Faculty/staff Issue for June 8, 2026
Today
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Sessions
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture for a virtual informational session exploring its M.S. in Mass Communications, with specialized concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership, as well as its Graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership. Learn how the programs can help you lead in today's evolving media landscape. Two sessions will be held on Monday: the first at noon-1 p.m. and the second from 5-6 p.m. Join either session directly at vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Details: Contact Jonathan Brown at the following email address or browse the offerings at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
This week
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Voice in the Age of AI
Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.
As new technologies continue to shape how we write, it’s important to ensure that our individuality still shines through. We’ll explore practical and creative ways to strengthen your voice, while taking into consideration the impact of AI and how we can make intentional choices about how and when we use it. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Writing Center Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.
In this Zoom informational session and workshop, we will discuss the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help you build confidence in your writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Start your academic writing career off right by exploring the Writing Center and finding out why you write the way you do and how to become a more confident writer. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Stravitz-Sanyal Institute Research Webinar
Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026 at noon
Yan Zhang, Ph.D., of the VCU School of Pharmacy, will talk about "Novel PROTACs Targeting FOSL1 Degradation to Eliminate HNSCC Cancer Stem Cells: From a Drug Discovery and Development Perspective” at the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health webinar. The event will be available in-person, Room 3-101 James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC 6), 1201 E. Marshall St., or virtually, https://bit.ly/49wEQmJ.
For more information, contact Chantay Harris at Chantay.Harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.
Sound Bath Meditation
Thursday, Jun. 11, 2026 at 11 a.m.
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. Bring a mat or a blanket with you if you have one. This session will be in person in Monroe Park. Meet by the fountain. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4dXbEI8
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Coming up
Let's Be Bold Together: Scaling Impact Through Academic Internships
Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon
Come to a special event with VCU internal partners to explore what hosting an intern within your unit could look like. Learn about ways to create on-campus, credit-bearing internships that can support both student learning and your unit's goals. The event will be in Room 1105, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/HYnvRNmyZtrCQ36W9.
ADA Lunch and Learn: Employee Accommodation Process
Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
In support of VCU's goal to make the ADA accommodation process more transparent and accessible, ADA and Accessibility Services is hosting a virtual Lunch and Learn session focused on the ADA process, how to request accommodations and the campus resources available to support colleagues. This session is also an opportunity for managers, supervisors and Human Resources staff to learn how to better support their teams and foster a more inclusive work environment. Your participation is welcome and you are encouraged to bring your questions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hunter Lacy at lacyjh@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/2AmCD1ZHTzyOYbd2K6cCXQ.
Move2VCU: Volunteer for Move-In 2026
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's Residential Life and Housing, Student Affairs, is recruiting volunteers to help with 2026 Move2VCU on Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteers help with wayfinding, getting belongings into rooms, distributing beverages and providing support as students are welcomed for the 2026-2027 year. Meet at Gladding Residence Center, 711 W. Main St. Volunteers will receive special gifts and incentives as a thank-you for their time. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shawn Chatmon at Chatmons@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMp-tEqg8L30J7ioSyFJw0D0_GXXu20TiHyxqom_S1NoaJYw/viewform.
Notices
VCU Generative AI Sentiment and Skills Survey
VCU’s Technology Services and Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence are conducting a survey to better understand sentiments and skills surrounding the use of Generative AI tools. This survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open to all VCU faculty, staff and students who are 18 years of age or older. The results will be used to inform training and tool adoption. Results will be shared in aggregate. Questions: Contact emergingtech@vcu.edu with any questions. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Peyton Burgess, Ph.D., at emergingtech@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4nQJ64T2q2zxEGM1xxEA_Y0tXM2w_eW9sJxHSAiBxR0VGKg/viewform?usp=header.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program
The Global Education Office offers the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program which prepares professionals to teach English to multilingual learners locally, internationally or online. The 120-hour interactive program is geared toward individuals seeking to develop specialized knowledge and practical skills in English language teaching and learning. The next session will begin Aug. 18. Apply and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/tesol.
Unlocking Testing Potential Survey for Faculty and Staff
A team from the Grace E. Harris Leadership program is conducting a survey to better understand the current needs and opportunities to improve student testing outside of the classroom setting. The survey will close on Monday, June 22. Take the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/TLqR1G8LeNEG1tBx5.
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/.
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.