Faculty/staff Issue for August 31, 2026
Today
Wright Center Translational Science Pilots Program Informational Webinar
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pilot awards of $25,000 are available from VCU's Clinical and Translational Science Award to support one-year, translational science projects. Join the Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science for an overview via Zoom of the Translational Science Pilot Award, including eligibility criteria, the application process, funded research areas, example projects and key information for prospective applicants.
For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tI4WRLPPQh2VGRdE0_F_Qg#/registration.
Let's Talk Neuro
7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Interested in Adult or Child Neurology residency at VCU? Join a virtual webinar to meet program directors, learn about training programs and get your questions answered. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Coronda Lee at coronda.lee@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/it5YAQ2vQs6SQv6ViRx-zw#/registration.
This week
History Department's Welcome Back Open House
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Drop by the History Department's open house at 811 S. Cathedral Place. Say hello to the professors, connect with other history students and chat with adviser Maggie Hasselbach. Refreshments will be served and those present can win some VCU history swag.
For more information, contact Andrea Wight at wighta@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/welcome-back-open-house.html.
VCU Writing Center To Present Résumé Workshop
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 at 10 a.m.
This introductory workshop is designed to guide students through the résumé writing process, from what to include and how to say it. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Canvas Overview
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will provide an overview of Canvas settings and the various components to create content for your class. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword search: Canvas). Log in to the workshop with your vcu eID and password.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu.
Bridging Science and Society: Integrating Genetic Epidemiology Research With Community Perspectives
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 at noon
VCU's Department of Epidemiology will host its Fall 2026 Epi Forum Seminar Series. This year's theme will highlight epidemiology as an interdisciplinary field, showcasing the breadth of the faculty’s research. This week's seminar comes from Elizabeth Prom-Wormley, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of Epidemiology. The seminar will be held at One Capitol Square, 830 E. Main St., Room 644 and on Zoom. Refreshments will be provided at every seminar session. Register for the Zoom session at the following URL.
For more information, contact Maggie Christ at christmm@vcu.edu or visit https://epidemiology.vcu.edu/seminar/.
VCU Writing Center Workshop: Developing Your Voice in the Age of AI
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 at noon
Developing and maintaining your unique voice in the age of AI. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Goldwater Scholarship Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Geared for sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue graduate research in the STEM fields, this session will provide information on the Goldwater Scholarship, which awards its scholars with up to $7,500 for educational expenses and a mentoring network. The session will be available via Zoom or at 701 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDMR3VfoqiMJZUBSMjiXQnOFhYXpUxLDszwU96Ipv6FUS7SA/viewform.
School of Life Sciences and Sustainability Quad Fest
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
VCU's School of Life Sciences and Sustainability will host Quad Fest in the courtyard of the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences, 1000 W. Cary St. Celebrate the start of the semester with faculty, advisers, student organizations and campus partners while enjoying hands-on activities, student research and lawn games. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Joseph Ellis at ellisjt2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1562.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Writing Workshop
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Do you receive a Pell grant? Have you thought about studying or interning abroad? Join VCU Global Learning for the biannual Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Writing Workshop. This workshop will cover award eligibility (this award is for Pell Grant recipients only), application requirements, essay tips and tricks and study abroad options at VCU. This workshop is designed to help maximize your chances of receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83404195719
For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945903.
Guided Meditation
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 at noon
Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, is suitable for all levels of practice. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/46od0qG
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Critical Language Scholarship and Summer Language Programs
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
This informational session will feature a discussion about the CLS – a funded, summer intensive language study abroad program – as well as several other domestic summer language programs. These programs are open to all undergraduates and graduate students. Teh session is available via Zoom or at 701 W. Grace St. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Kelly Weissberger at kbchroninger@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWSJT-endEgoQY3-YWtJ2ndjrqLr_3rIndskgM-wxMosn9XQ/viewform.
Emerging Researchers Academy and VCU Writing Center Workshop: Overcoming Impostor Phenomenon To Write With Confidence
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Learn to build your writing confidence by identifying and overcoming the impostor phenomenon. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) at VCU Informational Session
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Are you a PhD student or postdoctoral scholar interested in a faculty position? Come learn how you can access these resources for free and develop your faculty portfolio in this informative information session.
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945966.
VCU Writing Center Workshop and Informational Session: Writing With Confidence
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026 at 6 p.m.
In this virtual informational session and workshop, we will discuss the services provided by the VCU Writing Center and help you build confidence in your writing by breaking down the process into manageable chunks. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.
Canvas Overview
Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026 from 11 a.m. to noon
This workshop will provide an overview of Canvas settings and the various components to create content for your class. Register at training.vcu.edu (keyword search: Canvas). Login to workshop with vcu eID and password.
For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu.
Faculty Open House at the VCU Health Hub
Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All faculty members are invited to an open house at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A., to explore current programming and collectively envision how VCU’s teaching, research and resources can align with community-identified needs for mutual benefit. RSVP at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrB3mY6n51tvDbCBsX_mICjnSuXyGlfsjFVSDtcl6IttG0dQ/viewform?usp=header.
DesignPLUS Essentials
Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon
Join LEDstudio for DesignPLUS Essentials, an interactive Zoom workshop that will help you bring your Canvas courses to life. DesignPlus is a Canvas plug-in available to all VCU faculty. Follow along with live demonstrations, practice new skills in real time and discover how to use DesignPLUS to create polished, engaging course pages. A recording will be shared with registered participants after the workshop. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/XJTxp86JR7OKMS0aRpojPg.
Coming up
Graduate School Lunch and Learn, Goal-Setting for Academic Success: Preparing for a SMART Start
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.
Tailored for graduate students navigating heavy academic workloads, this interactive workshop via Zoom helps participants combat common challenges by reconnecting with their foundational motivations. Those who attend will learn to transform their academic milestones into actionable targets using the SMART goals framework and apply the "Big Rocks" prioritization method to protect their weekly schedules. By the session's end, participants will establish three to five strategic goals for the semester while discovering vital campus resources to support well-being and success
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945954.
Three-Minute Thesis Informational Session
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Come learn about the benefits and logistics of participating in this research dissemination event via Zoo,/
For more information, contact Erin Brown, Ph.D., at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1945971.
Teaching With Technology at VCU: An Interactive Exchange and Expo
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register for LEDstudio, Academic Technologies, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence's Teaching with Technology at VCU: An Interactive Exchange and Expo in the Cabell Library, Room 303. Join faculty and university partners for a hands-on event exploring teaching, course design, instructional technology, and student engagement. Bring your laptop and an assignment, activity, or course element you'd like to rethink or redesign, and leave with practical ideas you can apply to your teaching. We'd love to see you there. Please RSVP using the form.
For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/M46oEs1JWXeEPBa17.
Effective Groups and Teams Workshop for Managers
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
VCU HR will facilitate an Effective Groups and Teams workshop for managers. The course via Zoom focuses on ground rules that lead to mutual learning and improved team performance. Register in Talent at the following URL by Monday, Sept. 7. If you are a VCU Health System employee and would like to attend this course, complete this form: https://forms.gle/wUYEuyY7GNGiknLD7
For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/4drpa645.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026 at noon
Approaching AI in Community Engaged Research: What happens when AI meets real-world community-engaged research? Join VCU’s next Community Engaged Research Series session to explore how education research-practice partnerships are navigating AI’s risks, benefits and possibilities. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA1Yi5WWl0cDwH4AwpQbEDdYAV8PIBY8rYNeW_wLN_v2x7jw/viewform?usp=header.
2026 Associate Professor Conference: 'Designing Mid-Career Trajectories in a Changing Academy'
Friday, Sep. 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
From The Office of the Provost – Faculty Affairs. This conference will offer advanced assistant professors and term/tenured associate professors a focused platform for growth around the theme "Designing Mid-Career Trajectories in a Changing Academy." Featuring an expert keynote, skill-building sessions and dedicated networking time, this event wil provide the clarity and connections needed to intentionally design your career path. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/professional-development/conferences/associate-professor-conference/2026-apc/.
Twin Casting Call for VCU Uncommon Hero Video
Monday, Sep. 21, 2026 at 10 a.m.
VCU's Enterprise Marketing and Communications team is looking for twins to be a part of one of its Uncommon Hero videos. The videos highlight special members of the VCU community and for this subject, sets of twins are needed. Only reach out if both of you are able to participate. The production will take place within the last two weeks of September. The casting call will be at the Scott Carriage House, 909 W. Franklin St. If you are or know any set of twins or triplets in the greater Richmond area, reach out to gendronrt@vcu.edu or vcumultimedia@gmail.com.
For more information, contact VCU EMC at vcumultimedia@gmail.com.
Process Consultation
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This online-synchronous course offered by Continuing and Professional Education introduces participants to the foundations of process consultation and the consultant mindset. Over six weeks, learners will explore how to respond effectively to requests for help, identify the right stakeholders, establish clear agreements and clarify roles, expectations, scope and desired outcomes at the start of a consulting engagement. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://cpe.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/process-consultation.
All That Glitters Isn’t Gold: An Exploration of Parkinson’s Disease Mimics
Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This one-day, low-cost continuing medical education activity is designed to provide healthcare professionals with an updated, evidence-based review of atypical parkinsonian syndromes and related neurodegenerative disorders that are often accompanied with Parkinsonian symptoms, including ataxia, Huntington Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Corticobasal Degeneration. It is intended for physicians, advanced practice providers (NPs and PAs), nurses, social workers and psychologists in neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychology and primary care. The event will be held at VCU College of Health Professionals, first-floor auditorium, 900 E. Leigh St. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Ginger Norris at vwnorris@vcu.edu or (804) 627-1398 or visit https://primeinc.org/live/all-that-glitters-isnt-gold-exploration-parkinsons-disease-mimics.
Registration Is Closing for Experienced Supervisors Institute, a Professional Development Course
Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Experienced Supervisors Institute is open for registration. This three-day course will help participants build the necessary competencies to move beyond the role of a managing supervisor and become an influential leader. The institute focuses on advanced supervision tools/tips and an introspective look at what it takes to succeed in challenging climates. The class willbe at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or (434) 270-2026 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/experienced-supervisors-institute-esi/.
Notices
Free Passport-Style Photos With the Global Education Office
Looking to apply for your first U.S. passport or renew your current passport? Need a 2-inch by 2-inch photo for your Visa or OPT application? Get your free passport-style photograph taken at VCU's Global Education Office, 912 W. Grace St., fourth floor. Passport-Style Photo Services are offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Register at the following URL for a 15-minute time slot.
For more information, contact Julianna Hill at hilljk5@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7882 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejLHsHb1Q3lapB5hNPwQiMxVs8-YfY1IWQ5OPVp5zVVmGscQ/viewform?usp=header.
Digital Accessibility Resource for Faculty
Looking to make your Canvas course more accessible? LEDstudio's Digital Accessibility for VCU Faculty self-paced Canvas course provides practical guidance, best practices, and tips to help you create more accessible learning experiences for your students. Explore the course at the link below.
For more information, contact Patty Hendricks at hendricksp@vcu.edu or visit https://vcuonline.catalog.vcu.edu/browse/microcourses/courses/ledstudio-digital-accessibility-for-vcu-faculty.
Faculty Opportunity: Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative
VCU tenure-track faculty are invited to join an in-person community of scholars focused on strengthening community-engaged research through peer exchange, shared learning and connections to funding pathways and institutional supports. Apply by Monday, Sept. 14 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/.
VCU Alumni Virtual Book Club
Go behind the scenes to learn how iconic film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert influenced film criticism and pop culture in Matt Singer’s “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.” Grab a copy of our latest VCU Alumni book pick, pop some popcorn and discover how Siskel and Ebert’s iconic thumbs-up and thumbs-down format transformed how we watch and talk about movies. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tiera Byrd at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://www.pbc.guru/vcu.
VCU at Your Fingertips
Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee paystub, join a group and receive related notifications and more? Download the VCU Mobile app, with a new look, feel and functionality, for all things VCU.
For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.
VCU Winter Break: Cross-Cultural Roots of Care: A Guatemalan Highlands Immersion Experience
The VCU School of Nursing is offering ite annual service-learning trip to Guatemala as a 3-credit elective. This program has a longstanding history of providing opportunities for mutual learning as students and community members share conversation on health promotion topics, take part in demonstrations of traditional Mayan practices and use of medicinal herbs and participate in local women's empowerment projects. This program offers a life-changing experience that will help develop undergraduate students into responsible global citizens.
For more information, contact Mary Falk at mfalk@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11647.
Course Evaluation Policy Open for Public Comment
The new policy on Course Evaluations is open for public comment through Friday, Sept. 4. Review the policy at: https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DEFD2E8588A1179EF9FEC4D1AE6E4E Submit your comments at: https://vcuportal.questionpro.com/Course-evaluation
For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com/doctract/documentportal/08DEFD2E8588A1179EF9FEC4D1AE6E4E.
Applications Now Open: Faculty Learning Communities for 2026-27
Interested in exploring new approaches to teaching and learning with colleagues from across VCU? Applications for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) 2026–27 Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) are open through Friday, Sept. 4. FLCs provide faculty with an opportunity to engage in sustained exploration, discussion and collaboration around a shared teaching and learning topic. Additional information and application available at the following URL. Questions: Contact Ashley Hahn Akkaya at akkayaa@vcu.edu
For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/faculty-resources/faculty-learning-communities/.
Faculty and Research Staff Opportunity: Community-Engaged Research Scholars Collaborative
VCU faculty and research staff are invited to join an in-person community of scholars focused on strengthening community-engaged research through peer exchange, shared learning and connections to funding pathways and institutional support. Questions: Visit https://community.vcu.edu/community/cersc/ Apply by Monday, Sept. 14 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedras at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/9dCpFqCnE9bCBrNv7.
New Convergence Website
VCU Convergence has launched its new website which features information and resources connecting faculty, students and community partners for the common good. Become involved by clicking on "About" and "Contact" at the following URL.
For more information, contact Tim Luckritz Marquis at convergence@vcu.edu or visit https://convergence.vcu.edu/.
Parking Decks To Be Controlled 24/7
VCU Parking and Transportation services will be transitioning to a 24/7 controlled access operation over the fall semester. As part of this initiative, the university's parking garages will require permit access at all times. This transition will occur in phases. D Deck will be the first to have 24/7 controlled access, effective Wednesday, Aug. 26.
For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.
InP-ACT: Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Study for Chronic Pain and Insomnia
Recruiting individuals ages 18+ who have had chronic pain and sleep disturbance for at least three months. Participants will be involved in weekly group therapy over the course of six weeks. Compensation provided.
For more information, contact Lara LoBrutto at inpact@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=W48JM9TMYTCJEDWT.
TEDxVCU Planning Team Application
Join the TEDxVCU planning team and help share ideas. More information about each position and the application can be found here: Team Lead Application (https://forms.gle/6eUqcynY7ta1QhEW8) by Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Planning Team Application (https://forms.gle/R5UiPTeuuoyyTP2X9) by Tuesday, Sept. 15.
For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.
Faculty Learning Community Application: Reimagining the Classroom With Service-Learning
Are you ready to reimagine how students learn and thrive in your classroom? Join a community of passionate educators exploring innovative, hands-on-strategies that spark curiosity and deepen engagement across disciplines and beyond traditional boundaries. Service-Learning at VCU invites faculty from all disciplines to apply to participate in 2026-2027 Faculty Learning Community focused on “Reimagining the Classroom With Service-Learning” Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/2WV4fpnvESoYadwq5.
RecWell Intramural 7v7 Flag Football Registration
VCU RecWell is accepting registration for Intramural 7v7 Flag Football through Monday, Sept. 7. League play begins Sept. 13 at Cary Street Field. Participants of varying skill levels are welcome. Register and view league information at the following URL.
For more information, contact VCU RecWell at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.
Participants Needed for Brain Imaging Study
The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain imaging study to understand decision-making processes in adults with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be compensated for participating in this study.
For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.
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.