Faculty/staff Issue for September 22, 2025
Today
Design Thinking for Your Career, Community and Beyond
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Come to the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., for Design Thinking for Your Career, Community and Beyond. The hands-on workshop is open to VCU students, professionals and community changemakers. In a world that’s constantly evolving, skills like empathy, collaboration and adaptability matter more than ever. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/.
Rosh Hashana Dinner - Jewish life at VCU
6:30 p.m.
A new school year is always a fresh start - full of challenge, excitement and opportunity. The Jewish calendar is also about to reset with Rosh Hashanah, a day that establishes the tone and energy for the whole year. There’s no better place to celebrate than with your friends at Jewish Life at VCU. Join us for delicious holiday meals (the brisket will be back), inspiring “taste of” services and plenty of community spirit. The Rosh Hashana dinner will be in Salon 1, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Sign up at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at lessoffmm@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.
This week
Jewish Life at VCU - Holiday Services and Holiday Brunch
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 at 10 a.m.
A new school year is always a fresh start - full of challenge, excitement and opportunity. The Jewish calendar is also about to reset with Rosh Hashanah, a day that establishes the tone and energy for the whole year. There’s no better place to celebrate than with your friends at Jewish Life at VCU. Join us for delicious holiday meals (the brisket will be back), inspiring “Taste of” services, and plenty of community spirit. See the complete schedule and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rabbi Menachem Lessoff at lessoffmm@vcu.edu or visit https://jewishvcu.org/roshhashana.
VCU Writing Center To Present the GEO and ELP Series: Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing Workshop
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 at noon
The VCU Writing Center will present the Global Education Office and English Language Program Series Workshop: Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources Into Your Writing. This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating, and incorporating academic sources into your work. 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: APA and Avoiding Plagiarism
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Learn tips and tools to help make the citation process more manageable and efficient. 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/.
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 at 5 p.m.
This program is geared for a wide range of prospective and current educators who wish to enhance existing skills and knowledge needed for contemporary classrooms, such as restorative practices, technology integration and methods for supporting English learners and students with disabilities. The flexible, cross-disciplinary program allows prospective students to combine core curriculum and instruction courses with 12 credits of electives to build an individualized program to meet emerging needs in their specific areas of career and community development. The program is suited for those interested in curriculum design, culturally responsive teaching or cross-disciplinary emerging topics in education. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandon Norris at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/C&IFall2025.
DisruptRVA 2025 Speaker Series - Challenging Conventional Thinking About Work
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VCU School of Business' Institute for Transformative Leadership will co-host the DisruptRVA speaker series in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. The international speaker series challenges conventional thinking about work by showcasing forward-thinking ideas in a rapid-fire format (five-minute presentations with 20 auto-advancing slides). DisruptRVA inspires professionals to build a better future for work. Tickets are available for purchase at the following URL. The ticket cost includes refreshments and heavy appetizers.
For more information, contact Sherrie Dabney-Washington at ITL@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/ITLDisrupt2025.
ReproducibiliTea Journal Club
Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the Data Science Lab for a discussion about open science practices. All members of the VCU community are welcome. The ReproducibiliTea schedule and articles can be found at the following URL. The session will be in the Health Sciences Library, Room 109, 509 N. 12th St.
For more information, contact Mallory Stephenson at stephensonm2@vcu.edu or visit https://osf.io/g56qp/wiki/Current%20Schedule/.
Emerging Researchers Academy Workshop: Library Databases and Research Strategies
Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 at 3 p.m.
This online workshop will demonstrate how to effectively use the Gold Search Box on the Libraries' website, as well as how to find and use subject-specific databases. 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 Men's Soccer vs. Marshall
Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 at 7 p.m.
The VCU men's soccer team will take on Marshall at Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions.
For more information, contact Gideon Seip at seipgc@vcu.edu.
HPO Helping Hands
Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Health Professions Organization will host HPO Helping Hands, a community service event. Participants will gather in Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., Room 2105, to assemble gift bags for children as part of the Ronald McDonald charity initiative.
For more information, contact Dylan Abaidoo at abaidooda@vcu.edu.
Eye on the Prize – Almost There
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 at noon
Exciting times are ahead. As you approach the end of the accumulation phase of your career and into the spending phase of your life, you’ll want to make sure the ride into retirement is a smooth one. In this seminar brought to you by VCU HR and VOYA, participate in a discussion about how much retirement will cost, Social Security planning and our ready-to-retire checklist. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4mZJRbB
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Campaign Celebration: Monroe Park Campus
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.
VCU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations will host a campaign celebration at the VCU Commons Plaza. Celebrate the launch of Unlocking Potential: VCU’s Campaign for the Future, the university’s boldest fundraising campaign yet. Enjoy food, swag and plenty of fun with the VCU community.
For more information, contact Jared Kline at klinejc2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/donors/campaign-launch-events/.
Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Overview
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Offered through Telecommunications Services. 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. Attend a session to learn how departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates. You must register at the following URL to attend the session.
For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.
2025 L. Douglas Wilder Symposium 'Virginia's Elections: Our National Importance'
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The 2025 L. Douglas Wilder Symposium, "Virginia’s Elections: Our National Importance," will be held at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. This event will explore Virginia’s historic gubernatorial race and the commonwealth’s role in shaping national politics. The program will bring together thought leaders and scholars including former Gov. Wilder; Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School; Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D., associate dean of the Wilder School; Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., managing partner of DecideSmart and and Niraj Verma, Ph.D., professor of urban and regional planning at the Wilder School. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/wilder-symposium/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: The Reading Process
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.
This interactive Zoom workshop will go over how the reading process can look, different strategies to make it easier and how to use reading comprehension tools to break apart a variety of texts. 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/.
Wright Center K Breakfast Club
Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
If you currently have a K award or are seeking to apply for a Career Development Award, you are invited to attend the monthly K Breakfast Club hosted by the Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. This month's session will focus on helping to refine and deliver your elevator pitch. The interactive session is designed to strengthen how you communicate your research clearly and effectively. Register for the hybrid session (virtually or at 1200 E. Clay St.) at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/XCNmuEsfSPK7NufaiN7lgw#/registration.
Coming up
Neuroimaging and Pain in Sickle Cell Disease: Mechanisms, Modalities and Emerging Frontiers
Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Join leading experts in neuroimaging, pain science and sickle cell disease for a full-day virtual event. This webinar will explore foundational brain mechanisms and hemodynamics in sickle cell disease; advances in imaging, wearable sensors and biomarkers; integrative and complementary approaches to pain management and emerging modalities, trials and future research frontiers. This is an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge science, connect with colleagues and help shape the next generation of brain and pain research in sickle cell disease. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Daniel Sop at daniel.sop@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X2ade5wWQkyMwwL3Fu2iyQ#/registration.
The Commons Farmer's Market
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Commons will host its first-ever farmer's market at the University Student Commons plaza. Local vendors will offer food that's affordable, fresh and way better than instant noodles. Questions: Email thecommonsvcu@vcu.edu or call the following telephone number.
For more information, contact Carole Dowell at dowellc2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6500.
Wright Center Annual Research Day
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research for its second annual Research Day. This event will bring together scholars, researchers and leaders from the Wright Center, Old Dominion University, Virginia State University and other research leaders for a day of intellectual exchange and networking. The event will be in the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Register at the following URL by Tuesday, Sept. 30.
For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=ANYWCCK7HJ74AM44.
Classroom Volunteers Needed for Fourth Grade Heart Health Education Program
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Teach BP, a blood pressure education program, is seeking volunteers between Oct. 13 and Nov. 21. Volunteers will help fourth grade students in Hopewell complete heart health related games and activities following a short lesson. Complete the interest form at the following URL for more information.
For more information, contact Jennifer Kathryn Hundley at jennifer.hundley@vcuhealth.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePQYUSNFyDiYiKffTEN-BjYn6y8BJGzahJCsOU6IXfpXVHPg/viewform?usp=sf_link.
Call for Volunteers - Girl Scout Science Day
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Women in Science is calling for volunteers for a Girl Scout Science Day on the MCV campus at Sanger Hall, 1101 E. Marshall St. Volunteers will assist with being group guides, serving lunch and helping the board members of Women in Science as needed on the day of the event. All volunteers will receive a pizza lunch. Sign up to volunteer at the following URL.
For more information, contact Belle Buzzi at vcu.wis@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/ewGn6R3ibYLFVhcz8.
Notices
New Policy: Term Faculty Promotion, Public Comment Period
The public comment period for the new policy draft, Term Faculty Promotion, is open from Monday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Oct. 3. Click on the following URL to review the policy and leave your comments.
For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DDEB413D5E9DF775D2698B9C826F2F.
RecWell Aquatics Adult Beginner Swim Lessons, Session 2
Adult Beginner lessons are designed for older teens and adults to build fundamental swimming and water safety skills. Participants should be comfortable in the water and will begin learning or improving basic swimming strokes and support techniques in both shallow and deep water. Session 2 will run Oct. 7-30. Choose from Tuesday/Thursday morning or evening sections. Register at the following URL by Friday, Oct. 3.
For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.
Protect Yourself This Season – Get Your Flu Shot
VCU Human Resources is offering four free flu shot clinics for VCU employees from mid-September to mid-October. Appointments can be made through the HR appointment scheduler, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit the following website for times, locations and other details. Stay strong and healthy.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.
VCU Launches RamsXpress, a New Point-to-Point Shuttle Service
VCU's new shuttle service, RamsXpress, services James Branch Cabell Library at the corner of Cathedral Place and Floyd Avenue and Jonah L. Larrick Student Center at the corner of North Ninth and Turpin streets. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and allows the VCU community to travel between campuses – within 10 to 15 minutes – by offering direct, point-to-point service. These stops are not duplicative of current GRTC service locations.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited for a Study Examining Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults at the Healthy Heart Lab
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.
Bone Health Research Study
Paid research opportunity to improve bone health among girls and women ages 14-30. This is a 12-month clinical trial in collaboration with UVA Health studying the effects of two medications in addition to estrogen and progesterone on bone health. This will require nine study visits including history and physical exams, blood draws, health questionnaires and bone density scans. Participants will be paid up to $925 and up to $25 per visit to cover travel. For more information and to become involved, please see the full study flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vEGBy9G6FO1VO0oo5s_yRlOmAgS-VE_q/view?usp=share_link
For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D., at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uvahealth.com/clinicaltrials/romosozumab-adjunct-physiologic-estrogen-replacement-adolescents-young-adults*:*:text=434.982.0871-,Romosozumab*20as*20an*20Adjunct*20to*20Physiologic*20Estrogen*20Replacement*20in*20Adolescents,925__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!JqxBPMk!ly9Wv9Jdnu9mu-yBvRLRYooowNhF7BP-FUiGmmrqeeYe9j0CvlmsVvtJm55vxO0b97CMXG7iL8nE4B4VYeYgN0E$.
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.