This week
Eat Smart for Your Heart
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021 at 11 a.m.
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Kristen Monahan, VCU Health dietitian, will discuss a heart-healthy lifestyle at a program hosted by VCU Human Resources. Participants will learn how to decrease salt intake, fats and cholesterol and how to include more plant-based meals. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register in 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/2P0jIPg.
CTLE Workshop: TakeBreakMake Google Suite
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and VCU Libraries - Innovative Media will present a workshop on Google Suite tools. Participants will learn how creating weird things (together) in Google Docs, Slides and Jamboard can help create community in the classroom. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/iemnBDcU8M8teFHa6.
Metabolism Makeover
Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Ever wondered why it seems one person can eat anything they want and not gain a pound, while another person's every indulgence shows up on the scale? Join VCU Human Resources and CommonHealth for the answers you need to work with your metabolism. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. 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/3kme7ym.
'Incorporating Rigor and Reproducibility Into Your NIH Grant Application'
Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a grant-writing seminar via Zoom. Matthew Banks, Pharm.D., Ph.D., associate professor, pharmacology and toxicology, will discuss strategies for incorporating required rigor and reproducibility information into federal grant applications. Questions or for a complete list of grant-writing series sessions, contact the following email address or visit http://www.cctr.vcu.edu. Register for the session 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpd-2tqzwtHtVAuKS8AJUY4CY8zw0dKKg6.
Graduate Student Association General Body Meeting
Thursday, Mar. 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Student concerns and the climate survey will be discussed at the association's general body meeting. The winning T-shirt design will be revealed. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ann Kee at keesa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/gsa/rsvp_boot?id=914388.
'Recasting the Vote: How Women of Color Transformed the Suffrage Movement'
Friday, Mar. 12, 2021 at noon
Cathleen D. Cahill, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Penn State University, is a social historian who explores the everyday experiences of ordinary people, primarily women. Her talk will reveal the hidden histories of the Native American, Chinese American, African American and Hispana suffragists who challenged women’s inequality and fought against the racial prejudices of the age. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Catie-Reagan Palmore at palmorecr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/recasting-the-vote-how-women-of-color-transformed-the-suffrage-movement.html.
Notices
Canvas Training for Spring
New online Canvas training sessions are scheduled and ready for registration. Academic Technologies has partnered with VCU Online to provide a full schedule of training covering a variety of Canvas topics. Training will be delivered by members of both teams who have prepared the university's Canvas environment and resources to smooth the transition. View the training schedule at the following URL.
For more information, contact Brianne Jackson at onlinepd@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/learn-canvas.
VCU REAL Grant Opportunities
VCU REAL is still accepting applications until March 15 for a pair of grants supporting high-impact practices. VCU REAL Challenge Grants provide funding for projects that increase access to transformative experiential learning opportunities. Community-Engaged Research Impact Grants support faculty incorporating community-engaged research experiences into their existing programs. Apply for the grants at the following URL.
For more information, contact Erin Webster Garrett at real@vcu.edu or visit https://real.vcu.edu/grants/.
Nominate a VCU Colleague, Student or Organization for the 2021 PACME
Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment. The VCU and VCU Health System communities are invited to nominate a faculty member, staff member, academic or administrative leader or organization, or a student or student organization. Nominations are due by March 10 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Division for Inclusive Excellence at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://president.vcu.edu/nominations/pacme/.
IRB Satisfaction Survey
The VCU Human Research Protection Program invites members of the VCU and VCU Health research community who are familiar with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to take an anonymous satisfaction survey. The survey will be available through March 26. Results will help to evaluate current services and plan for the next year. Click on the following link to begin the survey.
For more information, contact Elicia Preslan at preslaned@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=4FYFTYKD3F.
VRS Hybrid Contribution Deadline Is March 15
March 15 is the quarterly election deadline for voluntary contributions to become effective in April for participants in the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan. Participants can voluntarily contribute up to 4 percent of their creditable salary and receive up to a 2.5 percent employer match.
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit http://www.varetirement.org/hybrid.
Franklin Street Detour in Effect March 8-13
Facilities Management advises that West Franklin Street between Shafer and Laurel streets will be closed March 8-13 due to work on the new storm and sanitary sewer system as a part of the STEM Building construction. The sidewalk on the north side of Franklin Street will remain open.
For more information, contact Margaret Kelland at mkelland@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/about/announcements/announcements/title-435228-en.html.
VCU Recreational Sports Swim Lessons for Children
VCU Recreational Sports is offering its second session of swim lessons for children. Parent/Child and Preschool Levels 1-3 will be held at Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center on Saturday mornings. The program will be held March 20-April 24 on Saturdays. (No class on April 3). Register at the following URL by noon March 19.
For more information, contact Jenna Dillon at dillonj3@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/aquatics/childrens-swim-lessons/.
Recreational Sports OAP Climbing Challenge
VCU's Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventure Program is hosting its first annual climbing challenge, which runs through March 31. Climbers are challenged to set a personal record or compete against friends to climb a total of 2,900 feet to ascend the face of El Capitan on the 35-foot Cary Street Gym Climbing Wall. Climbers can also participate in the OAP's group goal of climbing 29,035 vertical feet to the peak of Everest. All levels of experience are welcome. Register at the Climbing Wall.
For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/outdoor-adventure-program/climbing-and-bouldering/.
Staff Senate Sale at RamTech
All month, RamTech is giving eligible faculty and staff zero percent down on payroll deduction. Shop online or in-store at RamTech's new location inside Barnes & Noble @ VCU. Fill out the preorder form to start payroll deduction on your order at the following URL. Next month, RamTech will be celebrating seven years with seven days of giveaways. Follow @RamTechVCU for details or email ramtech@vcu.edu.
For more information, contact Erinn Budd at ramtech@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8324 or visit https://rb.gy/ghqkrd.
Call for Speakers: Men in Mental Health
Active Minds at VCU will present a student speaker panel focusing on breaking the stigmas around toxic masculinity and raising awareness about the importance of open communication about mental health in men. The organization is seeking male-identifying speakers. To participate, fill out the Google form at the following URL. This event will be held 7-8:30 p.m. March 17. Questions: Email activeminds4vcu@gmail.com.
For more information, contact Rachel Bastien at Bastienrd@vcu.edu or (757) 759-3101 or visit https://forms.gle/ATzJQUuWG8tw6ZhH9.
Career Week Events: March 29-April 1
VCU Career Services and Alumni Relations will present a series of events designed to connect students and alumni with employers, information and opportunities to support professional development. Attend as many events as desired in the areas of arts, media and communications, health care, public and social service, STEM and even a Create Your Own Adventure. Visit Handshake to register for events (search "Career Week").
For more information, contact Monique Sample at hirevcurams@vcu.edu or visit https://careers.vcu.edu/career-fairs---events/careerweek/.
Race and Trust in Institutions Study
Are you 18 years of age or above and self-identify as Black/African American? Consider the Race and Trust in Institutions Study. The purpose of the study is to explore how public incidents involving law enforcement and African Americans may affect mental health and institutional trust. All data will be held confidential. SONA Research credit is available for participants in this study. Non-SONA participants will be entered into a raffle for one of ten $25 gift cards.
For more information, contact Shawn Jones, Ph.D., MHS, at scjones4@vcu.edu.
