Faculty/staff Issue for January 22, 2021
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.
Coming up
Getting to Know Google Forms
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Whether you're using Google Forms for the first time or just want to see what new, innovative functionality Google has added, join us for this hands-on workshop hosted by Collaboration Services. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.
Strength and Cardio Training With Jess
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 at noon
Join VCU Human Resources and VCU Recreational Sports for a full-body workout which blends cardio and strength exercises to increase endurance. 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/.
Foundations of Investing
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at 10 a.m.
VCU Human Resources and TIAA will host a workshop about the foundations of investing, managing risk versus reward, understanding the role of investing and managing investment risks, augmenting programs to help accelerate savings and products and tools for managing a portfolio. 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/.
Urban Farming/Common Ground
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Can urban farming elicit decolonization, self-determination and healing through access to food? Urban Farming/Common Ground explores these questions with brief presentations and dialogue featuring Duron Chavis, urban farmer and educator; Quilian Riano, founder and lead designer of DSGN AGNC; and Ashley Gripper, founder of Land Based Jawns. This program was inspired by the “Resiliency Garden,” at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/urban-farming-common-ground/.
Host a Booth at the Virtual Student Organization Fair Spring 2021
Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Commons and The Underground invite VCU departments and groups to activate and host a booth at the Virtual Spring Student Org Fair with live chat, live video conferencing, uploads such as photos and links and the "I’m Interested" button. During the live fair, students can chat and Zoom live with organization representatives. Student participants can click the booth's dedicated "I’m Interested" button. After the fair, booth hosts can access contact information for interested students and share additional information. See details about activating a booth at the following URL.
For more information, contact Donte Sharpe at studentorgs@vcu.edu or visit http://thecommonsvcu.com/OrgFairInfoDepts.
CTLE Workshop: Introduction to Kaltura
Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and TS Learning Systems will present a workshop on Kaltura. The workshop will cover Kaltura basics such as captioning, sharing videos and publishing content to Canvas or Blackboard. The basic navigation and functionalities of MediaSpace will also be covered. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AqzVdxKkKXzoWFFF9.
Safe Zone
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The purpose of Safe Zone is to reduce anti-queerness, transphobia, biphobia and heterosexism at VCU, making the campus a safer and freer environment for all members of the community regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Additional opportunities for virtual Safe Zones throughout the spring semester can be found at the following URL and searching "Safe Zone" in the search box.
For more information, contact Safe Zone at safezone@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit http://training.vcu.edu.
Understanding Unconscious Bias
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This two-hour workshop will explore unconscious bias — social stereotypes about groups of people that form outside of our own conscious awareness. Participants will examine the origins of unconscious bias, its impact on individuals, organizations and societies and tactics to combat unconscious bias and stereotypes. Register at the following URL for the Zoom link to this interactive, virtual, instructor-led session.
For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/2c820efa-f877-490a-95bf-9f4d16dae890.
Notices
W-2 Statements Available
VCU employees who have given their eConsent may view and print their 2020 W-2 statements online. To view, log on to VCU e-services. Click the "Employee" tab, followed by "Tax Forms, Electronic W-2 Earnings Statement." Consent remains in effect until revoked by the employee.
For more information, contact Payroll Services at payroll@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0740 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/payroll/.
Recreational Sports Personal Training Now Taking New Clients
VCU Recreational Sports personal trainers guide and support their clients through an exercise program customized to meet their needs and goals. One-on-one and Buddy training packages of three, six, 12 or 18 hour-long sessions are available. Each package comes with a free, 45-minute goal-setting session to discuss client needs and goals.
For more information, contact Jessica Norman at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/personal-training/.
Recreational Sports Basic Life Support and First Aid Blended Learning Course
VCU Recreational Sports will offer the American Red Cross blended learning Basic Life Support and First Aid course. Single-day sessions will be held Feb. 9, Feb. 13, Feb. 27 and March 2.
For more information, contact Jenna Dillon at dillonj3@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/certifications/arc-bls/.
A New Future for Recreational Sports and the Health Promotion and Well-Being Center
VCU Health Promotion and Well-Being Center and Recreational Sports are being integrated into one department. The joining of these units provides opportunities to broaden their collective reach and deepen their collective impact as they move toward a more holistic approach to well-being for the VCU community. The two units will engage in a semester-long process to identify the best path forward to fully merge.
For more information, contact Derek Hottell at dlhottell@vcu.edu.
VCUDine: January Pop-Ups
Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, will feature a number of pop-ups in January. They include Starbucks coffee and doughnuts, Jan. 25, 9-11 a.m.; dietitian welcome back at AVO Kitchen, Jan. 26, 2-3 p.m.; National Chocolate Day, Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and chili cook-off Jan. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Details, visit the following URL or follow @VCU_Dining on social media.
For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.
Survey on Faculty Service on University-Wide Endeavors
VCU does not have a comprehensive list of faculty participation in governance. In the interest of better-understanding faculty roles in faculty and shared governance, the Governance Committee Faculty Senate seeks to compile the first comprehensive list of all university-wide committees, task-forces, work groups and councils. The committee requests that faculty members complete this short survey at the following URL by Jan 31.
For more information, contact Kristine Artello at kartello@vcu.edu or (724) 980-8129 or visit https://forms.gle/sCscsE54Ycfdwdy47.
Honors College Requests Course and Module Proposals for Fall
VCU's Honors College is requesting proposals for fall 2021 courses and modules (five-week courses). Submit a proposal at the following URL by Jan. 29.
For more information, contact Jared Johnson at jajohnson4@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1715 or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/for-faculty/teach-honors/.
Cross-Campus Shuttle To Resume Service Jan. 25
VCU's cross-campus shuttle will resume limited service for the spring semester on Jan. 25 and will operate 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday through May 14. To accommodate the reduced service hours, students and employees may contact RamSafe for cross-campus rides during the hours of 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., as cross-campus restrictions have been lifted.
For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/vcushuttle.
Applications Being Accepted for Student Representatives to Board of Visitors
Applications for the 2021-22 student representatives to the VCU Board of Visitors are now available. The Board of Visitors consists of 16 appointed members who serve as the governing authority for the university and are responsible for long-term planning, policy approval and university budget. Two students, one undergraduate and one graduate/professional, serve as nonvoting representatives to the board. Apply at the following URL by Feb. 19.
For more information, contact Reuban Rodriguez, Ph.D., at vcudean@vcu.edu or visit https://students.vcu.edu/student-life-at-vcu/get-involved/student-leadership/bov-student-reps/.
Want To Learn Strategies To Accept Your Body?
Are you a woman ages 18 to 25? Would you like to participate in a research study aimed to accept your body? Involvement includes participation in a one-week online intervention that lasts 45 minutes total. Participants are asked to complete one-hour online surveys at three time points. Eligible participants will receive compensation in the form of Amazon gift cards.
For more information, contact Alexandria E Davies at daviesae@mymail.vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=DYARNEF8ND.
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.