Faculty/staff Issue for October 22, 2020
Special Announcement
University Events Impacted Due to COVID-19
Events featured in TelegRAM have been moved to an online setting to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Please check with organizers for assistance in accessing the online venue. Information about the university's One VCU: Responsible Together plan for a phased return to campus is available at https://together.vcu.edu. It is the source for the latest VCU updates. You can also receive VCU Together notifications. Download "VCU Mobile" from your iOS or Android App Store, or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu with your smartphone and select the appropriate link.
Today
First-Gen and the 2020 Upheaval: Prioritizing Our Mental Health
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Myriam Kadeba, Ph.D., interim director, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and senior staff clinician, University Counseling Services, will discuss the reasons and ways to make mental health a priority this year. She will also talk about how to rediscover motivation and will share her personal experiences as a first-gen graduate. The talk will be hosted by You First at VCU. Calendar: youfirst.vcu.edu. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://bit.ly/YouFirst102220.
Queer Coffee Hour
10:30 a.m.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host Queer Coffee Hour. The session will include dialogues around sexuality, gender and their intersections while continuing to provide a (virtual) space for authentic conversations and identity expression. Register (required) for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kim Green at greenk2@vcu.edu or visit https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa.
Informational Session for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research
12 p.m.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research program is accepting applications for Spring 2021 admission. The program, managed by the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, prepares students for entry or transition into clinical research and provides professional development for current clinical and allied health professionals. Course and admission requirements can be found at https://cctr.vcu.edu/education-and-training/certificate-program/. Apply online at https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/graduate/. The application deadline is Dec. 11. Register for the informational session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Catherine Brown at crbrown@vcu.edu or (804) 628-6511 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrdO6rqz0uEtEKhHDd8IgjCJoL9Kk8fagP.
Coding Workshop in Python
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In this workshop, the Society of Bioinformatics will be expanding the library of code to create reusable functions in Python that can be used in an academic or professional setting. No prior coding experience is required, but participants will need an IDE capable of understanding Python. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jacob Essig at societyofbioinformatics1@gmail.com or (804) 901-1706 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/my/sobnfo.
This week
Wilder School Graduate Informational Session
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn about the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate programs and how they can help advance your career at the virtual "Why Wilder? Graduate Informational Session." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katie Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0867 or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-articles/graduate-information-session-on-october-23.html.
Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization Faculty Research Seminar Series
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.
The first of VCU's Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization's fall faculty seminar series will feature new faculty member LaMont Cannon, Ph.D. Questions: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/bgso/events/. Register at the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization at bgso@vcu.edu or (804) 516-1756 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqcemqqTosHdICPr2ET6SargjP1AhwIT8m.
Yeast Genetics Sheds Light on Human Diseases
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU Honors College will host Assistant Professor Derek Prosser, Ph.D., for a Berglund seminar. He will discuss yeast genetics and how understanding the molecular mechanisms of membrane transport and identifying ways to manipulate specific pathways can have wide-ranging implications for human health and disease. Contact the email below for the event link.
For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/346116816779882/.
VCU Writing Center Presents the Comics and Graphic Novels Workshop
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The VCU Writing Center will present an online Comics and Graphic Novels workshop. This interactive workshop will explore the written development of comics and graphic novels by providing advice and tips to script for a visual medium. The Zoom link is hosted on the center's events page at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/events/.
Trinity School of Medicine Informational Session
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Leah Moore, regional director of admissions at Trinity School of Medicine, will lead a discussion about admissions to national and international medical schools. The session will also include tips to improve your medical school application, preparing for the interview and a Q&A to address individual questions. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Hala Idris at idrish@mymail.vcu.edu or (703) 342-7108 or visit https://bit.ly/TSOMIPSA1023.
DISCOURSE x SOUND: An Online Lecture Series
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at noon
VCU's Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies and OPULENCE, a queer art collective/research project, will present DISCOURSE x SOUND, a new online lecture series highlighting contemporary DJs alongside new, cutting-edge research on gender, queerness and Black/Brown livelihoods. Jillian Hernandez will discuss her new book, "Aesthetics of Excess," followed by a DJ set by Juana. The Zoom link is available a the following URL.
For more information, contact Madison Moore at mamoore2@vcu.edu or visit https://gsws.vcu.edu/news/discourse-x-sound-an-online-lecture-series-from-opulence-.html.
Coming up
Crip Camp: A Disability Awareness Panel and Discussion
Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Partnership for People with Disabilities, the Inclusion Project, a youth-led project through the Center for Disability Leadership, will host a discussion on "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" featuring Judy Heumann, who is also featured in the film. The event is held in conjunction with Virginia's Disability History and Awareness Month. Register at the following URL via Eventbrite.
For more information, contact Jack Brandt at brandtj@vcu.edu or (540) 421-8519 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crip-camp-a-disability-awareness-panel-discussion-tickets-123409453999.
Leading Change: Virtual Workshop
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU's Human Resources and the Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team will host a workshop to share knowledge, skills and tools to implement successful change initiatives. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeremy Bost at jbost2@vcu.edu or (804) 301-5973 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/771126d4-db2f-484d-bce7-59d580240fdc.
Chemical and Life Science Engineering Seminar Series
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at 1 p.m.
Assistant Professor Hema Ramsurn, Ph.D., Russell School of Chemical Engineering, University of Tulsa, Okla., will speak at a remote seminar hosted by VCU Chemical and Life Science Engineering. Her topic will be "Vacuum- and Hydrogen-Free Synthesis of Graphene from Biochar." Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Desiney Lowery at dlowery3@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7789 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94466072898.
VCU Alumni Pitch Competition
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Grab a front-row seat at the second annual VCU Alumni Pitch Competition, hosted by the university's Office of Alumni Relations. Five finalists will pitch their business ventures virtually to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding, resources and the ultimate title: 2020 VCU Alumni Pitch Competition champion. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Latisha Taylor at Lntaylor2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcualumni.org/Calendar/Details/41080.
Calling All Pre-Health Students: VCU P.R.I.M.E. Professional Event
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 at 6 p.m.
VCU P.R.I.M.E. (Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences), a Career Services initiative to support under-represented student success, will host its inaugural event with 13 health-care professionals and admissions deans. They represent pre-med, pre-dent, nursing, PA, PT, OT and more. The representatives will answer questions about how careers and admissions have changed post-COVID, in one-on-one breakout rooms. Questions: https://www.instagram.com/vcuprime/. Register at the following URL to receive a Zoom link at 6 p.m. on Oct. 29.
For more information, contact Anirban Mahanty at vcuprime@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/H3ormzc41wxY3SYD8.
Zoom Ghost Stories
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Get into the Halloween spirit with other VCU graduate and professional students. Join the Graduate Student Association for an evening of RVA ghost stories provided by Haunts of Richmond. This program requires advanced registration at the following URL to receive Zoom event information.
For more information, contact Ann Kee at gsa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/gsa/rsvp_boot?id=837447.
Conflicts Are Boiling Over: Can We Lower the Temperature?
Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a workshop on conflict management in the classroom and workplace. The session will focus on gaining a better understanding of how individual attitudes impact the outcome of conflicts. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/JrSdWVQzrPpnuPK97.
Facilitation Skills Part Two: Effective Groups and Teams
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU Human Resource's Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team will present a workshop on effective groups and teams. The workshop, second in a series focusing on facilitation skills, will feature a discussion about the skills necessary to improve team performance, team relationships and individual well-being. Participants do not need to have attended the first workshop to register. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.
For more information, contact Leslee Gensinger at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/0c725e5c-9d50-4419-a9b8-ff8ea66e50c9.
Canvas Open Discussion for VCU Faculty
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 from noon to 2 p.m.
A Canvas consultant will lead a two-hour, online open discussion event for VCU faculty. This is an opportunity for VCU instructors to ask questions about all things Canvas. Register at https://training.vcu.edu, keyword "Canvas." For the full Canvas training schedule, visit the following URL.
For more information, contact Eric Harvey at canvas@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/canvas/.
Healthcare Summit
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at 7 p.m.
United Healthcare Network will hold a Healthcare Summit via Zoom. A variety of healthcare professionals will be asked questions submitted by members about their journey in the healthcare field. Graduate students will also be available to answer questions about school and the application process. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Suzannah at uhcnatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81898120123?pwd=b2VUZ1pzanU1dnIvR3lVTDkzNU5IZz09.
'Working While Queer' Panel
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VCU Career Services will host “Working While Queer,” the third entry in the Working While Other panel series. The panel will examine how being queer impacts the workplace experience across many different industries. Hear perspectives from working professionals across a variety of 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/tJMrdeyhrjIiGdPnT8wfQxpmK2NdfTaGBM2z.
Accepting Applications: 2021 HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VCU's HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program is a five-month leadership development experience for current and emerging women leaders who are committed to investing in themselves and their organizations. Event dates are Feb. 4-5, March 4-5, April 8-9, May 6-7, June 3-4 and June 18.
For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at gehli@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1169 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/higher-ground-womens-leadership-development-program/.
Notices
2020 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign
As state employees, we have the gift of the CVC program, which makes giving donations safe and finding volunteer opportunities easier than ever. Employees can donate through payroll deduction or start a fundraiser for favorite CVC charities, which all have been carefully screened to safely give with confidence. The CVC runs until Dec. 31.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/cvc/.
PennyAppeal at VCU’s Winter Clothing Drive
PennyAppeal at VCU is hosting a winter clothing drive for students to donate clothes to the homeless residents of Richmond. All items received from the drive will be donated to Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Gloves, coats, shirts and pants are most needed. The drive will run through Oct. 29. A drop-off bin will be available next to the information desk in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Samah Nor Bouyakoub at bouyakoubs@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.