12 p.m.

The Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development presents "Genes and Epigenetic Mechanism Mediating Central Nervous System Drug Response," facilitated by Joseph L. McClay, assistant professor, Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science, in BioTech One, Robert Ball Conference Room.

For more information, visit http://isb3d.pharmacy.vcu.edu.

Monday, Mar. 13, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research presents its "Discovery Dialogues" seminar, "Discovery of Interleukin-18 as a Target for Heart Failure Treatment," featuring Stefano Toldo, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine, in Main Hospital, First Floor, Learning Center (across from the cafeteria). Faculty, staff, students, patients and families are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit http://www.cctr.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU Parking and Transportation hosts an open forum for students, faculty and staff on the Monroe Park Campus in the Commons Theater. Parking and Transportation administration will discuss recent initiatives, improvements and address audience concerns.

For more information, visit http://parking.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

RamTech holds a free "Appy Hour" lunch session for faculty and staff in the University Student Commons, Forum Room. Attendees will enjoy an in-depth overview of the best practices in presentation development and design. Whether presenting to a few colleagues or to hundreds at a conference, attendees will be provided with the know-how to create a visually impactful presentation. A free goodie bag and Pepsi products will be provided. Space is limited; register by visiting the website below.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vcu-faculty-staff-appy-hour-presentation-pointers-tickets-31321324926.

Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Interprofessional Education and the School of Medicine Simulation Center discuss specific techniques to create realistic and effective standardized patient scripts in the Molecular Medicine Research Building, Room 1009. In addition, participants will have a working session where they will begin to develop a case specific for their curriculum. Identifying clear learning objectives, harnessing the power of collaborative case building, and creating an environment for transformational experiential learning are key components to this presentation. Lunch will be provided for registered participants.

For more information, visit http://go.vcu.edu/ipe-event.

Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 at 4 p.m.

The Humanities Research Center and the Department of English presents Emma Smith, Oxford University, as part of the spring 2017 speaker series, "What the 'Literary Greats' Have to Say to Us Today," in Cabell Library, Lecture Hall. Smith will discuss "What's It Worth? Shakespeare's Value Then and Now." Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/emma-smith/.

Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2017 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Human Resources presents "Retiring with the VCU Optional Retirement Plan" for VCU faculty in the Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward Conference Room. This session is open to VCU faculty employees only, not VCU Health System employees.

For more information, visit https://training.vcu.edu/course_detail.asp?ID=15576.

Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Department of Health Administration holds a Master of Science in Health Administration information seminar (professional hybrid online program) at the Grant House. Attendees will learn about the Master of Science in Health Administration program and have a chance to meet with the program director, current students and alumni. R.S.V.P. to the contact below.

For more information, visit http://sahp.vcu.edu/departments/ha/msha/.

The Great Place: HR Redesign draft policy is now open for university comment through Friday, March 17. The draft policy addresses career advancement, career development, networking and mentoring, performance evaluation, merit pay and enhanced leave programs. Review and submit feedback at http://greatplace.vcu.edu/policy/

For more information, visit http://greatplace.vcu.edu/policy/.

Two is better than one. VCU is implementing the VCU 2factor Authentication system to help protect the institution and personal information from cybercriminals. The VCU 2Factor Authentication implementation will be integrated into the VCU Central Authentication Service (CAS) login for university websites in several batches.

For more information, visit http://go.vcu.edu/2factor.

Eligible VCU employees can take advantage of free tax preparation online through MyFreeTaxes.com, a self-assistance portal, or in-person at the VCU School of Business on Saturdays from March 18 to April 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. IRS-certified tax preparers will be available to offer help if needed. For details about income eligibility and required documents, visit the website below.

For more information, visit http://www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes/.

The Office of the President accepts nominations for the University's Distinguished Faculty Awards Program. Nomination packages are due to department chairs by Friday, March 17. Professors are at the heart of VCU's commitment to transform students' lives and ensure their success. To view the criteria, timeline and instructions for nominations, visit the website below.

For more information, visit http://www.president.vcu.edu/nominations/index.html.

RamRide and RamSafe guest passes are now available for download online for all VCU faculty, staff and students. All RamRide/RamSafe passengers with guests who will need to utilize either service must present a copy of the guest pass to the driver upon boarding. For download instructions, visit go.vcu.edu/ramride

For more information, visit http://go.vcu.edu/ramride.

Weight Watchers on campus holds meetings every week. The Monroe Park Campus meetings are held on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. in Harris Hall, Room 5173. The MCV Campus meetings are held on Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. in the Alumni House, Room 217. Meetings usually last about 30 minutes and members are encouraged to attend, however, if schedule conflicts occur, members can stop by to weigh-in or attend a community meeting. Special pricing and reimbursement are available to employees eligible for health care benefits.

For more information, visit http://www.hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/weight-watchers/ .

The Global Education Office accepts applications for the 2017 Harris Manchester College Summer Research Institute to take place at Oxford University from July 2-9. The institute is an opportunity for faculty to enhance a research project through a week of focused study. Participants' time is their own for study and writing, as well as taking advantage of cultural activities offered at Oxford University. Applications are due by Monday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.global.vcu.edu/outreach/facultydevelopment/harrismanchester/.

The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs invites faculty and staff to review the draft Annual Assessment of Faculty Performance policy. Comments can be submitted during the 10-business-day public comment period before continuing through the governance process. The draft policy can be found at https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment

For more information, visit https://policy.vcu.edu/policies-open-for-public-comment.