Faculty/staff Issue for June 23, 2026
Today
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Writing a Strong Introduction, Abstract or Proposal Narrative
10 a.m.
In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will give you the tools necessary to establish your ideas for your introduction, abstract or proposal narrative in a strong, logical way that will hook your audience and get them excited about reading more. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
5:30 p.m.
Join the School of Business for the final informational webinar before the July 1 deadline 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 is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84101045910.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing
6 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop will serve as a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Students will learn tips to start the search for relevant sources and how to properly integrate outside information into their writing. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
This week
Wednesday Walks: 27th Street Stroll
Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, for its final June Wednesday Walk. This week's route will go down 27th Street to enjoy the summer scenery, work some light exercise and connect with fellow community members.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
The Science of Summer Wellness – Mind, Body and Energy
Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Susan Richards, R.N., VCU Employee Health and VCU HR, will explore simple, science-backed strategies to help you feel your best this summer. In this session, participants will learn how seasonal changes can impact physical and emotional well-being, energy levels, sleep, stress and overall health. Those who attend will leave with practical tips to boost resilience, remain energized and support their well-being throughout the summer months. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4tOI5NI
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
VCU CPE: Paralegal Certificate Program
Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Paralegal skills are in high demand at law firms but also across industries like tech, healthcare, finance and education. Whether you're a recent graduate looking for a competitive edge or a professional ready for a change, the VCU Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is designed to fit your goals and your schedule. VCU's next cohort begins this summer. Join a program informational session to learn about the university's course schedules, curriculum, registration process, career opportunities, VCU staff and alumni discounts. You’ll also have the chance to connect with program instructor Nicole Terry during the meeting. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19a93df906e9409e80a9cb6b9277e218.
Blood Drive at the VCU Health Hub
Friday, Jun. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the blood drive at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Each donor will receive a $15 e-gift card. Sign up for a slot at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=tlod.
Coming up
Low-Impact Aerobics
Monday, Jun. 29, 2026 at noon
This low-impact class, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is well-suited for any fitness level. Rhythmic, full-body movements will help to loosen muscles while elevating the heart rate. No equipment is necessary. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4v5HFDN
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
25th Anniversary Celebration of the VCU School of Medicine's Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI)
Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help celebrate 25 years of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction. In the days leading up to the event, you are invited to visit the center's interactive display on Main 1, to share your favorite Dogs on Call stories or honor a beloved animal by submitting a photo or short message. On June 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., visit with a whole pack of Dogs on Call therapy dogs on the first-floor hallway of the Main Hospital at VCU Medical Center (MCV Campus), play dog-themed trivia for a chance to win CHAI swag and support CHAI's mission by purchasing a special 25th anniversary T-shirt.
For more information, contact Center for Human-Animal Interaction at CHAI@VCUHealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.
Notices
Follow VCU HR on Social Media
Stay connected to the many supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share important reminders and updates that can enhance your workplace experience and strengthen your connections to the VCU community. Follow on Facebook (vcuhumanresources), Instagram (vcuhumanresources), and X (@VCUHR)
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.
Call for Nominations: School of Medicine Teaching Excellence Awards and MCV Physicians Distinguished Clinician of the Year Award
The VCU School of Medicine invites all the school's faculty, residents, medical and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to help recognize and applaud the dedication, hard work and excellence of faculty in teaching, leadership, humanism, patient care and contributions to the professional development of others. Nominate faculty for the school's teaching excellence awards (TEA) by Thursday, July 23. The nomination form can be found at the following URL. Nominations for the MCV Physicians Distinguished Clinician of the Year Award are also due by Thursday, July 23.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at hedstromj@vcu.edu or visit https://medschool.vcu.edu/media/uncategorized/2026CallforNominationsTeachingExcellenceAwards.pdf.
Employee Health Introduces a New Visit Focused on Heart Health
When you sign up for a Heart Health Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. They can discuss strategies to help improve your heart health and will help you identify other wellness and health-related VCU employee benefits that are available to you. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.
Health Career Exploration Camps
VCU Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and St. Paul’s Baptist Church are collaborating to present health career exploration camps for elementary (Saturday, Aug. 8), middle (Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17) and high school students (Wednesday, July 8-Friday, July 10). All three programs will be held at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road. Questions: Email the following address.
For more information, contact Karen Hill at karen.hill@vcuhealth.org or visit https://myspbc.org/.
Fun, Beginner-Friendly AI Course Coming Fall 2026 (New Gen Ed and Practical AI Minor Course)
EDUS 268 – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. in Room 0440, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. This Fall 2026 course is part of the VCU General Education Curriculum and the Practical AI Minor. Play with AI, learn with fun, be future-ready with AI, no coding experience required, low-pressure learning environment. This is a hybrid-synchronous course with two meetings each week: one online synchronous session will include a discussion about AI and machine learning applications in teaching and learning, assessment policy and research. One in-person session in which students will explore AI tools and create projects that apply AI/ML to real-world problems. No quizzes. Instead, students will work in teams to explore, develop and propose an AI/ML-based idea to address a real-world problem. This course is designed to be a hands-on, beginner-friendly AI playground for students from different backgrounds.
For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://chiningchang.github.io/AI-Mission-Adventure-for-Kids/.
Research Study: Understanding the Best Strategy for Estrogen Administration To Optimize Bone Health in Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
VCU and UVA seek females ages 14–30 for a research study. If you are low weight, lost significant weight or exercise heavily and have missed or irregular periods (FHA), you may qualify. FHA can harm bone health due to low estrogen. This study tests estrogen and progesterone to improve bone health. Includes four visits over 14 months (exams, questionnaires, nutrition/exercise review, bone scans) at no cost. Up to $925 compensation plus travel support. Contact: misralab@uvahealth.org
For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org.
Concussion Research Study
Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years old who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This non-invasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.
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.