Faculty/staff Issue for June 10, 2026
Today
Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program Informational Webinar
12 p.m.
Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/87088324393.
Coming up
Liberty in a Land of Slavery
Monday, Jun. 15, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Michael L. Dickinson, Ph.D., examines the central contradiction of the Declaration of Independence. While proclaiming that all men are created equal, the emerging nation upheld systems of slavery and racial exclusion. The webinar via Zoom will explore how people of African descent navigated this tension, contributed to the Revolutionary War and challenged the boundaries of freedom in pursuit of the American promise. Dickinson is an associate professor in the Department of History in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU whose research focuses on African American history, particularly Black life and labor in the 18th and 19th centuries across the United States and the Atlantic. Register at: https://bit.ly/4tUqULH
For more information, contact Marcus Messner at mmessner@vcu.edu or visit https://chs.vcu.edu/events/america-at-250/.
Let's Be Bold Together: Scaling Impact Through Academic Internships
Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon
Come to a special event with VCU internal partners to explore what hosting an intern within your unit could look like. Learn about ways to create on-campus, credit-bearing internships that can support both student learning and your unit's goals. The event will be in Room 1105, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/HYnvRNmyZtrCQ36W9.
Guided Meditation
Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026 at noon
Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4v3Tydj
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/events/upcoming-events-for-employees/.
Virtual Coffee and Evening MBA Informational Session
Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Join the VCU Graduate studies team for a virtual coffee while having a conversation about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus, or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82581687366.
Notices
Faculty Learning Communities Survey
FLCs (Faculty Learning Communities) are small groups of faculty members who meet regularly to explore a shared teaching and learning topic. Participants engage in collaborative discussions, share practices and reflect on their teaching in a supportive environment. Many FLCs also provide opportunities for faculty to develop practical resources and materials that can be shared with colleagues across the university. Faculty members are invited to complete the short survey at the following URL to share their interests, potential topics and feedback regarding future FLC opportunities. Information from this survey will help VCU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence plan FLCs for the 2026-2027 school year.
For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtisHQHusI5wFIJOMTDU3DcBgFvsB2PQpskAsVK9MfbtgZFg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102580568854293550927.
Follow VCU HR on Social Media
Stay connected to the many supportive programs and resources provided by VCU HR by following their social media platforms. Daily posts share important 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.
Employee Health Wellness Screenings
Did you know Employee Health offers wellness screenings at its Monroe Park location (800 W. Broad St.)? You can review wellness concerns with a nurse, get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked (optional) and get a customized list of resources that will help you reach your wellness goals. Schedule an appointment up to two months in advance at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.
Fun, Beginner-Friendly AI Course Coming Fall 2026 (New Gen Ed and Practical AI Minor Course)
EDUS 268 – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. in Room 0440, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. This Fall 2026 course is part of the VCU General Education Curriculum and the Practical AI Minor. Play with AI, learn with fun, be future-ready with AI, no coding experience required, low-pressure learning environment. This is a hybrid-synchronous course with two meetings each week: one online synchronous session will include a discussion about AI and machine learning applications in teaching and learning, assessment policy and research. One in-person session in which students will explore AI tools and create projects that apply AI/ML to real-world problems. No quizzes. Instead, students will work in teams to explore, develop and propose an AI/ML-based idea to address a real-world problem. This course is designed to be a hands-on, beginner-friendly AI playground for students from different backgrounds.
For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://chiningchang.github.io/AI-Mission-Adventure-for-Kids/.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Heat Therapy on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
Risk-Taking in Eating Disorders Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescent girls and young adult women (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation.
For more information, contact TREAT Lab (or Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.
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.