Faculty/staff Issue for July 2, 2026
This week
Protection of Minors Office July Newsletter
Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026 at 8 a.m.
The Protection of Minors Office, part of VCU Equity and Access Services, has published its July newsletter. This month's edition includes helpful reminders, resources and updates. View the newsletter at the following URL.
For more information, contact Protection of Minors Office at youth@vcu.edu or visit https://equity.vcu.edu/media/equity-and-access-services/docs/July26MinorsNewsletter.pdf.
Coming up
Human Resources Listening Sessions
Monday, Jul. 20, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Alison Miller, VCU’s Chief Human Resources Officer, will host a series of listening sessions to better understand which aspects of the VCU employment experience are most important to staff and how VCU HR can best serve staff moving forward. Join a session to share your thoughts. Register in Talent@VCU for an upcoming virtual session on Monday, July 20 or Wednesday, July 22 at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d79d4adf8-a696-43b5-b200-79ecc3d1945b.
Paralegal Certificate Program
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Are you ready to begin a career in the legal field? The university's Continuing and Professional Education online Paralegal Certificate Program focuses on the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the legal workplace and is taught by practicing attorneys. The CPE program runs from Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Feb. 8, 2027. VCU alumni, staff and faculty discounts are available.
For more information, contact Laura Wilson at wilsonl14@vcu.edu or visit https://www.continuingstudies.vcu.edu/CourseStatus.awp3?&course=27-LW-005.
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.
Health Career Exploration Camps
VCU Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and St. Paul’s Baptist Church are collaborating to present health career exploration camps for elementary (Saturday, Aug. 8), middle (Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17) and high school students (Wednesday, July 8-Friday, July 10). All three programs will be held at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road. Questions: Email the following address.
For more information, contact Karen Hill at karen.hill@vcuhealth.org or visit https://myspbc.org/.
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 noninvasive 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.
Minority Political Leadership Institute Applications Closing Soon
The Minority Political Leadership Institute is an eight-month program designed to promote leadership development for individuals interested in issues important to minority communities, including community economics, political climate, civic engagement and equity. The MPLI offers insights regarding leadership legacy and culture, personal leadership, policy and legislative processes, responsible stewardship, public service and integrity for future leaders. Apply at the following URL by Friday, July 10.
For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/minority-political-leadership-institute-mpli-/.
Risk-Taking in Eating Disorders Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab is recruiting adolescent girls and young adult women (aged 12 to 25 years) for a brain imaging study to understand risky decision-making in individuals who have concerns about their body shape/weight, or overeat, purge, use laxatives, diet severely or exercise excessively. We are also investigating these processes in individuals without a psychological disorder. There will be compensation for participation.
For more information, contact TREAT Lab (or Kelsey Hagan, Ph.D., PI) at treatlab@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-4174 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=48YEAYT8MK33E8EJ.
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.
Participants Are Invited For Study Examining the Impact of Heat Therapy on Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of heat therapy (infrared sauna) on PTSD 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.