Faculty/staff Issue for February 12, 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.
Today
Artist Talk With WonJung Choi
12 p.m.
VCUarts and The Anderson will host an artist talk with WonJung Choi on Zoom. Choi, an Art Foundation adjunct faculty member, is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Adjunct Research Exhibition. Choi's exhibition, "WHERE ARE YOU FROM?," explores the nuances of identity and ancestry through ephemera, sculpture and a large-scale installation of a tangled, speculative family tree. The exhibition is on view at The Anderson, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St., until Feb. 13. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or (703) 282-0530 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/artist-talk-with-wonjung-choi-excellence-in-adjunct-research-exhibition-recipient/.
World Premiere of 'Frozen Obsession' To Begin Environmental Film Festival
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In 2019, VCU students Ericka Schulze, Mirella Shaban and Tristan Rivera of the Center for Environmental Studies, joined by VCU associate professor Linda Fernandez, Ph.D., took part in the Northwest Passage Project voyage. A film crew documented their journey and the world premiere of the feature-length film, “Frozen Obsession,” will open the 2021 RVA Environmental Film Festival. Reserve a free virtual seat for for “Frozen Obsession” by registering at www.RVAEFF.org.
For more information, contact Lynne McCarthy at lcmccarthy@vcu.edu or visit https://rvaeff.org/2021-films/2021/2/12/frozen-obsession-world-premiere.
Coming up
Lunch and Learn: The Mystery of the 'Strong' Black Woman
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Black History Month committee invites participation in a lunch and learn which will unpack the impact of social messages, ideals and perceptions of Black women as being “strong." This program, part of a series about misperceptions of Black women, will also focus on dismantling myths and building a common cultural knowledge. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Abey Wachira, Ph.D., at wachiraam@vcu.edu or visit http://thecommonsvcu.com/StrongBlackWomen-Lunch.
Getting To Know Google Sheets
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Whether you're using Google Sheets 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.
Walk the Talk: Design (and Teach) an Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive Course
Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 from 11 a.m. to noon
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a workshop on designing inclusive courses. Topics to be covered include strategies for an inclusive classroom environment, an equitable course structure to support rigorous learning outcomes with high expectations for all students, providing additional support and accessibility for all, grading for equity and incorporating diversity into the classroom and curriculum. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/D5XJcdnq15fcpSiE6.
Cardio and Strength With Jess
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at noon
VCU Human Resources in partnership with VCU Recreational Sports is offering a class blending cardio and strength exercises. No equipment is required, though a yoga mat is recommended. 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/.
Understanding Unconscious Bias
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 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. Zoom will be utilized for this interactive, virtual, instructor-led session hosted by the Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team. Register at the following URL.
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
Stay Informed With Medical Literature
Join VCU's Medical Journal Club and attend weekly meetings to learn about new advancements in medicine, discuss current events and their relevance in health care, meet like-minded and motivated peers and learn about the opportunities available to pre-health students.
For more information, contact Medical Journal Club at medicaljournalclub.vcu@gmail.com or visit http://bit.ly/medicaljournalclubvcu.
Study Abroad Programs Canceled Through Summer 2021
Due to the continued uncertainty of COVID-19, VCU has canceled all study abroad programs through summer 2021. This includes faculty-led, exchanges, direct-enroll, third-party provider, independent study, internships, service-learning and non-credit-bearing programs. Some exceptions may be considered. Visit the following URL for details on the exception process, virtual global learning program options and how to maintain momentum in planning study abroad.
For more information, contact Stephanie Tignor at abroad@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/newsroom/2020/studyabroadcancellation-summer2021/.
VCUDine February Pop-Ups
Shafer Court Dining Center will host a number of pop-ups during February. They include Love Week Brunch (Feb. 12, open-close); Thai Top Ten Guest Restaurant (Feb. 15-19, open-close); Mardi Gras Madness (Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.); Black History Month Art Showcase (Feb. 17-26, open-close); Starbucks Coffee and Doughnut Day (Feb. 22, 9-11 a.m.); Cheesesteak Day (Feb. 23, open-close); National Tortilla Chip Day (Feb. 24, open-close); and Winter Fuel-Up Dietitian Event (Feb. 25, 2 p.m.). See a full list at the following URL or follow @VCU_Dining on social.
For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.campusdish.com/.
Alumni Thesis Exhibitions at The Anderson
VCUarts and The Anderson will present thesis exhibitions for two 2020 MFA alumni: Paige Lizbeth Morris (Craft/Material Studies) and GM Keaton (Painting and Printmaking). Morris' exhibition, "A girl is a girl is a girl," is on view at The Anderson, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St., through Feb. 19. Keaton's exhibition, "Spit in my mouth," is on view through Feb. 20.
For more information, contact Monica Kinsey at kinseym@vcu.edu or (703) 282-0530 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/community/news/category/the-anderson/.
Study of Brain Development in Typically Developing Infants
Researchers in the Department of Physical Therapy and Pediatric Radiology are conducting a study to learn about brain development in healthy infants. Infants born 38-40 weeks are invited to participate and enrolled infants will undergo three MRI visits and three assessments during the first six months. You will be compensated for your time and travel. Unsedated MRI visits will be conducted at Children's Hospital of Richmond and developmental assessments can be conducted at home or VCU. Contact the study team at the following email address.
For more information, contact Sonia Khurana at skhurana@vcu.edu or (804) 300-4270.
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.