2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Quality Enhancement Plan, an initiative based in Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost, is hosting an afternoon tea in the Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge, Room 5116, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. Grab a snack and learn more about the QEP's Faculty Fellows program promoting research-supportive project-based learning in the general education curriculum. Apply at the following URL by Friday. Jan. 25.

For more information, contact Matthew James Vechinski at mjvechinski@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_kg3_8a4lJt91JjJpTJsZlAjFXabGjNI975D9Of5ftg.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join PennyAppeal and P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences) for the first Pack-A-Bag event of the semester in the Honors College Multipurpose Room, 701 W. Grace St., to help make care kits for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the PennyAppeal Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or the PennyAppeal RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events and collaborations.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Decorate Snoopy's doghouse sugar cookies with the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the Alumni Boardroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. APO is a gender-inclusive service organization focusing on developing leadership, promoting friendship and providing service to humanity. Interested in becoming a brother? You're invited to attend the group's rush. Peanuts-themed events are scheduled over the next two weeks and you are invited. Follo APO's Instagram @apo_adi and fill out the google form linked.

For more information, contact Annie Lebow at lebowas@vcu.edu or (571) 245-7405.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Find out about the services provided by VCU's Writing Center and learn how to break down the process of writing into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit Special Collections and Archives on the fourth floor of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., for the spring semester Open House: The Body and the Book. Special Collections will feature a variety of materials related to the human body, including 16th-century illustrated medical books, pop-ups, artists’ books and comics. Whether you’re interested in health sciences, body horror, or art, you’ll find something interesting.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0593 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/sca-open-house.html.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

VCU Career Services will host a job fair for Rams interested in student employment opportunities. The fair will be in the University Student Commons, RichmondSalons, 907 Floyd Ave. Learn about available summer and part-time jobs, meet off-campus employers and on-campus departments who are recruiting students and explore opportunities that can provide hands-on experience, relevant skill-building, professional connections and a paycheck while still in school. Learn more about the fair, including the employers who are joining, on Handshake at the following URL under Events.

For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit http://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/c64bdc09-0b4b-4285-b0fd-25690e7b7565/student_preview.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of the Provost will host a Faculty Club meeting in in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. The meeting will focus on the upcoming COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey, in which VCU is participating this Spring semester. The meeting will feature remarks from Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, a raffle for prizes, food and drinks and opportunities to connect with colleagues while learning about the upcoming survey. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Latoya Blizzard at lblizzard@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gJiqt7DVA8zebQt46.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU's Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health will present its monthly research seminar at the ames W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 5-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Bryan Mackowiak, Ph.D., National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, will present "Ethanol Metabolism in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease." Join in person or via Zoom at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah McCall at sarah.mccall@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KCYHDI5lStqOFcjF8IqXUQ#/registration.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at 1 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/.

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at noon

Join Employee Health Services Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Bucknam and VCU HR to learn about cholesterol, the different types and how it is linked to diet, exercise and smoking. Register for the link in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4airsBV

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

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Diane Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and the Department of Biostatistics will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Roy Sabo, Ph.D., professor, Biostatistics, will discuss how to appropriately interpret and report p-values in the context of hypothesis testing. He will also highlight several misconceptions around their use. Questions: visit 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/swfPK7-wRXG9BxKKJvsbhw.

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Learn about studying abroad with VCUarts Fashion Department in this informational session via Zoom. Summer study abroad programs will be offered in France (Mediterranean Textiles, June 1-22, 2025) and Mexico (Slower and Fairer in Oaxaca, June 2-July 4, 2025). Both programs are open to all majors. The Zoom link for the informational session is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83620141984?pwd=wBB3gVexfedue36HE7FYavN8vRhJbQ.1 Questions: Email Professor Renee Lamb (rslamb@vcu.edu) or Professor Jeannine Diego (diegoj@vcu.edu).

For more information, contact Renee Lamb at rslamb@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11658.

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

In an increasingly competitive academic and professional environment, external funding through fellowships and grants will help your work to stand out. This online Research Friday workshop hosted by the Humanities Research Center will offer practical guidance to boost your chances of success in grant and fellowship writing. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_t5_uulXmSa6qVe12bX1j-Q#/registration.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is embodied today in those who work toward equality and justice for all people. VCU Health is unconditionally committed to living out this legacy in our community. Our patients, colleagues, learners and community members are all important parts of the work toward a more just and equitable society. We invite you to join our Office of Inclusive Excellence at their second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Walk. This event is free and open to all. The walk will begin at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 1000 E Broad St.

For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13705559.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover how to configure assignments, quizzes and weighted groups in Canvas LMS. Register at training.vcu.edu Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=87874977258

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

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at noon

This full-body circuit virtual training takes the basics of martial arts and adds the fun. Punch and kick your way through 30 minutes of strength and cardio. This session will be hosted by VCU HR and RecWell. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/40tBPOX

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

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Join President Michael Rao, Ph.D., for the State of the University Address in the James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover gradebook and speedgrader configuration in Canvas LMS. Register at training.vcu.edu. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83228346429

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

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Hispanic Coalition of Healthcare Academics (HCHA) for a mezcla (mixer) open to all at James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E. Marshall St. Enjoy conversations and Latin American food and enhance Hispanic visibility in the health sciences. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/13545959.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The first general body meeting of SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability Program) will be held in the Alumni Boardroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Those who attend will decorate tote bags and canvases using eco-printing methods. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact SEEDS at VCU at seedsatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936912.

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join Sarah Peterson to learn more about the nonprofit 403b Wise organization that helps educate pre-service teachers about 403b, 457b and pensions. Register at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936683 The passcode is 154055 See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Student Virginia Education Association at VCU at sveaeboard@gmail.com or visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83178224209?pwd=7mebzQmnfsLb9EYI53l3G89fQqRDaI.1.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Get ready to expand your understanding of what appreciation truly means. To support VCU’s culture of care and appreciation, VCU HR has developed "Appreciation at Work" training sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Those who attend will learn about the languages of appreciation in the workplace; understand the core concepts of meaningful appreciation and be able to use those skills to build and maintain good working relationships. The session will be held in the HR Training Building, 922 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d60cd0c5a-816d-4c53-833e-68963d01f171.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Join the Office of the Provost and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence for a virtual session designed for new faculty (although all faculty are welcome), to explore the topic of student absences in the classroom. Common challenges and policies will be discussed, along with syllabi statements and approaches for managing absences effectively while also maintaining course integrity. Gain practical insights and strategies to develop clear, equitable class attendance policies that align with your teaching goals and support student success. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at richardsonj9@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/wkV5HXeZwL9vXm9u8.

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon

VCU HR will facilitate a three-hour Manager Orientation via Zoom which will introduce all managers, especially new managers, to the VCU culture and community. Register at the following URL. See the HR webpage for new managers at https://hr.vcu.edu/new-employees/new-managers/

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/c9d762b0-4b72-40a9-b872-9c8b8a40d277.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

LEDstudio and The Workshop at The VCU Libraries will present an interactive workshop to introduce faculty to the beginner-friendly features of Adobe Express. Learn simple, powerful tools for creating engaging instructional materials and class assignments. Participants will gain hands-on experience and practical tips for integrating these creative digital tools in their courses. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ginny Thompson at vthompson5@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/13961097.

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join the Department of Educational Leadership at VCU’s School of Education for the inaugural Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. Michael M. Crow, Ph.D., president, Arizona State University, will speak virtually on "Leading for Innovation. He will be introduced by Fotis Sotiropoulos, VCU Provost and SVP Academic Affairs. All are welcome. Sign up at bit.ly/VCU-EDLP-Lecture

For more information, contact Whitney Newcomb at wsnewcomb@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/leadership/distinguished-leadership-lecture-series/.

Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Attend Experienced Supervisors Institute, a professional development course. The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration. This three-day course will help participants build the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor and become an influential leader. The institute focuses on advanced supervision tools and tips and takes an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The course will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Deborah Taminger at dktaminger@vcu.edu or visit http://www.gehli.vcu.edu.

In light of recent events, the application deadline for the Community-Engaged Data Dissemination Grant has been extended to today, Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. This grant provides funding for projects that creatively share research findings with community stakeholders and within communities. Apply at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4VsLAn7ie46cMHpkOfjjKjdExEIapN-/view?usp=sharing For more information, or to submit an application, please contact dcegrantsinfo@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu.

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. However, the cost does not include airfare to or from the start/end point. A trip interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Outing Rental Center, 130 S. Linden St.

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

Nominate a colleague, student, alumni or community member for the 2025 Burnside Watstein Awards, which honor individuals who have positively impacted VCU’s LGBTQIA+ community. Nominations may be made by Feb. 21 at the following URL. The awards ceremony will be held on March 26 from 4-6:30 p.m. at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at equality@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0K_-zuE-vReiCs4WUonfCXMuj9WYysnmDy4vbpv6pX9DMuA/viewform.

VCU RecWell Intramural Sports runs leagues and tournaments for all experience levels. No prior experience or skill with the sport needed. Make friends while going for bragging rights in friendly competition with other Rams. Players may join with others or as free agents. One $10 IM semester pass covers individual participation in any/all Intramural tournaments and leagues for the semester. Early Spring features 5v5 Indoor Soccer League and 6v6 Volleyball League. Register at the following URL through Thursday, Jan. 23.

For more information, contact Delaydia Frink at intramurals@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

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.

Undergraduate students, schedule an appointment with a coach at the Campus Learning Center to discuss your goals for the semester and create an action plan. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting and can support you as you work toward your goals. Start by filling out the questionnaire at https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.

VCU Continuing and Professional Education and LEDstudio are launching an asynchronous noncredit Foundations of Instructional Design Certificate Program this February. The upcoming cohort is open exclusively to VCU faculty and staff with a special program price of $360. This program is ideal for anyone interested in exploring instructional design. Participant feedback is required. To learn more,visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/739ee55c563149058a206a40953a697a

For more information, contact Laura Wilson at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/onlineed.html.

It’s time for faculty to submit progress reports for undergraduate students who need a nudge to improve their performance. It’s especially important for faculty to submit reports for students with attendance issues since attendance is strongly related to class grades and GPA. Check your VCU email for instructions on how to submit progress reports as well as tips on best practices.

For more information, contact Katina Velentzas at kvelentzas@vcu.edu or visit https://semss.vcu.edu/for-faculty-and-staff/early-notification-programs/.

The first group of Shelfies at SHIFT Retail Lab spend a month bringing their ideas to life. Whether they’re building on an existing product or starting with a new idea, they’ll get a stipend and take part in activities like a boot camp, Feedback Friday and a group pop-up market. Apply by today, Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/P5tSVdR57TdoCJ2p6.

Are you experiencing food insecurity and looking for support at VCU? The RAMS-2-RAMS program can help you connect with peers who understand and can assist in gaining access to essential resources on campus.

For more information, contact Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., at ykim@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2abrc3h2pyBdN2gC7.

Drafts of the following policies are now open for public comment until Feb. 28: Campus Expression and Space Utilization, Concealment of Identity, and the Student Code of Conduct. Visit the following URL and click on "Policies Open for Public Comment" to view and comment on the draft policies.

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

HR has launched a revised manager tool kit for all leaders and managers supporting university academic professionals and classified staff. Changes in content, links and organization have been based on manager feedback. The tool kit better aligns with a culture of care and appreciation and includes links to materials that help managers with the many phases of performance management. See the revisions at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/resources/manager-toolkit/.

VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., will co-sponsor Objects and Methods, a public lecture series focusing on expansive conversations around design practices. This season will feature speakers Yusuf Hassan, Everest Pipkin and Linda van Deursen. Following their lectures, Hassan and van Deursen will lead public workshops at the ICA.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit http://objectsandmethods.net.

Proposals for funded fellowship opportunities for undergraduate/mentor collaborative research experiences are being accepted by VCU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Fellowship. A variety of undergraduate student fellowship awards will be funded for projects in any discipline, mentored by VCU faculty. Successful student applicants will receive funding support in the amount of $1,500 and $500 for the faculty mentor. Applicants must submit an application at the following URL by March 14.

For more information, contact Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry at urop@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/undergraduate-research/urop-fellowship/.

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. The principal investigator is Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Questions: Email the KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group in addition to individuals who identify as LGBTQ. 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.

For more information, contact Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (aged 12-25) for a brain imaging study to understand how risky decision-making differs between individuals with bulimia nervosa and individuals without a psychological disorder. Compensation is available 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.

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. Questions: Contact the REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Adanya Johnson at johnsonad13@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on PTSD symptoms with a specific focus 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.