Meet the New Focused Inquiry Chair

Dr. Katy Hanggi joined VCU as the new chair of Focused Inquiry in July of this year. I sat down with her to ask a few questions!

Dr. Hanggi previously served as an English professor at a small liberal arts college before transitioning to teaching general education courses, noting how these courses could prepare students for professional success in many fields. When asked about what aspects of VCU––and the Focused Inquiry (FI) department specifically––drove her to pursue this position, she listed diversity and a commitment to inclusion in the classroom as strengths of the department and university. Referencing Focused Inquiry, Dr. Hanggi emphasized the intentional way in which the department thinks about student support and success, citing the UTA program and The FILL as examples of this support network.

Dr. Hanggi’s background in interdisciplinary studies, with a particular focus on the value of the humanities in the education of health science students, speaks to the mission of the Department of Focused Inquiry. Universally applicable skills in communication and empathy are fostered through the programming this department offers. Dr. Hanggi pointed to the yearly selection of Common Books that address current and systematic issues in Richmond and the global community. These prompt students to think critically and holistically about possible solutions and emphasize the value of the humanistic perspective paired with a scientific or fact-based study.

To round out our interview, I asked Dr. Hanggi what she wants students to carry with them as they move on from their Focused Inquiry classes. She said that she hopes students will come out of their FI classes knowing how to struggle––that is, she wants them to know that struggling is part of the process of being a student and not a sign of failure on their part. She expressed the belief that learning how to grow through challenges, and developing resilience as a result, is crucial to lifelong success (regardless of the student's career path). She would also like to let students know that she will be teaching UNIV 200 next semester and is looking forward to getting to know her classes!

Last but certainly not least, I asked Dr. Hanggi for restaurant recommendations, and she provided me with this list (in no particular ranked order):

Union Market (specifically the sandwiches)
The Fancy Biscuit
821 Café (right next to Cary Street Gym!)
Nile (located in Church Hill)

Check out the redesigned Focused Inquiry website

Spring Course: Peer Mentoring (UNIV 391)

Do you wonder why some students—maybe even yourself or your friends—find it difficult to thrive in college? Are you interested in exploring how students can assist one another so that all feel included and are successful? Join this course on peer support to learn how peer mentoring can build campus community and foster student success. Your coursework will focus on designing your own peer support project intended to improve the lives of VCU undergraduates. Completion of this course provides a pathway to paid peer mentor opportunities at VCU, such as the FILL Peer Mentors program, and it will offer insights to help you grow as a peer leader and collaborator in many contexts, both inside and beyond the classroom.

UNIV 391-002 (CRN 44730) is a two-credit hybrid course that meets once a week on Tuesday, 2:00–3:15 p.m. Want to learn more about the course? Attend one of our upcoming information sessions:

Thursday, November 10 at 12:30 p.m.
In person in The FILL (Harris 5116)
Monday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Zoom, Register for link: https://bit.ly/3DZZGnu
Thursday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Zoom, Register for link: https://bit.ly/3T4RfTL

Get to Know VCU Transform

VCU Transform is the community for students who want to explore their leadership potential and become change-makers in their local and global communities. Students will build skills through a specialized curriculum, activities, and a community-focused residential experience in West Grace North Residence Hall.

As a Transform student, you get to build relationships and community by living and learning with your peers all while expanding your network by interacting with campus and community leaders. Students should consider VCU Transform as they look for a place to build a community, challenge themselves, and grow in their time at VCU. Our faculty and staff are professionals dedicated to guiding students to achieve your goals and make an impact during your time in the program.

For more information or to apply, visit https://go.vcu.edu/transform. Or, attend our information session this week on Thursday, November 10 at 2:30 p.m. You can attend the session in person in The FILL (Harris 5116) or stream it live on Zoom (register for the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/3U4C3Hz). Join representatives from VCU Transform to learn more about the living-learning community at VCU focused on leadership development, community engagement, and cultural agility. This half-hour session will overview the benefits of living-learning communities, describe how Transform can elevate your VCU experience, and answer any questions you have about joining this transformational program!

Design with purple and green circles. Text: Apply for VCU Transform, the Living-Learning Program at VCU. Guaranteed housing in West Grace North, Unleash your leadership potential through courses and activities, Complete a pathway to help you achieve professional goals, Early registration for classes, Access to exclusive programming through Transform. Apps open now! Check out more information at https://students.vcu.edu/departments/leadership-and-involvement/vcu-transform/ Questions? Email transformllp@vcu.edu

Upcoming Event: Growing Your Public Speaking Confidence

Public speaking is challenging for everyone. This workshop will share best practices for planning and rehearsing your presentations, as well as strategies for managing those nerves so that you can share your ideas with confidence. It will be led by Professor Courtney Sviatko of the Department of Focused Inquiry. Join us in The FILL (Harris 5116) at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15!

Election Day is tomorrow—Remember to vote!