Faculty/staff Issue for July 30, 2026
Today
Graduate Certificate in Applied AI Informational Session
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the University College for an informational session on the new Applied AI Graduate Certificate. Learn how engaging, expert-led online and asynchronous courses (such as IDAI 600: AI Foundations & Applied Strategy and PHIL 600: AI & Ethical Problem Solving) can help you lead with AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or (203) 514-9339 or visit https://forms.gle/XCen3DCuSFT6thjY8.
This week
Melanin in Motion: Line Dance Class
Friday, Jul. 31, 2026 from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Looking for a fun Friday lunch break plan? The Black Virginia Theatre Alliance will host a summer line dancing class every Friday at noon at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. All are invited.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.
Coming up
VCU Paralegal Certificate Program
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Are you ready to begin a career in the legal field? The university's Continuing and Professional Education online Paralegal Certificate Program focuses on the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the legal workplace and is taught by practicing attorneys. The CPE program runs from Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Feb. 8, 2027. VCU alumni, staff and faculty discounts are available.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-LW-005.
Money Mondays With Bill: Making Your Money Work as Hard as You Do
Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Join VCU HR and Bill Giesen from Fidelity to see what options are available and what you need to know to get started with investing. There will be time for Q&As as well. Register for the cirtual session in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4gDsIEU
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.
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. In this session, we’ll focus on setting up your course shell, organize content for clarity and flow, review communication tools and create 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. There are two date options – Monday, Aug. 10 or Thursday, Aug. 13. 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 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. The session will 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 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. Explore practical strategies for designing Gems and integrating them into your course. Register for the Zoom link 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.
VCU Night at CarMax Park
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
VCU Alumni will present VCU Night at Carmax Park. 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Rock the black and gold as the Flying Squirrels take on the Portland Sea Dogs. Take advantage of special baseline-line seating at $19.62 per ticket.
For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/Vcualumni5.
Role Players Needed for VCU Full-Scale Training Exercise
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This multijurisdictional full-scale training exercise is aimed at improving the university's response to a large impact incident on the VCU campus. Volunteering for this exercise is highly beneficial for any students, faculty or staff interested in homeland security and emergency preparedness, or who would like to contribute directly to improving the overall safety of the VCU community. Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old, wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty with simulated makeup and be willing to be transported via ambulance to medical centers in the downtown area for simulated triage. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at MajidM@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999 or visit https://veoci.com/v/p/form/ezm2jxm2gfu3.
Notices
New Online Graduate Certificate: Applied Artificial Intelligence
AI Fluency for Every Professional. AI is changing the workplace but the most valuable skills are distinctly human. Critical thinking. Communication. Ethical judgment. VCU's Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed to strengthen those skills by putting AI to work alongside them. Through a non-programming, practice-focused curriculum, you'll learn how to evaluate AI tools, apply them strategically and navigate the complex decisions that come with them, all while staying grounded in human-centered values. Apply by Friday, Aug. 7 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Samantha Weed at weedsj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcu.edu/online/programs/certf-applied-ai/.
Concussion Research Study
Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This noninvasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.
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.