Faculty/staff Issue for May 15, 2024

Special Announcement

Ends Today: Faculty and Staff Open Enrollment for Health Coverage and Flexible Spending

Today, Wednesday, May 15, is the last day for eligible university faculty and staff to make health coverage changes and/or enroll in flexible spending for the plan year that begins July 1. Elections made be made online or by using an enrollment form. Enrollment forms must be received by VCU Human Resources no later than 5 p.m. today or postmarked by today if sent by mail. See information and instructions at https://hr.vcu.edu/open-enrollment. Questions? Request HR Support from https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport or contact openenroll@vcu.edu.

Today

Coffee and Contracts Informational Session

Add to calendar 15-05-2024 10:00:00 15-05-2024 11:00:00 America/New_York Coffee and Contracts Informational Session Are you interested in learning more about contracts and compliance? VCU's Office of Procurement Services will host a virtual conversation focusing on contract administration and Procurement's role in the contracting process. The session will be facilitated by Ramona Taylor, JD, Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance. Register at the following URL. Virtual Brandy Miles woodsonbr@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Are you interested in learning more about contracts and compliance? VCU's Office of Procurement Services will host a virtual conversation focusing on contract administration and Procurement's role in the contracting process. The session will be facilitated by Ramona Taylor, JD, Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandy Miles at woodsonbr@vcu.edu or visit http://procurement.vcu.edu.

Lunch and Learn 'Immigrants in Virginia: Opportunities and Challenges'

Add to calendar 15-05-2024 12:00:00 15-05-2024 13:00:00 America/New_York Lunch and Learn 'Immigrants in Virginia: Opportunities and Challenges' Saltanat Liebert, Ph.D., associate professor, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, will discuss immigration in Virginia and the barriers immigrants face as they integrate into life in the Commonwealth. The virtual discussion is based on the findings of the needs assessment conducted in 2021-22, commissioned by the Office of New Americans at the Virginia Department of Social Services. The needs assessment was conducted by Liebert and Grant Rissler, Ph.D. Register at the following URL. Virtual: https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v61qMihwSv-KQWIzfmwPDQ#/registration David Slipher slipherd@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Saltanat Liebert, Ph.D., associate professor, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, will discuss immigration in Virginia and the barriers immigrants face as they integrate into life in the Commonwealth. The virtual discussion is based on the findings of the needs assessment conducted in 2021-22, commissioned by the Office of New Americans at the Virginia Department of Social Services. The needs assessment was conducted by Liebert and Grant Rissler, Ph.D. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v61qMihwSv-KQWIzfmwPDQ#/registration.

This week

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Add to calendar 16-05-2024 09:00:00 16-05-2024 14:00:00 America/New_York Global Accessibility Awareness Day Join the VCU Staff Senate Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group to celebrate the 13th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This half-day event held via Zoom will include four sessions that give participants a foundational understanding of GAAD, web accessibility and workshops on plain language and empathy. Keynote speaker John Robinson from OurAbility will share his story and the work done for accessibility with AI. Register at the following URL. zoom Katie Cappuccio cappucciok@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the VCU Staff Senate Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group to celebrate the 13th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This half-day event held via Zoom will include four sessions that give participants a foundational understanding of GAAD, web accessibility and workshops on plain language and empathy. Keynote speaker John Robinson from OurAbility will share his story and the work done for accessibility with AI. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katie Cappuccio at cappucciok@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N_2oerS_pHb1xe1UYk68H7S5i5j0-nFIvAhUucsnTak/edit.

Facts and Faith Fridays: VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

Add to calendar 17-05-2024 15:00:00 17-05-2024 America/New_York Facts and Faith Fridays: VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present via Zoom "Mental Health and the film, 'The Central Lunatic Asylum for Colored Insane'" with Shawn O. Utsey, Ph.D. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration the Rev. Rachel Pierce piercer2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Friday, May 17, 2024 at 3 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present via Zoom "Mental Health and the film, 'The Central Lunatic Asylum for Colored Insane'" with Shawn O. Utsey, Ph.D. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact the Rev. Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays.

Coming up

EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series

Add to calendar 20-05-2024 18:00:00 20-05-2024 20:00:00 America/New_York EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., will discuss imagining youth futures. EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series aims to empower educators and youth development professionals in creating spaces where youth can engage in transformative learning experiences while also addressing and supporting emotional well-being. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following email address. A Zoom option will be available. Mary and Frances Youth Center and On Zoom Vaughn Garland garlandvw@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Monday, May 20, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., will discuss imagining youth futures. EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series aims to empower educators and youth development professionals in creating spaces where youth can engage in transformative learning experiences while also addressing and supporting emotional well-being. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following email address. A Zoom option will be available.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9yRE4QBnSJJmQ03RcuZVFppuPAhxb1PJOSmEBwfnY5C6Wjg/viewform.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Academic Medicine: Experiences and Challenges

Add to calendar 21-05-2024 12:00:00 21-05-2024 13:00:00 America/New_York Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Academic Medicine: Experiences and Challenges In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a presentation via Zoom by Associate Professor Lindsay E. Y. Kuo, M.D., MBA, FACS, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Kuo will delve into the unique journey of AAPI individuals within the medical profession. Register at the following URL. Zoom Ashli Renee Phillips ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org DD/MM/YYYY

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a presentation via Zoom by Associate Professor Lindsay E. Y. Kuo, M.D., MBA, FACS, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Kuo will delve into the unique journey of AAPI individuals within the medical profession. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Renee Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12382235.

Learn More About Studying Abroad in Australia

Add to calendar 22-05-2024 11:00:00 22-05-2024 America/New_York Learn More About Studying Abroad in Australia Staff from Curtin University will be visiting VCU and will host an informational session on the fourth floor of the Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St. Located in the coastal town of Perth in western Australia, Curtin is an affordable semester study abroad option for many majors. Questions: Email abroad@vcu.edu. 912 W. Grace Street, 4th Floor Kelly Richard richardkj@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Staff from Curtin University will be visiting VCU and will host an informational session on the fourth floor of the Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St. Located in the coastal town of Perth in western Australia, Curtin is an affordable semester study abroad option for many majors. Questions: Email abroad@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or (919) 816-5318.

Virtual Guided Meditation

Add to calendar 23-05-2024 12:00:00 23-05-2024 12:30:00 America/New_York Virtual Guided Meditation Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4bdWlXq Virtual Cindi Phares cphares@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, May 23, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4bdWlXq

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Director's Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series: 'Symptom Science and Cancer Survivors'

Add to calendar 07-06-2024 16:00:00 07-06-2024 America/New_York Director's Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series: 'Symptom Science and Cancer Survivors' VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host Patricia A. Ganz, M.D., a National Academy of Medicine member and national expert in quality-of-life outcomes and cancer survivorship at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 S. Broad St. As part of the Director's Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series, national visionaries in the field of science are invited to speak on the latest scientific advances influencing new approaches in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivor. Register at the following URL. Science Museum of Virginia - RF&P Forum Courtney Rose rosec2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Friday, Jun. 7, 2024 at 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host Patricia A. Ganz, M.D., a National Academy of Medicine member and national expert in quality-of-life outcomes and cancer survivorship at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 S. Broad St. As part of the Director's Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series, national visionaries in the field of science are invited to speak on the latest scientific advances influencing new approaches in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivor. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Courtney Rose at rosec2@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/F7340398-AC1A-46B9-A5EC-ED4FC35BE341/summary.

Notices

RamPages 2024 Spring Cleaning

VCU Online is working to improve RamPages by cleaning up websites that are no longer needed. If you are a VCU faculty or staff member and would like to keep your RamPages website active, email siteupdates@rampages.us by Friday, May 17 to prevent permanent site deletion. Your email should include your full name, VCU email address and website URL(s).

For more information, contact Elaine Reeder at ereeder@vcu.edu.

How to Retire With VCU ORP

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 for an upcoming session at https://bit.ly/3xuwHLZ. For more information, create a service request at https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport or call the following telephone number.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/retirement/planning-resources/.

Upcoming High School Graduation Impacts

VCU Police and VCU Parking and Transportation remind the VCU community that upcoming high school graduations will create interruptions to parking from May 20-24, Monday-Friday. Additionally, traffic surrounding the Siegel Center is expected to be heavier than normal. West Broad Street Deck subscribers will relocate to alternate facilities and a dedicated shuttle service will be provided. Reciprocal parking will be disabled at West Broad Street Deck from May 20-24.

For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit https://parking.vcu.edu/special-events/high-school-graduations.

Annual Federal Work-Study On-Campus Supervisor Training on May 24

Supervisors seeking to hire work-study students in 2024–2025 must attend a virtual training on work-study requirements and expectations. The training will be held via Zoom on Friday, May 24 from 9–10 a.m. and will be hosted by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships and VCU Career Services. Supervisors — and any staff who support the recruitment process (e.g., post in Handshake) — should register at the following URL. If you are unable to attend, email the following address.

For more information, contact VCU Career Services at HireVCURams@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/VCUFWS2425ON.

New Website: Audit and Compliance Services

Visit Audit and Compliance Services' new website at the following URL. Content has been streamlined, making searches easier. Follow the links to the COI/OPA disclosure form, the Policy Library, the ICO blog, the new ICO Resource Library and more.

For more information, contact Kim McQuillen at ucompliance@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2028 or visit https://acs.vcu.edu/.

Brain Health After Breast Cancer Chemotherapy and in Healthy Volunteers

Chemotherapy may impact memory, attention, processing speed, multitasking and problem solving. We hope to improve our understanding of these difficulties and identify women who are at the most risk for having them. We are seeking healthy female volunteers (35-68 years) free of MRI contraindications. Participation involves two study visits 12-18 months apart. Visits include brain MRI and online assessments.

For more information, contact Cancer Survivorship Team at cancerwellness@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-8869.

VCU Alcohol Research Center: Call for Pilot Project Proposals

The VCU Alcohol Research Center (VCU-ARC, P50AA022537) is soliciting pilot grant applications for studies relevant to alcohol use disorder. Two pilot grants of $40,000 for one year will be awarded in August 2024. Novel approaches and submissions from investigators new to alcohol research are encouraged. One-page pre-proposals are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jill Bettinger at jill.bettinger@vcuhealth.org or visit https://arc.vcu.edu/center-research/call-for-pilot-projects-2024/.

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.