Faculty/staff Issue for April 13, 2023
Today
Faculty Club
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Faculty Club will be held in the School of Pharmacy lobby, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Beth Marcus at bmarcus@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/7miEgRQLihk4nT8SA.
Paint With a Purpose
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
One for the World at VCU will present a paint night at the Commons Alumni Board Room, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., to celebrate the event of the semester, discuss how to put an end to world poverty and enjoy snacks.
For more information, contact Anica Huang at huangal@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/vcuoftw.
Tiny Shiny Jewelry Sale and Exhibition Opening
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
An opening reception for the annual Tiny Shiny jewelry sale and exhibition, which showcases works by students in VCUarts' Crafts/Materials, will be held at Dransfield Jewelers, 1308 E. Cary St. The sale and exhibition will be held 11-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 13 and 14, and noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Bracelets, brooches, rings and more will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Crafting the Future.
For more information, contact Chelsea Rowe at roweca2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.dransfieldjewelers.com/news/tiny-shiny.
Queering West Asia: A Conversation on Middle Eastern Roots and LGBTQIA+ Identity
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs for shawarma, falafel and a discussion. Panelists will include Lebanese American journalist Jenny Hijazi (she/her), Palestinian chef Marcelle Afram (they/he) and Iranian American mental health specialist Persia (she/her). Discussion topics will include growing up Muslim, family dynamics and dating. The event will be at the OMSA office, Suite 215, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Beck Oh at ohrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1927828.
This week
VCU Biomath Seminar: Marie-Josee Fortin
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 1:55 p.m.
One of the world's leading spatial ecologists, Marie-Josee Fortin, Ph.D., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, will present via Zoom "Ecological Networks in Dynamics and Evolving Landscapes." Contact the organizers, Punit Gandhi (gandhipr@vcu.edu) or Oyita Udiani (udianio@vcu.edu) at least 24 hours prior to the seminar for the Zoom information.
For more information, contact Punit Gandhi at gandhipr@vcu.edu or visit https://sites.google.com/vcu.edu/biomath-seminar/spring-2023-speakers/2023-04-14-fortin.
Fulbright Scholarship
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023 at 1 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will host a virtual Fulbright informational session via Zoom. The Fulbright Scholarship provides funding for research, study, creative projects and teaching English abroad. Juniors, seniors and graduate students from all majors are encouraged to participate. Questions: http://nso.vcu.edu Register for this or future sessions or request the recording at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at honorsnso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/86JF6u6NsYAw23ef7.
Blackbird: An Online Journal of Literature and the Arts - A Celebration
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023 at 2 p.m.
For more than two decades, Blackbird: an online journal of literature and the arts has been one of the web's premiere literary magazines, earning accolades and attracting an expansive readership for its diverse range of award-winning and emerging writers. As the journal undergoes a transition in advance of its late 2023 relaunch, VCU Libraries and the MFA in Creative Writing Program will celebrate its achievements by featuring a select group of Blackbird alumni. The celebration will be in the third-floor lecture hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. In addition to the afternoon presentation, the celebration will continue at 7 p.m. tonight. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Thom Didato at tndidato@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1329 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZ8LQd-SfTVb1qG4t_ACl5dRRXxSgkjgaN9ItA6eALcA8SHA/viewform.
Feedback Friday at Shift Retail Lab
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Feedback Friday is designed as a roundtable discussion with peers, community members, staff and more. Come to Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., to help student entrepreneurs make iterations and get support during their time at VCU. Bring your curiosity and questions, snacks and beverages will be supplied.
For more information, contact Tyrone Frye at fryetl@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Feedback-Apr14.
Pop-Up Market at Shift Retail Lab
Saturday, Apr. 15, 2023 from noon to 2 p.m.
Our Shelfies have about a month to showcase and test their ideas and need your help. They could be working on a product or service that is already developed or starting at the beginning with just an idea. During their time on the shelves they will collaborate on a group pop-up market. Join students and alumni at this market, 1235 W. Broad St., to purchase their products and/or give them invaluable insight that will help take their idea to the next level. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tyrone Frye at fryetl@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Shelfie-Apr15.
Coming up
Bishop Walter F. Sullivan Catholic Studies Spring Lecture
Monday, Apr. 17, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Virginia Garrard, professor emeritus, University of Texas, will give a guest lecture via Zoom titled "God's Man in Ixcán, Guatemala: The Revolutionary Ministry of Padre Patricio." The talk will be hosted by the VCU's School of World Studies.
For more information, contact Andrew Chesnut, Ph.D., at rachesnut@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3408 or visit https://worldstudies.vcu.edu/events/bishop-walter-f-sullivan-lecture-series-in-catholic-studies/.
Music Production Workshop: Learn to Make a Beat With Fruity Loops
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Interested in making beats but not quite sure where to start? This introductory, interactive online workshop will cover the basics of recording and mixing in Fruity Loops, a popular software for music production. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Oscar Keyes at keyesok@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/10257627.
Canvas Overview (End of Semester Edition)
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop via Zoom will provide Canvas tips for the end of the semester, such as creating Incomplete sections and giving extra credit. Register at the following link: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18104 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/canvaslearn
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Green Zone Training
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU Military Student Services will offer Green Zone training to members of the VCU community who want to learn more about the military student experience at VCU. The program trains faculty and staff to support veterans and their families as they transition to academic life. Lunch will be provided; options will be available after registration. The session will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact William Morley at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6563 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18121.
2023 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME) Celebration
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The VCU and VCU Health communities are invited to attend the 2023 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment. This year’s recipients are Alena Hampton, Ph.D., LCP (Academic and Administrative Leadership); Lane Carasik, Ph.D., and Nikki Fernandes, (Faculty); Monique Sample (Staff) and Korinthia (Kori) Nicolai (Student). The President's Inclusive Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Faith Wilkerson, Ed.D. The celebration will be in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Questions: mccalls2@vcu.edu RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3nMzcYO.
Black Lives Matter, Except When They Don't: AP African American Studies and Black Life
Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023 at 3 p.m.
Join the VCU history department's Alexandrian Society for a talk by Robert J. Patterson, Ph.D. Patterson will discuss the recent political controversies surrounding AP African American Studies, and why Black lives matter, except when they don't. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/black-lives-matter-except-when-they-dont-ap-african-american-studies-and-black-life.html.
Kickback
Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The VCU Black Education Association's African-American male initiative in partnership with the College of Humanities and Sciences is hosting a Kickback. Come to the Shift Retail Lab 1235 W. Broad St. to meet, play games, eat and network. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Christopher Brooks at cabrooks@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1927769.
RamBikes Adult Learn-to-Ride Workshop
Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It's never too late to learn how to ride a bike. RamBikes can help with all the fundamentals: kicking off, getting your balance, pedaling, stopping and everything in-between. Some bikes will be available or bring your own. Workshops are held at RamBikes, 1106 W. Broad St.
For more information, contact Sera Erickson at rambikes@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2453 or visit https://bikes.vcu.edu/events/.
A Conversation With Trans and Queer Musicians and Record Label Owners Eli Owens and Nancy Grim Kells
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
VCU Libraries will host a conversation with trans and queer musicians and record label owners Eli Owens and Nancy Grim Kells of Grimalkin Records (https://grimalkinrecords.com), which mentors and supports trans and queer musicians, particularly BIPOC and disabled artists, through artist-centered structures of support through education, mentoring and production services. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2022-2023/community-zooms.html.
Understanding Your Cholesterol: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon
In this session, brought to you by VCU HR and Employee Health, learn what cholesterol is and how it affects the body, the importance of heart-healthy eating and what steps you can take to lower your cholesterol levels. Register in Talent@VCU or at: http://bit.ly/40qCdwc
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Finals Prep With Campus Learning Center
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Meet the Campus Learning Center Academic Coaches in the lobby of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., and learn about the resources the center has to offer, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching and, new this semester, peer academic coaching.
For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2022-2023-ongoing/study-well-spring-2023.html.
Informational Session: Post-Masters Certificate and M.Ed. for Reading Specialist
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join VCU's School of Education for an online informational session about the application process, time lines, financial support benefits and next steps from representatives from Albemarle County and the VCU School of Education. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jazmin Tilfas at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/?id=a3e6cf37-0472-48e6-bf51-e92dae952afa.
Playing Video Games in Search of Utopia
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What is a game? For many people, games are harmless diversions that allow you to pass the time. But for philosophers, games are serious business. In this talk, Andrew Kissel, Ph.D., Old Dominion University, will survey approaches to the metaphysics of games drawn from contemporary philosophy. This lecture, in Room 303, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave., is part of the VCU Philosophy Department's Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture Series.
For more information, contact Andrew Moon at amoon@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1224 or visit https://philosophy.vcu.edu/events/philosophy-and-public-affairs-lecture-series/playing-video-games-in-search-of-utopia-.html.
Mental Health Disparities in Marginalized Groups
Friday, Apr. 21, 2023 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
VCU's Humanities Research Center and Office of Health Equity will host student moderators from the Health Humanities lab and panelists for a 45-minute online discussion followed by a 45-minute Q&A. They will discuss the clinical, political, historical and media contexts related to mental health; including current perceptions of mental health and mental health care in racial/ethnic minoritized and LGTBQIA+ communities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at healthequity@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Iuu0OFOoSae3EHut2nArWA#/registration.
Notices
Faculty RSVP for VCU Commencement
Teaching and research faculty who plan to participate in the faculty processional at VCU Commencement at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. Third St., should RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/mayfaculty2023.
Updated Annual Leave Policy for Veterans at VCU
As of Jan. 10, 2023 VCU HR provided enhanced leave accrual rates to veteran classified employees, in alignment with updates to DHRM’s Policy 4.10. VCU will also adjust the annual leave accrual rate for faculty and the university leave accrual rate for University and Academic Professionals in a similar manner. Eligible employees must supply DD-214 documentation for each period of military service to receive this benefit.
For more information, contact VCU Leave Administration at leave@vcu.edu.
Submit a Student for Rams Remember
VCU's Division of Student Affairs will host Rams Remember, an event to remember community members who have died, on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. on the Commons Plaza (rain location: Harris Hall 101). We need the community's help to ensure we are aware of all students who have died. If you are aware of a student death, please complete the form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lynanne Jamison at ljyndestad@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1025 or visit https://forms.gle/TWYvJbZjLkpGbYzZ9.
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.