Faculty/staff Issue for May 26, 2026

Special Announcement

Parking Deck Subscribers To Relocate During Graduations

Upcoming high school graduations will create interruptions to parking from May 26-29 (Tuesday-Friday). From May 26-29, all West Broad Street Deck subscribers will relocate to the West Cary Street Deck, 1101 W. Cary St.; Jefferson Street Deck, 100 S. Jefferson St.; Henry Street Deck, 200 N. Henry St.; or West Main Street Deck, 801 W. Main St. West Broad Street Deck subscribers may relocate to the above listed locations if preferred, but are not required.

A dedicated shuttle service will be provided by Parking and Transportation from May 26-29 (Tuesday-Friday) to transport subscribers to and from on-campus locations. RamSafe shuttles will run continuously to and from the West Cary Street Deck, Jefferson Street Deck, Harrison and Franklin streets, Franklin and Laurel streets, and Shafer and Franklin streets from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. If a VCU parking subscriber needs transportation between the hours of 6:31 p.m. and 6:29 a.m., they can place a ride request through the RamSafe using the Ride Pingo app.

Reciprocal parking will not be permitted on the West Broad Street May 26-29. MCV Campus subscribers may park on the West Cary Street Deck, Jefferson Street Deck, Henry St. Deck, or West Main St. Deck.

Additional information on high school graduation impacts is available at https://parking.vcu.edu/special-events/high-school-graduations/.


Today

VCU Writing Center Workshop: An Introduction to AI

Add to calendar 26-05-2026 10:00:00 26-05-2026 America/New_York VCU Writing Center Workshop: An Introduction to AI AI chatbots and language models are a hot topic at the moment. This workshop will emphasize positive ways that AI might be able to be part of the writing process and highlight shortcomings and caution that students should have when exploring AI. Join us via Zoom to learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL. https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/ Jess Rogers rogersjp2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

10 a.m.

AI chatbots and language models are a hot topic at the moment. This workshop will emphasize positive ways that AI might be able to be part of the writing process and highlight shortcomings and caution that students should have when exploring AI. Join us via Zoom to learn more about AI and explore how it can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

The Hub Club, A Mental Wellness Circle: Mental Health Awareness Month Series

Add to calendar 26-05-2026 11:00:00 26-05-2026 13:00:00 America/New_York The Hub Club, A Mental Wellness Circle: Mental Health Awareness Month Series The topic of the Hub Club's Mental Wellness Circle will be about parenting blues. Learn how to prioritize your mental health first. The session will be at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A VCU Health Hub vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The topic of the Hub Club's Mental Wellness Circle will be about parenting blues. Learn how to prioritize your mental health first. The session will be at 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

VCU Writing Center Workshop: Writing a Strong Introduction, Abstract or Proposal Narrative

Add to calendar 26-05-2026 18:00:00 26-05-2026 America/New_York VCU Writing Center Workshop: Writing a Strong Introduction, Abstract or Proposal Narrative In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will give you the tools necessary to establish your ideas for your introduction, abstract or proposal narrative in a strong, logical way that will hook your audience and get them excited about reading more. Register at the following URL. https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/ Jess Rogers rogersjp2@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

6 p.m.

In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will give you the tools necessary to establish your ideas for your introduction, abstract or proposal narrative in a strong, logical way that will hook your audience and get them excited about reading more. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jess Rogers at rogersjp2@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

This week

America To Go Catering Training Begins May 27

Add to calendar 27-05-2026 10:00:00 27-05-2026 America/New_York America To Go Catering Training Begins May 27 VCU Procurement Services is moving into the next phase of the America To Go (ATG) catering implementation with upcoming virtual training sessions for campus departments and event planners. These sessions will include a live demonstration of the ATG RealSource e-catalog, ordering guidance, compliance expectations, billing workflows and a Q&A segment. Training Sessions will be Wednesday, May 27, 10 a.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/t8N48qy5TOmuqrPSIKF_fg; May 27, 2 p.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/6YkEcwJ2R7Sx6elEhZWqsA; Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/0AsjgK5MSa-eQgsS-Oml-g; Thursday, May 28, 2 p.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/eLcttmG0RI2DFRK1FsjcGg All sessions will cover the same content. Participants only need to register for one session. Following the launch of the new RealSource e-catalog on May 27, all applicable university catering orders should be placed through ATG in RealSource. Virtual/Zoom Justin Carrico jcarrico@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10 a.m.

VCU Procurement Services is moving into the next phase of the America To Go (ATG) catering implementation with upcoming virtual training sessions for campus departments and event planners. These sessions will include a live demonstration of the ATG RealSource e-catalog, ordering guidance, compliance expectations, billing workflows and a Q&A segment. Training Sessions will be Wednesday, May 27, 10 a.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/t8N48qy5TOmuqrPSIKF_fg; May 27, 2 p.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/6YkEcwJ2R7Sx6elEhZWqsA; Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/0AsjgK5MSa-eQgsS-Oml-g; Thursday, May 28, 2 p.m. – https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/eLcttmG0RI2DFRK1FsjcGg All sessions will cover the same content. Participants only need to register for one session. Following the launch of the new RealSource e-catalog on May 27, all applicable university catering orders should be placed through ATG in RealSource.

For more information, contact Justin Carrico at jcarrico@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/procurement/america-to-go-catering-training-begins-may-27/.

Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Apps Overview

Add to calendar 27-05-2026 11:30:00 27-05-2026 America/New_York Avaya Workplace and MyE911 Apps Overview Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates. Virtual Wayne Johnson wljohnson@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

Elevate your workplace communication with the convenience of the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, it’s easy to take your office phone number wherever you go; seamlessly using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates.

For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub

Add to calendar 27-05-2026 12:00:00 27-05-2026 13:00:00 America/New_York Wednesday Walks With the Health Hub Looking for a group that allows you to connect with others and nature and also improves your health? The Health Hub hosts Wednesday Walks, which provide the opportunity for a walk in Church Hill. Each walk will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, and visits different parts of the neighborhood. 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A VCU Health Hub vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m.

Looking for a group that allows you to connect with others and nature and also improves your health? The Health Hub hosts Wednesday Walks, which provide the opportunity for a walk in Church Hill. Each walk will begin and end at the Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A, and visits different parts of the neighborhood.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

Staff Appreciation Event and Resource Fair – Summer Block Party

Add to calendar 28-05-2026 13:00:00 28-05-2026 15:00:00 America/New_York Staff Appreciation Event and Resource Fair – Summer Block Party VCU Staff Senate invites all staff to an afternoon of food, fun, resources and prizes. Grab your coworkers and come outside to the Student Commons Plaza for VCU resource tables, Dogs on Call, chair massages, outdoor games, fitness demonstrations, contests, raffles, treats, free swag, chances to win basketball tickets, yummy snacks, photo booth, VCU Senior Leadership meet and greet and more. VCU Student Commons Plaza Melissa Burton staffsenate@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Staff Senate invites all staff to an afternoon of food, fun, resources and prizes. Grab your coworkers and come outside to the Student Commons Plaza for VCU resource tables, Dogs on Call, chair massages, outdoor games, fitness demonstrations, contests, raffles, treats, free swag, chances to win basketball tickets, yummy snacks, photo booth, VCU Senior Leadership meet and greet and more.

For more information, contact Melissa Burton at staffsenate@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1316 or visit http://www.staffsenate.vcu.edu.

Informational Session: Cleanroom Training Program

Add to calendar 28-05-2026 12:00:00 28-05-2026 America/New_York Informational Session: Cleanroom Training Program VCU’s Continuing and Professional Education and College of Engineering will launch a new hands-on Cleanroom Training Program this summer via Zoom, designed to build essential skills for careers in semiconductors and microelectronics environments. Sessions will be offered on Thursday, May 28 at noon and 7 p.m. Participants will gain practical experience within a professional lab space. No prior experience is required for students (18+), graduates, or career changers. See the interest form at the following URL. Zoom Shelly Schuetz ssschuetz@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at noon

VCU’s Continuing and Professional Education and College of Engineering will launch a new hands-on Cleanroom Training Program this summer via Zoom, designed to build essential skills for careers in semiconductors and microelectronics environments. Sessions will be offered on Thursday, May 28 at noon and 7 p.m. Participants will gain practical experience within a professional lab space. No prior experience is required for students (18+), graduates, or career changers. See the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d4e28e7e87514a36fb14a7eb35b99.

Coming up

Make Meaningful Relationships Possible

Add to calendar 01-06-2026 13:00:00 01-06-2026 15:00:00 America/New_York Make Meaningful Relationships Possible The Mary and Frances Youth Center will host a virtual program about exploring the tools to make meaningful relationships possible. Participants will build a framework for connection rooted in moral imagination. The event will be facilitated by interdisciplinary scholar Singith Perera. Register at the following URL. Virtual Vaughn Garland garlandvw@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Monday, Jun. 1, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center will host a virtual program about exploring the tools to make meaningful relationships possible. Participants will build a framework for connection rooted in moral imagination. The event will be facilitated by interdisciplinary scholar Singith Perera. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcumfyc/detail/177/1780333200000.

Summer Sweat

Add to calendar 01-06-2026 12:00:00 01-06-2026 America/New_York Summer Sweat This virtual cardio circuit training, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will challenge your muscles and heart with moves designed to target your full body. Option to add weights or just use your bodyweight. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4f11mYA Virtual Cindi Phares cphares@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Monday, Jun. 1, 2026 at noon

This virtual cardio circuit training, brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell, will challenge your muscles and heart with moves designed to target your full body. Option to add weights or just use your bodyweight. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4f11mYA

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Leading With Emotional Intelligence – Intentional Practice

Add to calendar 03-06-2026 10:00:00 03-06-2026 11:30:00 America/New_York Leading With Emotional Intelligence – Intentional Practice VCU HR will offer a Leading With Emotional Intelligence – Intentional Practice workshop via Zoom. Register in Talent@VCU here: https://bit.ly/3ZgAWtt. Participants must first complete the Leading with Emotional Intelligence eLearning before attending the workshop, available here: https://bit.ly/3CF4IiR VCU Health system employees who would like to take this course but cannot access Talent@VCU should complete this form https://forms.gle/NfzCUbNMx6pHouVP7 to request registration. by zoom Penny McFarline mcfarlinep@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU HR will offer a Leading With Emotional Intelligence – Intentional Practice workshop via Zoom. Register in Talent@VCU here: https://bit.ly/3ZgAWtt. Participants must first complete the Leading with Emotional Intelligence eLearning before attending the workshop, available here: https://bit.ly/3CF4IiR VCU Health system employees who would like to take this course but cannot access Talent@VCU should complete this form https://forms.gle/NfzCUbNMx6pHouVP7 to request registration.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Understanding Mindset Architecture and How You Think, Respond and Show Up

Add to calendar 10-06-2026 13:00:00 10-06-2026 15:00:00 America/New_York Understanding Mindset Architecture and How You Think, Respond and Show Up The Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will host a deep dive into the six dimensions that shape how you think, respond and show up in your community. Explore how mindfulness can strengthen your awareness and help you take intentional control of your mindset. The session will be facilitated by Singith Perera. Register at the following URL. VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center Vaughn Garland garlandvw@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will host a deep dive into the six dimensions that shape how you think, respond and show up in your community. Explore how mindfulness can strengthen your awareness and help you take intentional control of your mindset. The session will be facilitated by Singith Perera. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/vcumfyc/detail/178/1781110800000.

VCU HR Manager Town Hall

Add to calendar 17-06-2026 13:00:00 17-06-2026 14:30:00 America/New_York VCU HR Manager Town Hall VCU Human Resources invites all staff managers of one or more staff members to attend a virtual VCU HR Manager Town Hall via Zoom. Join HR colleagues and fellow managers to discuss engaging, developing and retaining early, mid and later Late career professionals. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. zoom Penny McFarline mcfarlinep@vcu.edu DD/MM/YYYY

Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

VCU Human Resources invites all staff managers of one or more staff members to attend a virtual VCU HR Manager Town Hall via Zoom. Join HR colleagues and fellow managers to discuss engaging, developing and retaining early, mid and later Late career professionals. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL.

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/2fmk8dxs.

Notices

West Grace Street Westbound Lane Closure

The westbound lane of West Grace Street between North Laurel Street and North Pine Street will be closed from Monday, May 25 through Friday, June 26 for West Grace Street Housing Project construction.

For more information, contact Molly Case at casems@vcu.edu or visit https://fmd.vcu.edu/.

Employee Health Introduces a New Visit Focused on Heart Health

When you sign up for a Healthy Heart Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. The clinician can discuss strategies to help improve your heart health and will help you identify other wellness and health-related VCU employee benefits that are available to you. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Employee Health Introduces a New Visit Focused on Heart Health

When you sign up for a Heart Health Assessment, a clinician will help you assess your cardio metabolic health and risk for developing pre-diabetes. The clinician can discuss strategies to help improve your heart health and will help you identify other wellness and health related VCU employee benefits that are available to you. Schedule your visit with VCU Employee Health at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or (804) 628-2594 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

Faculty Learning Communities Survey

FLCs are small groups of faculty members who meet regularly to explore a shared teaching and learning topic. Participants engage in collaborative discussions and reflect on their teaching in a supportive environment. Faculty members who are interested should complete the short application form at the following URL. Those selected will receive a small stipend in recognition of their contributions. Individual feedback will help VCU's Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence plan future FLCs that best support your teaching and student success.

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.

VCU Preferred Rate at Hard Rock Hotel – Universal Orlando Resort (June 7–12, 2026)

VCU faculty and staff traveling to Universal Orlando can access a preferred group rate of $379/night (plus tax) at the Hard Rock Hotel, located within walking distance of the parks. The same room at the Hard Rock Hotel regularly exceeds $700 per night when booked online. Although this special rate is offered through VCU, it may also be extended to guests booking within the group. The rate also includes complimentary Universal Express Unlimited for priority access to select attractions. Details and booking: https://nafa.vcu.edu/ce/universalorlandoresort/accommodations/ Limited availability – contact NAFA@vcu.edu for additional information.

For more information, contact Jennifer Sisane at jsisane@vcu.edu or visit https://nafa.vcu.edu/ce/universalorlandoresort/accommodations/.

Ankle Sprain Research Study (Ages 14–30)

The Research in Athlete and Military Health Sciences (RAMHS) group is seeking participants ages 14-30 years to complete a research study assessing hip muscle function following ankle sprains. You may participate if you either have a first-time lateral ankle sprain or have no ankle sprain history and are healthy (control group). This study will require one in-person study visit at our research laboratory at Biotech 8, an electronic questionnaire about your health and sport participation, ultrasound imaging assessments of your hip at rest (lying down) and during light activity (squatting, treadmill walking) and hip muscle strength assessments. Participants with ankle sprains will also be asked to complete remote electronic surveys at three and six months after the in-person visit.

For more information, contact crystal figueroa at crystal.figueroa@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0871.

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.

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.