Through job shadowing, students will learn how the skills and knowledge learned through their coursework can be applied in the higher education profession. Further, this would connect non-student-facing VCU staff closer to our institutional mission via direct interaction with students.

Team Members: Adam Austin <acaustin@vcu.edu>, Nora Bloch <blochn@vcu.edu>, Sue Kurgatt <kurgatts@vcu.edu>, Ezrah Medina <medinacn@vcu.edu>, Erin Pacelli <erin.pacelli@vcuhealth.org>, Rebecca Segal <rasegal@vcu.edu> Stephanie Thulin srthulin@vcu.edu

10:00 AM: Appraisal of the School of Social Work Staff and Faculty Climate and Culture
This project aims to produce an informed, vetted survey tool for the School of Social Work Racial Justice Task Force to assess staff and faculty climate and culture. The areas included in this survey include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, opportunities for advancement, sense of community, demographics, and additional feedback.
Members: Joanna Bell, Chandra Bhati, Rucha Bond, Keara Chambers, David Edwards, Melissa Jamerson, Bryce Nelson

11:00 AM: Paying it Forward: A Strategy for Developing a Culture of Lifetime Engagement and Inclusion for First-Generation Students
This project provides VCU DAR with a strategic framework to increase first-generation engagement and long-term connection to VCU through collaboration among key university stakeholders.
Members: Wini Campbell, Amy Chuang, Maria Rivera, Christopher Schreiner, Srinivas Sistla, Jon Snider

1:00 PM: Opening Doorways: Connecting Petersburg Students to the World of Health Science Professions
The project aims to increase awareness of K-12 students to the vast world of health sciences by connecting the programs built by Petersburg Schools with the resources of VCU. The goal is to open the possibilities for students to explore what they can do in health sciences, inspiring them to consider future careers.
Members: Carol Caudill, Brent Fagg, Victor Gonzalez Montoya, Amy Ladd, Kim McKnight, Peyton Rowe, Paula Song

2:00 PM: VCU College of Humanities & Sciences Racial Equity Assessment
A RedCap survey tool will be administered to faculty and staff to assess perceptions related to the current state of racial equity within the College of Humanities and Sciences to provide insight into areas of opportunity for improving racial equity while establishing a baseline measure for future interventions.
Members: Nayef Chahin, Nicole Damico, Ross Losapio, Joycelyn Mahone, Virginia McGhee, Meera Mehtaji, Ryan Patton