Faculty/staff Issue for April 22, 2025

Today

VCU Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing

Add to calendar 22-04-2025 11:00:00 22-04-2025 America/New_York VCU Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing Learn to feel comfortable with paraphrasing in academic writing. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/ Trey Burnart Hall hallbr@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

11 a.m.

Learn to feel comfortable with paraphrasing in academic writing. 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/.

VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI (Part 1)

Add to calendar 22-04-2025 14:00:00 22-04-2025 America/New_York VCU Writing Center Workshop: Introduction to AI (Part 1) Learn how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/ Trey Burnart Hall hallbr@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

2 p.m.

Learn how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. 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/.

Student Government Association Student Focus Group on DEI at VCU

Add to calendar 22-04-2025 17:30:00 22-04-2025 America/New_York Student Government Association Student Focus Group on DEI at VCU Share your thoughts about federal directives targeting DEI, such as the Dear Colleagues Letter, and your thoughts on VCU's response to them. Free pizza will be provided. The session will be in the University Student Commons, Metro Room, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL. Student Commons Metro Room Summer Neil neilsd@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

5:30 p.m.

Share your thoughts about federal directives targeting DEI, such as the Dear Colleagues Letter, and your thoughts on VCU's response to them. Free pizza will be provided. The session will be in the University Student Commons, Metro Room, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Summer Neil at neilsd@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938489.

This week

Visiting Artist Lecture: Iain McCaig – Visual Storytelling

Add to calendar 21-04-2025 10:00:00 21-04-2025 12:00:00 America/New_York Visiting Artist Lecture: Iain McCaig – Visual Storytelling The VCUarts Department of Communication Arts will host artist Iain McCaig for a guest lecture at the VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave. As of 2025, McCaig has worked for 45 years in the entertainment industry. Many of his creations have become pop-culture icons, like his cover for Jethro Tull’s "Broadsword and the Beast" or his "Star Wars" designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. He has created art for games, from LucasArts "The Secret of Monkey Island" to Respawn’s "Titanfall," and for many films, among them "Terminator 2," "Interview With the Vampire," "Bram Stoker’s Dracula," "Hook," "Peter Pan," "Charlotte’s Web," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "The Avengers," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," Disney’s live-action "The Jungle Book" and the ongoing "Star Wars" movies, as well as designs for the "Star Wars: The High Republic" graphic novels and "Star War: Galaxy’s Edge" theme parks. VCU Student Commons Theater Jason Bennett jebennett@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Monday, Apr. 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

The VCUarts Department of Communication Arts will host artist Iain McCaig for a guest lecture at the VCU Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave. As of 2025, McCaig has worked for 45 years in the entertainment industry. Many of his creations have become pop-culture icons, like his cover for Jethro Tull’s "Broadsword and the Beast" or his "Star Wars" designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. He has created art for games, from LucasArts "The Secret of Monkey Island" to Respawn’s "Titanfall," and for many films, among them "Terminator 2," "Interview With the Vampire," "Bram Stoker’s Dracula," "Hook," "Peter Pan," "Charlotte’s Web," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "The Avengers," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame," Disney’s live-action "The Jungle Book" and the ongoing "Star Wars" movies, as well as designs for the "Star Wars: The High Republic" graphic novels and "Star War: Galaxy’s Edge" theme parks.

For more information, contact Jason Bennett at jebennett@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/iain-mccaig-on-visual-storytelling/.

Start by Believing @ The Commons

Add to calendar 23-04-2025 11:00:00 23-04-2025 14:00:00 America/New_York Start by Believing @ The Commons The VCU Police Department will host a Start by Believing campaign event for the VCU community, which encourages everyone to pledge to end the cycle of silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and child sexual abuse. Resource organizations across VCU and Central Virginia will be on hand at theCommons Plaza to answer questions and spread awareness. Those who attend can enjoy games and community building. The Commons Plaza Cierra Eldridge eldridgeci@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The VCU Police Department will host a Start by Believing campaign event for the VCU community, which encourages everyone to pledge to end the cycle of silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and child sexual abuse. Resource organizations across VCU and Central Virginia will be on hand at theCommons Plaza to answer questions and spread awareness. Those who attend can enjoy games and community building.

For more information, contact Cierra Eldridge at eldridgeci@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/sexual_violence/victim_witness_program.html.

Evening MBA Informational Webinar

Add to calendar 23-04-2025 12:00:00 23-04-2025 America/New_York Evening MBA Informational Webinar Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85044330937 https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85044330937 Hawley Smyth smythh@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 at noon

Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85044330937

For more information, contact Hawley Smyth at smythh@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/graduate-programs/evening-mba-flexible-format/.

The Underground Presents: Mix and Mingle, Featuring Social Justice and Service - Student Organizations at VCU

Add to calendar 23-04-2025 12:00:00 23-04-2025 14:00:00 America/New_York The Underground Presents: Mix and Mingle, Featuring Social Justice and Service - Student Organizations at VCU Celebrate the passionate efforts of social justice and service student organizations at VCU. Connect with groups dedicated to positively impacting the university's campus and beyond. The event will be in the Underground, Room 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP at the following URL. The Underground - Commons, 015 Raine Harris studentorgs@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m.

Celebrate the passionate efforts of social justice and service student organizations at VCU. Connect with groups dedicated to positively impacting the university's campus and beyond. The event will be in the Underground, Room 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1938623.

28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium

Add to calendar 23-04-2025 09:30:00 23-04-2025 13:00:00 America/New_York 28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium The Graduate Student Association and Graduate School will present the 28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. More than 100 graduate students from 11 schools/colleges will be sharing their research with the university community. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to stop by and see the transformative work graduate students are doing. The event will be in the Commonwealth Ballrooms over two sessions from 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms Erin Brown embbrown@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Graduate Student Association and Graduate School will present the 28th Annual Graduate Research Symposium in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. More than 100 graduate students from 11 schools/colleges will be sharing their research with the university community. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to stop by and see the transformative work graduate students are doing. The event will be in the Commonwealth Ballrooms over two sessions from 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://graduate.vcu.edu/current-students/awards-and-competitions/graduate-research-symposium/.

VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity

Add to calendar 24-04-2025 10:00:00 24-04-2025 15:30:00 America/New_York VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry invites students, faculty, staff, community members and friends and family to attend and support undergraduates when they present their current research endeavors. The event will take place in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Submit a poster abstract at the following URL. The event will take place over three sessions. University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom. 907 Floyd Avenue Richmond, VA 23284 Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry, urop@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry invites students, faculty, staff, community members and friends and family to attend and support undergraduates when they present their current research endeavors. The event will take place in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave. Submit a poster abstract at the following URL. The event will take place over three sessions.

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/poster/.

Community Engagement Impact Learning Collaborative Research Series

Add to calendar 24-04-2025 12:00:00 24-04-2025 America/New_York Community Engagement Impact Learning Collaborative Research Series Join the Community Engagement Impact Collaborative for a panel hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on how institutions define and assess community engagement impact. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Zoom Lorielle Bouldin bouldinln@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025 at noon

Join the Community Engagement Impact Collaborative for a panel hosted by the Division of Community Engagement on how institutions define and assess community engagement impact. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/6jD1aucX5VznqE268.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives

Add to calendar 25-04-2025 12:00:00 25-04-2025 13:30:00 America/New_York Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives Come join VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Alzheimer's Organization for a discussion about the effects of smoking on the brain. The session wil be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St. VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St. VCU Health Hub vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Come join VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Alzheimer's Organization for a discussion about the effects of smoking on the brain. The session wil be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Celebrate Donate Life Month Expo

Add to calendar 25-04-2025 12:00:00 25-04-2025 America/New_York Celebrate Donate Life Month Expo Come to the Donate Life Month Expo, an afternoon of impactful conversations, expert panels and meaningful connections. Hear from transplant surgeons, organ recipients and health care professionals, and explore opportunities in research, clinical experience and community service. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward Room, 900 Turpin St. All who attend will receive a free Roots bowl and Starbucks gift card. RSVP at https://forms.gle/XYQW34Yg37qqHHb59 Jackson Ward Room at Larrick Student Center Ria Mohan mohanr3@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Friday, Apr. 25, 2025 at noon

Come to the Donate Life Month Expo, an afternoon of impactful conversations, expert panels and meaningful connections. Hear from transplant surgeons, organ recipients and health care professionals, and explore opportunities in research, clinical experience and community service. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward Room, 900 Turpin St. All who attend will receive a free Roots bowl and Starbucks gift card. RSVP at https://forms.gle/XYQW34Yg37qqHHb59

For more information, contact Ria Mohan at mohanr3@vcu.edu or visit https://www.canva.com/design/DAGg-GZ3ZHM/_LAMQkp5nnuepu16itGgPQ/view?utm_content=DAGg-GZ3ZHM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h82423c70eb.

From Crisis to Care: Reclaiming Medicine Through Primary Care

Add to calendar 26-04-2025 09:00:00 26-04-2025 17:00:00 America/New_York From Crisis to Care: Reclaiming Medicine Through Primary Care Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for our first-ever conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited to join; hear from speakers like Michael Fine, M.D., founder of Primary Care for All Americans, network with community organizations and professionals and learn more about the applications of philosophy and bioethics in health care and beyond. Lunch will be provided and attendance is free. Students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. The session will be held at the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St Riya Bajpai bajpair2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics 4 Students clubs for our first-ever conference on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, public health and medicine. All are invited to join; hear from speakers like Michael Fine, M.D., founder of Primary Care for All Americans, network with community organizations and professionals and learn more about the applications of philosophy and bioethics in health care and beyond. Lunch will be provided and attendance is free. Students are encouraged to submit an abstract to present during the poster session. The session will be held at the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUQn69LwwoMkWpdGJG80osulkx3oVrznDxUob1PqMMlBSDPQ/viewform?usp=header.

Coming up

Convergence Labs @VCU - Sustainable Societies Faculty Interest and Registration Form

Add to calendar 28-04-2025 09:00:00 28-04-2025 10:15:00 America/New_York Convergence Labs @VCU - Sustainable Societies Faculty Interest and Registration Form The Office of the Provost announces Convergence Labs @VCU - Sustainable Societies. The lab will address critical issues of sustainability amid a growing world population, increasing standard of living in developing countries and finite natural resources. All interested full-time faculty members are invited to complete the following form to engage in lab development. The session will be held in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Complete the form at the following URL by Thursday, April 24. University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-D LaToya Blizzard vpfacaffrs@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Monday, Apr. 28, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

The Office of the Provost announces Convergence Labs @VCU - Sustainable Societies. The lab will address critical issues of sustainability amid a growing world population, increasing standard of living in developing countries and finite natural resources. All interested full-time faculty members are invited to complete the following form to engage in lab development. The session will be held in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-D, 907 Floyd Ave. Complete the form at the following URL by Thursday, April 24.

For more information, contact LaToya Blizzard at vpfacaffrs@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/H19j7bXn3Nnij9K99.

Wrapping Up Your Spring 2025 Course in Canvas

Add to calendar 29-04-2025 11:00:00 29-04-2025 12:00:00 America/New_York Wrapping Up Your Spring 2025 Course in Canvas This workshop will cover final gradebook configuration, submitting final grades and configuring Incomplete sections. Please use VCU eID and password to enter Zoom meeting. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18497 https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Jon Reed reedjj@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover final gradebook configuration, submitting final grades and configuring Incomplete sections. Please use VCU eID and password to enter Zoom meeting. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=83636800541 Register at https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18497

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

Notices

Your April 22 Meals at Bell Greek Will Benefit VCU Libraries' Scholarships and Low-Cost of Free Textbooks

What do pasticcio, moussaka, spanakopita and hummus have in common with VCU Libraries? Answer: Bell Greek restaurant. On Giving Day, Tuesday, April 22, Bell Greek is supporting VCU Libraries. Mention VCU Libraries when you order and 25 percent of your purchase goes to the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship fund and the Affordable Course Content Initiative – vital funds that help VCU students. Valid for dine-in or takeout, only at the Village Shopping Center, 7011 Three Chopt Road.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2025-news/giving-day-2025.html.

Follow VCU Human Resources on Social Media

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://www.hr.vcu.edu.

Today Is the Day

Today is Giving Day. Support one of 90-plus causes that make possible student scholarships, comprehensive patient care, life-changing research and more. Amplify your impact with matches and challenges that help your favorite cause earn more money. When you make a gift, you make a difference.

For more information, contact Melanie Irvin, assistant vice president, Strategic Marketing and Engagement, at irvinms@vcu.edu or visit https://give.vcu.edu/giving-day-2025/?a=9726411.

Join a VCU Choir This Fall — Open to All Students

Looking for a fun and welcoming way to become involved on campus? Join a VCU choir this fall. Make music, make friends and be part of something meaningful. You do not need to be a music major. Choral Arts Society (APPM 359, CRN 29766) is open to students. No audition is required. Commonwealth Singers (APPM 358, CRN 29770) is an advanced mixed choral ensemble. An audition is required. Vox Concordia (APPM 378, CRN 32996) is an advanced treble choral ensemble. An audition is required. The choirs are sponsored by VCU's Department of Music. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/music/ensembles/.

VCU Employee Health and Wellness

April showers do indeed bring May flowers and a promise of new beginnings. It’s also a great time to pause and reflect on how we are feeling from an emotional perspective. Have the winter doldrums followed you into this new season? If so, please consider Timelycare. This free, 12-session program is for VCU staff, faculty and students who need a moment and an ear to listen as they process their feelings and contemplate our turbulent world. Questions: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login Set up an appointment to meet with the Wellness Team at the following URL.

For more information, contact Susan Richards MSN RN at richardss@vcu.eduy or (804) 499-0687 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Fight Gender-Based Violence With 'Once Upon a Party' – Join Our Study for a Chance to Win $100!

One in four college women and 7 percent of college men experience sexual assault, while 21 percent face dating violence. Although colleges are required to address these issues, many programs fail to engage students effectively. I’m Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., and I’ve created “Once Upon a Party,” a text-based, choose-your-own-adventure game designed to spark critical thinking about gender-based violence. In this game, you’ll navigate real-world situations that could lead to sexual or dating violence by responding to friends' text messages. Join my study to help test the game’s impact and get a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards. Click the following URL to participate.

For more information, contact Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., at baldwinwhia@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/t/AXMyuZ5Ir0.

Participants Are Invited for Study Examining the Impact of Acute and Chronic Stress on Cardiovascular Health

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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

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

Participants Are 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. 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. Principal Investigator: Lee Franco, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

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

Research Study on Stress Experiences in Young Black Women Ages 18-39

The Equity in Cardiovascular Health Outcomes (EqCHO) Lab at VCU is conducting a study on the stress experiences of young Black women. We would like to use the information gained from this study to develop a stress reduction program to improve cardiovascular health among young African American women. Resources will be provided on stress and health management. The study will take place over two consecutive weeks. Compensation is available. Questions: https://eqcho.lab.vcu.edu/ Check your eligibility and sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Anika Hines at eqcholab@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5030 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KYP34XPP8J7A8JJX.

Participate in Two Psychology Studies (Compensation Available; New Times, Sign-Up Dates Available)

VCU Psychology invites you to participate in two studies. Compensation is available. 1. A study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging, 2. A study on how people react to fictional characters. You will fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. Find out if you are eligible at the following URL. New sign-up dates are available. If you have already completed the eligibility survey but the listed times did not work for you, contact the researchers to schedule a different session time.

For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.

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.