11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This workshop will show users how to add a syllabus, create a homepage and initiate conversation with your students in Canvas. Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18373

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center's Facts and Faith Fridays will present virtually One Voice, One Vision to Save and Heal Lives with the VCU Hume Lee Transplant Center. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact the Rev. Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-9154 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates.

For more information, contact Wayne L. Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell, Va. Chamber of Commerce President Barry DuVal, Executive Director of the White House Initiatives on HBCUs Dietra Trent, Ph.D., and others for an evening of reflection on the U.S. Supreme Court case that desegregated education and the impact on Virginia business today. The event will be held in the Commonwealth Ballroom, Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. A reception will begin at 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by Virginians for Reconciliation and the Office of Government Relations. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindy Martin at cwmartin@vcu.edu or visit https://virginiansforreconciliation.com/new-page-71.

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Join VCU HR and RecWell to take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with guided meditation. This virtual session is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3Wm9xDJ

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

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 at noon

With seemingly limitless options of potential snacks and meals, it can be challenging to maintain healthy (and cheap) eating habits. Join VCU HR and Mary-Jo Sawyer, a VCU Health registered dietitian, to discuss strategies and tips for sustaining an inexpensive and healthy diet. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/4cXI1ne

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

Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Google Assignments tool in the Canvas LMS makes it easy to create and distribute assignments to your students. Use originality reports and submission feedback to prevent plagiarism and enable your students to do their best work. Simplify grading and leaving feedback through predefined rubrics and your comment bank, which carry over between courses. Register for the online session at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.

Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saddle up and join VCU's Division of Student Affairs for a rootin' tootin' good time. Join in the fun with games, food and prizes. The event will be in the plaza of the University Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jesse Scott at scottje4@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/rsvp_boot?id=1933125.

Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024 at 5 p.m.

The National Pan Hellenic Council at VCU will present its annual step competition, Fall Block a cinematic experience, at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Purchase tickets at the following URL. For Greek tickets, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life office in the VCU Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Madison Traylor at traylorm@vcu.edu or visit https://vcutickets.evenue.net/events/FBSS.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the UNStoppable VCU Liver Team at the Liver Life Walk at William Byrd Park. 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. This American Liver Foundation event provides participants an opportunity to come together and raise awareness and funds in support of the liver community. Registration is free through Wednesday, Aug. 28. On Aug. 29, a $20 fee will be implemented for walkers 18+ and up. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah McCall at Sarah.McCall@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.

Save the date for the 2024 Richmond Heart Walk, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 19. Join VCU and VCU Health to help raise funds to eliminate heart disease and stroke. Sign up at https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?company_id=465836&fr_id=10714&pg=company or view the flyer at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/resources/physical/.

The You First at VCU First-Gen Student Success and Research Center is updating the first-gen faculty and staff list. If you'd like to be included, email youfirst@vcu.edu and let us know if you'd like to be added to the website directory (https://youfirst.vcu.edu/students/resources/first-gen-faculty-and-staff-list/) and/or notified of opportunities to connect with first-gen students (e.g., speaking engagements, mentoring, networking events, etc.).

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit http://youfirst.vcu.edu.

VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence is now accepting applications for the Inclusive Excellence Student Fellows program. This program aims to empower students to actively contribute to campus-wide inclusion initiatives, enhance their leadership skills and promote inclusive excellence throughout the university and the broader Richmond community. Apply at the following URL by Friday, Aug. 30.

For more information, contact Brooke Berry at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RHjUPUqH7oMCDDKr6.

All RecWell facilities will be closed for staff to complete training before the fall semester and to allow deep cleaning and maintenance to be completed. Facilities will be closed all day on Thursday, Aug. 15. On Friday, Aug. 16, facilities will be closed until 4 p.m. See a complete list of hours at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amanda Simmons at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/.

RecWell’s Women+ on Weights Fall Session 1 welcomes women and those identifying as non-binary or gender non-conforming who want to learn the basics of resistance training and workout planning. Participants will work with a certified personal trainer to learn proper use of strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to develop technique, progressions and confidence in the weight room. Session 1 will run Monday, Aug. 26-Friday, Oct. 4. Registration will close Friday, Aug. 23.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

Sing Mozart’s Requiem with VCU's Choral Arts this fall. No auditions, just an incredible musical experience. Register under APPM359 CRN29766.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., director of choral activities, at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/.

This month, VCU Collaboration Services is bringing news of new and improved update notifications in Google Sheets, a new Google Meet LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) integration in Canvas, continued improvements to appointment schedules in Google Calendar and more. Read the blog at the following URL.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2024/08/12/google-updates-recap-august-2024/.

The Minority Political Leadership Institute is designed for individuals interested in issues important to minority communities including community economics, political climate, civic engagement and equity. It has been crafted to support emerging leaders to hone their skills, expand their networks and advance their professional journey. The program kicks off with a trip to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11 for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/minority-political-leadership-institute/.