Faculty/staff Issue for May 27, 2025
Today
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Sessions
11:30 a.m.
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Communication will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in mass communications with concentrations in integrated communication and media leadership. A session will also be offered at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. A a certificate in Media and Leadership will also be offered. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
4 p.m.
The workshop via Zoom will feature a discussion of the services provided by the center and will help you build confidence in your writing by breaking the process 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/.
This week
Rollator Repair at VCU Health Hub
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., will hold a rollator repair clinic. Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs will be offered, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts and bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Pharmacist's Guide to Over-the-Counter Products to Help You This Summer
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at noon
Join a pharmacist who will walk through the processs of choosing over-the-counter products to treat bug bites, allergies and sun protection. This virtual session will be hosted by VCU HR and Employee Health. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4iHQ89F
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Stravitz-Sanyal Institute Research Seminar
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at noon
Join the institute for a talk by Luis Antonio DÍaz Piga, M.D., a visiting researcher at UC San Diego, who will present “MetALD: Bridging the Gap Between Metabolic Dysfunction and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease.” Trained at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, he is interested in translational and clinical research in AALD, MASLD and liver transplantation. Register for the webinar at bit.ly/42IBoCC
For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.
Navigating the Department of Defense Grant Process
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will continue its grant-writing series via Zoom. David Cifu, M.D., professor and chair, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will discuss the Department of Defense’s research grant application and review process. Questions: https://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/jL9VKtJZTa6Uiv2wPNDzLA.
Ivy's Mental Health Series: 'Do the Right Thing'
Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ivy Bell, VCU Health Hub certified community health worker, has created a mental health event series that dives into helpful strategies for mental health awareness month. The final event of this series is "Do the Right Thing." Learn from different organizations and professionals about ways mental health can affect all aspects of your life and what to do to help prevent breakdowns. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0817OEkCDuEsL2W5edSOU0JI9nTlDdUULTusA1Z2SVSHqgA/viewform.
Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Apps
Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a virtual session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu.
Coming up
Medicare Overview and State Retiree Health Coverage
Monday, Jun. 2, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join this virtual workshop hosted by Social Security and VCU HR to learn answers to questions about Medicare A and B. Eligibility requirements, Enrollment periods, application process and online services will be addressed. VCU Benefits will also present on the State Retiree Health Coverage. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4dqyshw
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Notices
Online Professional Development Courses (VCU CPE)
Interested in online, self-paced professional development courses? VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers you the flexibility to learn new skills or refresh your insights in a range of topics including business, communications, management, media and technology. Explore these training options adt the following URL. Questions: Email ocpe@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/online.html.
Exploring Parenting and Race: VCU's AYA Collective Research Team Needs You
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 0-5. 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 ayaresearch@vcu.edu or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k4TWXvqDDvYd9A.
Free Store Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer to help sort VCU Free Store donations acquired during the student residence hall move-out. Opportunities are available Wednesday, May 28 through Friday, May 30 from noon to 2 p.m. Eligible employees can use enhanced community service leave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Parker Long at longpj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceZ_cxz4lAzCh3FdftpO_jfu8FXqhHknHlvinIdPeMcdM7EQ/viewform?usp=preview.
Are You, or Do You Know, a Student Aspiring To Become a Faculty Member at a College or University?
VCU School of Education’s Graduate Certificate in Preparing Future Faculty equips students with the skills, experience and knowledge needed to step into a faculty role. Read more and apply today at bit.ly/PreparingFutureFaculty
For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/prospective-students/graduate/-graduate-certificate-in-preparing-future-faculty/.
Participate inTwo Psychology Studies (Compensation Available; New times and Signup 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 one hour. See more details and find out if you are eligible at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU HSS at vcuhss@gmail.com or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.
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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
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 The KHS Healthy Heart Lab at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Jeremy Via at healthyheart@vcu.edu.
Participants Needed for Brain Imaging Study
The Research on Excessive, Persistent, and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand how decision making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder or no history of either disorder. Participants in the study will be compensated. Questions: Contact the REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or follow the following URL.
For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.
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.