Faculty/staff Issue for June 25, 2026
Today
VCU CPE: Paralegal Certificate Program
6 p.m.
Paralegal skills are in high demand at law firms but also across industries like tech, healthcare, finance and education. Whether you're a recent graduate looking for a competitive edge or a professional ready for a change, the VCU Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is designed to fit your goals and your schedule. VCU's next cohort begins this summer. Join a program informational session to learn about the university's course schedules, curriculum, registration process, career opportunities, VCU staff and alumni discounts. You’ll also have the chance to connect with program instructor Nicole Terry during the meeting. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19a93df906e9409e80a9cb6b9277e218.
This week
Blood Drive at the VCU Health Hub
Friday, Jun. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the blood drive at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. Each donor will receive a $15 e-gift card. Sign up for a slot at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=tlod.
Coming up
Upcoming Utility Work Associated With the West Grace Street Housing Project
Monday, Jun. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Upcoming utility work associated with the West Grace Street Housing Project will impact the intersection of West Grace and North Belvidere streets. Beginning Monday, June 29 until Friday, Aug. 7 work will take place overnight. At least one lane of traffic in both directions on North Belvidere Street will be maintained.
For more information, contact Britt Dixon at dixonbd@vcu.edu.
SMART Goals and You Workshop
Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
VCU HR is facilitating a workshop via Zoom about SMART Goals and You. The course clarifies the meaning of SMART goals, how to use them for performance and career development and includes practical application. Attendance is encouraged for those who wish to learn more about SMART goals for themselves and/or their team or is in a position to educate others about SMART goals. Workshops are offered throughout the year. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. Email Beverly Walker (bwalker@vcu.edu) with questions about the workshop. Email Penny McFarline (mcfarlinep@vcu.edu) with registration questions.
For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit http://bit.ly/4m0vbbm.
Notices
Faculty Learning Communities Survey
FLCs (Faculty Learning Communities) are small groups of faculty members who meet regularly to explore a shared teaching and learning topic. Participants engage in collaborative discussions, share practices and reflect on their teaching in a supportive environment. Many FLCs also provide opportunities for faculty to develop practical resources and materials that can be shared with colleagues across the university. Faculty members are invited to complete the short survey at the following URL to share their interests, potential topics and feedback regarding future FLC opportunities. Information from this survey will help VCU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence plan FLCs for the 2026-2027 school year.
For more information, contact Michele Murray at mmurray2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtisHQHusI5wFIJOMTDU3DcBgFvsB2PQpskAsVK9MfbtgZFg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102580568854293550927.
Fun, Beginner-Friendly AI Course Coming Fall 2026 (New Gen Ed and Practical AI Minor Course)
EDUS 268 – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. in Room 0440, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. This Fall 2026 course is part of the VCU General Education Curriculum and the Practical AI Minor. Play with AI, learn with fun, be future-ready with AI, no coding experience required, low-pressure learning environment. This is a hybrid-synchronous course with two meetings each week: one online synchronous session will include a discussion about AI and machine learning applications in teaching and learning, assessment policy and research. One in-person session in which students will explore AI tools and create projects that apply AI/ML to real-world problems. No quizzes. Instead, students will work in teams to explore, develop and propose an AI/ML-based idea to address a real-world problem. This course is designed to be a hands-on, beginner-friendly AI playground for students from different backgrounds.
For more information, contact Chi-Ning Chang, Ph.D., at changc10@vcu.edu or visit https://chiningchang.github.io/AI-Mission-Adventure-for-Kids/.
Concussion Research Study
Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years old who have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion OR 2) sustained a concussion within the last 14 days. This non-invasive study is investigating the acoustic startle reflex and acoustic startle potentiation in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion. Participants will be compensated for their time. See the interest form at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jessie Oldham at oldhamjr@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=YKDWLNYWDNK7M7KX.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Cold Water Immersion on Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have GAD or symptoms of GAD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of cold water immersion on GAD symptoms with specific focus on blood vessel function. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. Principle Investigator: Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.
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.