12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Postdoctoral Association of VCU will host its fall potluck at the Hunton Student Center, 1110 E. Broad St. Sign up for a dish at the following URL.

For more information, contact Anna Kovilakath at anna.kovilakath@vcuhealth.org or (804) 300-3514 or visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ki10Kph6ilFf_esWQc1RQvABkFyX82ErYCljdSDlpHI/edit?gid=0#gid=0.

12 p.m.

VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. The school also offers a certificate in media and leadership. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad

For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a Chanukah drop in Monroe Park featuring a DJ, doughnuts, merchandise, raffles and menorah kits. The event will be hosted by Jewish Life at VCU. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit http://JewishVCU.org.

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Purchase a 2025 Dogs on Call calendar and show your support for the therapy dog teams who visit patients and staff at VCU Health, and students at VCU. Calendars will be available at VCU Health Stony Point Lobby. Purchases can also be made online and mailed to you at www.support.vcu.edu/event/CHAI_Calendar

For more information, contact Karl Dorn at chai@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the internal research funding program team to discuss upcoming funding opportunities. The team will answer any questions regarding the four recently released funding opportunities: VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund; VCU Breakthroughs Fund, VCU Momentum Fund and VCU Quest Fund. Join directly at the following Zoom link.

For more information, contact OVPRI funds team at ovprifunds@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89365296981.

Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host an informational session via Zoom for students interested in its doctoral program in clinical and translational science. The discussion will include the unique aspects of the program, the application process and a Q&A. Questions: http://www.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/tZYqcOqtrj8qG9UKXpwvKE57FbjimU7IaH3D.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a passion for teaching children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at this virtual informational session. Register at https://tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2425

For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at teachrtr@vcu.edu or visit http://teachrtr.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Institute for Transformative Leadership is calling on all VCU and VCU Health faculty and staff to level up their leadership skills by joining the Transformative Leadership Spring 2025 Cohort Program starting Jan. 21 and 22. This free, seven-week Zoom-based series offers practical leadership principles that can be applied in your work and personal lives all through a supportive community. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact ITL Team at ITL@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/ITLCohortS2025.

Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Supervisors and Managers Boot Camp is now open for registration. The program is designed to help develop essential leadership skills while building confidence in tackling the challenges of managing teams. The event covers a range of topics, offering tips, tools and strategies to enhance your ability to lead and navigate common supervisory obstacles. Questions: Visit https://pmg.vcu.edu/professional-development/smb/

For more information, contact Deb Taminger at dktaminger@vcu.edu or visit http://GEHLI.vcu.edu.

Grade sheets are now available on faculty eServices. Grades are due by noon on Thursday, Dec. 19, at which time grade entry will no longer be available. It is imperative to meet this deadline to complete all end of the semester processes prior to the winter closure. Faculty may choose to use the feature to upload grades from an Excel file into eServices or use the Canvas grade passback to push grades into Banner. Faculty may only access grade sheets for courses to which they have been assigned.

For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.

VCU's Equity and Access Services announces the publication of its fiscal year 2023-24 annual report. This year's report reflects on the 60 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the struggles that shaped the freedoms, access, equity and opportunities of today. Explore the report at the following URL to discover how EAS daily supports and upholds these principles.

For more information, contact Equity and Access Services at equity@vcu.edu or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/about/news/.

Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for VCU employees. These sessions are open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. Register for an upcoming session at https://bit.ly/3NqLY7a. For more information, create a service request at https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport or call the following 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/.

The 27th year of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is in full swing. Since 1997, the CVC has been the officially sanctioned, nonprofit fundraising program for over 120,000 Commonwealth employees to safely and easily donate to their favorite causes. All monetary donations made through the CVC are 100 percent tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations may be made by credit card or payroll deduction until Dec. 31, 2024.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign/.

VCU RecWell offers children’s swim lessons for ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified Water Safety Instructors under the American Red Cross program. Lessons, at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 1 runs Saturday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Register at the following URL by Friday, Jan 31.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.

Stay connected to the many supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share important reminders and updates that can enhance your workplace experience and strengthen your connections to the VCU community. Follow on Facebook (vcuhumanresources), Instagram (vcuhumanresources) and X (@VCUHR)

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/.

The Virginia minimum wage will increase to $12.41 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025. On that date, all university employees currently making less than this amount will have their hourly rate raised to $12.41. No action is required from employees or managers. Employees may view their employment information, including wages, through eServices. Contact your HR Professional with any questions or concerns.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit http://hr.vcu.edu.

A copy of the draft Non-Research-Related Service Institutes and Centers is available for public comment until Thursday, Dec. 19. To read the proposed policy, go to the following URL and click on "Policies Open for Public Comment.

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu.

RecWell’s Women+ on Weights Spring Session One 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 work with a certified personal trainer to learn proper use of strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights and to develop technique, progressions and confidence in the weight room. Session One runs Jan. 20-March 5, Mon/Wed 4:30-5:30 p.m. Register at the following URL by Monday, Jan 20.

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.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host a week of backpacking and exploring the mountains, vistas and natural environment of the Central California coast. The price includes food, transportation from San Jose, Calif., to the trailhead, camping permits, entry fees and equipment, but it does not include air fare to or from the start/end point. A trip interest meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Outing Rental Center, 130 S. Linden St. The trip will be March 9-15, 2025 Register by Feb, 7.

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=dafc82fc-114c-4b93-b798-8e58839daaca.

Monday, Dec. 16 by 4 p.m. is the quarterly deadline for participants in the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan to elect voluntary contributions to become effective in January. Employees in the VRS Hybrid Plan can elect to voluntarily contribute up to four percent (4%) of their creditable salary to receive up to a 2.5 percent employer match. Questions: Visit http:www.varetirement.org/hybrid or request VCU HR support from https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport

For more information, contact Kelvin T. Allen at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://www.varetirement.org/hybrid/plan-info/voluntary-contributions.html.

VCU Staff Senate Awards for Excellence provide exposure and recognition of the work and achievements of VCU and VCU Health staff. Nominations are now open. Nominate a staff member by Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maya Rogers at staffsenate@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/vcustaffsenstear2024-2025.