Faculty/staff Issue for August 19, 2025
Today
VIRBs (VCU IRB System) Research Community Open Lab
10 a.m. to 11 a.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. The labs will include VIRBs real-time practice and Q&A sessions. Several lab sessions will be held through August. A complete schedule has been posted on the New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB System) webpage. Registration is not required. Labs will occur in real time. Recordings will not take place during the sessions. A Zoom meeting link will be opened at each date and time specified on the labs schedule. Join the lab at this link: 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/.
Make and Mingle With University College
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Curious about what the new University College is all about? Come to the Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. for hands-on activities, casual convos and a fun way to meet other students and staff. No RSVP needed — just drop in when you can.
For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
This week
Brandcenter Virtual Informational Session
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Take a look behind the scenes of VCU's grad program in advertising and branding. The session will break down the application process, the program's four creative concentrations (art direction, copywriting, creative brand management and strategy) and give participants a look at what life is really like as a Brandcenter student. The session will also include the industry careers Brandcenter grads go on to and how the program can help you get there. Register for the session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/info-session-august-2025?utm_source=TelegRam.
Aug. 21 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.
Looking Ahead - Building Retirement Security
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 at noon
This seminar, hosted by VCU HR and Voya, will include a discussion about making sure your financial future remains a priority even when other needs crop up, protecting your finances and saving for college and other goals. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/44YlWSu
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
VCU HR Benefits To Host Fidelity On-Campus for One-on-One Retirement Consultations
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU Benefits will host Fidelity for an on-campus day dedicated to helping employees plan for their financial future. Meet with a Fidelity representative at Lindsey House, 600 W. Franklin St., for a personalized consultation to discuss your retirement goals, investment options and more. Reach out directly to Fidelity 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://nb.fidelity.com/public/nbpreloginnav/vcu/microsite/#/tem/home.
Coming up
Go Beyond the Compass Fair
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Global Education Office will welcome Rams back to campus at its WOW 25 event. Stop by GEO's table on the Shafer side of the Compass to learn more about going beyond the Compass while at VCU. Winter break 2025 and spring break 2026 faculty-led programs will also be featured. At the event, chat with faculty leaders and previous participants.
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1938931.
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.
VCU WOW Day of Service
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kick off the new semester with purpose at the WOW Service Event. Connect with VCU and the Richmond community and be a part of something bigger. Package meals at the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/VCUAugust26
For more information, contact Kelsey Jones at jonesk66@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/wow/rsvp_boot?id=1938947.
Global Surgery in an Uncertain (and Unstable) Time
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
VCU School of Medicine ACCESS Global Health Program will present Mark Shrime, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., FACS, a surgeon and former chief medical officer of Mercy Ships, editor-in-chief of BMH Global Health and lecturer in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University. The presentation will be in the auditorium of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E Marshall St.
For more information, contact ACCESS Program at accessprogram@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.
Aug. 28 Canvas Overview
Thursday, Aug. 28, 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=18529 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
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/.
Crucial Influence
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 at 1 p.m.
VCU HR Organizational Effectiveness is offering a course on Crucial Influence beginning in October on Zoom. Tried everything to help someone change and nothing worked? Crucial Influence helps to understand what truly drives behavior using the Six Sources of Influence framework. Learn how to identify key behaviors, uncover hidden barriers and build a strategy for real, lasting change. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeremy Bost at jbost2@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdh3k87h.
Notices
Become More Tech Savvy - Add Computer Science To Your Curriculum
Increase your technical skills and become more marketable to employers with Fundamentals of Computing, a four-course certification program. This program introduces programming, web development, data analytics and cybersecurity. Earn a Capital CoLab Digital Credential as well. If you want more in-depth technical skills, consider adding a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science to your degree program. It complements most degree programs and may not add any time to your degree program: https://egr.vcu.edu/future-students/first-year/undergraduate-degrees/computer-science-bachelors/. Apply at the following URL.
For more information, contact Caroline Budwell at ccbudwell@vcu.edu or (904) 937-8111 or visit https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/computer-science/academics/cs-fundamentals/.
Search for Scholarships at the Rams Scholarship Hub
The Rams Scholarship Hub is a centralized, searchable VCU database managed by Student Financial Services and Development and Alumni Relations for students to view scholarship opportunities available and offered through various VCU colleges, schools and departments. Sign in with your EID, complete the general application, receive a match and search for new opportunities.
For more information, contact VCU Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.academicworks.com/.
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 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 Small Group Training: Weightlifting 101
RecWell’s Weightlifting 101 is a beginner-friendly class for individuals looking to build strength and confidence in the gym. Experienced and welcoming instructors will teach the fundamentals of weightlifting, including proper form, technique and safety measures to ensure a fun and injury-free workout. Classes will be Tuesday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 2, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration closes Monday, Aug. 25. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=ee81b025-a172-4470-b8c9-199992eca3cf.
Rights of Students Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA affords students the rights to inspect and review educational records; request that records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading be corrected; provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: FTC Safeguards Rule
The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for notifying the university community that it does not release nonpublic information about VCU students. This information is used and shared in a limited and carefully controlled manner. It is not disclosed, except as permitted by law, unless authorized by the student.
For more information, contact The Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu.
Registration Open for VCU Family Cultural Exchange Program
The VCU Family Cultural Exchange program provides Richmond community members and international students and scholars the opportunity to develop cross-cultural relationships that stimulate curiosity, increase cultural understanding and provide insight into a world beyond personal perspectives. FCE families meet up with their assigned international students at least once a month to participate in activities, family events, or local exploration. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or (919) 816-5318 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/fface/.
Global Zone Training Fall Sessions
VCU's Global Education Office provides a workshop for VCU faculty and staff to explore best practices for working with international students (generally defined as J-1 or F-1 visa holders). This workshop offers knowledge, skills and resources for teaching and supporting VCU’s 1,200-plus international students and scholars. Register for a pre-scheduled session, or request a session for your department at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or (919) 816-5318 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/faculty/globalzone/.
Translational Science Pilot Grant Webinars
Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science at VCU will host two webinars (Monday, Aug. 25 at noon-1 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 5-6 p.m.) to discuss their Translational Science Pilot Grant funding mechanism. Faculty researchers are eligible and may apply for up to $25,000 to fund their projects. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 3. Register at the following URLs: Aug. 25 - https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/WomISvZ2R6ajAznDt-4p9Q Sept. 3 - https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/cYzAn7PWSyCpjZ78GePKnw
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/support/funding/translational-science-pilot-grants/.
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.
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.