Faculty/staff Issue for September 19, 2024
Today
VCU da Vinci Center Undergraduate Informational Session
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend a virtual informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at the da Vinci Center. Certificates will be explained and programs in product innovation and venture creation will be discussed, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans. Questions: Email Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-Sept-19.
Today: VCU Robertson School Graduate Program Informational Sessions
12 p.m.
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host two virtual informational sessions for prospective students to learn more about the school's graduate programs today, Thursday, Sept. 19 at noon and 4 p.m. Join a session here: https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad. Unable to attend? Schedule a one-on-one meeting at https://calendar.app.google/rHqGgq8sUPUXZ77o6
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Personal Statement
2 p.m.
Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Constitution Day: The Right to Vote at 18
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Libraries' annual Constitution Day event focuses on the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Historian Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D., and political scientist John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., will explore and explain how the 26th Amendment was born from student activism and protests in the Vietnam War era and beyond. The event, free and open to all, will be in the Lecture Hall, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.
For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/constitution-day-.html.
El Centro at VCU Launch
2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All are welcome to come to the launch of El Centro and learn about the organization's work to empower the VCU community, foster understanding and support interactions between VCU-affiliated individuals who identify as Latino/e. The group seeks to conduct research in the community through enhancing scholarship and cultural and social experience on campus. The meeting will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Questions: Email Oswaldo Moreno oamoreno@vcu.edu or Anita Nadal at the following email address.
For more information, contact Anita Nadal at nadalaa@vcu.edu.
Design Thinking With Cael Parker
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive virtual workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping and feedback. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Sept-19.
Research Mentor Panel
6 p.m.
VCU's Medical Journal Club will host a research panel via Zoom for students interested in doing research at VCU's medical campus. VCU School of Medicine researchers will present their research, answer questions and discuss the possibility of students joining their labs. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at VCU at mjc.vcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83446863774.
This week
PennyAppeal Bake Sale
Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m.
PennyAppeal will host a bake sale on the Compass, outside Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. An assortment of baked goods will be available. All proceeds will be used for the purchase of supplies for the local homeless population. Bonus: Earn one hour of community service for each item you buy.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
Wilder School MPA Session With Myung Jin
Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for a virtual session with Myung Jin, Ph.D., to learn more about the Master of Public Administration program. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit http://bit.ly/mpa920.
Facts and Faith Fridays
Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host a webinar with Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D., director of the National Institutes of Health, for a webinar via Zoom. Bertagnolli will share updates regarding her new role and 2024 priorities. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ApEWeHmATYiqCY6uDDpqNw#/registration
For more information, contact the Rev. Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-9154 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/patients-and-families/events/details?eventid=bc9acffd-4f47-460b-bb81-411f7052b346.
Friday Worship at 5 p.m.
Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host a worship service every Friday. Black Awakening Choir will sing as part of the worship service this week. The service offers a time of reflection, scripture reading and communion with one another. The service is open and affirming of LGBTQ people. Refreshments will be provided following the service.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
Church Crawl - Second Presbyterian
Sunday, Sep. 22, 2024 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Pace Center (700 W. Franklin St.) to attend the 11 a.m. worship service at Second Presbyterian (USA). You can also meet the group at Second Presbyterian (5 N. Fifth St. - Parking is free in the garage). Zoughbi Zoughbi, a Palestinian and Presbyterian Peacemaker, will be leading worship. The group will stay for an extended coffee hour and Q&A with Zoughbi. Church Crawl is a group of students who meet at Pace and attend open and affirming churches near and around VCU.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://thepacecenter.com.
Coming up
MHA and MSHA Virtual Informational Session
Monday, Sep. 23, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
Learn about graduate programs in health care leadership (Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Administration) at the Department of Health Administration's virtual informational session. The discussion will include the program's mission, curriculum, administrative residency (MHA) and the application process for both programs. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.
Incomprehensible Friends and Rebellious Enemies: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War
Monday, Sep. 23, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join the VCU History Department for a lecture by Friederike Baer, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University. She will discuss the history and experiences of the Hessian soldiers hired by Great Britain to fight in its war against the American rebels. The lecture is sponsored by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia. The talk will be held in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. A reception will follow. Registration is required. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1635 or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/incomprehensible-friends-and-rebellious-enemies-german-soldiers-in-the-american-revolutionary-war.html.
Having Career Development Conversations
Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Join VCU HR to learn more about tools to set up consistent career development conversions as ongoing meetings, understand the role of the manager and the employee in career development and how to align career development with performance management, explore how career paths fit into the career development plan and career development conversations and practice conversations about career development. Sign up using the Talent@VCU link. Various upcoming sessions are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253dc6308454-a7bf-41e4-8e05-26ed0fbbc9fa.
Workshop About Institutional Effectiveness at VCU
Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This session will help participants understand the academic program assessment process, the administrative effectiveness process and assessment in academic and student support units. Relevant accreditation standards for all areas will be reviewed and participants will see how outcomes and measures are similar and different for both academic and administrative areas. The session will be in Room 2107, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at assessment@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/assessment-accreditation-and-compliance/assessment.
Social Identity: Understanding Self and Society
Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 at noon
Join Inclusive Excellence facilitators to learn about the structural roots of social identities, focusing on group membership, individual agency and strategies for relating to one another in context. Sessions via Zoom will be offered at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jackson Bartlett at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsf--rpjIjGtURxauyCVIDQ74mVO1iHUFq#/registration.
Dance of the Land
Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Come stomp, hop and kick to the dabke at an Arab folk dance workshop with Samar Abushkheidem in Room 1102, Academic Learning Commons, MCALC, 1000 Floyd Ave. The event will be hosted by VCU's School of World Studies, Middle East and Islamic Studies Minor. Henna and more will be featured.
For more information, contact Mayda Topoushian, Ph.D., at mtopoushian@vcu.edu.
RecWell and University Counseling Services To Host Mental Health Fair
Thursday, Sep. 26, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Giveaways, games and resources to support mental well-being will be featured at a mental health fair hosted by University Counseling Services and RecWell. The fair will be held in the Commons Plaza by the Ram Horns.
For more information, contact Mia Liadis at peerhealth@vcu.edu.
Coffee Beans and Cardiac Beats
Monday, Sep. 30, 2024 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
It’s almost autumn and pumpkin spice season is upon us. As you think about switching up your coffee for the season, join VCU HR and Employee Health for a virtual session and learn about the history, overview and heart considerations of all things coffee. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://tinyurl.com/ykkb3akf
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Monthly Session for Faculty: 'Job Crafting'
Monday, Sep. 30, 2024 from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Join the Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs for the September Monthly Session for Faculty, titled "Job Crafting." While we are familiar with what is expected of us as faculty, we rarely have conversations about how to strategically develop our careers in higher education. This interactive session will provide an opportunity to hear from colleagues and think about how to use "job crafting." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Michelle Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/4SnoMm3LgrBMyexLA.
Open House: VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Help cultivate community as VCU's Division of Inclusive Excellence hosts an open house on the second floor at 912 W. Grace St. All are welcome, including students and campus partners. Light desserts and refreshments will be available. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaYgc800HEEBYVzP3U9Hth4uPXuBBs5Xz8JfTGWuJ2xzK_gg/viewform.
Join the Conversation on Community Engagement and Carnegie Reclassification
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for a virtual conversation on the Carnegie Reclassification. Be a part of the collaborative self-study to audit, assess and advance the university's community engagement and partnership efforts. Initial findings will be shared and feedback and insights will be welcomes. Register at https://forms.gle/sSUyFUaQqKEgdN2S9
For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit http://community.vcu.edu/initiatives/carnegie/.
Manager Orientation
Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon
VCU HR facilitates a bi-monthly, three-hour manager orientation to introduce all managers, especially new managers, to the VCU culture and community. Learn more about the orientation and register for the virtual session at https://hr.vcu.edu/new-employees/new-managers/#d.en.606935. See the HR webpage for new managers (https://hr.vcu.edu/new-employees/new-managers/) to learn about additional development opportunities.
For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/c9d762b0-4b72-40a9-b872-9c8b8a40d277.
Dialogue to Action: Community-Building Circles to Foster a Culture of Respect and a Shared Sense of Belonging
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is launching a new resource to foster more meaningful intergroup relationships and communications – Dialogue to Action: Community-Building Circles to Foster a Culture of Respect and a Shared Sense of Belonging. A series of community-building circles open to faculty, staff and students are scheduled over the next few months that seeks to create a sense of belonging through sharing stories and active listening. Sessions will be held in Suite 4-100, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12733781.
Latinas and Maternal and Child Health: Research, Policy and Representation
Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.
The Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics will host a presentation by Cynthia Lebron, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor at the School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, and president of the American Public Health Association Latino Caucus for Public Health. Lebron will explore critical aspects of maternal and child health among Latinas. The session will be in the auditorium of the Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at ashli.phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13156669.
National Conflict Resolution Day
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon
VCU's Office of the University Ombudsperson will sponsor the 11th annual National Conflict Resolution Day event. "Roadmap to Peace" is this year's national theme. The purpose of the day at VCU is to promote and encourage peaceful conflict management and resolution practices throughout the three campuses. The event, which will be at the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St., will feature a keynote address from nationally known conflict resolution practitioners, strategies for managing conflict and an interactive dialogue with those in attendance. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/xKujsnRGjgTy9vxg9.
'The Last Drop' Film Screening
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join University Counseling Survivor Support services for the screening of a short sci-fi film about ignoring the warning signs of the lesser known recognized forms of abuse among college students. The film will be shown in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. A student-focused Q&A discussion will follow. Snacks will be provided. Click this link for a sneak preview https://vimeo.com/781639190?share=copy. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1934702.
For more information, contact Tameika McCoy at tmccoy5@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit https://survivorsupport.vcu.edu/.
Notices
VCU Career Services Drop-in Advising
Questions about searching for an on-campus job or updating your résumé? Unsure of where to start when looking for an internship? Meet with a Peer Career Adviser at VCU Career Services - no appointment needed. Drop-ins are available Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu.
RecWell OAP Belay Clinics
RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers Belay Clinics at the Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall, 101 S. Linden St., every Wednesday, 5-6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 4. Learning to belay allows participants to climb with a partner and is a fundamental skill for all rock climbers. OAP staff will teach current best practices for belaying and answer any and all questions about climbing in the Cary Street Gym. Registration opens the day before the clinic. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cd4e0a05-814b-415e-9ef8-43e49fe1f7fb.
RecWell Lifeguard Instructor Course
RecWell’s lifeguard instructor course is for those interested in planning and teaching American Red Cross lifeguard courses. Lifeguard instructors can also bridge to other disciplines within the American Red Cross program, including CPR/AED for professional rescuers, basic CPR/AED, first aid and basic life support. Program dates are Oct. 15-31, Tuesday/Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Register at the following URL by noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=2ce927aa-e031-40e6-b64c-d3a8ac5d6876.
RecWell Lifeguard Instructor Course
RecWell’s lifeguard instructor course is for those interested in planning and teaching American Red Cross Lifeguard courses. Lifeguard instructors can also bridge to other disciplines within the American Red Cross program, including CPR/AED for professional rescuers, basic CPR/AED, first aid and basic life support. Program dates are Oct. 15-31, Tuesday/Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Registration closes at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=212c2835-0e59-439a-85e6-cc97af81db3e.
Resources Available to VCU Community
Equity and Access Services remind students and the university community of the resources available to them as VCU students and employees. These include well-being, mental health, counseling services and more.
For more information, contact Equity and Access Services at equity@vcu.edu or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/equal-opportunity--affirmative-action/resources/.
Research Opportunity for First Generation and/or AAPI Students
We are a VCU research team conducting research about safe spaces at VCU from the perspective of first-generation and AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) students. We are recruiting students who identify as first-generation and/or AAPI students to participate in a remote interview (via Zoom). The interview will require 30-60 minutes of your time. The online interview will be recorded so that researchers can keep track of what you've said. Neither your name nor any other identifying information will be associated with the recording. Only the research team will be able to review the recordings. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you are willing and are eligible to participate, you will receive a $25 egift card in compensation for your time and effort. Would you be willing to participate in the study pending your eligibility? If yes, please click on the following link for a screening survey that will ask for your contact email. If you meet criteria for the study we will follow up with you to schedule the interview.
For more information, contact Teresa Doherty at mtdohert@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8658 or visit https://vcubusiness.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_296wkRHc3rb9Axg.
NSF Survey: Faculty, We Need Your Voice
The VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation invites faculty to participate in a survey about the challenges and experiences that faculty face when applying for National Science Foundation funding. Your feedback will help to create better support strategies for securing NSF funding. The survey, at the following URL., takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on Monday, Sept. 30.
For more information, contact Mary Strawderman at strawdermamm@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/mykjBv83HuNNL2Zm7.
Flu Immunization Clinics for VCU Faculty and Staff
As a convenience to university faculty and staff working on campus, VCU Human Resources has arranged for Walgreens, a participating pharmacy with the COVA health plans, to conduct four flu immunization clinics on campus during October on both campuses. The COVID vaccine will also be available this year, upon request. Appointments are preferred; however, walk-ins will be accepted. See the schedule at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.
VCU Emergency Management Internship
VCU Emergency Management is seeking a student intern to assist in achieving its mission. This is an opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in emergency management. The role will involve a mix of virtual and in-person tasks. The internship is unpaid, but will offer the opportunity for course credits.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at majidM@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999.
Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as Black or African American are invited to participate in a research study examining the effect of acute and chronic stress on cardiovascular and inflammation responses to an acute mental challenge. Raffle drawings for financial compensation will be conducted. This study will take place at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
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.