1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Take a break from the news, social media, class assignments or telework responsibilities to find a moment of quiet reflection in the middle of your day with virtual guided meditation. In a time of chaos and uncertainty, guided meditation provides a sense of calm, peace and balance. It improves attention, focus and ability to work through stressful circumstances. This class is brought to you by VCU Human Relations 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/3IQ3XC1.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn about the VCU Master of Decision Analytics Professional Track program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. Alumni will speak about their experience in the program including the curriculum, program structure, the power of the cohort experience, networking benefits and career development. In addition, members of the program administration will answer questions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Bill Miller at wjmille1@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/academics/analytics/master-of-decision-analytics-professional-track/#sob-events-1759442.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs in collaboration with the Global Education Office and Focused Inquiry will host a virtual meeting to plan a cultural achievement ceremony for students (undergraduate and graduate) who identify as Asian (Central, East, South, Southeast, West) and/or Pacific Islander. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short, Global Engagement Co-curricular Coordinator, at aeshort@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscemupzIuHtWJH-Q1bKvc1kc4AmG3-9Eg.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

One of the secrets of effective stress management at work is finding ways to incorporate stress-reduction techniques into the workday. By Taking a Break to practice the tips, stretches or breathing techniques taught in this program, presented by VCU Human Resources and CommonHealth, participants can catch their response to a stressful situation early – before it has a chance to turn unhealthy. Questions: https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/. Register for the link 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/3GQNJH7.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn about the VCU Master of Decision Analytics Professional Track program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. Alumni will discuss their experiences in the program, including the curriculum, program structure, the power of the cohort experience, networking benefits and career development. Members of the program administration will be available to answer questions. Click on the URL below to register.

For more information, contact Bill Miller at wjmille1@vcu.edu or visit https://business.vcu.edu/academics/mba-options/executive-mba/#sob-events-1759433.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Whether you're using Google Forms 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Has the pandemic changed the way you feel about your life and your career? Join VCU Gerontology to learn about gerontology as a field for a new career path with flexible opportunities and meaningful, impactful work. Gerontology students not only uncover a wealth of knowledge about the societal impacts of aging and the science behind this life stage, but embark on a personal journey to learn about themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Catherine S. MacDonald at macdonaldcs@vcu.edu or (571) 484-4511 or visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkf-yrqz4iGNJNm2xumRv7gKhx-wINvpaZ.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present Stacey Wahl, Ph.D., research and education librarian, via Zoom. Wahl will discuss scholarly profiles that can be used to track your scientific progress, find information about your contributions to science and display your work for grant reviewers. Plan to have your computer available for this interactive session. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu. Register for the link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1519 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtf-uhpj0pGdVpSG_iGnaQm1iWF2KvoZ0E.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join VCU Human Resources for a virtual panel discussion on loss, work and life during COVID-19. We have all been impacted in one way or another. Panelists will share what has worked for them and provide takeaways and resources. We will discuss supporting yourself, your loved ones and your colleagues through grief and loss while we all seek balance in our VCU RAMily. Those who register in advance will be able to submit questions for the panelists prior to the event. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/. Register for the link at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Department of Health Administration will host a virtual informational session for the Ph.D. in Health Services Organization and Research. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with program faculty and staff and learn about admissions and funding. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://ha.chp.vcu.edu/programs/hsor-phd-program/.

Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Johnson and Johnson Innovation (JLabs) will present an online overview of the newest life science and health-care incubator in Washington, D.C. The state-of-the-art site is open to entrepreneurs, innovators and startups focused on innovation across the health-care spectrum, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumers and health tech. Visit iem.vcu.edu for more information and to register.

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

Submit MLK events at the following URL to be included on the 2022 VCU MLK Celebration website. The theme for the 2022 VCU MLK celebration is: “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the existence of justice for all people.” Submitted events will be posted on https://mlkday.vcu.edu and shared with the VCU and Richmond communities.

For more information, contact Archana Pathak, Ph.D. at aapathak@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3GxreH4.

VCU's Department of African American Studies is soliciting nominations for its Black History in the Making Award. Departments and programs are invited to select up to one undergraduate student and one graduate student as recipients. Additionally, members of the VCU community are invited to nominate junior faculty and VCU staff to be considered for the junior faculty and staff awards. Submissions are due by Feb. 8. Submit a nomination at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dae Newman at newmanad@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1371 or visit https://afam.vcu.edu/awards/black-history-in-the-making/.

VCU RecWell's Instructional Program, Faculty and Staff Training (F.A.S.T.), incorporates strength and circuit training to build overall fitness levels while emphasizing proper form on functional movements. Small groups ensure team camaraderie without sacrificing individual attention. F.A.S.T is open to RecWell members who are VCU faculty and staff and begins Jan. 25. Register at the following URL by Jan. 28.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/instructional-programs/.

VCU Libraries, in support of open and affordable course materials across the VCU community, announces that a new round of VIVA Open Course Grants is open for applications. These $2,000 to $30,000 grants empower Virginia faculty with the resources and time they need to redesign courses by swapping expensive course materials for open, no cost, or library options. Applications are due Feb. 23.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2021-news/viva-grants.html.

VCU Continuing and Professional Education, in partnership with the School of World Studies, will hold live online cultural competency and language classes for VCU and VCU Health employees and community members for 1 academic credit. Courses begin Jan. 18 and run through early May. Introduction to Conversational Spanish I and II are available. Contact Human Resources for tuition benefit or education assistance eligibility.

For more information, contact VCU Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/languages.

The 2022 You First Peer Mentoring application is now open. First-generation college students who are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply. Peer mentors serve as guides to new first-gen students and they benefit from being part of a close-knit group of other first-gen mentors who share experiences, celebrations and friendship. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students. Apply at the following URL by Feb. 8.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3927 or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/resources/you-first-mentors/.

Youssef Roman, Pharm.D., Ph.D., 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 those who consider themselves 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.

We are inviting male and female Type 2 diabetes patients with painful diabetic neuropathy ages 18-75 to participate in a research investigation of a new treatment to alleviate pain and examine its effects on pain perception. In addition to the new treatment, this study involves completing surveys and undergoing tests to evaluate perceptions of pain. Volunteers will be compensated for their time. Participants are only required to come once for the study. The study is conducted within the VCU Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Lab. Questions: Email Bhushan Thakkar at the following address or Edmund Acevedo, Ph.D., FACSM, at eoacevedo@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Bhushan Thakkar at thakkarbs2@vcu.edu or (804) 300-5578.