10 a.m.

Map your research writing using a cohesive, manageable step-by-step process. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Jul. 7, 2022 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Join VCU Human Resources and VCU RecWell for a fitness on demand (FLEX) workout that will push your limits. This dance and cardio kickboxing workout will provide a full-body workout. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/3bot5DA.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Thinking about law school? VCU Continuing and Professional Education will present this session via Zoom as part of its 3rd Wednesdays FREE Community Series. Join Steven Shotts, VCU Test Prep Curriculum Partner, for an overview of the Law School Admission Test. He will discuss the basics — the item types on the test, what to expect the day of and how the scoring works. Then, he will share some sample items and provide strategies for solving them. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/community.

The state budget recently signed by the governor does not include the proposed premium increases for COVA Care, COVA HealthAware and COVA High Deductible Health Plan that were published during open enrollment for the July 2022-June 2023 plan year. Faculty and staff premiums for these plans will remain the same as in 2021-2022.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

The Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program pledges $1.5B for outstanding early career faculty committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Funding will be awarded to outstanding basic biomedical researchers, including physician-scientists in their efforts to create labs in which everyone can thrive. Apply at the following URL by Sept. 28.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3GKcAxp.

Human Resources will present "Retiring With the VCU Optional Retirement Plan." These sessions are open to VCU faculty and VCU University and Academic Professionals, not VCU Health System employees. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://bit.ly/3xuwHLZ.

Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for VCU employees. These sessions are open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. View upcoming sessions at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://bit.ly/3NqLY7a.

"The Final Revival of Opal and Nev" by Dawnie Walton, (Simon & Schuster) has been selected as the winner of the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. Walton is scheduled to visit VCU in the fall to accept the award. Thanks go to VCU's MFA in Creative Writing, Community Readers, the Cabell Award Committee and sponsors of the event - VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, VCU English Department, VCU Libraries and Barnes & Noble at VCU.

For more information, contact Ty Phelps at cabellfn@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.

The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, is currently accepting applications for the 2023 cohorts of the VCU Leadership and HIGHER Ground programs. Learn more about the Institute, its programs, application requirements and deadlines by calling the Institute at the following telephone number or emailing gehli@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1169 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/.

Are you an instructor looking for a new textbook? Would you like a more affordable alternative for your students, something more aligned with your syllabus or that allows more flexibility in your course design? Learn about free textbook alternatives through this VCU Libraries asynchronous Canvas course. Write a short review of an open textbook and earn a $200 stipend. Register at https://open.umn.edu/network/workshops/open-textbook-workshop-summer-2022

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2021-2022/open-textbook-workshop-.html.

Weeks of Welcome (WoW) is a comprehensive, campus-wide initiative taking place furing the first few weeks of the semester. Consider hosting a program or event during WoW that will be advertised to the VCU community via RAMsConnect. Event submission forms are due by July 15 and are available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/s70503.

All VCU alumni who identify as first-generation are sought for participation in a research study about the experiences and perceptions of first-generation alumni in relation to alumni engagement and the value of the alumni network. The study will involve a 60-90 minute interview and potentially a follow-up focus group. Participants will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card. Contact the following email address by July 15.

For more information, contact Allison Toney at aktoney@vcu.edu.

This is a research study aiming to receive feedback on a sexual health intervention designed for couples. To be eligible to participate, you have to identify as Black or African American and be 18 to 35 years of age. The study requires participation in a 120 minute session and completion of a questionnaire. Compensation is available.

For more information, contact Kristina Hood, Ph.D., at progresslab@vcu.edu or visit https://progress.vcu.edu.

You are invited to participate in an online study if you are: age 18 or older, smoke menthol cigarettes, identify as Black/African American and willing to complete a 30-minute online survey about tobacco flavor regulations. Principal investigators are Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., VCU Department of Health Behavior and Policy, and Caroline Cobb, Ph.D., VCU Department of Psychology.

For more information, contact Caroline Cobb at cobbco@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3562 or visit http://www.bit.ly/rvaheat.