Faculty/staff Issue for August 5, 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/.
Master of Public Health Virtual Informational Session
12 p.m.
Join the VCU School of Public Health for a virtual informational session for the Master of Public Health program. The program will be offered online and in-person beginning Spring 2026. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katherine Peterman at petermankb@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/atxku4bSQGKd6Om8jI1vPw.
This week
Volunteer Opportunity: Carver Day of Service
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at 8 a.m.
VCU Division of Community Engagement, VCU Police and Kiwanis Club will host Carver Days of Service at George Washington Carver Elementary School, 1110 W. Leigh St. Volunteers are invited to help beautify the school grounds on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and the following Wednesday, Aug. 13 with outdoor cleanup, mulching and planting in preparation for the coming school year. All ages are welcome. Bring water, gloves and sun protection. Tools and snacks will be provided.
For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/.
Aligning Money Goals and Values
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 at noon
Join VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union and learn how to define and align personal values with financial choices. This session will walk participants through a step-by-step process of identifying core values and using those values to create smart financial goals. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3IUteiN
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
Coming up
Getting to Know the Google Apps in Canvas
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 at 11 a.m.
The Google Apps in Canvas make it easy to create and distribute assignments to your students, share files and schedule virtual meetings using the Google Assignments, Google Drive and Google Meet LTIs, all within your secure VCU Google Workspace. This session will also be offered on the same day at 1 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.
Aug. 12 Session; Getting Your Canvas Course Shell Ready for Fall 2025
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, please authenticate using your eID and password. Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services. 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.
Aug. 13 Session; Getting Your Canvas Course Shell Ready for Fall 2025
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.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
PHARED - Payroll Training Session
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
An upcoming training session is designed to enhance an understanding of PHAREDs within the Banner system. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of what constitutes a PHARED, detailed guidance on how to accurately initiate and process PHAREDs within Banner and practical strategies to prevent common errors that impede completion. The training will address the relationship between PHAREDs and BadPay, highlighting their interdependencies and impact on payroll processing integrity. Questions: Contact the following email address. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Veronica B. King at vbking@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1807 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5350984466?omn=88416290513.
Tech Duels at VCU: Apply to Be a Debater or Register to Attend
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at 11 a.m.
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Central Virginia Node will host Tech Duels at VCU, a live student debate event exploring the future of technology. VCU students can apply to debate or register to attend in person or virtually at the following URL. The event will be in VCU's Engineering Research Building, Room 1313, 401 W. Cary St.
For more information, contact Sharmic Bartelle at bartelles@vcu.edu or visit https://cci-cvn.org/tech-duels-fall-2025/.
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.
Free Store Volunteers Needed To Help Prepare for Fall Semester
VCU Sustainability is recruiting volunteers Tuesday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 7 from noon-2 p.m. to help with preparations for the Free Store's reopening at 930 W. Grace St. Questions: https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs/ Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ann Kildahl at kildahlac@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUtMWpBJ4dWAIY7VdUqQOqBljDvzltk73Zmqk4gAeDEagFGQ/viewform.
Summer 2025 Final Grades Due Aug. 12
Grade sheets are now available on faculty eServices. Grades are due by noon on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at which time grade entry will no longer be available. It is imperative to meet this deadline to complete all end of the semester processes. Faculty may choose to use the feature to upload grades from an Excel file into eServices. Faculty may only access grade sheets for courses to which they have been assigned.
For more information, contact Office of the University Registrar at rar@vcu.edu .
2025 Annual Staff Survey
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.
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. Participating families meet with their assigned international students at least once a month to take part in activities, family events or local exploration. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/fface/.
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 Fitness Swim
The Fitness Swimming program focuses on enhancing swimming techniques, endurance and physical conditioning in the water. Participants should expect to develop their swimming proficiency for fitness or competitive purposes. This is an advanced-level class and will average about 1,000 yards of swimming per class. Classes are held on Fridays from 7-7:55 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=e9401580-e161-45db-9b79-9ef3ddebb02a.
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.
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.