Faculty/staff Issue for September 12, 2023
Today
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Are you a Pell Grant Recipient intending to study or intern abroad next year? Apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000. VCU's Education Abroad is hosting a writing workshop to help maximize your chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. This workshop will be in Room 3127, Grace Street Center, 912 W. Grace St., (between Ram City Market and Insomnia Cookies). RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Levy at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1928734.
Free Blood Pressure Screenings at the Compass
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Come to the Compass by Hibbs Hall to have your blood pressure measured by the Cardio-Renal Physiology Lab. Information will be available on how a healthy lifestyle can benefit blood pressure.
For more information, contact Natalie Bohmke at bohmkenj@vcu.edu.
Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program Webinar: Alumni Panel Q&A
1 p.m.
Learn more about the VCU Master of Decision Analytics - Weekend Program at a webinar hosted by the Business School. Alumni will speak about their experience in the program including the curriculum, program structure, the power of the cohort experience, networking benefits and career development. Members of the program's administration will be available to answer questions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Bill Miller at wjmille1@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/decision-analytics-professional-track/#newsSection.
Canvas Quick Tips Workshop
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This workshop will highlight some tips to make your course configuration in Canvas even better. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18217
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Executive MBA Webinar: Alumni Panel Q&A
12 p.m.
Learn more about the VCU Executive MBA program at a webinar hosted by the Business School. Alumni will speak about their experience in the program including the curriculum, program structure, the power of the cohort experience, networking benefits and career development. In addition, members of the program administration will join the alumni to answer any questions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Bill Miller at wjmille1@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/executive-mba/#newsSection.
Forensic Science Scavenger Hunt
12 p.m.
The hunt is open to all new forensic science students (freshmen and transfer). Students will be given a task to complete at each of the buildings in which the forensic science departments has labs. Meet faculty, staff and students and discover what the department has to offer. Refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded to randomly selected participants. The event will begin in Room 2015, Grace E. Harris Hall – South, 1015 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Jo S. Murphy at jsmurphy@vcu.edu.
Blockchain Club Interest Meeting
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Blockchain Club will have a general interest meeting for all those interested in joining. The Blockchain Club at VCU is a student-led, interdisciplinary and collaborative effort focusing on informing students about the adoption of blockchain technology. Topics focus on current concepts and events regarding Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web 3. The meeting will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Francesca Bercasio at bercasiof@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/vcublockchain.
This week
VoiceThread Vendor Training
Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon
This webinar will provide an overview of the collaborative media platform VoiceThread. Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18216 or https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/7992582452331969796
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Phi Beta Delta Informational Session
Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office invites students to attend an informational session via Zoom about the university's Phi Beta Delta international honor society, which recognizes international service, scholarship, education and involvement. Register in advance at https://forms.gle/bvqqctW8pFSuVcsm9.
For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/phibetadelta.
Alumni Charity Challenge
Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites you to compete with alumni from colleges and universities across the country to see which school can donate the most canned goods to Feed More. This year's goal of 200,000 pounds of food donated would take the university to 1 million pounds of food raised since the event began 11 years ago. The event is free and no registration required. You can also donate directly at the following URL.
For more information, contact Stefani Bonner at bonnersj@vcu.edu or visit https://give.feedmore.org/team/518680.
Canvas Assignment Groups Weight (A Bite-Sized Webinar)
Thursday, Sep. 14, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This event will cover the Assignment Groups Weight function in Canvas and how it can be implemented in individual Gradebooks. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18218 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Medical Journal Club Article Presentation
Thursday, Sep. 14, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The officers of Medical Journal Club will present an article titled "Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells Exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in a 3D Human Neuroimmune Axis Model.” Join the meeting at the following Zoom URL if you are interested in medical research or want to learn how an article is presented through the Medical Journal Club.
For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at mjc.vcu@gmail.com.
Sixth Annual Mixer for Developing Men of Color
Sunday, Sep. 17, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join Developing Men of Color at the sixth annual mixer for students, faculty, staff and alumni in welcoming the incoming first-year men of color. This is an opportunity for those in attendance to network and build community and professional connections. Check-in will be at the Commons Theater, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Registration is not required. Business or business casual attire is recommended but not required.
For more information, contact Carlton Goode, Ed.D., at chgoode@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8648.
Coming up
Building Trust and Supporting Healing From Trauma Through Storytelling Course
Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU Continuing and Professional Education invites the community to a storytelling course taught live online over five sessions on Tuesdays from from Sept. 19-Oct. 17. Participants will give voice to experiences with grief and loss and learn to write stories that express their dreams and desires in a way that strengthens their identity and sense of purpose. Enroll at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katherine Coates at coateske@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1187 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/storytelling.
Pre-Law Society GBM and Movie Night
Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Come out to meet the board, learn about upcoming events and watch "Legally Blonde" while surrounding yourself with other pre-law students. It's going to be a movie night event with pizza and doughnuts. The event will be in Virginia Room A, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Nafisa Hafidh at hafidhni@vcu.edu.
VCU School of Medicine 25th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Lunch
Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023 at noon
VCU School of Medicine invites the SOM community to the 25th Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Program and Lunch, held in-person on the MCV Campus (James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, Learning Theater 3-200, 1201 E. Marshall St.) and virtually via livestream at the following URL. This program honors outstanding faculty in the areas of teaching, humanism in medicine, professional achievement of women in medicine, clinical excellence, and leadership in graduate medical education.
For more information, contact Jody Hedstrom at jody.hedstrom@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-6591 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295682206?pwd=VlJyWGd0UnZxQjNzSGdDdU1UYm5Idz09.
Preparing for the Return to Repayment for Student Loans and Any Impact on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Payments are scheduled to restart in October, with options including a new repayment plan and on-ramps for borrowers still struggling with repayment. Some of these changes have implications for borrowers working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Learn details of PSLF, including qualifying repayment plans and employer certification to remain on track to have your student loans forgiven. This session by VCU HR & VCU Financial Wellness. Register for the Zoom link at Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/45rIASE
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Fall Global Learning Fair
Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office will host its annual Fall Global Learning Fair on the University Commons Plaza (rain location: Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.). Interested students can meet with representatives from study abroad providers and partners, talk to students who have studied abroad before and connect with VCU Education Abroad staff to learn how they can study or intern abroad while at VCU. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alex Levy at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1929651.
History and Health Symposium: 'New Perspectives on Health Equity Through the Humanities'
Wednesday, Sep. 27, 2023 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Humanities Research Center and Office of Health Equity will present a half-day History and Health symposium that will explore the history of medicine and connections to current health inequities and disparities across a variety of health disciplines. The event will take place at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., and the keynote lecture will be given by Jason Glenn, Ph.D., University of Kansas. Register at the following URL https://www.eventbrite.com/e/symposium-2023-new-perspectives-on-health-equity-through-the-humanities-tickets-675989200897?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at healthequity@vcu.edu or visit https://healthequity.vcu.edu/history-and-health-program/annual-symposium/.
Wilder Symposium: HBCUs and the Absence of Support
Thursday, Sep. 28, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Join 66th governor of Virginia L. Douglas Wilder for a panel discussion exploring the public funding crises facing historically Black colleges and universities. Panelists will include Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., resident of Howard University; Nakeina Douglas-Glenn, director of the Wilder School Research Institute for Social Equity; Roger L. Gregory, judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; and Jason Miyares, J.D., attorney general of the commonwealth. The symposium will be held in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/2023WilderSymposium?ID=%3C%3CRADARID%3E%3E.
Diversity Dialogues - Hispanic Heritage Month
Thursday, Sep. 28, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Join VCU School of Dentistry in person (Perkinson Room 3121, 520 N. 12th St.) or virtually for a Diversity Dialogues in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Christina Meiners, DDS, president of the Hispanic Dental Association, will discuss her career, commitment to expanding access to care and her role as a woman of Hispanic heritage in the dental profession and community. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact John Wallace at wallacej@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/44XXDT3.
Leading the Way in Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness and Accessibility
Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Wilder School via Zoom for a Lunch and Learn session featuring Janice Underwood, Ph.D., director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Underwood will discuss her leadership with the national DEIA mission, including her work as Virginia's inaugural Chief Diversity Officer. The session will explore her ONE Virginia Plan and gain insights on leading the way with DEIA in Virginia's landscape. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TjWfv72SSjCzDrlv6GUZBA.
Notices
Progress Reports Due No Later Than Sept. 18
It’s time for faculty to submit progress reports for undergraduate students who need a nudge to improve their performance. It’s especially important for faculty to submit reports for students with attendance issues since attendance is strongly related to class grades and GPA. Check your VCU email for tips on how to submit progress reports with just a few clicks.
For more information, contact VCU Student Success at success@vcu.edu or visit https://semss.vcu.edu/for-faculty-and-staff/early-notification-programs/.
Recreation and Well-Being Water Safety Instructor Training
This course will prepare participants to plan and teach courses within the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. Courses include preschool aquatics, learn-to-swim, and safety training for swim coaches. The program runs Sept. 26-Nov. 16 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Register by Friday, Sept. 15.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=c7e6f354-bd63-40e1-a2fd-6d4563decb00&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.
Recreation and Well-Being First Aid/CPR/AED Certifications
The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course is open for VCU Students and RecWell Members looking to learn how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will earn a certificate that satisfies OSHA requirements for workplace First Aid/CPR/AED training. Upcoming class dates are Sept. 13, Sept. 23, Sept. 27 and Sept. 30. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/lead/certifications/american-red-cross-certifications/.
Recreation and Well-Being Yoga Day
The VCU RecWell Group Exercise Team will host Yoga Day on Gratitude Day - Thursday, Sept. 21, at Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Yoga Day 2023 will be filled with special group exercise classes to celebrate the physical, mental and spiritual practice of yoga. Classes will include exploration of movement, meditation and unity of mind and body, along with this year’s theme of gratitude.
For more information, contact Nadine Madison at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/group-exercise/.
VCUDine September Events
VCUDine has a number of special events in September at Shafer Court Dining Center. Included are International Chocolate Day (Sept. 13: 11 a.m.-close); Guest Restaurant (Sept. 14: 11 a.m.-close); National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18: 11 a.m.-close); Fall Faves Produce Stand (Sept. 20: noon-3 p.m.); Seafood Showdown (Sept. 21: 11 a.m.-close); BBQ (Sept. 26: 11 a.m.-close); Movie Night (Sept. 28: 5-10 p.m.). For more information and pop-ups, follow @VCU_Dining.
For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.
Nominations Open for Building Manager Awards
Nominate your building manager for the Building Manager Awards. Recognize these behind-the-scenes individuals for their dedication to serving building occupants, their assigned building(s) and the VCU community. View a link to the nomination form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/departments/facilities-operations/building-managers/awards/.
Publication Opportunity: Auctus
VCU’s Journal for Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship, Auctus, is currently accepting student submissions to its STEM, Social Sciences, Creative, Humanities, and News and Noteworthy sections. Submit your work if you are interested in being published. Students can also join Auctus as reviewers to gain experience reviewing work in their field. Questions: Visit https://linktr.ee/auctusvcu
For more information, contact VCU Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit http://auctus.vcu.edu.
Are You Stressed? Participate in a Stress Reduction Study
The VCU Wellbeing Lab invites you to participate in a research study on two stress reduction programs for undergraduate students. VCU investigators seek to understand how two online stress reduction programs affect students’ mood and stress-related behavior. Compensation is available. Sign up before Monday, Oct. 2.
For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at vcu.stress.reduction@gmail.com or visit https://beloborodp.wixsite.com/stressreduction.
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.