Faculty/staff Issue for February 7, 2023
Special Announcement
VCU to Conduct Test of Emergency Communications on Feb. 8
VCU will conduct a full test of its emergency communications and alerting systems, including sirens throughout the Monroe Park and MCV campuses at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The full test will include the sirens along with text messages, Alertus boxes, mass email, digital signs, desktop alerts, LiveSafe, VCU Mobile, social media and VCU website information — all part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community. VCU Police will send out a text message to let the community know that all testing has concluded. Feedback can be emailed to VCU Emergency Management staff at vcualert@vcu.edu. Watch the VCU Alert system video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmNhxsz-4QM) to learn more about how, and when, police will issue alerts.
Today
Assignment Groups in Canvas (A Bite-Sized Workshop)
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Discuss Assignment Groups in Canvas, how to create Assignment Groups and how Assignment Groups look when grading. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/canvaslearn Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18098.
Cultural Conversations: La Salle University and VCU
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office welcomes students, staff and faculty to cultural conversations with participants from La Salle University in Oaxaca, Mexico. This Spring 2023 series will focus on geographic and cultural regions starting on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Participants can sign up for one or more sessions of the eight-part series meeting Tuesdays Feb 7-28 and Wednesdays March 22-April 26.
For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/cultural_conversations/.
This week
NSO General Informational Session for Graduate Students
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 at 11 a.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will host a virtual general information session for graduate students. Learn more about external funding opportunities and how the NSO can provide support through the application process. Graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to join. Register for the session or request the recording at https://forms.gle/Df2YM85CmgK6FhRz8
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at honorsnso@vcu.edu or visit http://nso.vcu.edu.
Black n' Black: A Mixer Between Black Students and Black Faculty/Staff
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host the event in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. This will be an opportunity for the Black VCU community to come together, mingle and make connections. Human bingo will be played and prizes will be raffled off. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at omsa@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1926781.
Student Representative to the VCU Board of Visitors Interest Session
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Each year, two students (one undergraduate and one graduate/professional student) are selected as student representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors. The mission and description of the BOV can be found at https://bov.vcu.edu/ Students who are interested in applying for these positions for 2023-24 can attend one of the two offered interest sessions. Sign up for the Zoom link on RamsConnect at the following URL.
For more information, contact Reuban Rodriguez at vcudean@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/events_list.
The Commons Alternative Breaks Seeks Learning Partners
Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Serve as a learning partner for 2023 Alternative Spring Breaks hosted by the Commons. The student-led program promotes national service and critical reflection on a variety of community needs through service and cultural learning trips during spring break. Learning partners participate alongside students and act as a resource for student leaders. Questions: Email Quayle Agurs, USC&A civic engagement coordinator, at agursL@vcu.edu. Apply by Friday, Feb. 10 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Carole Dowell at dowellc2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3261 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/s78796.
Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Apps
Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In the coming months VCU Telecommunications Services will offer virtual training on the Avaya Workplace and MyE911 apps, which allow customers to extend their office number to their remote work site. The Avaya Workplace app is ideal for remote workers. Callers can reach remote workers on any device by calling their work telephone number, and when placing a call, the caller party will see their work number and not their mobile number. The sessions are open to all VCU and VCU Health. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Wayne L. Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.
Coming up
Money Mondays With Bill: Understanding the Role Roth IRA’s Can Play in Your Retirement
Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to take advantage of this savings vehicle for your retirement portfolio at an overview and Q&A session sponsored by VCU HR and Fidelity. Register for the Zoom link in Talent@VCU or at http://bit.ly/3HthxwC
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
'The Poetic Justice': Fireside Chat and Book Signing
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join Robert A. Winn, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center, and Judge John Thomas, the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court of Virginia, for a fireside chat and book signing event. Meet in the Thalhimer Conference Room, Goodwin Research Laboratory, 401 College St., and hear from the youngest and the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court of Virginia. Learn more about his new book, "The Poetic Justice." Those who register to attend will receive a free copy of the book. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Oglethorpe, Ed.D., at oglethorped@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/1abb0491-e1d6-41d4-be53-ff58ba634add/summary.
Organize Your Financial Records in Four Steps
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
With all the paperwork surrounding your finances, what should you keep? What should you throw out? Organize your records in this seminar, presented by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union. Learn a quick, clear path to figuring out what you need. Register in Talent@VCU or at: http://bit.ly/3DrBbXm
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Black Faculty Representation in Academic Medicine: Implications and Opportunities for Education, Research and Patient Care
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Black Education Association and the School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a panel to discuss the representation of Black faculty in academic medicine. The event will take place in person (Room 1009-1011, Molecular Medicine Research Building, 1220 E. Broad St.) and virtually. The Zoom link is https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/j/9265190506 Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://medschool.vcu.edu/about/dei/.
Storytelling: An Act of Memory, Imagination and Vision
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Become familiar with the art of storytelling. VCU Continuing and Professional Education will present a live, online series over five sessions on Tuesdays from Feb. 21-March 21. The course is geared for those who want to become a competent storyteller and create well-structured and enticing adventures that demand attention. VCU alumni, employee, student and military discounts are available. Register by Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/storytelling.
REAL Application FAQ Session
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Thinking about applying for one of your programs to receive REAL designation in support of VCU students? Members of the REAL Co-Curricular Classification Committee will share tangible, relatable tips for filling out your REAL application via Zoom. Questions: http://real.vcu.edu Register at the following URL by Friday, Feb. 17.
For more information, contact Erin Webster Garrett at real@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3421 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QMbPu6OGraGGOI4hAPANhIyOqQYpjiWFnukj_pS_qLU/viewform?edit_request.
VCUarts Theatre To Present 'School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play'
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"School Girls" is a comedy that follows Paulina and her squad of minions as they compete for the Miss Ghana pageant in 1986. Plans are foiled and secrets are spilled as the girls navigate high school social dynamics infused with colorism, classism and bullying. Performances will be Friday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 26 at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets are $5-15.
For more information, contact Sarah Moore at mooresw4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1514 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/theatre/vcuarts-theatre-mainstage-season/.
'Heart: A History' Book Discussion - Health and Wellness Library Program
Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join VCU Libraries for a virtual book discussion of Sandeep Jauhar's personal work of nonfiction, "Heart: A History." Share your thoughts during a talk about pioneering medical professionals and the patients who risked their lives so that more could be learned about the organ that keeps us going. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/10201040.
Notices
Like to Read? Be a Part of the Cabell First Novelist Award
This is an open call for all faculty/staff/students interested in reading for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. The award honors a debut novel written during the preceding calendar year. VCU Department of English and VCU Libraries are currently receiving entries for the 2023 award and help is needed to read and review submissions. This is a unique opportunity for individuals to get new and exciting work and contribute to the judging process.
For more information, contact Ty Phelps at phelpst2@vcu.edu or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/.
Seeking Assistance? Partner With a Doctoral Capstone Team
Would you like support with a challenge your organization is experiencing? The School of Education's Department of Educational Leadership is seeking problems of practice from VCU departments, units and groups. Submit an issue you are facing for a potential match with a doctoral capstone team for the 2023-2024 academic year. Capstone work is agreed-upon by you (partner), a faculty chair and a graduate student team of two to five members. Apply at the following URL by March 15.
For more information, contact Kim Bridges at bridgeskm@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDPLnarFEZKa0hz5xKOeFOs4X77r-QnJrRQQaOYpFjkOlzgw/viewform.
Free Prenatal Yoga or Education Class Opportunity
VCU School of Nursing's Mindful Moms Program welcomes those who are 12-26 weeks pregnant to join us for free prenatal yoga or education classes during their pregnancy. Mindful Moms is an NIH-funded study seeking to understand how to best enhance mental health and well-being during pregnancy. The classes are geared for those who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.
For more information, contact Christine Aubry at mindfulmoms@vcu.edu or (804) 273-7267 or visit http://www.mindful4moms.org.
Division of Student Affairs Student Emergency Fund Available
The Division of Student Affairs' VCU Student Emergency Fund is designed to provide one-time financial assistance with unexpected emergency expenses. The goal of the VCU Student Emergency Fund is to prevent one emergency or unexpected expense from derailing a student’s progress toward a degree.
For more information, contact Lisa Mathews-Ailsworth at offcampus@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4514 or visit https://dos.vcu.edu/services/vcu-division-of-student-affairs-student-emergency-fund/.
Have You Ever Used a Little Ram Pantry?
The Sustainable Food Access Core at VCU invites students who have used any of the Little Ram Pantries across campus to participate in a focus group to share their experiences. The focus group will take place in February. Participants will be compensated. View the survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J8mR3-WT70d6djH5pprGn_t94SUTlHaMxVUokox0GB8/edit to get started.
For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ko5rgjDxPxlIX4n0adDpWjbGkb-aKL4i/view.
Free Alternative Spring Break Opportunity for Men of Color
Men's Multicultural Collective will partner with Habitat for Humanity for a free alternative spring break opportunity for Men of Color. Participants will work on site so create an affordable home for a local family. At the site, Men of Color will receive a safety talk/orientation training and necessary equipment. Lunch will be provided daily. The project will be March 8-11, Wednesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky, program manager, Men of Color initiatives, at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/mmc/home/.
Recreation and Well-Being OAP Belay and Climbing Clinics
Want to become more independent in rock climbing? Learning to belay allows you to climb with a partner and is a fundamental skill for all rock climbers. Outdoor Adventure Program staff will teach best practices for belaying and answer questions about climbing. Clinics are held every Wednesday evening 6-7 p.m. in the Cary St. Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Registration is encouraged and walk-ins are welcome. OAP also offers Gym to Crag, Climbing Technique, and Sport Climbing clinics. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/outdoor-adventure/climbing-and-bouldering/.
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.