2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In these tumultuous and transformative times, being able to come together in community and conversation offers an opportunity to connect, engage and heal. How is your life impacted in this time of crisis and pain and change? As you witness, experience or relive racism, do you yearn for a quiet space to reflect and share how you are? This special session of RAMmalogues includes a short guided meditation, time for reflection and a braver/safer space for dialogue and sharing your lived experience. RAMmalogues is an opportunity for dialogue with other faculty and staff about your lived experiences. RAMmalogues, led by trained facilitators provided by Kimbrough Consulting and Richmond Action Dialogues, provides a braver/safer space for faculty and staff to talk with each other about their social identities and lived experiences at VCU. Register on Talent at the following URL to be sent a Zoom link.

For more information, contact Jan Altman, Ph.D., at jhaltman@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8947 or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/iexcel/rammalogues/.

Friday, Jun. 12, 2020 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

This week's topic will be "Women of Color in Technology," facilitated by Erinn Budd. The group, for students who identify as women of color, provides students a safe space to discuss issues related to the social, cultural and political aspects of their identities with supportive peers.

For more information, contact David Brown at dgbrown@vcu.edu or visit http://omsa.vcu.edu/updates/.

Monday, Jun. 15, 2020 at noon

A graduate programs open house hosted by VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will feature an overview of the school's graduate programs, benefits and application incentives. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/JuneWSGraduate.

Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

The draft of Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth is now available for review and comment at Richmond300.com/draft. The city's master plan outlines a vision for the physical growth and evolution of the city, including areas around both VCU campuses. The university community is invited to join City of Richmond staff for a virtual meeting for an overview of the draft document and learn about the moves from the plan. VCU's Jeff Eastman, University Planner, Facilities Management, Planning and Design Division, will participate. Register by 11 a.m. June 16 at the following URL for a link to the meeting.

For more information, contact Jeff Eastman at eastmanj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richmond-300-draft-plan-discussion-with-the-vcu-community-tickets-105863673096.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Institutional Review Board will host virtual consulting hours using Zoom. Representatives from various research areas will be available for consultations with faculty, staff and students from any school or department at VCU. Join the meeting anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. Visit the following URL to join the meeting.

For more information, contact Nyssa Towsley at ntowsley@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/humanresearch/2020/05/28/wright-center-consulting-hours-virtual-2/.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

James Riddle, MCSE, CIP, CPIA, vice president for institutional services for Advarra, will present on "Demystifying FDA Part 11 Regulations and Preparing Institutions for Compliance" at an online chapter meeting of the Central Virginia Society of Clinical Research Associates. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org or visit https://events.vcu.edu/cal_preview.asp?ID=73661.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

This class, sponsored by VCU Human Resources and Recreational Sports, incorporates core strengthening exercises and breathing techniques that allow for a stronger and more functional body. All levels are welcome. Register in Talent@VCU.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCUarts Advanced Media Production and Technology Program will co-host with In Your Ear Studios a Facebook Live stream session featuring tips and lessons to improve the production quality of video streaming and conferencing. The session will focus on using available lighting, composition rules, camera angles and creative solutions for engaging audiences.

For more information, contact Julian Pozzi at jcpozzi@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/276732766699685/?active_tab=about.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosts the Dispelling Myths Discussion Series. A virtual discussion on "Performative Femininity" will be facilitated by Taylor Maloney. These virtual discussion events focus on dispelling misconceptions or lesser-know facts about cultural identity groups or general social justice issues.

For more information, contact David Brown at dgbrown@vcu.edu or visit http://omsa.vcu.edu/updates/.

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education presents its first session as part of the third Wednesdays Free Community Series. Join David Morefield, manager of VCU video production and teleconferencing, for an exploration of Zoom features while keeping Zoombombers at bay. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/community.

Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

Take a break from email notifications, meetings and your to-do list to find a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of the day with mindfulness meditation. The session, hosted by VCU Human Resources, is open to all. No previous meditation experience is necessary. The guided meditation portion will last from noon-12:30 p.m. Participants will have the option to stay on the Zoom call for an additional 30 minutes to connect with each other. Register in Talent@VCU.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A workshop focusing on creating an accessible and inclusive virtual classroom will be hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity. Learn strategies proven to remove barriers to access and improve engagement for all students, not only those with disabilities. The workshop will also be offered at 11 a.m. July 8 and 1 p.m. July 24. Register for a Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RNohEP3iZiFD5cfdA.

Friday, Jun. 19, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

Want to sharpen your LinkedIn skills? Check out the most recent Human Resources Learning blog to learn how to optimize your account using features like LinkedIn Learning. The Learning, Development and Organizational Development team will host a virtual Lunch and Learn to dive deeper into the topic, create an account and become more knowledgeable about LinkedIn. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/5646b191-5617-4350-ac30-30239d9a5305.

This summer will see a significant update to the Degree Works system. Degree Works will be unavailable on June 15 and 16 in preparation for this upgrade.

For more information, contact Degree Audit Office at degreeaudit@vcu.edu.

A draft of the revised Time and Leave Reporting policy is now open for university comment through June 23. The draft policy can be found at the following URL.

For more information, contact Angela Nicholas at anicholas@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.

VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research announces a new post-baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research Program. The certificate requires 12 credits with required course work in the following: federal regulations; principles of clinical trial design; data management; ethical conduct of research; multicultural communication; and three selected elective credit hours. Fall 2020 application submission deadline is Aug. 1.

For more information, contact Catherine Brown at crbrown@vcu.edu or (804) 628-6511 or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/education-and-training/certificate-program/.

RamTech is now virtually open and accepting orders online. Back-to-school bundles are available for faculty and staff who need new technology at a discounted education price. A bundle includes a laptop, protective sleeve, RamTech extended warranty plan, external hard drive and other accessories. For updates, follow @RamTechVCU.

For more information, contact Erinn Budd at budde@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8324 or visit https://ramtech.vcu.edu/.

The VCU First Destination Survey is live for May 2020 graduates on Handshake at VCU. Responses to the survey provide VCU with information used to improve career and academic advising, student recruitment and overall student services. The survey is open to both undergraduate seniors and graduate/professional students completing their degrees in May. Please encourage graduating students in your department or office to visit the following URL to complete the survey and be eligible to win prizes.

For more information, contact Danielle Pearles at ddpearles@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2216 or visit http://tiny.cc/VCUFDS20.

PennyAppeal at VCU is a nonprofit student organization that is raising money to create “Blessing Bags” for homeless residents of Richmond. Donations will go toward food, clothing, hygienic products and other items. Donations may be made via the following LaunchGood URL.

For more information, contact Samah Nor Bouyakoub at bouyakoubs@vcu.edu or visit http://www.launchgood.com/RelieveRichmond.

June 15 is the quarterly election deadline for voluntary contributions to become effective in July for participants in the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan. Participants can voluntarily contribute up to 4% of their creditable salary and receive up to a 2.5% employer match.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://www.varetirement.org/hybrid/milestones/maximizing-your-contributions.html.

University Counseling Services staff is facilitating new support groups for VCU students coping with the impacts of COVID-19, including support groups for all students, a student of color support group and a health professional student support group. Students can participate regardless of geographic location. Register using a VCU email address at the following URL.

For more information, contact Camille Rudney at rudneycm@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit http://www.counseling.vcu.edu.

The VCUCard Offices will reopen for service beginning June 15, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Monroe Park Campus office (701 W. Broad St.) will be open by appointment only, while the MCV Campus office (1000 E. Marshall St., Room 311) will continue to accept walk-ins. Precautions have been taken to ensure a safe environment for customers and employees. Schedule an appointment at the following URL.

For more information, contact Stephanie Newing at newingsl@vcu.edu or (757) 641-5846 or visit https://vcucard.vcu.edu/services/vcucard/get.