VCU Staff Senate hosts inaugural professional development event for staff

By Cassie Williams Jones

The Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate will host a free inaugural professional development event for staff of VCU and VCU Health System.

“The Magic In You,” a keynote address by motivational speaker and magician, Andrew Bennett, followed by professional development break-out workshops, will be held on Sept. 24 and 25 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. Third St. The event agenda will be the same on each day in order to allow more staff to participate.

Through a mix of storytelling, humor and magic, Bennett coaches individuals and organizations to be creative forces. His keynote address will provide tools and methods for audience members to help shape the things they want, get rid of what they don’t want and transform obstacles that get in the way. Breakout sessions will include topics such as leadership, ethics, teamwork and career growth at VCU, and they will be facilitated by VCU and VCU Health System leaders. Attendees can sign up for the entire day or elect to only attend the keynote address. Lunch will be provided for those attending the whole day.

There is no cost to attend, but participants will need to obtain prior approval from their supervisor, and prior registration is required. Shuttle service from both the MCV and Monroe Park campuses to the Convention Center will be provided.

This is the first major in-house professional event of its kind for VCU and VCU Health System staff members. “The Magic In You” is rooted in support of the Great Place Initiative and VCU’s Quest for Distinction, as well as VCU Medical Center’s STAR Service initiative.

For more information, visit http://staffsenate.vcu.edu/magic/index.html, and to register, visit http://go.vcu.edu/magic. Members of the VCU Staff Senate will be on the first floor of VCU Medical Center’s Gateway Building on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to answer questions and register employees for the event