1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Eta Lambda Sigma along with the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and a free Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last. Appointments are recommended. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: "vcu" to schedule an appointment.

For more information, contact Katherine Ann Petring at petringka@vcu.edu or visit http://redcrossblood.org.

12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Take a break for weekly online guided meditation with Brenna. Meditation is suitable for all levels of practice. Register for the Zoom link on Rams Connect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brenna Denicola at denicolabr@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1825017.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Global Education Office welcomes students, staff and faculty to a special series of Cultural Conversations in person, today, Nov. 7; Wednesday, Nov. 9 and/or Monday, Nov. 14 (6-8 p.m.). Join eight Japanese students visiting from Shimane University in the kitchen at 830 W. Grace St., for cultural classes and cooking contests. Sign up to cook, judge, contribute and/or cheer for one session or more at https://tinyurl.com/ClassesCookingShimane

For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short at aeshort@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/community/cultural_conversations/.

9 a.m.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, all students interested in purchasing an MCV Campus commuter permit can log in to apps.parking.vcu.edu/mcvwebsales and select their parking preferences for the spring semester. The lottery will close at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10.

For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit https://parking.vcu.edu/parking/students/mcv-campus-sale/.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

VCU Human Resources will host a series of panel discussions on career development with a focus on diversity, inclusion and equity. This session includes four panelists from a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences, including race, ethnicity, gender and job families. Panelists will discuss their own career paths, challenges they have overcome, how they utilized mentors and support systems and how they have utilized Great Place HR programs and tools. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Beverly Walker at bwalker@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d310088d9-46d1-4148-8b7a-c4b4b234c4c0.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 from noon to 5 p.m.

VCU's Bangladesh Student Association will host a Henna fundraising effort at SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The price range will be $5-$20.

For more information, contact Lamia Haque at haquelt@vcu.edu or (804) 998-8769.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn how to incorporate Top Hat with your Canvas courses at a free, online training session sponsored by Academic Technologies. Register at https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/training/special-events/ The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/my/canvaslearn

For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at jpmartin@vcu.edu or visit https://academictech.vcu.edu/.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Foundational Movement Series focuses on the body's basic movement patterns. A certified personal trainer will review basic biomechanics and teach how to implement these movements into daily exercises. This series will prepare you to program unique and effective workouts to reach your specific goals. The “Push” session will focus on exercises that involve moving weight away from the body, such as the push-up. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=a7926765-9177-42d9-b7e3-e67c5ebd4dfe&semesterId=1eee6566-50d9-4ef5-9ee4-c182bdd914b9.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 at 7 p.m.

John Wilson, M.D., will discuss his career path from medicine to research at a virtual meeting of the Medical Journal Club. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jefin Jose at josej@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81299756416.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation will present a guide to understanding the National Institute of Health's structure, the review process and how to strategize for success at the agency. Learn which NIH officials can be most helpful and the importance of your specific study group and NIH institute or center. John Ryan, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research Development, will lead this talk. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Joshua Hahn at hahnj2@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1524 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqc-6trDosHtX429iwPPV-dPlS5z-F1WSD.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

VCU's Lebanese Student Association will host a Culture Night in Salons I and II, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The evening will feature traditional Lebanese food and activities. Those who attend are encouraged to wear cultural attire.

For more information, contact LSA at VCU at contact.lsa.vcu@gmail.com.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dawnie Walton, winner of the 2022 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award for "The Final Revival of Opal & Nev," will participate in a reading and Q&A session about the writing and publishing of her book. The free event, organized by the VCU Department of English and VCU Libraries, is in person (Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.) or live-streamed via Zoom. Registration is required. Register at https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/event/

For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0593 or visit https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu/event/.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Sisters and Stethoscopes will host a professional health care panel to provide undergraduate students the opportunity to learn more about their specific field of interest from current medical, nursing, dental, pharmacy and physical therapy students. The session will be in Virginia Rooms C and D, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sisters and Stethoscopes at sasatvcu@gmail.com.

Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Institutional Review Board will host open consulting hours virtually. Consultants from various research areas (IRB, biostatistics and others) will be available to work with faculty, staff and students from any school or department at VCU. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maureen Olmsted at cctr@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/registerconsulting.

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the School of Education for an online informational session on the VCU psychology-to-counseling graduate pathway. The program provides three specialized tracks: school counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and couples and family counseling. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jazmin Tilfas at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/?id=5c69cc87-83df-43d3-b601-09e8a0bd1f9a.

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's School of Education will offer an online informational session about its M.Ed. program in counselor education. The program provides three specialized tracks: school counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and couples and family counseling. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jazmin Tilfas at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/?id=184b250c-914c-4ee9-aba8-b9ee27290d09.

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn more about VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide applicants with an overview of the program, curriculum and admissions process. A Q&A session will also be included. Register at https://business.vcu.edu/about-us/events/graduate-studies/webinar/evening-mba-program-webinar-111422.html. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82103475767

For more information, contact Austen Gouldman at gsib@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4622 or visit https://business.vcu.edu/about-us/events/graduate-studies/webinar/evening-mba-program-webinar-111422.html.

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Advocates Richmond Youth, with support from the VCU School of Social Work, will present their research on how system involvement in the juvenile and criminal justice system, public housing, or foster care impacts the ability of youth and young adults to find and maintain stable housing. The event will be held in Room 3100, Academic Learning Commons, 1000 Floyd Ave., and virtually. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jenee Lee at leej101@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/DyEd6uu2Nrz4eNMf7.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

This full-body circuit training takes the basics martial arts and adds the fun. You'll be punching and kicking your way through 30 minutes of strength and cardio. This session is brought to you by VCU HR and RecWell. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3W7o2KL.

Human Resources will present "Retiring With the VCU Optional Retirement Plan." These sessions are open to VCU faculty and VCU University and Academic Professionals, not VCU Health System employees. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Benefits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://bit.ly/3xuwHLZ.

Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for VCU employees. These sessions are open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. View upcoming sessions at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Benfits at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://bit.ly/3NqLY7a.

The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, is accepting applications for the 2023 cohorts of the HIGHER Ground program. Learn more about the Institute, its programs, application requirements and deadlines at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1169 or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/.

No experience is needed. All singers are welcome. Be a part of an uplifting group of singers and let your voice be heard. Register at the following URL and join a VCU choir.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., assistant director of choral activities, at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/.

A draft of the revised Postdoctoral Scholars policy is available for public comment until Tuesday, Nov. 15. To read the draft policy, go to the following URL and click on "Policies Open for Public Comment."

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.public.doctract.com.

VCUDine offers a number of November events at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. The events include: Ramsgiving/Ram Pantry Night (Nov. 16: 11 a.m.-close) and AVO Thanksgiving Specials (Nov. 16: 11 a.m.-close). Follow @VCU_Dining and @VCUDietitian on Instagram or visit vcu.campusdish.com for more events.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

Crushing Medical Debt at VCU, in partnership with Dollar For, a nonprofit that advocates in favor of patients to have their medical bills forgiven, are recruiting volunteers to reach out to local food banks and spread the word about Dollar For to those who visit food banks who may hold medical debt. The effort is part of their Thanksgiving outreach campaign. Volunteer hours will be awarded.

For more information, contact Rebecca Gunnin at crushingmedicaldebtatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/crushingmeddebt/home/.

The VCU Online website now has a section dedicated to faculty, which replaces the VCU Academic Learning Transformation Lab (ALT Lab) website. Get help from Curriculum Development, Professional Development, eLearning Initiatives and Quality Assurance teams by visiting the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Online at onlinefaculty@vcu.edu or visit https://online.vcu.edu/faculty.

Individuals who dip/use smokeless tobacco are needed to participate in a research study that requires multiple laboratory visits. Compensation may be available. This study will be conducted at VCU. Principal investigator is Alison Breland, Ph.D., Department of Psychology.

For more information, contact Alison Breland at abbrelan@vcu.edu or (802) 827-3562 or visit http://cstp.vcu.edu/studies.

Researchers at the Institute of Drug and Alcohol Studies are inviting volunteers aged 18-70 to participate in a study to explore different levels of alcohol drinkers as a way to better provide specialized treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. The study involves one-to-four visits to the CARI Clinic and involves interviews, tasks on a computer, a physical by a nurse and an MRI scan. Volunteers are paid for their time. Call the following telephone number to complete a 10-minute phone interview to see if you may be eligible.

For more information, contact Tiffany Pignatello at TFitz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3784.

This is a research study aiming to receive feedback on a sexual health intervention designed for couples. To be eligible to participate, you have to identify as Black or African American and be 18 to 35 years of age. The study requires participation in a 120-minute session and completion of a questionnaire. Compensation is available.

For more information, contact Kristina Hood, Ph.D., at progresslab@vcu.edu or visit https://progress.vcu.edu.

Refugee undergraduate and graduate students are invited to participate in a short research survey that explores refugee mental health issues. The survey may be taken at the following URL. Principal investigator is Myriam Kadeba, Ph.D., Office of Multicultural Affairs.

For more information, contact Mehwish Safdar at safdarmn@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=9KKRMWDM3LFJJ33L.