3 p.m.

The workshop will feature examples of strong, successful personal statements, as well as less successful ones, to give you the tools you need to write your best statement. 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/.

4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Curious about collaborating across majors? Want to tackle big problems or launch your own venture? Discover how a da Vinci Center undergraduate certificate can help — register for a virtual session at the following URL.

For more information, contact da Vinci Center at davincicenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/UG-Info-05-28.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join SHEAR (Society for Historians of the Early American Republic), the Jan Ellen Lewis Mentorship Program and the Humanities Research Center for an online webinar. This free session, open to all, will feature a discussion about making the most out of academic conferences. Honor Sachs (University of Colorado Boulder) and Will Mackintosh (University of Mary Washington) will speak. Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D., will moderate. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gg-h6DddT2iemCTHViJk1w#/registration.

5:30 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Communication 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 session will also be offered at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. A certificate in Media and Leadership will also be offered.

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at noon

A sound bath is a form of meditation that guides you into a deep relaxation state while enveloped in ambient sound. Waves of soothing, echoing sound from crystal bowls, gongs and various instruments assist the mind-body with stress and fatigue. This is an in-person session by the fountain in Monroe Park. Bring a mat or a blanket with you if you have one. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/42Mg65H

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Tuesday, Jun. 3, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The HR Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team will facilitate a two-part workshop via Zoom on Tuesday, June 3 and Friday, June 6. While designed for managers, anyone interested in learning about ways to share feedback that focuses on appreciation and strengths is welcome to attend. Register by Friday, May 30 in Talent@VCU at the following URL. You must attend both sessions to receive credit. VCU Health employees who wish to attend must complete this form: https://forms.gle/EvkgUtGHXWKxQMiL8

For more information, contact Penelope McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/yc2k3hu6.

Tuesday, Jun. 3, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3H7E7gE

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Jun. 4, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Creating meaningful interaction in online courses isn’t just about checking a box — it’s key to helping students remain engaged and succeed. In this hands-on one-hour workshop via Zoom, you’ll explore how Harmonize — a Canvas tool with features like discussions, polls, chat and annotations — can make your course more interactive and help you meet Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education. Tip: Have a Canvas course open so you can follow along and try things out during the session. Questions: Visit 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/p5FRxpJtTZu0TTZfa1WGng.

Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to noon

Massey’s Community Outreach and Engagement team actively welcomes new opportunities to reach communities in ways that make sense for them — by meeting them where they are to make sure community members know the basic information about cancer prevention and care. This includes when to be screened, fundamental preventive steps they can take to reduce their risk and general knowledge of the programs and services Massey offers. As Massey continues to grow and serve the community, requests for in-person opportunities increase. That’s where Massey's program for core volunteers comes in. Volunteers will be trained on cancer screening guidelines, take a deep dive into Massey community-based programs and shadow staff members who model best practices for outreach and engagement. Volunteers will also be able to learn from and engage clinical staff and providers, researchers and other experts across a number of cancer-related fields through monthly volunteer engagement sessions. Training sessions will be offered Saturday. June 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon (VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A); and Tuesday, June 17, 1-2:30 p.m. (hybrid, VCU Health Hub). Register for a volunteer training at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRUhgaqKqk7wIt8BqpvallyutBFx38zM9RoKYVub4cLfLOzA/viewform Questions: Schedule a brief meeting before you attend training at https://calendly.com/gesmem/core-volunteer-program-meet-and-greet?month=2025-05&date=2025-05-16

For more information, contact Michael Gesme at gesmem@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0896 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/community-outreach-and-engagement/.

Monday, Jun. 9, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Join VCU HR and Bill Giesen from Fidelity to understand how Social Security fits into your overall retirement income plan, when to start claiming your benefit and how it contributes to your overall retirement paycheck. A Q&A session will follow. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/44NzthB

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Tuesday, Jun. 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU HR has developed training sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Those who attend will learn about the languages of appreciation in the workplace; understand the core concepts of meaningful appreciation; and be able to use those skills to build and maintain good working relationships. Registesr at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d60cd0c5a-816d-4c53-833e-68963d01f171.

Interested in online, self-paced professional development courses? VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers you the flexibility to learn new skills or refresh your insights in a range of topics including business, communications, management, media and technology. Explore these training options at the following URL. Questions: Contact ocpe@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/online.html.

Eligible university faculty and staff may make open enrollment elections for state health coverage and flexible spending until Friday, May 30. Elections may be made online or by using an enrollment form. Enrollment forms must be received by VCU Human Resources no later than 5 p.m. May 30 or postmarked by May 30 if sent by mail. For information and instructions, visit https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/open-enrollment/. Questions? Visit http://go.vcu.edu/ramscentral or contact the following email address. See information and instructions at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration`` at openenroll@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/open-enrollment/.

May is National Bicycle Month. The rain has cleared, the days are longer, the pollen is less, the weather is perfect, so let’s ride our bicycles. Riding our bicycles is better for our environment, reduces stress and helps us connect as a community. Virginia Capital Trail, James River Park, Pocahontas State Park and Deep Run Park offer many opportunities for an outdoor two-wheel adventure. (And don’t forget your helmet.) Follow the link below to meet with your Wellness Team at 800 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Susan Richards MSN RN at richardss@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4043 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Volunteer to help sort VCU Free Store donations acquired during the student residence hall move-out. Opportunities are available Wednesday, May 28 through Friday, May 30 from noon to 2 p.m. Eligible employees can use enhanced community service leave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Parker Long at longpj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceZ_cxz4lAzCh3FdftpO_jfu8FXqhHknHlvinIdPeMcdM7EQ/viewform?usp=preview.

VCU Psychology invites you to participate in two studies (compensation is available): (1) a study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging, (2) 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.

VCU's Office of the Provost is seeking six tenure-track assistant professors to join the Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative (CERSC) — a new opportunity to deepen your practice in community-engaged research (CEnR), connect across disciplines and receive community-engaged mentorship. $500 Stipend. Questions: Visit https://community.vcu.edu/facultystaff/community-engaged-research/cersc/ Apply by Sunday, June 15 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecEyKjABgtZJ7w3f3RztxRqtSiYVPsD3mZEEUiWtWx4sZkhg/viewform.

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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.