Employment at VCU means more than just a job. At VCU School of Medicine, faculty members have access to a broad range of resources that support their health, wellness and work-life balance. For more information about resources available to the entire VCU community, check out RamStrong. This comprehensive resource for VCU faculty, staff and students promotes eight dimensions of well-being: physical, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational environmental and social well-being. Keep an eye on the RamStrong events page for meditation sessions, financial workshops and other programming that supports wellness and well-being.
Emotional Well-being
As state employees, SOM faculty and staff and their dependents are eligible for up to four no-charge sessions for services such as mental health services, grief counseling, financial services and drug and alcohol recovery.
TimelyCare provides free 24/7 virtual mental health services to employees, including 24/7 crisis support, scheduled counseling and self-guided wellness content.
Environmental Well-being
The free-to-download LiveSafe Mobile App allows users to report suspicious behavior or scenarios, threats, crimes and ongoing incidents to VCU Police 24/7.
The MCV Campus Community Garden offers 1,300 square feet of rentable gardening space. VCU and VCU Health employees, along with community members, can also use the space for events, meetings and classes.
RAMSWay paths add to the personal safety of individuals on campus by providing lighted and video surveilled marked routes with high-pedestrian traffic.
RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers climbing classes, trips, teambuilding courses and outdoor equipment rentals for VCU employees.
VCU Libraries features a database of health-related resources for those who identify as LGBTQIA+, including information about how to find a health care provider and connect with local support groups.
To ensure VCU’s campuses are safe and affirming for all members of the community, Safe Zone is a training workshop for VCU faculty and staff, led by University Counseling Services and other Safe Zone trained departments.
Financial Well-being
Financial fitness workshop events are available throughout the year, providing general savings and investment information and resources.
VCU employees can meet one-on-one with VCU-affiliated financial institutions to discuss investment products and retirement.
Intellectual Well-being
VCU employees have access to courses on LinkedIn Learning, an educational platform with on-demand videos and interactive modules across a broad range of professional topics.
The office of Continuing and Professional Education offers a variety of virtual and in-person courses for VCU faculty and staff who are interested in professional development.
VCU offers a tuition benefit to full-time faculty and adjunct faculty, which can be used to cover undergraduate and graduate tuition and mandatory fees.
Occupational Well-being
The Division of Safety and Risk Management provides resources, guides and report lines to maintain a safe campus for faculty and staff.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute offers leadership training and networking opportunities through its three programs.
VCU Division of Administration Human Resources offers learning opportunities, resources and support for VCU employees throughout their career.
The Women in Medicine and Science Program (WIMS) promotes the advancement of women leaders at VCU, including the Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine (WISDM) faculty organization.
Learn more about the Women in Medicine and Science Program here
Physical Well-being
Employee Health Services provides health and wellness service to VCU employees, including pre-placement health assessments, walk-in vaccinations and injury treatment.
Eligible VCU employees have options for health benefits to cover themselves and eligible family members.
Rambikes hosts workshops, group rides, events and bike registrations to support VCU’s cycling community.
VCU faculty are able to purchase a membership to RecWell, VCU’s gym and overall hub for fitness classes, sports and outdoor activities. Membership includes access to Cary Street Gym and MCV Campus Recreation Center, along with group exercise classes, aquatics and other programs.
VCU offers free tobacco cessation programs to faculty and staff, including coaching through RecWell and “quit kits,” with Nicorette, transdermal patches and information about nicotine.
Located in the VCU Medical Center’s Gateway Building, the Health and Wellness Library offers a space for learning, community resources and a peaceful waiting area for staff and visitors.
The Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center provides nutrition and exercise resources and education to faculty and staff.
Social Well-being
Eligible VCU faculty and staff receive up to 16 hours of paid leave each year to volunteer in the community, and an additional 16 hours of leave to engage in community service activities sponsored by VCU or VCU Health.
Made up of musicians in the VCU Health community, the VCU Health Orchestra and Wind Ensemble meets for weekly rehearsals, performs recitals and offers mentoring opportunities to enhance the VCU community.
Spiritual Well-being
RecWell offers a number of virtual and in-person mindfulness classes and guided mediation sessions, including a free online mental well-being course. Staff and faculty can register for weekly yoga classes at both Cary Street Gym and MCV Campus Recreation Center.
VCUHS offers a team of professional and student chaplains 24/7 and chapels on the second floor of the Main Hospital and the first floor of the Children’s Hospital. Chaplains respect all faiths and work with other spiritual leaders if requested.
