Faculty/staff Issue for August 4, 2025
This week
Being Well Amid Uncertainty – The Conversation Continues
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Last month’s Being Well Amid Uncertainty session sparked meaningful conversations and revealed that many are still carrying stress, questions and emotions that deserve more space and support. Join VCU Human Resources and Anthem EAP for a follow-up session — this time with a new facilitator whose background offers insight that will help guide meaningful dialogue around navigating uncertainty and caring for our well-being. Keep the conversation going. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4nIWM2W
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Wilder School Graduate Student Application Walkthrough and Support
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 at noon
Join the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for the final walkthrough of the graduate student online application with live support for master's, certificate and doctoral applicants. Register for the virtual session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/0805appwalkthrough.
Coming up
Aug. 12 Session; Getting Your Canvas Course Shell Ready for Fall 2025
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This course will cover how to get your Canvas course shell ready for students in the Fall 2025 semester. To access the Zoom meeting, please authenticate using your eID and password. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=86372590733
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Aug. 13 Session; Getting Your Canvas Course Shell Ready for Fall 2025
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This course will cover how to get your Canvas course shell ready for students in the Fall 2025 semester. To access the Zoom meeting, please authenticate using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18525. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Notices
VCU Launches RamsXpress, a New Point-to-Point Shuttle Service
The new shuttle will service James Branch Cabell Library at the corner of Cathedral Place and Floyd Avenue, and Larrick Student Center at the corner of North Ninth and Turpin streets. RamsExpress will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and allow members of the VCU community to travel between campuses – within 10 to 15 minutes – by offering direct, point-to-point service. These stops are not duplicative of current GRTC service locations.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Free Store Volunteers Needed To Help Prepare for Fall Semester
VCU Sustainability is recruiting volunteers Tuesday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 7 from noon-2 p.m. to help with preparations for the Free Store's reopening at 930 W. Grace St. Questions: https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs/ Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ann Kildahl at kildahlac@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUtMWpBJ4dWAIY7VdUqQOqBljDvzltk73Zmqk4gAeDEagFGQ/viewform.
RecWell Personal Training Packages
RecWell’s personal training packages are available to VCU students and RecWell members. Participants will be guided through an exercise program customized to meet their specific needs and goals by a certified personal trainer, a fitness professional who is committed to supporting client progress. One-on-one and buddy-training packages of three-, six-, 12- or 18-hour-long sessions will be offered. New clients are required to complete an introductory package of three 60-minute sessions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.
Come Play With the University Band
Registration is now open for the University Band (APPM 357), which is open to all VCU students and faculty. The band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-3:50 p.m. and performs one concert per semester.
For more information, contact Duane Coston at costonpd@vcu.edu or (804) 240-7974.
Barnes & Noble @ VCU Textbook Price Matching
Did you know students can buy or rent new or used textbooks at Barnes & Noble @ VCU and pay the same price as on Amazon? Get the best value and the convenience of shopping on campus. Encourage your students to take advantage. Visit vcu.bncollege.com for course materials on the Monroe Park Campus and vcumedical.bncollege.com for the MCV campus.
For more information, contact Beth Mundy at textbooks@vcubooks.com.
VCU ACE-IT in College Is Hiring FWS Job Coaches
Who better to support a VCU ACE-IT student than a fellow Ram? Compassionate, dependable VCU students are needed to serve as job coaches for students in the ACE-IT in College program. Job coaches provide one-on-one support on campus job sites, helping students build skills in time management, problem-solving and task completion. Make a real impact, gain hands-on experience and contribute to a more inclusive campus community. Applicants must be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program. Apply on Handshake at https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10015952
For more information, contact Sonya Durham at durhams2@vcu.edu or visit https://aceitincollege.vcu.edu/.
Hiring for Student Worker Positions in Your Office?
Meet hundreds of job-seeking students and recruit staff for your department at the Part-Time Job Fair hosted by VCU Career Services. Registration is discounted at $50 and includes lunch. Sign up to reserve your spot before registration closes on Tuesday, Aug 19. This fair is for student jobs off- and on-campus; a part-time (non-work-study) job on Handshake is required to participate. Register at the following URL; select nonprofit rate and discount will be applied before invoicing. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Aimee Selleck at selleckap@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/VCUPTJobFair25Emp.
Volunteer for Residential Life and Housing Move-in Weekend
VCU Residential Life and Housing will hold its annual move-in weekend on Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16. Faculty, staff and students are needed to help unload vehicles, manage and push move-in carts and welcome the Class of 2029. The Student Organization Competition will return; the group with the greatest number of volunteers in each category will receive additional funds for their respective organization. Sign up to volunteer at the following URL. Questions: Email RLHconduct@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Kenzel Hill at hillka4@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2uAd2WWCRCp7v7Jt9.
Join the Choir
Looking for a welcoming way to become involved on campus? Join a VCU Choir this fall. Make music, make friends and be part of something meaningful. Open to all majors. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359, CRN 29766) No audition required. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358, CRN 29770) is an advanced mixed choral ensemble. Audition required. Vox Concordia (APPM 378, CRN 32996) is an advanced treble choral ensemble. Audition required.
For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/.
RecWell Aquatics Adult Learn to Swim (HPED)
This program is intended for adults with basic swimming skills who wish to learn and improve strokes and techniques. Participants should be comfortable supporting themselves in deep water before participating in this class. This program is cross-listed with the TEDU 322 class through the Recreation and Wellness minor. Classes run Aug. 20-Dec. 3, Wednesdays, 8-8:55 a.m. 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=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.
RecWell Aquatics Swim Lessons for Children, Session 1
VCU RecWell offers swim lessons for children ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified Water Safety Instructors under the American Red Cross program. The lessons focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 1: Saturday mornings from Sept. 6-27. Register at the following URL by by Friday, Sept. 5.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.
RecWell Aquatics Private Swim Lessons
Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored to participants' goals. RecWell’s certified Water Safety Instructors work with participants to identify goals and provide feedback and encouragement toward improvement throughout the lessons. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/private-and-semi-private-swim-lessons/.
Participants 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.
For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Are You Expecting or Raising a Black Child Age 2 or Younger? Participants Invited for a Study on Parenting amd Race (Compensation Provided)
Be part of VCU's AYA Collective Research Team's ongoing study called ROOTED Endeavor. We're discussing racial socialization with romantically involved couples who are either expecting or raising Black children ages 0-2. Explore how racial factors shape parenting through five virtual interviews every six months involving both parents and brief online questionnaires every three months. Compensation will be provided for every interview and every questionnaire. Ready to join? Complete the eligibility screener at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shawn C.T. Jones, Ph.D., at scjones4@vcu.edu or (210) 473-5738 or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k4TWXvqDDvYd9A.
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.