Faculty/staff Issue for August 29, 2025
Today
CHS Scavenger Hunt
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Race around campus, cracking clues and gathering bragging rights as you outsmart your classmates in the ultimate test of wit. Every contestant who finishes the scavenger hunt, hosted by the College of Humanities and Sciences, will be entered into a raffle for gift cards, tickets and swag. The hunt will start in the STEM Building lobby, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/41juMJP.
Transfer Con: Transfer Students Assemble
12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Calling all transfer heroes. Whether you're arriving from a community college or another university galaxy, VCU Transfer Con is the ultimate welcome event at which you are the main character. Come for a jam-packed event filled with games, power-up stations (food and drink) and an opportunity to connect with fellow transfer crusaders. So gear up and get ready to unlock your full Ram potential. This is your origin story - make it legendary. The event will be in the University Student Commons Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1349 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939592.
Shabbat Dinner
7 p.m.
Jewish Life at VCU will host a Shabbat dinner at 1003 Grove Ave. Meet new friends and connect with your Jewish roots.
For more information, contact Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://jewishvcu.org/.
Coming up
Sept. 2 Canvas Assignments and Quizzes
Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This course will cover the various assignments configurable in Canvas, as well as an overview of the Canvas quiz engine. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18531 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=84009666535 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Executive MBA Informational Webinar
Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 at noon
Join VCU's School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 20-month Executive MBA Program can elevate your career. Learn about the dynamic curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required — join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Butch Sarma at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81238848957.
Connector Badge Training
Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Pace Center will host Connector Badge training at 700 W. Franklin St. College can feel overwhelming — new classes, new routines and trying to meet people. Over dinner at Pace, participants will learn simple and practical ways to introduce yourself, spark conversation and build genuine connections in your new VCU community. The session is open to all VCU students.
For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.
Sept. 3 Kaltura Overview
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will provide an overview of how to create, edit and manage Kaltura media inside and outside a Canvas course. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18535 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81840766456
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health Research Seminar
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 at noon
Juan Pablo Arab, M.D., director of the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, will present a seminar on “Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: From Bench to Public Health.” The seminar wil be in James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), Room 3-101, 1201 E Marshall St. Register at https://bit.ly/44Vckth
For more information, contact Chantay Harris at chantay.harris@vcuhealth.org or visit https://liverinstitute.medschool.vcu.edu/.
Deep Stretch
Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
This 30-minute practice focusing on active stretching of muscles and opening of connective tissue is hosted by VCU HR and RecWell. Release built-up tension, prevent injury, increase blood flow to muscles and increase long-term flexibility. This class will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed as you head into the new school year. No equipment requirements although a yoga mat is recommended. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4lGrnMj
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Community Engagement Networking Social for Faculty and Staff
Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The VCU Division of Community Engagement will host a networking social at Triple Crossing Beer, 5203 Hatcher St. Join colleagues for an evening of networking, refreshments and lively conversation. Be prepared to purchase your own food and drinks.
For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu.
Student Advisory Committee Informational Session With VCU Office of Health Initiatives
Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
VCU’s Office of Health Initiatives invites undergraduates interested in health sciences or health careers to join the Student Advisory Committee. The committee builds student leaders through monthly meetings on professional development, community health and social drivers of health in Richmond. Learn more at the group's virtual informational session via Zoom. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/oTi8ork4jzA3JCBC6
For more information, contact Nyvia (Niv-E-Uhh) Taylor at taylornj4@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/.
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Administration Informational Session
Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Join VCU's School of Education for a virtual informational session on the Educational Leadership M.Ed. – Higher Education Administration concentration. Discover how you can turn your passion for equity, innovation and student success into a transformative leadership career. Whether you're aiming to become a college administrator, student affairs professional or shape educational access through nonprofit work, this program equips you with the skills to lead with purpose and impact. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/HEADFall25.
Sept. 9 Canvas Gradebook
Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18533 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81069266326 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Sept. 10 Kaltura Overview
Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will provide an overview of how to create, edit and manage Kaltura media inside and outside a Canvas course. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18536. Authenticate into meeting using your eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89975807619
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Sept. 11 Canvas Gradebook
Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18534 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89479731516 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.
Faculty Event at VCU Health Hub at 25th
Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come to The Faculty Connect at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, to explore current programming and collectively envision how VCU’s teaching, research and resources can align with community-identified needs for mutual benefit. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGQNPpMiWa8CiCOanfeyrCR3xslc7VQOabCLoWwwItqxlxdA/viewform?usp=header.
Notices
RamsXpress Service Will be Unavailable on Monday, Sept. 1
On Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day, standard RamsXpress service will be unavailable. Service will return to normal on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
Be a Germ-Fighting Hero
Your mission: Stay healthy this season. Your tools: Free flu and COVID shots for all VCU employees brought to you by VCU Human Resources. Four clinics - two campuses. Sign up online or just walk in. Quick. Easy. Super-protective. Cape optional. Sleeves required. Visit the following URL for more information.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.
New Policy: Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Compliance Public Comment Period
The public comment period for the new policy draft Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Compliance is open from Monday, Aug. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 6. Follow 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/08DDE0DFF8D1790FA1EFB0D8BBA1F683.
Help To Improve Health Care: Take a 25-Minute Survey for Medical Providers
Medical providers — all who work in clinical settings — are invited to take a brief, 25-minute survey. The goal is to better understand provider perspectives on occupational stress related to policy changes or practices. The survey is completely confidential and individual input will help inform future health care practices. Enter a raffle to win one of six $100 charitable donations to a philanthropic organization in the Richmond area. To participate, go to the following URL.
For more information, contact Julie Suyama, M.D., Ph.D. at Julie.Suyama@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NTDp7fT25xzCeO.
Are You an Expecting Parent of a Black Child? Participants Invited for a Study on Parenting and Race (Compensation Provided)
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 expecting (e.g., pregnant) a Black child. 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.
Be Part of Our Study on Family Mealtimes and Health Among Black Families (Compensation Provided)
Black parents, caregivers, and their children (ages 8-12) are invited to share their experiences with race, family mealtimes and health through small group conversations in the Richmond area. This feedback will inform future community programming that promotes family discussions about race, nutritious meals and more. Participating caregivers and youth will receive compensation for their time and insights. If you are still interested, please complete our study 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_2o4YLtcFE7mVnkq.
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.