Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.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. The way the Canvas gradebook is organized by default is not always best. In this virtual workshop, a VCU Learning Systems analyst will help participants navigate and use the basic functions of the Canvas Gradebook to make Gradebook work for the individual. This training is free and has no cancellation penalty. Questions: https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/. Register at the following URL (keyword: Canvas).

For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at canvaslearn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy a moment of reflection and tranquility with this guided meditation session hosted by VCU Human Resources and VCU's Department of Recreation and Well-Being. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register at Talent@VCU or the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3kTQRtc.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Faculty and staff appreciation night will be observed with discounted tickets at the Siegel Center for the game against FAU. Click on the following URL for special ticket offerings.

For more information, contact Rebecca Piner at pinerre@vcu.edu or visit http://vcuathletics.com/staffdeal.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Building a successful company requires expanding expertise beyond scientific research experience. Typical additional resources are required to address market analysis, accounting/finance, design for scale-up manufacturing, regulatory advice and distribution strategy to access potential customers. Those who attend will learn about key factors in creating and managing a business development team vs. a research-focused team. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Osborne at lmnosborne@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0349 or visit https://iem.vcu.edu/events/bench-to-community/.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Commons Civic Engagement Team at the Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St., and meet with representatives from volunteer organizations throughout the greater Richmond community. Find and discuss opportunities to volunteer or begin a partnership, either for yourself or a student organization in which you take part. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nico Orsini at orsinin@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1400470.

Grade sheets are now available on faculty eServices. Grades are due by noon on Dec. 22, at which time grade entry will no longer be available. It is imperative to meet this deadline to complete all end of the semester processes. Faculty may choose to use the feature to upload grades from an Excel file into eServices. Faculty may only access grade sheets for courses to which they have been assigned.

For more information, contact The Office of Records and Registration at rar@vcu.edu.

Elective deferral limits for the VCU 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity Plan and the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan will increase to $20,500 for each plan in 2022. Participants aged 50 and over may use the Age 50 Catch-Up to defer up to an additional $6,500 to each plan. No employee action is required due to these changes. Employees wishing to change deferral amounts may do so using instructions at https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/changing-your-benefits/.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

VCU Police encourages everyone to lock the doors and windows of residences and offices and to take all keys during winter break. Valuables and electronics should be locked away or taken home. Drivers leaving a car on campus should park in a well-lighted area, remove valuables and lock it; drivers should never leave running vehicles unattended. Cyclists should store bikes legally with a U-lock. More holiday safety tips are available on the VCUPD website.

For more information, contact VCU Police Crime Prevention Team at crimeprevreq@vcu.edu or visit https://police.vcu.edu/stay-safe/holiday-safety/.

Faculty and staff should review and verify they are not actively editing files still owned by former student archive.mymail.vcu.edu accounts.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2021/12/03/important-archive-mymail-vcu-edu-accounts-will-be-unavailable-on-january-3-2022/.

VCU's Dean of Students Office invites all faculty and staff to serve as instructors for the university's RAMily Workshop Series, an opportunity for VCU families to virtually connect and learn something new. Participants will teach about a subject in their profession (e.g. leadership, science, arts) or something they find interesting (e.g. knitting, brewing beer, yoga). If interested, fill out the proposal at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lynanne Jamison, Ed.D., at ljyndestad@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/WdjbYLriNixJDsjQ8.