Faculty/staff Issue for March 25, 2025
Today
Colorectal Cancer Health Education Event
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Health Hub @ 25th, 1330 N. 25th St., and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in learning about colorectal health, prevention, screening, early detection and what we can do as a community to protect our health. Sign up by emailing engagemassey@vcu.edu or calling the following number.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0896.
Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program Informational Webinar
12 p.m.
Join VCU's School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience, and application process. No registration required — join via the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85465355129
For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/mda-weekend/.
Spit for Science Party With Data Booth
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Spit for Science members at Rhoads and Brandt Residence Hall, 710 W. Franklin St., to play trivia to raise awareness about eating disorders and win prizes.
For more information, contact Autumn Shifflett at shifflettaf@vcu.edu or visit https://spit4science.vcu.edu/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI (Part 1)
2 p.m.
Learn about AI in this interactive Zoom workshop and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
PennyAppeal at the GRC Service Showcase
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Members of PennyAppeal will be at the Gladding Residence Center Service Showcase, 711 W Main St., to make care kits for the local homeless population and accept clothing drive donations. The organization is seeking men's baggy clothes, shoes and hats, but all clothes are welcome. Join the group's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect.
For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.
This week
Rollator Repair Clinic
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A Rollator Repair Clinic will be held at the VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 25th St. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://healthhub.vcu.edu/events/.
Möbius Training and Feedback Opportunity
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Learning Systems, this is an online opportunity for training specific to your individual experience and challenges on the newly acquired Möbius platform. Ask questions and provide feedback. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword: mobius). Questions: Visit go.vcu.edu/mobius
For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at jpmartin@vcu.edu.
'Navigating the National Institutes of Health Research Grant Process'
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will continue its grant-writing series via Zoom. Gerry Moeller, M.D., director, Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), will discuss the National Institutes of Health’s application and review process. Questions: Visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Iw4ErsiCSQSpjdgKzH-CFQ.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at noon
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the dynamic curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required. Join at the following URL.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86922930753.
Workshop for Pre-Health Students Taking Courses at Other Institutions
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pre-Health advisers and the Transfer Center will host a workshop via Zoom for students who take courses at other institutions and transfer them back to VCU for credit. This session is geared for pre-health students who need to complete summer course work outside of VCU. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meghan Waldron at waldronm3@vcu.edu or (804) 291-6751 or visit https://forms.gle/8HgvrrFYUXRuSEzT9.
2025 Burnside Watstein Awards
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Equality VCU will host the 12th annual Burnside Watstein Awards at James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. The program is supported by the Q Collective and Development and Alumni Relations, with sponsorship by VCU Libraries. The awards cite transformational individuals who have profoundly impacted the lives of VCU’s LGBTQ+ community through professional responsibilities and volunteer work. RSVP by Wednesday, March 19 via following URL or email equality@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Ron Jones, Equality VCU Events Chair at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVRoT0xVzeGKB_7xYIS1z7sllye7m7NXD_qM_1nwpx1iCKvw/viewform.
Evening MBA Informational Webinar
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus, or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required. Join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hawley Smyth at smythh@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83112015965.
Film Screening of 'Mossville: When Great Trees Fall'
Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join Green Action VCU and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light for a film screening of "Mossville: When Great Trees Fall” at 14 N Laurel St. A discussion will follow about fossil fuel infrastructure in Virginia and actions that can be taken to resist new plants.
For more information, contact Connor Eppley at eppleyc@vcu.edu or visit https://vaipl.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=248.
AI and Academia: Balancing Innovation and Integrity Workshop
Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Today, we face a dual challenge of maintaining academic integrity while leveraging AI's potential for learning. To help ease that challenge, this virtual workshop will explain how AI detection tools work and considers the research that assesses their effectiveness and limitations. You’ll leave the workshop with at least three actionable strategies and a curated list of resources for later reference. Questions: https://ledstudio.vcu.edu/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/SC1yvQJMTr2Yck35BJrAFw.
Core and More
Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at noon
This 30-minute virtual class, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will not only give you an excellent abdominal and low back workout, but will also challenge your other major muscle groups as well. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/447brua5
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Apps Overview
Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
VCU Telecommunications Services will be offering virtual training on the Avaya Workplace app. Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the 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 use it on your mobile device or computer. Register for the overview session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.
The Layers of Equity: Understanding Intersectional Impact
Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the VCU Office of Health Initiatives and the VCU School of Social Work for a discussion on intersectionality and racial equity in public health, health care and research. Explore how overlapping identities impact health outcomes and strategies for advancing equitable care. Seize the opportunity to connect and broaden your perspective at the VCU Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W.Broad St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lauren Clayton at claytonle2@vcu.edu or (804) 389-2710 or visit https://forms.gle/ofL6n7Lh6zXk8aT16.
Startup Bazaar VCU
Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The VCU Graduate School - in collaboration with VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, VCU School of Business and VCU Career Services - will bring Startup Bazaar to VCU. This event created by the American Bazaar brings together entrepreneurs, students and community members for panels, discussions and networking opportunities. Topics will include how to start a business, raising capital and scaling up. The event, at Snead Hall, School of Business, 301 W. Main St., is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-bazaar-vcu-tickets-1254761648869.
Bioethics 4 Students March General Body Meeting
Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join Bioethics 4 Students to learn about upcoming service opportunities, events, how to become involved and a discussion on human engineering and environmental ethics. The session will be in the Multipurpose Room (1303), the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.
For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Social Security 101 – Everything You Wanted to Know
Monday, Mar. 31, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join VCU HR and Social Security and learn answers to questions such as: When are you eligible to receive benefits? How does early retirement affect your benefits? How do you get the most from your benefit? And more. Register for the virtual event in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/2vk45x2c
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Meet and Greet Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia's 2025 Teacher of the Year
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU's School of Education will host Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia's 2025 teacher of the year. Yamamoto graduated from VCU in 2012 and now teaches precalculus at Atlee High School in Hanover County. A meet-and-greet session will be held in Oliver Hall, Room 21118, 1015 W. Main St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alease Randall at randallam3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/AvantiMeetSpring25.
Transformation: Moving Beyond Inclusion, Making Structural Change in Our Work
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Move from “addition” to “transformation” in your inclusion work, deconstructing existing practices and working with peers to build something new. The workshop presented by VCU Incclusion will be held three times. Register at these URLs: April 1 (Tuesday) at 3 p.m: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/511B0cIoR_ScFCWW5MpoAA. April 2 (Wednesday) at noon: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/NuMXWtv1Si6MGPu6lKEZgw. April 3 (Thursday) at 12:30 p.m.: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/02ZkJIuFSN6hGgZX9E9LNQ
For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu.
McGee Lecture
Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Gary Wnek, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University, will deliver the annual Henry McGee lecture for the department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering. The title of his talk will be "Uncommon Observations With Common Polymers: Implications and Applications." The lecture wil be given in the Engineering Research Building, Room, 1313, 401 W. Main St.
For more information, contact Sarah Mosher at mosherse@vcu.edu.
2025 Heart Rate Variability International Conference
Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 at 8 a.m.
The VCU Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, along with the HRV Institute, will host the 2025 Heart Rate Variability Workshop and Conference on April 3-4 at Maymont, 1001 Spottswood Road. The theme, Integration of Heart Rate Variability Into Clinical Practice, will feature speakers, discussions and networking opportunities. A pre-conference workshop on HRV and HRV biofeedback will be held on April 3. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Muna Ali at alim28@vcu.edu or visit https://heartratevariabilityinstitute.org/hrv-conference.
David Wheeler, Ph.D., Memorial Lecture in Spatial and Cancer Statistics
Friday, Apr. 4, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
VCU's Department of Biostatistics in the School of Public Health will host the inaugural David Wheeler, Ph.D., Memorial Lecture in Spatial and Cancer Statistics featuring biostatistician Lance Waller, Ph.D. Waller’s talk, “Maps: A Statistical View”, will explore how the location of data points affects patterns and outcomes, using geography to enhance statistical methods such as data visualization and model evaluation. This approach helps interpret data by showing how maps provide important context for understanding both known and unknown information. The talk will be in the Molecular Medicine Research Building, Room 1013, 1220 E. Broad St.
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/sph/2025/03/19/david-wheeler-memorial-lecture/.
Tickets Available for TEDxVCU Bloom
Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TEDxVCU will present live TEDx Talks and performances from VCU Rams in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Reserve a ticket at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ally Awtry at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938127.
VCU Career Champions Training for Faculty and Staff
Friday, May 30, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Career Services will host its next VCU Career Champions training session on the Monroe Park Campus. The purpose of this program is to give faculty and staff helpful tools, theories and resources to draw upon when supporting students through their career development, experiential learning and job search process. All who participate will be recognized as a VCU Career Champion and will receive a certification sticker, digital badge and icon for email signature. Space is limited to 60 participants. Questions: Visit https://careers.vcu.edu/resources/faculty-and-staff/career-champions/ Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samara Reynolds at sreynolds4@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AQkgFvTDwNFZeQea7.
Notices
Black Alumni Weekend
Registration is open for Black Alumni Weekend, April 24-27. This year’s lineup features a golf outing, a block party, a comedy show and more. Reminisce, reconnect and celebrate the legacy of the Black community at VCU. See the events lineup and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jared Kline, assistant director, Signature Events, at klinejc2@vcu.edu or (540) 614-2117 or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/ae4f7a33-9e16-42fd-bcd3-ae79a8cbe687/summary?RefId=TELR.
RecWell’s Mindful Ambassador Program April Training
RecWell's Mindful Ambassador Program provides mindfulness-based training for faculty, students and staff who are interested in integrating mindful practice into their day-to-day routines. Join RecWell’s health promotion staff to learn more about guided meditation and explore ways to manage stress with mindfulness. The next training will be held April 17, 2-4 p.m. via Zoom.
For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18454.
Make Your Early Gift for Giving Day
VCU Giving Day is April 22, but you can lead the way and make an early gift. Choose from more than 90 causes that support student scholarships, lifesaving research, cutting-edge innovations and better health care for all. Special month-long matches and challenges help you maximize your impact. When you make a gift, you make a difference.
For more information, contact Melanie Irvin, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Engagement, at irvinms@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/giving-day-2025/?a=9726411.
10 Under 10 Nominations Open
The Office of Alumni Relations is seeking nominations for the 2025 10 Under 10 awards, which recognize the distinctive achievements by alumni who have earned their first VCU degree between 2015 and 2024. Nominate an alumni leader who is trailblazing in their profession and community by Tuesday, April 1 at the following URL. Nominations can be made by any person or group affiliated with VCU — students, faculty, staff or alumni.
For more information, contact Savannah Hazelwood at hazelwoods@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=iooKdi%2B4jBIECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.
Save the Date for the 2025 VCU HR Benefits and Well-Being Fair
It's time to WORKOUT your UNlimited Benefits and Well-Being. Put on your legwarmers and jazzercise your way through over 40 benefits, well-being and discount providers to learn all about the UNlimited rewards of being a VCU employee. Salaried employees can also visit the open enrollment center to ask questions about the upcoming annual open enrollment for health coverage and flexible spending accounts. Mark your calendar for Monday, April 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact VCU HR Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0177 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/benefits-and-well-being-fair/.
Wellness at 800 W. Broad St.
March is not only for celebrating shenanigans and tomfoolery, it is also Ovarian Health Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women and about 20,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. The Wellness Clinic at 800 W. Broad St. won’t be able to diagnosis and treat ovarian cancer but the clinic can help you locate resources for prevention. Register at the following URL to meet with the Wellness team.
For more information, contact Susan Richards at richardss@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4043 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness .
Call for Applications: Communications Officer – Society for Human Resource Management
The Society of Human Resource Management at VCU is seeking a creative, innovative student to join its executive board as the communications officer. The role is open to students of all majors. Apply at the following URL by 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 31.
For more information, contact Ella Henderson at hendersoner@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fhytDV9PJbhDQswL9.
Graduate Student Survey
This survey aims to gather insights from graduate students regarding their awareness and utilization of the university's Career Services Office. Your responses will help us understand how effectively these services meet the needs of graduate students and identify areas for improvement. All responses will be kept confidential and used for internal assessment purposes only. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessica Koroma at battenj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF-KAR7atvGZTaL1cTf21Cbe0VQwm4eCBX-ErrbezoV1bMxg/viewform?usp=header.
Does Your Child Have Heel Pain, or Are They Currently Healthy? Opportunity to Participate in Research Study
This study seeks children and adolescents (ages 6-17) with current heel pain (Sever’s Disease) or who are currently healthy without musculoskeletal injuries for participation. The purpose of this research study is to assess muscles, tendons and skeletal development of young patients with and without heel pain This study will require one 45-minute study visit at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (parking validated) and will include: Electronic questionnaire about health and sport participation; Foot, ankle and calf ultrasound imaging assessment; and Ankle X-ray assessment (heel pain participants only). Participants will be paid $50 for completing this study. For more information, contact: Gina Chan (gina.chan@vcuhealth.org). Principal Investigator: Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., ATC.
For more information, contact Gina Chan at gina.chan@vcuhealth.org.
Risk-Taking in Eating Disorders Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely, or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation.
For more information, contact TREAT Lab (or Serena Gu, Clinical Research Coordinator, or Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.
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. Questions: Contact the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at the following email address.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Participants Needed for Brain Imaging Study
The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults struggling with an excessive need for control, perfectionism and/or productivity. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. See the survey at the following URL.
For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.
Postmenopausal Females Are Invited For Study on the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
This study is seeking postmenopausal females to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise training on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of chronic psychosocial stress and vascular inflammation to an acute mental challenge. This study will be conducted 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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
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.