3 p.m.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., invites the VCU community to celebrate this year's Distinguished Faculty Award recipients virtually at the 38th annual Faculty Convocation.  A live webcast will be streamed at the following URL.

For more information, contact Office of University Events and Special Programs at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/convocation.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This two-hour workshop via Zoom presented by VCU Human Resources will explore unconscious bias — social stereotypes about groups of people that form outside of our own conscious awareness. Participants will explore the origins of unconscious bias, its impact and tactics to combat unconscious bias and stereotypes. Register for the Zoom link in Talent@VCU. Users must be logged into Talent for the following URL to work.

For more information, contact Leslee Gensinger at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/2c820efa-f877-490a-95bf-9f4d16dae890.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host a lecture featuring Samuel Myers Jr., a Roy Wilkins Professor of Human Relations and Social Justice in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Myers is a pioneer in the use of applied econometric techniques. His talk will explore his most recent publication, “Race-Neutrality: Rationalizing Remedies to Racial Inequality.” Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Katie Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-articles/2020-21-wilder-school-doctoral-lecture-series-to-kick-off-sept10-1.html.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

You First at VCU invites all new and returning first-generation college students to learn about the organization's programs and hear about upcoming events and opportunities. Meet other first-gen students and the group's officers. Learn about the You First Peer Mentoring Program and peek at the 2020-2021 speaker series. Not sure if you're first-gen? That can be discussed, too. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at youfirst@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU's Vice President for Research and Innovation will moderate a webinar on “Enhancing the Security and Integrity of America’s Research Enterprise” hosted by Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Kelvin Droegemeier. The event will include a Q&A session. All faculty, post-docs, staff researchers, graduate students and relevant research administrators from VCU and VCU Health are encouraged to attend and submit questions. Visit research.vcu.edu/integrity_compliance/research_security.htm for more.

For more information, contact VCU's Vice President for Research and Innovation at vpresearch@vcu.edu or visit http://research.vcu.edu.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present a workshop, Understanding Your Writing Process, via Zoom. The link is hosted on the center's events page at the following URL. The workshop will help demystify the college writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, including brainstorming and how to get started to avoid procrastinating until the last minute. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or (540) 598-8097 or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/events/.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The workplace has become increasingly diverse and the journey is made easier when you can see yourself reflected in the faces of people who have gone before you. Join VCU Career Services to connect with and hear from a panel of diverse professionals in the "Working While Black" panel. The panel will offer a critical examination of how being Black/African American impacts the workplace experience across many different industries. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ash Taylor-Beierl at tayloram8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6166 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYof-mgqTssE9RepaZHOTmg6o9g4NIDk4cD.

6:30 p.m.

Health Occupations Students of America at VCU will host the group's first general body meeting of the semester via Zoom. A representative of Kaplan, Inc. will speak. Kaplan offers test prep, license and certification exam prep, degree programs, English learning and pathway programs. The speaker will outline a Kaplan program which includes the chance to receive a scholarship valued at $2,499 if the club reaches 300 sign-ups for the campaign by Nov. 13. See the rules at kaptest.com/free-events/vcuhosa. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jenalyn Abisia at abisiajl@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94822000356.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richmond-based writer and retired law professor Larry I. Palmer will discuss his new book, "Scholarship Boy: Meditations on Family and Race," with VCU alumnus, novelist and Emmy Award–winning television director Jeffrey Blount. This event is sponsored by VCU Libraries. Register at go.vcu.edu/scholarshipboy.

For more information, contact Gregory Kimbrell at kimbrellgg@vcu.edu or (804) 393-2951 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2020-2021/scholarship-boy.html.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2020 at noon

On Sept. 11 and Sept. 18, VCU students can compete with their peers in a virtual Adobe Creative Jam. Adobe Creative Jams are beginner-friendly design tournaments that give students experience solving real-world challenges. Learn how to use Adobe XD software to create interactive mobile app prototypes and compete to win prizes ranging from $25 to $250 per team member in Amazon gift cards. All participants must register via the following link by 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 10.

For more information, contact Andrew Ilnicki at ilnickiap@vcu.edu or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-commonwealth-university-adobe-creative-jam-live-registration-114554497586.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a workshop on the platform Perusall. Participants will be introduced to the platform, consider why it might be a valuable tool for a flipped or online class and get a glimpse of the analytics provided. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience the platform from the student perspective. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/SjNsnRnpPbuuD2o36.

Friday, Sep. 11, 2020 at 6:15 p.m.

One in Christ Fellowship will eat dinner together via Zoom to introduce the group's members. RSVP for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Yeji Hwang at hwangy3@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/1M96iAzvD6fHoUa29.

Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCU Human Resources and the Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team present a 60-minute virtual practice session designed around the return to campus. Learn and practice a simple approach to hold yourself and others accountable for keeping yourself and others safe during the pandemic. This session does not require previous participation in Crucial Conversations. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. Users must be logged into Talent@VCU to access the link.

For more information, contact Jeremy Bost at jbost2@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/talentatvcu.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2020 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU's Leadership Career Community will host a conversation featuring Kevin Allison, Ph.D.; Jihad Aziz, Ph.D., interim executive director for health and wellness and director of University Counseling Services; and Terrie Glass, president of Leadership Solutions and senior consultant for VCU Corporate Education. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Leslee Gensinger at lrgensinger@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/talentatvcu.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation will present a grant writing overview for faculty researchers. Learn how to express research ideas with clarity and persuasiveness. Hear about the most critical components of a successful grant application. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Melissa Throckmorton at throckmortms@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1443 or visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpcu-qqj4tGt3K3LMN_EJYQwMJJ83hLN3i.

Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., associate professor, Health Behavior and Policy, for an online seminar, "Treatment Experiences of Medicaid Members With Opioid Use Disorder in Virginia: Early Results from a Member Survey.” Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. Questions: https://hbp.vcu.edu/.

For more information, contact Mary Johnson at johnsonme6@vcu.edu or (804) 628-3443 or visit https://qrco.de/bbhKVg.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Want to optimize your group meetings? Learn current best practices for virtual and in-person meetings to boost efficiency and effectiveness. The course is for all VCU employees who facilitate or care about improving meetings. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. Users must be logged into Talent@VCU to access the link.

For more information, contact Leslee Gensinger at lrgensinger@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/36a5ce05-3377-41c1-b7ed-c3bdf72668b8.

Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

This webinar, presented by VCU Human Resources, VCUHS HR and the Virginia Credit Union, will highlight strategies to implement during an economic crisis and how to develop a plan during a financial crisis. Register in Talent.

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

Monday, Sep. 21, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join VCU Human Resources and Recreational Sports to strengthen all the body's major muscle groups by participating in a bodyweight strength fitness class. Participants will be guided through a series of high-repetition exercises targeting the chest, back, arms, legs, glutes and core. 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/.

Thursday, Sep. 24, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute will host a VCU Leadership Development Program Virtual Open House. Hear firsthand experiences from program alumni about how the program has affected them personally and professionally. A Q&A will also be included. Register at the following URL for the Zoom link. Questions, gehli.vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkdO-rrD8vGdcT0AZBgQucwADFNthj1auY.

In partnership with the Robertson School of Media and Culture, the asynchronous online course Digital Crisis Communications for Global Pandemics is available in a noncredit format with Jeanine Guidry, Ph.D., from Sept. 21-Oct. 31 and is open to all. VCU student, alumni, VCU and VCU Health employee, and military discounts are available. The revenue generated from this course will be dedicated to further COVID-19-related research by the school's Media+Health Lab.

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/covid-19.

Equality VCU is soliciting nominations for the 15th annual LGBTQIA Burnside Watstein Awards. The award is given annually to recognize individuals who enrich the sense of community at the university and make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ faculty, staff and students. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are all eligible. The deadline is Sept. 16. Offer a nomination at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dae Newman at newmanad@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1371 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/EqualVCU/burnside-watstein-awards/.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will host faculty learning community meetings from 2-3 p.m. on Sept. 24, Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. The discussion will focus on several alternate grading strategies — contract grading, ungrading and specs grading — and how to implement them into a variety of disciplines. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpSQVWNuKyF-I032LwICI6XYaCu9BV4fS_8q1HxItUbHpFgA/viewform.

VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will host faculty learning community meetings from 10-11 a.m. on Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Jan. 27. The meetings will be open to faculty of all disciplines and will focus on major theories of transformative education and practical applications that can immediately be put into practice.  Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpSQVWNuKyF-I032LwICI6XYaCu9BV4fS_8q1HxItUbHpFgA/viewform.

The VCU Work-Study Research Assistant Program was designed to give undergraduates the opportunity to gain insight into the research process while providing assistance to faculty mentors and research groups. The program is in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid to utilize federal work-study funds to support undergraduate research assistants for VCU mentors. The program is funded by financial aid awards and paid by the hour at no cost to faculty or their departments. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Herb Hill, Director of Undergraduate Research at hhill@vcu.edu or visit https://provost.vcu.edu/initiatives/urop/work-study-research-assistant-program/.

VCUDine’s September preview menus offer a number of special meals. They include Carnival Favorites Menu at Shafer (Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.); Virtual Plant Forward Friday on Instagram Live (Sept. 25 at noon, @vcudietitian); and weekly Wing Wednesdays at Jonah’s on the MCV Campus. For details follow @VCU_Dining on social media or the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at lhay@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

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

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit http://www.varetirement.org/hybrid.