Faculty/staff Issue for April 5, 2021
Today
Eating Locally: Reasonably, Feasibly and Seasonally
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join VCU Human Resources and VCU Health registered dietitian Dana Henderson from Stony Point Women's Health and learn how to take advantage of flavorful seasonal foods. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3rEqiZx.
National Public Health Week Kickoff: Seminar With Art Kellermann
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Division of Family Medicine and Population Health's Division of Epidemiology will host Art Kellermann, M.D., MPH, as the speaker to kick off National Public Health Week, April 5-9. Kellermann, VCU senior vice president for Health Sciences and VCU Health CEO, will present "American Public Health: Past, Present, and Future." Other National Public Health Week events include seminars by Norm Oliver, M.D.; Gonzalo Bearman, M.D.; and April Williams. Email the following address for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Jeny Beausoliel at jenifer.beausoliel@vcuhealth.org or visit https://familymedicine.vcu.edu/epidemiology/seminars--events/.
This week
Documenting COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Diverse Faculty Careers
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, VCU ADVANCE IT initiative and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation will host a workshop on documenting COVID-19 pandemic impacts on diverse faculty careers. Guest speakers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst will lay out approaches to documenting these impacts, allowing faculty members to identify the changing contexts in which they have been carrying out their faculty workload. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/jpRvLacvvBti3v5g6.
Curating Your Curiosity: Becoming Involved With Research
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2021 from 11 a.m. to noon
Curious about what it means to do research and what the benefits are? This workshop led by Ibironke Lawal, Ph.D., (professor, University Libraries) and Traci Wike, Ph.D., (associate professor, Social Work) will explore questions about becoming involved with research at VCU. Learn about different types of research, how to connect with faculty doing research and how to become involved in a research project of your own. Register at the following URL. Questions: http://youfirst.vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus, Ph.D., at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://bit.ly/YouFirstPresents040621.
A Celebration of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2021 at noon
Carrie LeCrom, Ph.D., executive director of VCU's Center for Sport Leadership, will moderate a panel discussion in celebration of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The panel will include graduates and friends of the center. Register for the webinar at the following URL.
For more information, contact Amy Beck at acbeck@vcu.edu or (804) 586-5202 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MoLtVQHcQNquQC0uq6amXQ.
Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series
Wednesday, Apr. 7, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Biomedical Engineering Department will host Fabrisia Ambrosio, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh. Ambrosio will discuss "Regenerative Rehabilitation: Applied Biophysics Meets Stem Cell Therapeutics." Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rene Olivares-Navarrete, Ph.D., at ronavarrete@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2WVKEmzWQ7uzEbOwxuJuUg.
VCU Toastmasters Spring Open House
Wednesday, Apr. 7, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
Working on building confidence, leadership and public speaking skills? VCU Toastmasters may be able to help. The organization is hosting a virtual Spring Open House. Register at the following email address.
For more information, contact Laura Osborne at lmnosborne@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0349 or visit http://vcutoastmasters.com.
VCU Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine (WISDM) Meeting
Wednesday, Apr. 7, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
The Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine (WISDM) Organization invites faculty to participate online in the next monthly meeting. WISDM is a professional organization supporting career and personal growth opportunities for women physicians, dentists and scientists at VCU. Contact the following email address for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Pam Dillon at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://medschool.vcu.edu/about/deans-office/facultyaffairs/wims/.
Navigating Disability and Career Development Series: Part 1
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join VCU's Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity and Career Services for a workshop series on navigating disability and career development. This series will provide an introduction to the job search process and what disability support looks like in a professional environment. This session will focus on career exploration. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Engel at engele2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.joinhandshake.com/events/733886.
Core Exercises With Jasmine
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
VCU Human Resources and VCU Recreational Sports will lead a core strengthening class. This class will help build a more stable, powerful abdomen and lower back to improve fitness and straighten posture. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3fsOSdh.
'Capitalism in the Economic Lives of Enslaved People'
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Justene Hill Edwards, Ph.D., assistant professor, Corcoran Department of History, University of Virginia, will discuss her new book examining the economic lives of enslaved people and how they were affected by the capitalism of slavery. The Alexandrian Society event will be presented by VCU's Department of History. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Aaron Pirnat at pirnatam@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2380564489.
Career Development Conversations
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU Human Resources will host a session in which participants will explore tools available to managers and staff to facilitate productive career conversations. The content will include individual assessments, manager assessments for teams and an initial career conversation in which managers and employees engage each other in open conversation about career aspirations and create a career development plan. Questions: askhr@vcu.edu. Register in Talent @VCU at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rosalind R. Harris at rrharris1@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/9f34698b-b4a6-44fe-a7b6-946763ad4b8e.
Spring Cleaning Courses for the Transition to Canvas
Friday, Apr. 9, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
VCU Libraries will present a workshop for faculty ahead of the transition to Canvas to help get rid of what isn't needed or isn't supposed to be shared, obtain better versions of existing materials, identify the easiest ways to share materials in Canvas and maximize cost savings for students. Questions: https://vcu.libcal.com/calendar/scp/clean-for-canvas. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
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/spring-clean.html.
Coming up
Visiting Scholar Research Presentation: NASH and Macrophage Depletion
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a KL2 Visiting Scholar Seminar featuring Georgetown University's Annie Kruger, M.D., Ph.D., who will discuss her research into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is an epidemic liver disease characterized by hepatic inflammation and progressive fibrosis, affecting nearly 16 million Americans. Register for her talk, "Hepatic Macrophage and Stellate Cell Cross-Talk in Fibrogenesis," at the following URL.
For more information, contact Rob DiRenzo at direnzor@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7NnkBt9NRAuJtRcnzqJPyg.
CTLE Workshop: TakeBreakMake VoiceThread
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and VCU Libraries - Innovative Media will present a workshop on VoiceThread. Participants will learn the basic functions while looking at the difference between the student and instructor experiences and how to translate between the two. The session will also touch on strategies for orienting students to a new tool and the importance of testing technology for both mobile and desktop environments. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/moFpkn6pXNQfN52V7.
'The Armenian Genocide in the Shadow of Nagorno-Karabakh'
Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
VCU's Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies of the School of World Studies will present Melanie O'Brien, Ph.D., senior lecturer in international law, University of Western Australia, an award-winning teacher of international humanitarian law, public international law and legal research. The event is in keeping with the annual VCU tradition of commemorating the Armenian genocide and honors a connection forged by the late VCU professor Herbert Hirsch with Richmond's Armenian community. This year's event highlights the neo-genocidal threats to the Armenian people, culture, religion, identity and homeland. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL. The event is open to the public.
For more information, contact Mayda Topoushian, Ph.D., at mtopoushian@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIodumopzstE9LsbRhSLHFO6WIfYkHw-nMi.
HOSA at VCU To Sponsor Blood Drive
Monday, Apr. 19, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Health Occupations Students of America at VCU will host a blood drive at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Volunteers can sign up at the following URL. Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting www.redcrossblood.org. Use the sponsor code Pacecenter and select the April 19 blood drive when signing up. All blood donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Questions: Email Lahari at ramagiril@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Jenalyn Abisia at abisiajl@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OZNW4p9xSMaN86lBCXo4oFMtvGJ7qGGvIPXCQuzUOAU/edit?usp=sharing.
Meet VCU's Authors: Aspen Brinton
Monday, Apr. 19, 2021 at 4 p.m.
Aspen Brinton, Ph.D., will discuss the relevance of her new book, "Confronting Totalitarian Minds: Jan Patočka on Politics and Dissidence," to contemporary political movements. Patočka was a Czech philosopher who lived through the turbulent politics of 20th-century central Europe and shaped his intellectual contributions in response to those events. He died in 1977 as the result of medical complications from interrogations by the secret police after he was arrested for being involved in the Charter 77 movement in Czechoslovakia. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Catie-Reagan Palmore at palmorecr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/meet-vcus-authors-aspen-brinton-phd.html.
CTLE Virtual Teaching Excellence Symposia
Friday, Apr. 23, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence Virtual Symposia will focus on inclusive teaching. The event will bring VCU educators together to share ideas and strategies about student learning in any setting in a higher education context, collaborate with colleagues and cultivate networks across disciplines and areas of work. Take part in any portion of the day. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://ctle.vcu.edu/events/symposium/.
Notices
Canvas Training for Spring
New online Canvas training sessions are scheduled and ready for registration. Academic Technologies has partnered with VCU Online to provide a full schedule of training covering a variety of Canvas topics. Training will be delivered by members of both teams who have prepared the university's Canvas environment and resources to smooth the transition. View the training schedule at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brianne Jackson at onlinepd@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/learn-canvas.
Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine Leadership Conference
Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine Faculty Organization’s 29th annual leadership conference, “You Belong Here! Imposter Syndrome: What Is It, How to Recognize It and How to Overcome It” will be available via Zoom. Keynote speaker Jennifer Hunt, M.D., University of Florida, will discuss “A Secret Truth About the Gender Leadership Gap.” The conference will also feature two workshops and a spotlight session.
For more information, contact Deborah Stewart at deborah.stewart@vcuhealth.org.
How to Retire With VCU Optional Retirement Plan
Human Resources will host sessions open to VCU faculty and VCU University and Academic Professionals, not VCU Health System employees. Questions: Email benefits@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexis Hobbs at hobbsad@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/c9921b6a-d526-48c3-ac2f-b5a913a231f0.
How to Retire With VRS
Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for VCU employees. These sessions will be open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. Questions: Email benefits@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexis Hobbs at hobbsad@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/cf698494-7201-467a-8b5b-c8739911e503.
Black and Gold and You Giving Campaign
The annual Black and Gold and You employee giving campaign has begun. When faculty, staff and team members give to VCU and VCU Health, they signal their belief that VCU is one of the best possible investments for a potential donor’s philanthropic support. Participants can choose to support any school, department, college, unit, program, center, scholarship or pre-established fund at VCU or VCU Health.
For more information, contact Jessie Pavlidis at pavlidisjl@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/bgy/.
Free Flu Vaccines: University Student Health Services
University Student Health Services offers free flu vaccines to all students on both campuses. The flu vaccine is safe, effective and does not cause the flu. All students are encouraged to get the flu vaccine, especially those at high risk for flu complications (people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease). Due to COVID-19, the flu vaccine is available by appointment only. Call the Monroe Park Campus clinic at (804) 827-8047 or MCV clinic at (804) 828-9220 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, contact University Student Health Services at ushsimmuniz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8047 or visit https://health.students.vcu.edu/.
Gift Acceptance and Administration Policy Open for Public Comment
A draft of the policy for Gift Acceptance and Administration is available for public comment by April 8. The draft policy can be found at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.
RamTech’s Seven Days of Birthday Giveaways
RamTech, VCU’s on-campus technology store, is celebrating its seventh birthday through April 7 with giveaways every day on Instagram @RamTechVCU and a grand prize of a MacBook. Those who spend $200 on tech will receive a free Grande Starbucks beverage at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU Café. Follow @RamTechVCU for details and a chance to win.
For more information, contact Erinn Budd at budde@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8324 or visit http://ramtech.vcu.edu.
Jamnesty Charity Concert
Amnesty International at VCU is recruiting talent for its Jamnesty Charity Concert, which will be held online at 7 p.m. April 30. All forms of art are welcome. Funds raised will benefit RVA Community Fridges. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Myia Samuels at samuelsma@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc66GmuBFV3xhtimNzfsWvD9wxwCIDdKA5hcHezA3FuTTZwQQ/viewform.
Become a 'Champion for Change'
STEM faculty from biology, chemistry, engineering and mathematics at VCU will join the “Champions for Change” Learning Community and work with STEM colleagues from VCU, John Tyler Community College and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to improve the educational outcomes of transfer students by developing and implementing strategies for inclusive teaching and transformative pedagogical practices. The effort is sponsored by the VCU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Award (VCU HHMI IE). Apply at the following URL by April 15th for priority.
For more information, contact Dianne Jennings at dbjennings@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0331 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWy03a37Njzv-pqPAmjSay5JYnQHfdJEJ1T4mNGb2YTo53ew/viewform.
GEHLI Leadership Programs, 2022 Applications Now Available
Applications are now available for the 2022 cohorts of the VCU Leadership, HIGHER Ground, and Minority Political Leadership Institute programs in the VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Questions: Email gehli@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1169 or visit http://www.gehli.vcu.edu.
IT Career Community
Earlier in the year a system-wide outage affected the IT Career Community Listserv. As a result, the Listserv was repopulated with all IT Career Community members from an HR-provided list. Unfortunately, it appears as though manual subscribers to ITCC's Listserv may not have been repopulated. If you believe you have been affected, contact IT Career Community leadership at the following email address.
For more information, contact ITCC Leadership at itcareer@vcu.edu or visit https://wiki.vcu.edu/x/gBhoBQ.
Virtual Global Learning Experiences
VCU's Global Education Office will host virtual global learning experiences including international internships and virtual courses offered by partners abroad. Despite the uncertainty about resumption of in-person study abroad, virtual global learning offers the opportunity to explore other cultures, gain internship experience, take courses not offered at VCU and learn intercultural, professional and academic skills. Opportunities are listed at the following URL.
For more information, contact Simone Biasuzzi at sabiasuzzi@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=F8A8A577-5056-BA1F-7123BD1F2DBD35E0&Link_ID=F33C7AEB-EA6A-286B-8E36F761FCE0E392.
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.