Faculty/staff Issue for August 26, 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
Open House for VCU's Shift Retail Lab
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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
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.
V Cubed: President's Volunteer Service Award Interest Meeting
6:30 p.m.
V Cubed (Virtual Volunteer at VCU) will host a President's Volunteer Service Awards Interest Meeting on Zoom. The meeting will be geared for those interested in learning how to achieve a service award. Register for the event at https://cglink.me/2dV/r1163364. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/93714995100.
For more information, contact Akhila Kunuthuru at kunuthurua@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/vcubed/home/.
This week
Alpha Phi Omega Blood Drive
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Donors will receive a free T-shirt and a coupon from Dunkin'. Schedule an appointment (recommended) at the following URL and enter the sponsor code pacecenter. Questions: Email Katie Miller at katie.miller2@redcross.org or Alyna Duong at the following email address.
For more information, contact Alyna Duong at duonga2@vcu.edu or visit http://redcrossblood.org.
National Science Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Study in STEM Disciplines
Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 at 3 p.m.
VCU's National Scholarship Office will offer an informational session about the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program in person at 701 W. Grace St., Room 1210, and online via Zoom. The fellowship program provides funding for up to three years of graduate study in nonmedical STEM disciplines. Questions: http://blogs.vcu.edu/natlscholar. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/gwGifXG9ZyUiamxU7.
Party at the Park With the Pre-Law Society at VCU
Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Pre-Law Society at VCU will host its first social gathering for the Fall semester. Use the code "PRELAW" to place orders with &pizza, 308 N. Laurel St., and head over to Monroe Park to meet like-minded colleagues. There will be a speaker, giveaway and other information pertinent to the school year. All proceeds will go toward free law-school resources for members.
For more information, contact Rose Chang at changrm@vcu.edu.
Coming up
Canvas Gradebook Basics
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This workshop is geared for those new to using Canvas or haven`t used all of the available features of the Canvas Grade Center. A VCU Learning Systems analyst will help participants navigate and use the basic functions of the Canvas Gradebook. Register at the following URL (keyword: Canvas).
For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at canvaslearn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu.
Blood Drive
Thursday, Sep. 2, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VCU's Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive in the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Donors will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last). Schedule an appointment at the following URL. (Enter sponsor code VCU.)
For more information, contact Chris Cogliano at coglianoc@vcu.edu or (703) 772-7821 or visit http://redcrossblood.org.
Writing Retreat Series: Building a Publishing Pipeline 2.0
Wednesday, Sep. 8, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present an online three-part writing retreat series. It will involve opportunities to build a pipeline for those new to this practice, maintaining and updating a writing pipeline and reflective practices to envision growth as scholars across multiple career phases. Parts two and three will be on Sept. 15 and 22 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/AAqxYvkxN4KxstyU7.
'From Burnout to Reignition'
Thursday, Sep. 9, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Center for Corporate Education at VCU's School of Business will present "From Burnout to Reignition" as part of its Level Up Learning series. Participants will explore strategies to cope with and work through burnout on the job. Registration is $35. Register at the following URL or email corp-ed@vcu.edu for more information.
For more information, contact Carrie Hawes at cjhawes@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3165 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/corped.
Notices
On-Campus Youth Programming Resumes at VCU
VCU programs serving minors may proceed with on-campus programming in fall 2021. All employees and participants must wear masks at all times indoors and outside if they cannot maintain a distance of six feet. All employees must comply with VCU's vaccination requirements, provide proof of vaccination or be enrolled in the surveillance testing program. Questions about the Safety and Protection of Minors Policy or youth on-campus training should be directed to youth@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Adam Caldwell at caldwellab@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/mfyc/youth-safety/.
Policy Drafts Available for Public Comment
Draft policies are available for public comment until Sept. 10 at the following URL: Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Central Bank Internal Loans, Investment and Liquidity and Tax-Exempt Department Compliance.
For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.
Identity-Based Support Groups at University Counseling Services
VCU's University Counseling Services facilitates weekly identity-based student support groups, led by a UCS counselor. Support groups are designed to serve as spaces where students can connect and build community with other students with shared identities. All groups are currently held via Zoom. Students do not need to complete an intake with UCS or be enrolled in other UCS services in order to join a support group. A full description of current groups, as well as sign-up forms, are available at the following URL.
For more information, contact Caroline Coffill at cscoffill@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200 or visit https://counseling.vcu.edu/students/services/support-groups/.
Recreation and Well-Being Instructional Programs
Boost your fitness level or learn a new skill at one of VCU RecWell's instructional programs. Bootcamp will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., faculty and staff training will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. and women on weights sessions will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. The deadline to register for the first session is Sept. 3.
For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at santosmacst@vcu.edu or (804) 827-6411 or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/instructional-programs/.
Participate in a Survey Study on Behavior Change Counseling
Are you a health-care clinician or student who practices or trains in Virginia? If so, then you are likely eligible to participate in a survey study conducted by faculty at VCU. We are interested in how health-care professionals have learned behavioral health counseling, specifically motivational interviewing. Those who complete the 20-minute survey will be entered into a bi-monthly gift-card drawing. Click on the following link to participate.
For more information, contact Rashelle Hayes, Ph.D., at rashelle.hayes@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-6752 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=NWWYMP4W44.
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.