12 p.m.

Join staff from VCU's da Vinci Center to learn about the Master of Product Innovation program. This cross-disciplinary master’s program focuses on students applying knowledge in advanced product innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship topics with real-life clients. Register for the virtual session at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/mpi124

For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU’s McNair Scholars Program is opening applications soon. Interested in knowing more about the McNair Program? Ready to apply to be the next McNair Scholar? An in-person informational session will be held in Room 207, Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave. A virtual session will be offered at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Registration is required for the Zoom session. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shay Lumpkin at lumpkinm@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5125 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkcOCtrjkvH9Q-VyZkIfjq1fl6LccHP0Lq.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join VCU's Transfer Center for Transfer Tuesdays in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Come to this open study session to work on whatever you need to and meet other transfer students. These sessions will continue for the remainder of the fall semester.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heck at ebheck@vcu.edu or visit https://transfer.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn and discuss strategies to engage, connect and support youth. This workshop will focus on discussion of skills to build and enhance your relationship with youth by maximizing positive communication, attention and validation of feelings and experiences. The session, to be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St., will also include an exploration of ways to use these skills with distressed youth. Richmond Youth Development Network will host facilitators Michele Cosby, PsyD, LCP, and Caroline Mazzer, Ph.D., Virginia Treatment Center for Children.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2696 or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/79/1701788400000.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon

The Central Virginia chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates Chapter together with the Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science will host a meeting via Zoom. Sarah McKeown-Cannon, vice president for growth, Growth, Langland Co., will discuss "Improving the Clinical Trial Experience by Treating Participants as People." SOCRA CE will be available for SOCRA members attending the meeting. Registration is required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shelm@vcu.edu or (804) 241-7340 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtfu6prDMvHNYRM24I5wrapofzFNT-1Jri.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at 2 p.m.

This informational session is open to first- and second-year undergraduate students in all majors. Preference for this award is given to applicants who have not previously traveled outside of North America. Learn about the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes, which provide recipients with the opportunity to spend three or four weeks at a UK university studying abroad during summer 2024, and how the National Scholarship Office can support you in applying. The session will be in Room 1210, 701 W. Grace St., and also available via Zoom. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebEAi-cUvro9qcsxY-MOI6o6Fu2Vvl0S2_DbVfjXxfHM4mOw/viewform.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

TEDxVCU will host a game night in the Underground, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Come dressed in your comfiest PJ’s for free hot chocolate, cookies and classic board games. Register at RamsConnect.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU at tedx@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join Media Production students as they display their semester-long films. Five projects will be screened (not in any particular order): "Growing Through the Motions" by 410 Productions; a set of commercials by Monique Lilly; "NIGHTCRWLR," a documentary by Cameryn Turner and Zachary Watkins; "Revving Rivalry," a documentary by Jordan Adams; and "Rosewood," a documentary by Rachel Dryers. The presentations, by MASC 484 Media Foundry and MASC 410 Media Entrepreneurship, will be screened in the auditorium, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ashley Miller at milleram15@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU'S Senior Media Capstone students from the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will present their final work at a special screening, "Growing Through the Motions." The evening will feature four student-created short documentaries and one extended documentary that focuses on the distinct and diverse day-to-day lives of three VCU students. Admission is free. The screenings will be in the auditorium of Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Robert Milazzo at milazzor@vcu.edu.

Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

VCUarts Dance and Choreography will present “TWO TRUTHS: Truth 1” Fall 2023 Senior Project Concert. Holly Trenbath, a senior in the Dance Department, will present a senior capstone project at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. The performance is $10 for general admission and $5 with a VCU ID. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/32228/institute-for-contemporary-art-at-virginia-commonwealth-university

For more information, contact Judith Steel at jsteel@vcu.edu or visit https://2wotruths.wixsite.com/2wotruths.

Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a Discovery Dialogues seminar presented by Linda Burkett, M.D., assistant professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, via Zoom. 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/tZEtdOyqpj4oGtcqON_LjqIfQgrR0ztp0GX7.

Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This training will introduce participants to critical mentoring, an approach to mentoring which emphasizes power, privilege, social justice and equity. Participants will gain an understanding of critical mentoring and how to create more equitable and impactful mentoring relationships. The free session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Richmond Youth Development Network will host facilitator Tamice Spencer-Helms of Mentor Virginia.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2696 or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/61/1702305000000.

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully living in the moment. A self-care routine is a daily journey of intentional living and being mindful about physical, mental and emotional well-being. Educators will be introduced to a variety of mindful-based interventions and strategies to support their own personal well-being. Richmond Youth Development Network will host the event, which will be facilitated by BareSOUL Wellness. Register at the following email address. Registration limited to 18 participants.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at Garlandvw@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2696 or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/92/1702483200000.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Research on unconscious bias shows how the brain takes shortcuts that can be informed by socialized biases. Beginning with the roots of prejudice, this interactive presentation will demonstrate the progression from thoughts to words to actions. This workshop asks participants to consider the ways prejudice stands in the way of creating an inclusive organization. Richmond Youth Development Network will host the free event, which will feature Jessica Hawthorne, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. The event will be at Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following email address.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2696 or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/100/1703016000000.

The “excess leave” carry forward provided during the pandemic expires on Jan. 9, 2024. Employees who have excess leave hours and wish to use them should follow these instructions and select leave code "15 - Excessive Leave Carry Forward" in VCU’s RealTime leave request module. Excess leave requests submitted in RealTime will follow the standard approval process. Employees should consult their HR Professional with any questions about leave accrual, usage or how to view their leave balances.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at askhr@vcu.edu.

VCU's Human Research Protection Program announces that the nomination period is now open for membership on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the 2024 annual calendar. The IRB is a vital component of VCU's commitment to ethical research practices. The board plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection and welfare of human subjects involved in research conducted at the university. Nominations may be made at the following URL. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 5.

For more information, contact Human Resources Protection Program at HRPP@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0868 or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/humanresearch/?p=2929.

VCU Police and R.M.C. Security will conduct extra mobile and foot patrols in and around James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., through Monday, Dec. 18. This includes additional R.M.C. Security staff outside the library and on nearby blocks from 7:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. VCU Police officers patrol both VCU campuses 24/7 and can be reached by calling (804) VCU-1234 at any time. Community members can also use the LiveSafe app to text with VCUPD dispatchers.

For more information, contact VCU Police at policedept@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1234.

Table massage promotes a healthy and active life, relieves stress and muscle tension and assists in rehabilitating an injury. RecWell’s licensed massage therapists will discuss any client needs and will implement a customized treatment. Open to VCU students, RecWell members and faculty/staff nonmembers. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jess Norman at massage@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/massage-therapy/.

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. Register for an upcoming session at https://bit.ly/3NqLY7a. For more information, create a service request at https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport or call the following telephone number.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/retirement/planning-resources/.

RecWell winter break hours run Friday, Dec. 15 through Tuesday, Jan. 15. All facilities will be closed Sunday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. For details, visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Amanda Simmons at recwell@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/facilities-and-hours/.

RecWell’s personal training packages are available to VCU students and RecWell members. Participants are guided through an exercise program customized to meet their specific needs and goals by a certified personal trainer. RecWell offers one-on-one and buddy training packages of three-, six-, 12- or 18-hour-long sessions. Registration information is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tanika Santos-MacSwain at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/thrive/personal-training/.

Children’s swim lessons at the Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center are now open to VCU students and RecWell members. Four different types of lessons will be offered: Parent/Child, and Preschool 1,2, and 3. Full information is available on the RecWell website. Session dates run Feb. 3-24. Register at the following URL by noon Feb. 2.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program?classificationId=7ed7ea86-88d1-4cc7-8094-d6560f38fd1d.

The Wright Regional Center for Clinical and Translational Science can help. For personalized guidance from the center's research navigator, email a detailed description of your project or any questions to cctr@vcu.edu and you will be directed to the available resources. You can also visit the following URL to learn where to start, how to determine if your sample size is feasible and development of your grant or protocol.

For more information, contact Rose Williams at williamsrm4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8583 or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/support/research-navigation/.

Spring dining plans are now open. Find the plan that fits your needs at vcu.campusdish.com/DiningPlans. December events at Shafer Court Dining Center (810 Cathedral Place) include Midnight Breakfast (Dec. 5: 8 p.m.-midnight), Wellness Wednesday (Dec. 6: noon-1:30 p.m.) and Cookie Decorating (Dec. 7: 5-7 p.m.). For more events, visit the following URL or follow @VCU_Dining on social media.

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

We are inviting male and female participants with elevated blood pressure between the ages of 18-45 years to participate in a study to examine how the time of day that you eat affects your blood pressure, blood vessel function and kidney function. This study involves a screening visit to determine eligibility; two single-day interventions where you will eat a meal that we provide in the morning or late at night; and two visits to our laboratory. The study involves collection of blood, saliva and urine samples, in addition to blood pressure, blood vessel and body composition assessments. The study is conducted at VCU Kinesiology and Health Sciences Building on the Monroe Park Campus. Participants will be compensated for their time completing the study. Questions: Email Natalie Bohmke at the following email address or Danielle Kirkman at dlkirkman@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Natalie Bohmke at bohmkenj@vcu.edu.

We are looking for healthy, nonsmoking participants who would be willing to provide a blood sample for a research project investigating the immune function of blood cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. We are looking for participants without cystic fibrosis as a control group for the study. In addition to the blood sample, we will ask you questions about your health and medications, but no information will be gathered from your medical records. Participants will be compensated.

For more information, contact Akilah Pierre-Louis at Akilah.PierreLouis1@vcuhealth.org.

Be part of VCU's AYA Research Team's ongoing study. We're discussing race-conscious parenting with expecting Black parents and those raising Black children (ages 1-5). Explore how racial factors shape parenting through five interviews every six months, involving both parents and brief check-in questionnaires. Compensation will be provided for interviews and questionnaires. Ready to join? Complete the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shawn Jones, Ph.D., at ayaresearch@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/pVCKFkT6RrMMzX249.