Faculty/staff Issue for August 23, 2021
Special Announcement
Remember Your Mask
Masks are now required to be worn indoors throughout the university. Outdoors, masks are required at events where physical distancing of more than 6 feet is not possible or at an event with 50 or more people. This requirement is for everyone, even if you are vaccinated. For more information, visit together.vcu.edu.
Today
VCU da Vinci Center Virtual Open House
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Log onto a virtual information session to learn all about the da Vinci Center's undergraduate certificates in product innovation, venture creation and human-centered design. Find out how they can fit in alongside your major at VCU (or how you can get started before you even declare a major). Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/wow-virtual-open-house.
Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation Seminar: 'Health Care is Complex, But We Haven’t Seen Anything Yet!'
12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Michael Elliott, Pharm.D., senior vice president and chief transformation officer at Centra Health, will share insights about the future of health care at an online seminar hosted by VCU's Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Madeleine Wagner at cppi@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/CPPISeminars.
Understanding Your Writing: VCU Writing Center Weeks of Welcome Workshop
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Demystify the college writing process by breaking it into manageable sections. The workshop will also offer brainstorming and guidelines for staying ahead of deadlines. Register for the event, to be in Room 4100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave., at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/events/.
This week
Health Sciences Library Open House
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VCU's Health Sciences Library invites all new and returning students to visit the library, 509 N. 12th St. Learn about library resources and services available both in the building and electronically. Stop by the table in the foyer to meet the staff, explore the facility and check out collaborative spaces.
For more information, contact Brandon Burneson at burnesonbp@vcu.edu or visit http://library.vcu.edu/hsl.
NSF Scholarship for Graduate Study in STEM
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will offer two identical informational sessions about the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program on Aug. 24 at 12:30 p.m. (virtually only) and Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. (in-person at 710 W. Grace St. and online). The program provides funding for up to three years of graduate study in non-medical STEM disciplines. Questions: http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Meredith Sisson at mrsisson@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gwGifXG9ZyUiamxU7.
Goldwater Scholarship Informational Session
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021 at 2 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will offer an informational session about the Goldwater Scholarship, an award that provides up to $7,500 in funds for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM-field research. Questions: Email natlscholar@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar.
High Intensity Interval Training With Tanika
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
High Intensity Interval Training involves all-out, quick, intense bursts of exercise followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. Workouts are scalable to any fitness level with a focus on cardio and muscular strength and endurance. No equipment is required, but a yoga mat is recommended. This class is sponsored by VCU Human Resources and VCU Recreation and Well-Being. Questions: https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3zJxTKy.
Open House for VCU's Shift Retail Lab
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 from 10 a.m. to noon
Shift Retail Lab at VCU is a multifunctional retail space where past and present VCU students can showcase their work to gain insights and test their products, services and ideas with real-world customers. Drop by the lab, 1235 W. Broad St., for a preview of the space before the grand opening in November. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lloyd Young at youngel3@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/wow-shift.
VCU Libraries Community Zooms: Studying Richmond’s Urban Environment Using Citizen Science
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Environmental quality in different Richmond neighborhoods can be associated with health impacts and are tied to historical policies. In this session, Stephen S. Fong, Ph.D., professor in VCU Chemical and Life Science Engineering, will discuss the process, results and opportunities for engagement in studying and building environmental resiliency in Richmond. The event is sponsored by VCU Libraries. Questions: https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2021-2022/community-zooms.html. To receive a Zoom link, complete the form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Gregory Kimbrell at kimbrellgg@vcu.edu or (804) 393-2951 or visit https://forms.gle/rCEBtL9EDPT2rh2y8.
Muslim Student Association Jummah (Friday) Prayer
Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 at 1:15 p.m.
VCU's Muslim Students Association will hold Jummah (Friday) prayer in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. First Khutbah will be held at 1:15 p.m.; the second khutbah will be at 2:15 p.m. Masks will be required.
For more information, contact Muslim Students Association at vcumsa@gmail.com.
Coming up
Understanding Unconscious Bias
Wednesday, Sep. 1, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This two-hour online 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 introductory tactics to combat unconscious bias and stereotypes. Apply at the following URL for this interactive, instructor-led session.
For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d2c820efa-f877-490a-95bf-9f4d16dae890.
Getting to Know Google Meet and Chat
Thursday, Sep. 9, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Google Meet provides the faculty host attendance reports and a recording automatically, and the use of a chat room for class collaboration is easy to set up. Collaboration Services invites you to learn all about Meet and Chat for online learning enhancement. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.
Notices
Panda Pros: One-on-One Canvas Consultations
Instructure Learning Platform is offering virtual one-on-one 25-minute consultations for faculty members about using Canvas features. The sessions are free through Sept. 30. Participants will be paired with a Panda Pro who will assist with questions. Questions: email lsrequest@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Katie Shedden at kshedden@vcu.edu or (804) 647-1579 or visit https://www.instructure.com/panda-pros.
Accepting Applications for 2022 HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute in VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is accepting applications for its HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program. The five-month leadership experience focuses on current and emerging women leaders committed to investing in themselves and their organizations. The program is designed to benefit women at all career levels in public, private, nonprofit and entrepreneurial positions. The application deadline is Nov. 15.
For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at gehli@vcu.edu or visit http://gehli.vcu.edu.
'How to Retire With VRS'
VCU Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for university employees. These sessions are open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. Questions: Email benefits@vcu.edu. View upcoming sessions and register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Alexis Cross at crossah@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/cf698494-7201-467a-8b5b-c8739911e503.
CTLE Virtual Drop-In Hours for Faculty
Join VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence team members for virtual drop-in hours through Sept 1. Team members can discuss prepping for fall courses, help make connections with resources and provide support for a re-entry into the semester. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/sQoojq2TKZQt8XC36.
SCIE Ambassador Program
VCU's Office of Student Experience is recruiting for its SCIE (Student Council for an Inclusive Environment) Ambassador cohort. The SCIE Ambassador Program is an inter-professional leadership opportunity for medical graduate students who are interested in and have a passion for cultivating diversity and inclusion across the medical campus. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to make suggestions and recommendations to improve the climate for all students on the MCV campus. For more information and to apply, click on the following URL.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Experience at studentexp@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/pgqQNNRwShutx5R8A.
VCUDine August Events
A number of special events are planned during August at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. They include Compass Cookout (Aug. 23, noon-2 p.m.); Shafer Favorites Week (Aug. 23-27, 11 a.m.-close); Food Truck Pop-Up at 932 W. Grace St. (every Tuesday starting Aug. 24 at 11 a.m.); Abuelita’s Guest Restaurant (Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-close); Welcome Back Cookout (Aug. 26, 11 a.m.-close); and Fresh Catch Friday (Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-close). Questions: Follow @VCU_Dining.
For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.
Undergraduate Library Advisers: Applications Accepted Until Aug. 26
The Cabell Library Undergraduate Advisory Committee is accepting applications from undergraduates for 2021-22. The committee discusses library issues, gives feedback on library services and facilities, meets with library administrators and promotes the value of Cabell Library in the academic and social life of undergraduates. Members receive an honorarium for service. Questions: Visit go.vcu.edu/cluac. Apply at the following URL by noon Aug. 26.
For more information, contact Gregory Kimbrell at kimbrellgg@vcu.edu or (804) 393-2951 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/committees/cluac/.
VCU Police Hiring New Recruits
The VCU Police Department is hiring new police recruits. Recruits are paid to train in the VCU Police Academy. Officers receive free tuition for college courses and excellent state benefits, including health care, retirement and paid vacation time. Applications are due Aug. 31.
For more information, contact Conrad Simms at csimms2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1225 or visit https://police.vcu.edu/about/recruitment/.
Transfer Student Leadership Program
Registration for the Transfer Student Leadership program is now open. The leadership development opportunity sponsored by The Commons explores leadership skills and practices, fosters a sense of belonging at VCU and creates community for transfer students. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at jraibolt@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tsl/home/.
Using GRTC to Travel Cross-Campus
Students and employees traveling cross-campus are encouraged to utilize GRTC's Pulse or Route 5. Pulse is a rapid transit system that serves a 7.6-mile route along Broad Street. Route 5, a high-frequency local route, travels mostly along Main and Cary streets, Ninth Street and into Whitcomb Court. GRTC is taking safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among passengers. Learn more about GRTC and its safety protocol at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or visit http://ridegrtc.com.
Collaboration Services Highlights New Features
Faculty, staff and students will be collaborating in the same Google Workspace Domain as the fall semester begins as Google domains have merged.
For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2021/08/18/welcome-to-the-fall-2021-semester/.
Applications Open: ICA Visitor Experience Associates
Looking for an engaging, growth-focused work study position? Join the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., as a visitor experience associate. Associates are responsible for welcoming visitors; engaging with visitors in conversations about the exhibitions and programs; processing membership enrollment, ticketing and visitor feedback; ensuring the safety and security of both art and guests within the galleries; and fulfilling orders and sales of products. Apply at the ICA's Opportunities page at the following URL.
For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/about/opportunities/.
Filipino American Heart Health Study
Youssef Roman of VCU's School of Pharmacy is conducting a study to assess the prevalence and causes of heart diseases in Filipino Americans. This study is for anyone who considers themselves as Filipino with both biological parents of Filipino heritage. The study is funded by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research.
For more information, contact Youssef Roman at romany2@vcu.edu or (804) 628-8384 or visit https://forms.gle/jR9s1jgKncieSKxQ7.
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.