Stop by the VCU Intersession hot chocolate bar at the Compass to learn about taking a class during winter break. You can use the opportunity to catch up, get ahead or explore a new subject. Grab a free hot chocolate and cookie when you visit. For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit http://winter.vcu.edu.

Research on volunteerism in national parks is rare; no systematic research has been undertaken about the management, motivation or impact of volunteers serving in parks. Thomas Bryer, Ph.D., University of Central Florida, will share the methodological innovations and early findings from a year-long research project in more than 30 national parks - including eight in Virginia. The session will be in the Raleigh Building, Room 0001 (basement level), 1001 W. Franklin St. For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/doctoral-lecture-series/.

VCU's Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering will present a Grand Rounds featuring Ronald T. Seel, Ph.D., and a panel of community experts in the Court End Ballroom, Jonah L. Larrick Student Center, 900 Turpin St. Learn about effective community-engaged research strategies and meet in a small-group setting with community leaders from organizations serving people with disabilities. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Joshua Hahn at hahnj2@vcu.edu or visit https://pmr.vcu.edu/research/cerse-grand-rounds/.

VCU's School of Medicine, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is launching a new resource to foster more meaningful intergroup relationships and communications. The series of community-building circles, open to faculty, staff and students, will be scheduled over the next few months with the intent of creating a sense of belonging through sharing stories and active listening. This session will be in Room 6-101, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, MMEC, 1201 E. Marshall St. For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org.

Join the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association and the Latino Medical Student Association at VCU for a discussion on the challenges faced by communities of color in accessing mental health care. This event will feature panelist Gabrielle Oblena, MS, LPC, NCC, a licensed professional counselor at Lifebulb VA, and Oswaldo Moreno, Ph.D., associate professor in the VCU Department of Psychology. The event will be in Room 7-101, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC), 1201 E Marshall St. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Ashli Harris at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2CxJ4ZQNt2vz-irJs_fccAOlk8DFnSaQNAhMF4Y_uPfF_eA/viewform.

Learn about the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate programs and how to fund your graduate education through the school's scholarships and Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship program. Register for the virtual session at the following URL. For more information, contact Ross Losapio at losapior@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/wilderfunding.

VCU's Department of African American Studies will present the documentary "Black Studies: An Intellectual Genealogy" at the University Commons Theater, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. How did the Black experience become a university major? Learn about the struggle and triumph that produced Black Studies, African American Studies and Africana Studies from leading figures in the discipline and movements that shaped it. For more information, contact Christian Thompson at thompsonc19@vcu.edu or (703) 789-2994 or visit https://afam.vcu.edu/events/.

Apply a social justice framework to access issues and gain essential tools for creating spaces — virtual or in-person — that are inclusive, accessible and open to all. You can choose to attend one or more of the following virtual sessions: Tuesday, Nov. 19; Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21. Choose a date and register: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtfuGpqj0iHtMT5vkR3tzro7tUCeiuqert#/registration The sessions are hosted by VCU's Division of Inclusive Excellence. For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/.

Want to learn about the world of literary editing and the publishing of an award-winning novel? Come to an informal meet and greet with Diana Miller, the Alfred A. Knopf editor who worked on this year's Cabell First Novelist Award winner - "In Memoriam," by Alice Winn. The event will be in Room 250 of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or (804) 393-2951 or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2024-2025/first-novelist-.html.

Wondering what the 2024 election results mean for Virginia and the nation? Join the Lunch and Learn Series hosted by the L.Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for an in-depth virtual discussion with political analyst Bob Holsworth, Ph.D., as he breaks down key issues, candidate strategies and potential outcomes of this pivotal national election. From the influence of redistricting to emerging trends in voter behavior, Holsworth will explore the ideological shifts and critical events shaping the political landscape. Register for the webinar at the following URL. For more information, contact David Slipher at slipherd@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_elhPfsVfTEmKH2JdZtRtbQ#/registration.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Roy Sabo, Ph.D., professor, biostatistics, will discuss the critical roles of sampling and variability in interpreting research data. Learn how to effectively use confidence intervals to enhance the accuracy and reliability of research findings. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu,edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-uhrzwqG9JwKKNaUAdOdsk2AVgT5a37.

Elevate your workplace communication with the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Whether you are in the office, teleworking, have a hybrid schedule or on the move, take your office phone number wherever you go; using it on your mobile device or computer. With the app, outbound calls display your work phone number, ensuring a professional and consistent communication experience. All inbound calls from the app will display Avaya Workplace and have a distinct ring. Register at the following URL to attend a session to also learn how your other departments are taking advantage of cost savings measures in using the Avaya Workplace mobility app. Sessions are opened to VCU and VCU Health associates. For more information, contact Wayne Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Join the Humanities Research Center and the School of Nursing for a reading and discussion of "1666: A Novel" by Lora Chilton, author and member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia. The book is the imagined story of the Indigenous Patawomeck women who lived through the decimation of their tribe in the summer of 1666. A Q&A and book signing will follow. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/1666-a-novel-reading-and-discussion.html.

Have a passion for children? Want a high-impact career? Want to champion social justice? Fuel dreams? Dedicate your life to making a difference while getting a fully paid degree? RTR is for you. RTR is a teacher residency program in the VCU School of Education that equips passionate future teachers with the tools to teach for change. Learn more at this virtual informational session. Register at https://tinyurl.com/RTRInfoSession2425 For more information, contact Sabrina Evans at teachrtr@vcu.edu or visit http://teachrtr.org.

Workshop Overview: Through video scenarios, interactive debriefing discussions and improvisation experiences, participants will discuss and practice responses to the scenarios in a safe and supportive environment. Learn how to address discrimination and other mistreatment in clinical and learning environments. While the training has more of a clinical focus, the skills presented are very adaptable to non-clinical settings. The session will be in Room 5-101, James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, MMEC, 1201 E. Marshall St. Register at the following URL. For more information, contact Ashli Phillips at Ashli.Phillips@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcuhealth.libcal.com/event/12375961.