will discuss the ways industries can support the transformative power of education and job readiness. The presentation will be part of the Lunch and Learn series hosted by VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Pierce will share insights on how Virginia Natural Gas has partnered with educational institutions and community organizations by fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for the areas they serve. The talk will be moderated by Jason Burkett, Wilder School senior research consultant. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qQTZZeDcQruQxRpFtxOUog#/registration.
Financial Success Summer Series at VCU Health Hub
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Virginia Credit Union (VACU) will host a Financial Success Summer Series each Wednesday in June at VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St. Visit the following URL for additional information about the program.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7H2K8BJ.
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Want to learn more about the No. 1 graduate program for advertising and branding in the U.S.? Join us for a virtual informational session — like a Brandcenter 101 — to learn about how we develop the most prominent thinkers and creatives in the industry. We’ll chat about our program, our four concentrations (art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy), the admission process and more. The Brandcenter is still accepting applications for Fall 2025 entry. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandcenter Admissions at brandcenter@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8384 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Info-Session-June-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
Participate in Two Psychology Studies (Compensation, New Times and Sign-Up Dates Available)
Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Psychology invites you to participate in two studies (compensation is available). 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. You 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@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
Coming up
Family Wealth Education
Monday, Jun. 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Do you have estate questions? Join VCU HR and TIAA for this virtual family wealth education session. Family wealth includes more than just economic resources. The plan should also contemplate your family’s values, experiences and passions. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4jdOuww
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Being Well Amid Uncertainty
Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Recent challenges at VCU, coupled with broader state and national concerns, have created a stressful environment for many. We've heard from staff who are feeling the weight of these collective stressors. To support you during this time, VCU Human Resources has partnered with Anthem EAP to offer a counseling support session led by a licensed facilitator. The session will provide support, information and practical tips for managing stress and fostering well-being amidst uncertainty. This will also be an opportunity for those who attend to share their concerns in a supportive setting. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81258746792.
Final Evening MBA Informational Session (Fall Start)
Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025 at noon
Final opportunity to learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program before the Tuesday, July 1 deadline. (See an application at https://business.vcu.edu/prospective-students/graduate/admissions/) This online informational presentation, hosted by the School of Business, will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required. Join via the following Zoom link.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85718163650.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the dynamic curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required. Join via the following Zoom link.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82282391866.
Notices
Salary Increases for Eligible Employees
Employees eligible to receive merit increases this year were notified via email on Monday, June 16. The email included details on how to view updated salary information. Your HR Professional can assist you with any questions.
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/about/contact/hr-contacts-for-schools-and-units/.
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/.
New Resources From the Protection of Minors Office
Equity and Access Services' Protection of Minors Office has new policy resources and sample forms. These resources are free to use. If you are running a summer program or research opportunity for minors, remember to register it with the office. Office staff may make announced or unannounced site visits of youth programs. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Protection of Minors Office at youth@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1524 or visit http://www.equity.vcu.edu/protection-of-minors/.
Do You Want to Lead a Healthier Lifestyle?
Researchers at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center are testing a new program to help improve health and well-being among emerging adults age 18-29 with a history of cancer. The program is designed specifically for emerging adult cancer survivors who are interested in making healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress, mood) to decrease chronic inflammation. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a brief screening questionnaire to see if you may be eligible.
For more information, contact Christina La Rosa at larosacm@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.mccheal.com/.
Participants Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@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 LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. 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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@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.