Faculty/staff Issue for July 20, 2026
Today
Breathe and Rise
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Mondays can be a lot, so come take a breather with the VCU Health Hub's free weekly recovery yoga group. This gentle session is built specifically for people in recovery and anyone who loves and supports them. and will be held at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Health Hub After Dark: Democracy in Dialogue
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Democracy in Dialogue debates bring people together to discuss tough questions, listen with respect and learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. The session will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxCJ3SPr7IH2F9J-jlA6rUZaAddxqTI60MLPylPFTlfufItg/viewform?usp=send_form.
This week
Dealing With Debt Workshop at the VCU Health Hub
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Debt can feel overwhelming, but there are real strategies that work. In this workshop at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, you’ll learn how to understand your debt, build a manageable plan, improve your credit and avoid common financial traps – all in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=o5Lu4gZJhE2PfWlYXnLy8FVmvcW5vwdHvmb-3sSSdS1UMVoxUE4zMjVJMFo5TlQ4QlZYWkpYUEVHRC4u&origin=QRCode.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: An Introduction to AI
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026 at 10 a.m.
AI chatbots and language models are a hot topic at the moment. This workshop will emphasize positive ways that AI might be able to be part of the writing process and highlight shortcomings and caution that students should have when exploring AI. Join via Zoom to learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly! Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Hub Club's Mental Wellness Circle: Beat the Heat
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Learn how to beat the midsummer heat at a session hosted by the Hub Club, 1330 N. 25th St. The Mental Wellness Circle will meet every first and third Tuesday of the month.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Journaling for Stress Reduction
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Health and Wellness Library as Mark Davy, M.D., leads participants in a therapeutic writing program. Davy will explore journaling as a tool to relieve stress and check in with yourself. Bring a notepad or paper for writing. Pens will be provided. The session will be held in Room G-112, Gateway Building, 1200 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jackson Wright at wrightjc4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2432 or visit https://vcu.libcal.com/event/16994068.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Writing Center Informational Session and Writing With Confidence
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.
In this Zoom informational session and workshop, we will discuss the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help you build confidence in your writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Start your academic writing career off right by exploring the Writing Center and finding out why you write the way you do and how to become a more confident writer. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
40th Anniversary Community Guitar Ensemble Concert
Sunday, Jul. 26, 2026 at 4 p.m.
The 25-member VCU Community Guitar Ensemble will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a concert in Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall of the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. This performance is free to attend. The program will include works by Marcello, Toselli, Mompou, Frank Mullen III and the Del-Vikings. The concert will also be live streamed at go.vcu.edu/concerthall.
For more information, contact Department of Music at music@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/40th-anniversary-community-guitar-ensemble-concert/.
Coming up
Start Strong: Launching Your Course in Canvas
Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a virtual session about Canvas. This session will focus on setting up your course shell, organizing content for clarity and flow, reviewing communication tools and creating a site that helps students easily navigate your materials from day one. We’ll also highlight how intentional site design can support a smoother, more manageable teaching experience throughout the semester. Register at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeARjO26ucrhMF1CW5nQT6_33QRyAyUy7Hz8ocj06NAdaGh-A/viewform&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1783434058897118&usg=AOvVaw2S9FBKb5sHOQJPYleljOBz.
Life Cycle of Your Semester: Course Milestones and Tips for New Faculty
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a virtual session designed for new and adjunct faculty. (Although all faculty members are welcome.) Prepare yourself to effectively manage crucial timeline milestones throughout the semester with an overview of important details that can help your course go more smoothly. We’ll cover key considerations for the pre-, early-, mid- and end-of-the-semester phases. Register at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/LpjBw62T1UTCkAF67.
Gen AI and Teaching and Learning Series – Build-a-Bot: Create a Classroom Sidekick
Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) invites faculty to a virtual session about Gemini Gems – customizable versions of Gemini that can be tailored to serve as specialized assistants. The session will move beyond basic prompting to learn how to create a Gem that acts as a personalized tutor, debate partner or rubric wizard for your students. You'll explore practical strategies for designing Gems and integrating them into your course. Register at the following URL. Questions: Contact Rhonda Snead (sneadrm@vcu.edu).
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxOT12Locd5j52OQ0TGAcIqCRfk1fXFE9QBl_gJOSpvoIoaQ/viewform?usp=header.
Teaching With Technology at VCU: An Interactive Exchange and Expo
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Save the date for LEDstudio and Academic Technologies' Teaching with Technology at VCU: An Interactive Exchange and Expo in the Cabell Library, Room 303. Join faculty and university partners for a hands-on event exploring teaching, course design, instructional technology, and student engagement. Bring your laptop and an assignment, activity, or course element you'd like to rethink or redesign, and leave with practical ideas you can apply to your teaching. Help us plan by completing the brief interest survey below.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/i8NNyUHsguRjFnmc7.
Join the Health Sciences Library Student Advisory Committee
Thursday, Sep. 17, 2026 at noon
Interested in learning more about the library and sharing your feedback? The Health Sciences Library Student Advisory Committee is seeking members for 2026-2027. The committee promotes open and effective communication between health sciences students at any level (graduate, professional, undergraduate, doctoral) and VCU Libraries. Participants receive a $100 gift card. Apply by Friday, Sept. 4 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sue Moss at mosssr2@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/hslsac.
20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate this historic year with the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference. As we commemorate our 20th anniversary alongside America’s 250th year, we will honor the achievements that have shaped our history and explore what it means to make history through leadership, growth and possibility. Our 2026 theme, “With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground,” invites participants to consider how grace, determination and vision can help leaders break through barriers, reach HIGHER Ground and leave a lasting legacy. Want to be a conference speaker/presenter? Visit the following URL for details. The conference will be at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.
For more information, contact Brian Biggio at gehli@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2026-conference/.
Notices
Share Your Thoughts: Human Resources Listening Sessions
Alison Miller, VCU’s Chief Human Resources Officer, will host a series of listening sessions to better understand which aspects of the VCU employment experience are most important to staff and how VCU HR can best serve staff moving forward. Join the session to share your thoughts. Register in Talent@VCU for an upcoming virtual session on Monday, July 20 or Wednesday, July 22.
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d79d4adf8-a696-43b5-b200-79ecc3d1945b.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program
VCU's Global Education Office offers the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program, which prepares professionals to teach English to multilingual learners locally, internationally or online. The 120-hour interactive program is geared toward individuals seeking to develop specialized knowledge and practical skills in English language teaching and learning. The next session will begin Tuesday, Aug. 18. Apply and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@gmail.com or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/elp/curriculum/tesol.
More Open Pickleball Hours at the Mary and Frances Youth Center
The Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., has added more opportunities to play. Beginning the week of July 20, open pickleball will be available Tuesday-Friday from 5-9 p.m. These new evening hours are in addition to the center's regular open play schedule on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All skill levels are welcome.
For more information, contact Misti R. Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/events/.
2026 Fall LEDstudio Workshops
The Fall 2026 semester is almost here. Whether you're putting the finishing touches on your courses or looking for new ideas to try this semester, LEDstudio workshops can help you rethink, refresh and reimagine your teaching. Explore hands-on sessions covering teaching tools, AI, accessibility, course design and more and leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Register for upcoming events and workshops at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit http://ledstudio.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events/.
Participants Are Invited for Study Investigating Military and Racial Identity
This study is seeking individuals who identify as Black or African American and are a veteran. The purpose of this study is to examine how Black veterans understand and experience their military and racial identity. Participation involves completing a survey asking for personal and military specific demographic information, as well as questions about your racial and military identity and psychological well-being. We expect that you will be in this research study for about 15 minutes.
For more information, contact Jayda Bryant at bryantj8@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.