Orientation for New Department Chairs | Thursday, August 1 | 8:30am-3:00pm | Academic Learning Commons, room 4100 | Invitation only - Registration closed
Sessions:

• Welcome and opening remarks by Provost, SVP Faculty Affairs
• The Roles and Responsibilities of the Chair
• Promoting a Culture of Care and Well-being
• Navigating Your New Role, Relationships and Expectations
• Supporting Faculty and Academic Success
• Centering Equity, Access, and Compliance in Conflict Management

New Faculty Orientation | Wednesday, August 14, 8:30am-1:00pm and Thursday, August 15, 11:00am-5:00pm | STEM Building, 2nd floor Atrium | Registration closed
Sessions:

• Breakfast and networking/resource tables
• Welcome and opening remarks by President, Provost, SVP Faculty Affairs
• Managing Your Time
• Setting Goals
• Resource tables, lunch, and networking
• Accessing Offices: HR, Provost Office, Faculty Senate
• Accessing Resources: Teaching/Learning, Student Success & Research
• Structuring and building your CV
• Reception 

Life Cycle of Your Semester Series Session #1: Semester Class Milestones and Tips for New Faculty | Monday, August 19 | 10:00-11:30am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed

Conversations about Inclusion Series Session #1: Student Accommodations: Navigating Hurdles and Contextual Ambiguity | Wednesday, August 28 | 10:00-11:15am | Academic Learning Commons, room 4100 | Registration closed

Department Chair Monthly Forum - The Role of Department Chairs in Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture | Monday, September 9 | 10:00-11:30am | University Student Commons, Richmond Salon II | Invitation only - Registration closed
This session focuses on specific strategies and actions department chairs can use to promote a healthy department culture. The session builds on foundational ideas of psychological safety and includes practical and case examples to illustrate how administrators can foster belongingness and productive collaboration within their departments. 

Provost's Lecture Series - “The Heart of the Matter: Jerusalem and the Struggles of Israel and Palestine” | Thursday, September 12 | 12:00-1:30pm | Virtual, via Zoom | View Recording >>
Join us for Session 1 - The Heart of the Matter: Jerusalem and the Struggles of Israel and Palestine - a virtual webinar with experts who will examine the centrality of Jerusalem for the three Abrahamic faiths and its place in past and current conflicts. This conversation among the speakers will present diverse perspectives on the question of why this land is so important to people of different faiths. Co-moderators will pose questions to the speakers. The session will be recorded. The recording will be made available within one week following the event. 

Gen AI & Teaching & Learning Series - Fair Images: Creating and Recognizing Bias in Gen AI Imagery | Wednesday, September 18 | 10:00-11:15am | Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100 | Registration closed
This session focuses on the inherent visual bias in text-to-image Gen AI generation. Participants will learn how to recognize these biases and use AI-generated images as an effective tool to illustrate and discuss bias with students. The session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and strategies to both create fairer images and teach about bias in AI.

2024 Orientation for Newly Promoted Associate Professors | Thursday, September 26 | 9:00am-1:00pm | University Student Commons, Richmond Salons I-II | Invitation only
Promotion to Associate Professor can be a time of celebration, uncertainty and rejuvenation. It presents an opportunity to advance and expand your career goals and trajectory. A primary goal of The Office of the Provost, Faculty Affairs is to support all faculty to build successful career trajectories. This orientation is intended to be a space for associate professors to reflect, think ahead and plan next steps in their careers.
Sessions:

• Welcome and opening remarks by Provost, SVP Faculty Affairs
• Next steps as an associate professor
• Planning your career trajectory
• Reflection, networking, lunch

Open Forum - Assessing Teaching Effectiveness Committee Report | Monday, September 30 | 9:00-10:00am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
During this open forum, faculty can provide input and insights on the final report submitted by the Assessing Teaching Effectiveness Committee. Additionally, faculty can provide input through this feedback form.

Monthly Session for Faculty - Job Crafting | Monday, September 30 | 12:00-1:15pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
While we are all mostly familiar with what is expected of us as faculty, we rarely have conversations about how to strategically develop our careers in higher education. Most often, we make decisions regarding our teaching and service from a “needs” basis or assuming what elevates us or draws attention to us. However, this does not necessarily result in successful promotion and tenure. This interactive session will provide participants the opportunity to hear from colleagues and think about how to use ‘job crafting.’ This session will begin with Senior Vice Provost Mangala Subramaniam explaining the concept of job crafting and how to use it for career planning. Panel participants will share their perspectives on the following questions:

• How have you aligned your choice of service assignment/s with your career goals?
• What are some approaches you utilize to decide when and what to say ‘yes’ to when contacted for a service commitment?
• What are some ways we can actively reflect on our talents and what brings us joy when allocating our time?

Fostering Critical Thinking in These Challenging Times: Engaging Multiple Perspectives and Dialogue | Monday, October 7 | 12:00-1:15pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
In an environment where geopolitical conflicts and national elections fuel uncertainty and polarized perspectives, the need for critical thinking in higher education has never been more important. This session invites faculty to explore how to cultivate critical thinking in the classroom, while ensuring a space where diverse perspectives are welcome, open dialogue is promoted, and everyone feels safe and supported. Panelists and participants will explore ways in which to balance open dialogue with respectful analysis, along with strategies to foster deeper reflection without imposing singular perspectives. Best practices will be offered regarding the use of readings, discussion formats, experiential learning, and other techniques that empower both faculty and students to develop independent thought in the times of crisis.

Conversations About Inclusion Series Session #2 - Harnessing Humor: Inclusive Approaches for Increasing Engagement | Wednesday, October 16 | 10:00-11:15am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
Humor in the classroom can positively impact student engagement and learning outcomes, but incorporating it effectively is not always straightforward. This session will explore the role of humor in fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment, and provide practical strategies for integrating it in respectful and inclusive ways. Discover practical approaches to create a more connected classroom experience.

National Conflict Resolution Day - 2024 theme: “Roadmap to Peace” | Thursday, October 17 | 9:00am-12:00pm | Larrick Student Center, Court End Ballroom A | Registration closed

Sessions:

• Welcome/Remarks and NCRD History: William E. King, Ombudsperson 
• VCU Commitment: Cleo Magwaro, Associate Vice President of Equity and Access Services
• VCU NCRD Proclamation: Mangala Subramaniam, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
• Keynote: “The Power of the Dark Side - Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable”, Reese Ramos, University Ombudsperson and Director, Virginia Tech
• Panel: “Modeling Civility, Respect and Inclusion in an Evolving Workplace Culture”

Department Chair Monthly Forum - VCU to Participate in COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey Through Harvard | Monday, October 21 | 10:00-11:00am | University Student Commons, Richmond Salon II | Invitation only
This monthly forum will provide department chairs with an overview of the COACHE faculty survey.

Open Forum - Promotion and Tenure Task Force Report | Monday, October 28 | 2:00-3:00pm | University Student Commons, Richmond Salons I-II | Registration closed
During this open forum, faculty can provide input and insights on the final reports submitted by the Promotion and Tenure Task Forces. More details on reports and how to submit feedback here.

Open Forum - Promotion and Tenure Task Force Report | Wednesday, October 30 | 2:00-3:00pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
During this open forum, faculty can provide input and insights on the final reports submitted by the Promotion and Tenure Task Forces. More details on reports and how to submit feedback here.

Open Forum - Promotion and Tenure Task Force Report | Thursday, October 31 | 9:00-10:00am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
During this open forum, faculty can provide input and insights on the final reports submitted by the Promotion and Tenure Task Forces. More details on reports and how to submit feedback here.

Open Forum - Assessing Teaching Effectiveness Committee Report | Thursday, October 31 | 10:00-11:15am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
In order to ensure that faculty have an additional opportunity to provide input on the Assessing Teaching Effectiveness Committee Report, a second Forum (virtual) will be hosted by the Office of the Provost. Additionally, faculty can provide input through this feedback form.

Gen AI & Teaching & Learning Series - Gauging the Landscape: Current Faculty Perspectives on Gen AI in the Classroom | Thursday, November 7 | 10:00-11:15am | Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100 | Registration closed
In this interactive session, we invite faculty to share their current thoughts, and experiences regarding the impact of Gen AI on teaching and learning in their classrooms. As Gen AI continues to evolve, so do faculty experiences. Hear from your colleagues about how it is shaping classroom dynamics, influencing student learning, and affecting course design. This discussion aims to gather faculty feedback on the current landscape, explore emerging concerns, and identify opportunities related to the integration of Gen AI in academic courses.

Monthly Session for Faculty - Faculty Well Being | Monday, November 11 | 10:00-11:15am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
Faculty well-being involves balancing life and work (yes life, first!). Faculty must be intentional in finding this balance, assessing their time use, and engaging in self-care; even as we focus on caring for the family, the patient,and the student. What do we mean when we talk about faculty well being? How do we mitigate burnout? This interactive session will explore what faculty well being is, what the role of the institution is in developing a culture of well being. 

Department Chair Monthly Forum - Understanding the Graduate Faculty Mentor/Student Compact | Wednesday, November 13 | 10:00-11:00am | Academic Learning Commons, Room 4100 | Registration closed

2024 Conference for Associate Professors - Paving the Way to Full Professor | Monday, November 18 | 8:30am-12:00pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303 | Registration closed
Focusing on associate professors - term and tenured - the second annual conference for associate professors serves as a professional development opportunity. The keynote, “When You See A Fork In The Road, Take It: Career Development and Promotion for Associate Professors”, will be delivered by Dr. Kim Boggess, Provost Distinguished Faculty Leader, Provost's Office & Professor of Ob/Gyn and Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. The conference also includes a panel session and the possibility to network among faculty. 

Teaching and Learning - Semester Life Cycle Workshop | Thursday, January 11 | 9:00-10:30am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
This session is specifically designed for new and adjunct faculty, although all faculty members seeking a quick review are welcome to attend! Prepare yourself to effectively manage crucial timeline milestones throughout the semester by participating in this workshop. We will provide you with an overview of important details that can help your course go more smoothly. The workshop will cover key considerations for the pre-, early-, mid-, and end of the semester phases.

Department Chair Monthly Chair Forum - Opportunities & Resources: Scholarship Opportunities with the National Scholarship Office and Approaches to Managing Conflict with the VCU Ombudsperson | Wednesday, January 24 | 10:30-11:30am | University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D | Invitation only - Registration closed
This session will have two presentations: one by the National Scholarship Office about their office and the scholarship opportunities available to faculty and students. The second presentation will be by the University Ombudsperson, focusing on approaches to managing conflict.

Gen AI & Teaching & Learning Series Session #1, Version 2: Getting to Know Gen AI - A Primer of the Basics as a Hands-On Workshop | Wednesday, February 7 | 9:00-10:15am | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and is quickly becoming an integral part of the academic landscape in universities. Amidst the many potential benefits and challenges associated with Gen AI, the first step is becoming familiar with what this technology actually is. During this session, faculty will be introduced to Gen AI fundamentals-- including key concepts, familiarization with common tools, and building a comfort level by experimenting with readily available Gen AI platforms. This session is a foundational step in creating your Gen AI literacy.

National/International Recognition Awards Reception | Thursday, February 8 | 3:00-4:30pm | University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-C | Registration closed

Conversations About Inclusion Series Session #3: Revisiting Pedagogy - Its Vital Role in the Classroom | Monday, February 12 | 12:00-1:15pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall - Room 303 | Registration closed
While ‘pedagogy’ is a term frequently embedded in academic discussions on teaching and learning, a reassessment of its meaning and utility would be helpful for us all-- especially considering a landscape where fostering inclusivity is crucial. Join your colleagues as our panelists provide insightful perspectives and discuss ways to purposefully integrate inclusive pedagogy into various aspects of your curriculum. A deeper understanding of these approaches can cultivate more impactful teaching experiences, for both you and your students!

Monthly Session for Faculty - Forging Collaborations (faculty research) | Wednesday, February 21 | 3:00-4:30pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Room 250 | Registration closed
This will be an interactive session providing participants the opportunity to hear from senior faculty members on the areas of strengthening existing collaborations and best practices on creating new partnerships. A brief panel discussion will be followed by roundtable activities and hands-on application with master facilitators. What does collaboration mean and entail (especially effective ones)? How do you seek out collaborators within your discipline and across disciplinary boundaries? And, how do you continue to maintain the collaborations while also building new ones as you pursue new lines of research inquiry?

Department Chair Monthly Forum - Chair’s Cafe | Wednesday, February 28 | 11:00am- 12:15pm | University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms A-B | Registration closed
The Chair's Cafe is an opportunity to come together to network and share experiences. We will listen and learn from each other about accomplishments, concerns, experiences, and positive actions taken. Please come to the session with 1-2 topics, questions, concerns you would like to discuss.

Provost Lecture Series (see VCU President’s email) Resilience. Conducted by Leadershape | Wednesday, March 13 | 9:00am-12:00pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed

Gen AI & Teaching & Learning Series Session #2: A Visit with Alchemy - Using Gen AI to Empower Your Course Design | Monday, March 18 | 12:00-1:15pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed
Join us as we welcome Alchemy-- an innovative organization dedicated to empowering educators in designing high-impact curriculum with assistance from Gen AI. A series of insightful demonstrations, featuring practical exercises and techniques, will inspire your own use of Gen AI when shaping your courses. If you’ve been eager to discover ways that Gen AI can optimize your own teaching experience, this is the perfect opportunity to start!

Provost Lecture Series (see VCU President’s email) Courageous Dialogue. Conducted by Leadershape | Tuesday, March 19 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Virtual, via Zoom | Registration closed

I-Cubed Reception | Tuesday, March 19 | 12:30-1:30pm | University Student Commons, Richmond Salons I | Registration closed

Monthly Session for Faculty - Strategies for Building Inclusive Work Spaces: Fostering Equity and Respect | Postponed

Q Collective and Equality VCU Burnside Watstein Award Ceremony | Wednesday, March 27 | 4:00-6:30pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall - Room 303 | Registration closed

Associate Professors Forum Series - Networking | Friday, March 29 | 9:30-11:00am | University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom A | Invitation only - Registration closed
This is for the cohort of associate professors promoted in 2022-23.

Conversations About Inclusion Series Session #4: Culture of Care - Empathy and Support for Faculty in the Classroom | Monday, April 8 | 12:00-1:15pm | Snead Hall, Corporate Ed Room B3187/3189 | Registration closed
While we are dedicated to fostering empathy for students in the classroom, faculty often neglect the equally crucial aspect of their own well-being. This session explores pressing questions, including: Where are faculty’s biggest stressors in the classroom environment, and how can we meaningfully address these challenges?  Explore this nuanced topic with us, and discover options for creating a supportive and nurturing classroom environment for faculty.

Leadership Session - "Leading in Calm and in Chaos" with Dr. Teresa Sullivan, President Emerita and University Professor, University of Virginia | Tuesday, April 23 | 11:45am-1:30pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall - Room 303 | Registration closed

Gen AI & Teaching & Learning Session #4: Using Gen AI in the Classroom - Ethics and Integrity Considerations | Wednesday, April 24 | 12:00-1:15pm | Snead Hall, Corporate Ed Room B3187/3189 | Registration closed
Gen AI provides unique and valuable opportunities for use in the classroom, yet various concerns arise when we consider integrating it into our courses. Join us to explore suggestions for best practices and navigate the complexities of Gen AI, to ensure responsible and ethical use of this innovative technology in the classroom. 

Non-Tenure Track Faculty Conference - Theme: Pathways to Success: Navigating Non-Tenure Track Academic Careers | Friday, April 26 | 8:30am-2:00pm | James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall - Room 303 | Registration closed