Faculty/staff Issue for August 13, 2025
Today
Getting Your Canvas Course Shell Ready for Fall 2025
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82872185582
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Canvas Customization Clinic: Make Your Course Pop With DesignPlus
11 a.m.
Want to make your Canvas course more visually engaging for students? Join an interactive workshop hosted by LEDstudio to learn how DesignPlus, a Canvas integration available to all VCU faculty, can help you do just that. Bring a Canvas assignment, discussion or page and learn how to use DesignPlus to elevate your course. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/n4GCuHx2RZi1ljy3yWJrTw.
Gardening Workshop: Prepping For Your Fall Garden
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Come learn how to grow your own food with Malique Middleton, entrepreneur in residence at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. This month's gardening workshop is getting your garden ready for fall. There will be a short talk about what plants are the best to start and how to get ready for the upcoming weather changes.
For more information, contact Malique Middleton at middletonme3@vcu.edu.
This week
Petersburg Wellness Consortium To Present VCU Research and Real Talk
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Petersburg Wellness Consortium will host VCU researcher Alexander Lucas, Ph.D., for a presentation at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., on his research regarding exercise and cancer. A Q&A will follow. A virtual option will be available. A free lunch will be available to those who attend in person. Registration is required. Register at the following email address.
For more information, contact Katelyn Schifano at schifanokr@vcu.edu or (804) 628-0284 or visit http://www.pwcpetersburg.org.
Facts and Faith Friday: Living Donor Testimony and Tackling the Literacy Gap
Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Danielle Green is a VCU Health patient who underwent two minimally invasive surgeries – including one with a robot – and successfully donated her kidney and part of her liver. Thelma Ramsey-Bryant, Ed.D., serves as principal of John L. Costley Middle School in East Orange, N.J., tackling middle school literacy gaps. Ramsey-Bryant and her team have worked to make remedial reading tasks feel age-appropriate and to identify connections to student behavior. The two will speak at Facts and Faith Friday. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu.
Coming up
VCU HR Benefits To Host TIAA On-Campus for One-on-One Retirement Consultations
Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU Benefits will host TIAA for an On-Campus Day dedicated to helping you plan for your financial future. Meet with a TIAA representative for a personalized consultation at Lindsey House, 600 W. Franklin St., to discuss your retirement goals, investment options and more. Reach out directly to TIAA at the following URL to set up your one-on-one consultation.
For more information, contact Kelvin Allen at allenkt@vcu.edu or visit https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/vcu.
Lifesaving Skills
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at noon
Join VCU HR and the American Heart Association for a presentation that will address how to respond in a health emergency. The discussion will include warning signs of heart attack and stroke, how to respond to a cardiac arrest and use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4lKA614
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Canvas Overview
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover the various functions within Canvas and in a course shell. Authenticate into a Zoom meeting using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18527 The session is sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=85327778666
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Aug. 26 Canvas Overview
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover the various functions within Canvas and in a course shell. Authenticate into Zoom meeting using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18528 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82626850189
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Leadership in Action Case Studies: ADA Compliance and Employee Support
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
VCU HR is facilitating a series of Leadership in Action workshops via Zoom for managers of university and academic professionals and classified staff. The next session will cover understanding and complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Register by Monday, Aug. 25 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/mufz3ys.
The American Liver Foundation's Annual Liver Life Walk
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute and the Hume-Lee Transplant Center invite all VCU/VCU Health faculty, staff, their families and friends to join the Liver Life walk on Oct. 5. The walk will be at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road. Sign up to participate before free pre-registration ends on Thursday, Aug. 21. (A registration fee of $20 will be charged after that date.) Register to walk with the “UnStoppable VCU Livers” and donate at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tierra Yuille at Tierra.Yuille@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverlifewalk.org/virginia/.
Notices
VCU Parking and Transportation To Implement Cashless Payment Effective Oct. 1
Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, accounts management will be transitioning to fully cashless payment. All payments must be made via card - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), mobile (tap), or check.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
RecWell Private Group Exercise Classes
RecWell offers private group exercise classes for student organizations and VCU departments. Classes are led by RecWell’s team of group exercise instructors. Classes can be held in one of RecWell’s spaces or instructors can come to the client’s location, either in-person or virtually. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nadine Madison at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/group-exercise/.
Are You Struggling To Afford Food? You May Qualify for SNAP
If you or someone you know at VCU is struggling with food access, you may qualify for government assistance. Masters of Social Work Interns with the VCU Basic Needs Program have put together a step-by-step slideshow on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for VCU students - what the benefits are, who qualifies and instructions on how to apply.
For more information, contact Tamara Abahazy at abahazytk@vcu.edu or (757) 846-5249 or visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAGt6MUz_Z0/8frcp2G_6NynhBFxjbxR-A/view?utm_content=DAGt6MUz_Z0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h93c7019e5c.
Follow VCU HR on Social Media
Stay connected to the programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share 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.
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 Facility Closures Aug. 14 and 15
All RecWell facilities will be closed for staff to complete training before Fall semester and to allow for deep cleaning and maintenance to be completed. Facilities will be closed all day, Thursday, Aug. 14. On Friday, Aug. 15, facilities will be closed until 4 p.m. See a complete list of hours at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amanda Simmons at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/.
Employee Health Wellness Screenings
Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location, 800 W. Broad St. Review wellness concerns with a nurse, have your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional) and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule your appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.
FWS-Eligible Student Sought for VCU Health Hub at 25th
VCU Health Hub VCU,1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, is seeking a motivated student worker to support its mission in collaboration with different stakeholders to address social determinants of health. This position involves administrative responsibilities. Applicants must be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program. Questions: Visit the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10113908/share_preview.
Free Store Reopening
The VCU Free Store, 930 W. Grace St., will reopen to VCU students, staff and faculty during August on Tuesdays (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Wednesdays (noon-6 p.m.).
For more information, contact Ann Kildahl at kildahlac@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs.
Join the VCU Career Services Team as a Peer Career Adviser
Peer Career Advisers (PCAs) assist and advise students during weekly drop-in advising hours with résumé and cover letter writing, job and internship searching and more. They also host presentations for classes and on-campus organizations. Participants must be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program and able to commit to the 2025-2026 school year. Apply on Handshake at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ashley Worthington at worthingtonar@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/9984702/share_preview.
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. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group.
For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Help Improve Health Care: Take a 25-Minute Survey for Medical Providers
Medical providers — all who work in clinical settings — are invited to take a brief, 25-minute survey. The goal is to better understand provider perspectives on occupational stress related to policy changes or practices. The survey is completely confidential, and individual input will help inform future health care practices. Enter a raffle to win one of six $100 charitable donations to a philanthropic organization in the Richmond area. To participate, go to the following URL.
For more information, contact Julie Suyama, M.D., Ph.D., at Julie.Suyama@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO.
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.