1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A Rollator repair clinic will be held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The event will offer free Rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, 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.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In preparation for implementation of the new IRB system (VIRBs), the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP)/IRB will hold a VIRBs open lab for the research community. Open labs will include VIRBs real-time practice and Q&A sessions. Several open lab sessions will be held in July and August. A complete open labs schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required to attend open labs. Open labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during open lab sessions for the research community. A Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the open labs schedule. Join the open labe at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89679536817

For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/human-research/hrppirb/virbs/.

6 p.m.

Learn the basics of AI and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models (LLMs). 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/.

Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with virtual guided meditation. This session, hosted by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3TNeqVF

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Psychology invites participation in two studies. One: A study on including video materials in school teaching to make classes more engaging. Two: A study on how people react to fictional characters. Fill out a 10-minute online questionnaire and then complete both studies in one lab session that will take about an hour. Compensation is available. Check eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erika Blair at blaire2@vcu.edu? or (804) 554-0584 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=3AJY3KMHN7NF87TY.

Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at noon

Stretching is an excellent tool to quiet the mind and calm the body. These postures will release tension and encourage surrender into a deeper sense of relaxation and stillness. Join VCU HR and RecWell for this virtual session. All fitness levels are welcome. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3IUtTRj

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.

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, authenticate using your eID and password. 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.

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. 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.

Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 at 1 p.m.

VCU HR Organizational Effectiveness is offering Crucial Conversations beginning in September on Zoom. Do you ever replay a tough conversation in your head, wishing you’d said something differently? Crucial Conversations is a course that helps you handle high-stakes conversations with more confidence and care. Learn more and register at the following URL. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

For more information, contact Jeremy Bost at jbost2@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/5brmbf5t.

NASCAR at Richmond Raceway is offering VCU employees, their friends and families 20 percent off grandstand admissions for the Cook Out 400, under the lights on Saturday night, Aug. 16 as well as 20 percent off the Whelen Modified Tour on Thursday night, Aug. 14 and the Craftsman Truck Race on Friday night, Aug. 15. Check out this discount and others on the HR Work/Life webpage at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-discounts/.

Missed one of last month’s well-being sessions? Recordings are now available in the HR Work Life playlists in Talent@VCU. Explore topics that support your personal and professional well-being — anytime, at your own pace. Recent ones added include "From Piggy Banks to Portfolios," "The Importance of Lifelong Learning," "CPR Awareness" and more.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/catalog/CustomPage.aspx?id=221000415.

Be proactive and aware of flash flood safety in your community and at work. Subscribe to weather apps, stay away from areas prone to flash floods and do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can cause falls and move an SUV. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. Visit the following URL to meet the Wellness Team at 800 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

VCU is offering Introduction to Conversational Spanish I and II this fall (Aug. 26-Dec. 12) for individuals at any level. VCU and VCU Health employees may be eligible to use tuition benefits; employees should check with their HR representative to confirm eligibility. Learn more and register at the following URL. The course is offered in collaboration with VCU Continuing and Professional Education and the VCU School of World Studies.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit http://ocpe.vcu.edu/languages.

On July 28, VCU Human Resources sent the annual staff survey to all VCU staff to gather feedback on the experience of working at the university. VCU HR is committed to making the university a great place to work - and staff input is needed to do so. The survey is anonymous and will be open until Friday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. Check your VCU email for your unique survey link.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.

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.

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 visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3k4TWXvqDDvYd9A.

Black women ages 18-35 who have little to no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share these experiences along with their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check for eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.