Faculty/staff Issue for February 13, 2025
Today
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
1 p.m.
Learn to break writing into manageable chunks and how to avoid procrastination. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Service-Learning Informational Session
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join Service-Learning at VCU for a discussion of related topics. This session, in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave., is for faculty/staff who have or are interested in teaching a service-learning course at VCU.
For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://academics.provost.vcu.edu/transformative-learning/service-learning/.
Health Care Innovation Certificate Informational Session
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join faculty and staff from the VCU School of Nursing and da Vinci Center to learn about a graduate certificate that helps those interested in innovation create products and solutions for health care challenges. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Allison Schumacher at schumacheran@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Health-Inno-02-13.
Beyond 'Always On' Culture
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Humanities Research Center for “Beyond ‘Always On’ Culture” - a discussion with Damien Pfister and Caddie Alford on diagnosing — and resisting — the technoliberal temper of digitality. The event will be at VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. A reception will follow.
For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or (301) 213-8664 or visit https://bit.ly/pfi0213.
Healing Through Heritage: Stories of Resilience and Survival
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Come to the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W, Broad St., for an event designed to create a space for Black students, faculty and staff to reflect on the resilience and healing within Black communities. This event celebrates stories of survival, fosters connections and promotes wellness and unity across generations.
For more information, contact Joshua Lockhart at lockhartjcj@vcu.edu.
Bingo, Beats and Black Queer Excellence
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A musical and queer celebration of Black History Month will combine bingo and iconic songs that have shaped Black culture and music. As each song plays, participants will mark their cards and groove to the beats while learning about influential artists and moments in history. The event will be held in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III-IV, 907 Floyd Ave., and will be sponsored by VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), P.R.I.S.M (Programs That Reimagine Identity, Sexuality and Membership) and The Honey Club. Melanin Monroe and Javon Love are scheduled to host.
For more information, contact Beck Oh at ohrn@vcu.edu.
Historically VCU: A Legacy Still in the Making
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU's Office of Alumni Relations will present: "Historically VCU." In honor of Black History Month, hear from four alumni trailblazers who discuss how Black students, faculty members and staff have built the legacy of VCU and Richmond at large. This event brings together alumni who have made their mark on the university throughout their careers for a fireside chat-style discussion. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and a performance by the Black Awakening Choir. The event, co-hosted by the VCU Black Alumni Council, will be in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu.
Visiting Writers Series: Melissa Febos and Donika Kelly
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The VCU Visiting Writers Series will host a joint reading by Melissa Febos and Donika Kelly in James Branch Cabell Library, third-floor lecture hall, 901 Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/vws-spring-.html.
Jazz Faculty Septet To Present Roy Haynes Tribute Concert
7:30 p.m.
VCU’s Music Jazz Faculty Septet will be playing a tribute event for legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. General admission tickets are available for $12. Discounts are offered for current VCU Music faculty/staff and VCU students. Tickets are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Department of Music at music@vcu.edu.
This week
Black History: Learning From the Past and Inspiring the Future
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Hear2Hear for the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's free annual Black history event celebrating moments in Black history. Highlights include a tribute to the Union Colored Troops at the Battle of New Market Heights, a reenactment by the Reformed 23rd Regiment and the premiere of Unchaining Memories with a community conversation hosted by Alicia Atkins. Explore interactive exhibits, including the Richmond Slave Trail and The Victory of Freedom. Light refreshments will be served. Sign language interpreters available. The event will be at the museum, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
For more information, contact VMFA Museum at info@vmfa.museum.
Coming up
Leadership in Action: Case Studies for Managers
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU HR Employee Relations and the Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team are facilitating a bimonthly series of Leadership in Action workshops for managers of university and academic professionals and classified staff. The next session will be on the topic of performance reviews. Register by Monday. Feb. 17 in Talent@VCU at https://tinyurl.com/3e9benvk
For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.
Learn and Earn
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at noon
Did you know that in 20 minutes or less you can become financially confident and earn money? Join this session hosted by VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union and learn what Banzai is all about and how to use it to your advantage. Build your financial literacy and life literacy skills. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/yp8p3acz
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at noon
Join an informational webinar hosted by the VCU School of Business to discover how the Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, transformative leadership focus, weekend schedule, global immersion, cohort experience and the application process. No registration required. Join via the link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81877364401.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Division of Community Engagement is launching a Community Engaged Research Series. The professional development sessions are designed for faculty and staff looking to enhance their skills in community engagement, focusing on building stronger, more inclusive relationships between institutions and the communities they serve. Participants will explore key strategies and best practices for effective outreach, partnerships and community-engaged research. Emily Zimmerman, Ph.D., will speak virtually about "Building and Maintaining Trust with Community Partners and Collaborators." The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86306523704 Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFGTS3pD7Qtn7j2Jg6-MAFi0ADp_evxbuMcKifCMhDCOjaQQ/viewform?usp=sharing.
STEM In Art: Dreamscapes - Exploring Dreams Through Art
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
STEM In Art will present an event at which students will learn about dreams while making miniature dream catchers. The event will be in the University Student Commons, SGA Senate Chamber, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Mohammed Abdulhadi at abdulhadim@vcu.edu.
Paralegal Studies Certificate - Registration Ending Soon
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Want to get your start in the legal field? Or elevate your career with paralegal expertise? Learn more about the VCU Continuing and Professional Education Paralegal Studies Certificate program at the following URL. The next cohort begins Tuesday, Feb. 25 and registration is ending soon. Discounts are available for VCU faculty and staff. The program adviser is available each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Sign up at bit.ly/vcuparalegal to speak with the adviser,
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/paralegal/.
Living Legacies Series - Community Dialogues: A Conversation With VCU School of Dentistry Alumni
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at noon
Join the 2025 Living Legacies conversation as Carlos Smith, DDS, MDiv, speaks with VCU School of Dentistry alumni Tonya A. Parris-Wilkins, DDS, and James Watkins, DDS, as they share their journeys in the dental profession. Register at the following URL. This series is sponsored by the History and Health program and the School of Dentistry. The session will be at the Baxter Perkinson Jr. Building, Room 3121, 1101 E. Leigh St.
For more information, contact Logan Vetrovec at healthequity@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYAro9p0PmbAVcqe4YEXl_CcnPsLQq4uLz4a7VNuMinLXX7w/viewform.
18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join VCU's Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Conference and engage in a leadership journey. Those who attend will embark on alumni engagement and establish new connections through various interactive workshops, intentional engagement and many motivating conversations. Through dynamic sessions, networking and interactive learning, participants will actively engage in activities promoting graceful leadership. The event will be at the Richmond Marriott Downtown, 500 E. Broad St. Register by Friday, Feb. 21 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nancy Calkins at calkinsn@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2025-conference/.
Women's Health and Healing Trip to Guatemala: May 11-18
Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 7 a.m.
Join the VCU Institute for Women’s Health and Highland Support Project. Participants will spend a week in partnership with indigenous midwives and community leaders, learning about traditional Maya medicine and exploring the history of health care and healing in Guatemala. The group will learn about traditional medicine, midwifery and healing practices. Cost is $1,650 plus air fare. Apply by Saturday, Feb. 15 at https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11474
For more information, contact Janett Forte at jforte@vcu.edu or visit https://womenshealth.vcu.edu/education/womens-health-and-healing-in-guatemala/.
Notices
RecWell Aquatics Adult Beginner Swim Lessons Spring Session 2
RecWell offers adult beginner swim lessons intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water but wish to learn basic skills such as floating, treading water and coordination for swimming strokes. Lessons at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., will primarily be taught in shallow water, but participants will practice supporting themselves in deeper water throughout the class. Register through Friday, March 14. Morning Lessons - March 18-April 10, Tuesday and Thursday, 7-7:55 a.m. Evening Lessons - Tuesday, March 18- April 10, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-6:55 p.m.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.
RecWell’s Unlock Your Fitness: A Journey Through Equipment Orientation
Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment available at the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St., and how members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Questions are encouraged. Orientations will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 5 and are open to VCU students and RecWell members.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.
Arts and Faith Circle
The Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., will host Arts and Faith Circle on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. Explore how you experience and express your relationship with God through the arts. Students will lead sessions focused on music, dance, poetry, theater and visual arts. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Call for Nominations: 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment
Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME). The VCU and VCU Health System communities are invited to nominate a faculty member, staff member, academic or administrative leader or organization, or a student or student organization. Submit nominations by Monday, March 3 using this link: https://forms.gle/z1pGNGMH9UWJqxts5
For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://president.vcu.edu/nominations/pacme/.
Student Representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors and State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV)
Last call: Applications will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 14 from students interested in serving as the 2025-2026 VCU student representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors and Student Advisory Committee for the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Josh Skillman at dsa@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4cCVBKzHhaWL7-TzQBfbfPiHdWP6TvqcUEfJuHvC9EgmzPQ/viewform.
Still Time to Register for VCUarts' Investigation Now Spring 2025
VCUarts Program for eighth-10th grade students, Investigation Now, is back for the Spring. In this program, students will create work using traditional media and will learn how to develop their creative skills and important knowledge that may assist in future portfolio-driven courses. The registration fee is $90 (food and materials will be provided) Investigation Now will take place on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 14-March 7. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lia New at artedcadc@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/art-education/investigation-now/.
Calling All Undergrad Students
How are those first exams going? Schedule an appointment to meet with an academic coach from the Campus Learning Center to discuss your academic progress and formalize a plan for success. The center specializes in time management, study strategies and goal setting. Get started by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/BJiLBh9FVNkRREm98
For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit https://clc.vcu.edu/academic-coaching/.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Cardiovascular Health
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion 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.
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.