11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual university-wide holiday open house is hosted by President Michael and Mrs. Monica Rao in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. It is an opportunity for the university community to come together and celebrate the holidays prior to winter closing. It is an informal gathering, with food and drink provided.

For more information, contact University Events at univevents@vcu.edu.

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VCU's History Department will host a brown-bag lunch featuring a talk by Elizabeth Shanks Alexander, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia. She will explore the strategies that the Bible’s ancient authors and contemporary translators employed to construct a gender-neutral subject in which each noun, verb and adjective is marked with grammatical gender and has no neuter option. Drinks and light snacks will be provided. The event will be in the department's conference room, 811 S. Cathedral Place.

For more information, contact Samuel Kessler, Ph.D., at kesslers2@vcu.edu or visit https://history.vcu.edu/events/event-items/what-might-the-ancients-have-thought-about-recent-gender-sensitive-translations-of-the-bible.html.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 1 p.m.

Learn how to use the tools you need to write your best statement. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Purchase a 2025 Dogs on Call calendar and show your support for the therapy dog teams who visit patients and staff at VCU Health and students at VCU. Additional sales contingent upon stock: Thursday, Dec. 5, in front of the Health and Wellness Library, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (near the Gateway Starbucks); Monday, Dec. 9, VCU Health Adult Outpatient Pavilion, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 13, VCU Health Stony Point Lobby, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Purchases can also be made online and mailed to you at www.support.vcu.edu/event/CHAI_Calendar

For more information, contact Karl Dorn at chai@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit https://chai.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at noon

Kesem at VCU will collect donations at the Compass for Giving Tueday. Help support children whose parents have cancer.

For more information, contact Brianna Josey at joseybe@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Pre-Health Advisers will host a virtual Radiation Sciences’ Application Overview for students. The discussion will include the application process. Questions will be answered about the application, the personal statement and the interview. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Meg Waldron, MS, at waldronm3@vcu.du or visit https://forms.gle/WNXZa1f12g4UdXDx9.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

When it comes to leadership, we sometimes fall back on what we know, regardless of our values. In this workshop, participants will come away with concrete strategies for translating inclusive and team-centered values into practice. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcOipqjgoHd0JBq-AOzx63g_OCiG48Q4d#/registration

For more information, contact Tre Straughter at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://inclusive.vcu.edu/education/.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Connect and reflect with fellow students with pizza, soda and water at an end of semester celebration hosted by the Society for Human Resource Management. The event, in the Alumni Association Board Room, first floor, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., is open to all VCU students. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ella Henderson at hendersoner@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1935952.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dental Club at VCU will host Kevin Matthew Byrd, DDS, Ph.D., a research faculty member at VCU, who will share insights about his research in oral and craniofacial single-cell and spatial biology. He will also discuss how pre-dental students can become involved in his lab and explore other research opportunities. The session will be in the SGA Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Jumana Meri at merin@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Explore how AI can be an innovative learning tool if used properly. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Join Rams Aging and Engaging on Dec. 4 (Wednesday) and Dec. 5 (Thursday) at the at the Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., for a henna fundraiser to support enrichment activities for low-income older adults. Volunteers are sought (no henna skills necessary) to assist. Sign up to volunteer at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rhea Chatterjee at chatterjeer2@vcu.edu or (703) 814-3594 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPM7J_MYeCVJsCn5p-BKgi1gGmoTteTyHpef5MMpSlz20gjw/viewform.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Need a place to study for finals? Join You First at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for a Pomodoro study session. Those in attendance will study for 45 minutes and take 15-minute breaks. Food will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis to fuel your studies. Register on RamsConnect or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Aurianna Nacua at nacuaat@vcu.edu or (757) 575-5219 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936220.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 7 p.m.

VCU's Bachelor of Social Work Program invites undergraduate social work students, faculty and staff to a pre-finals week celebration with food and games. Enjoy a social space to decompress as the fall semester comes to a close. The event will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 3100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Space is limited. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Zacc Diamond-Tapper at bsw@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/YdR7WuDaFZ3HJSPP7.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and the Health Sciences Library will present their next lunch research seminar via Zoom. Pamela Dillon, Wright Center, will show those who attend how to use various databases to identify appropriate research funding. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqduiurz8rHtBS8ysFO35h-jlGfV7oRCSF

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit http://www.cctr.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at noon

Learn how to articulate your own, unique ideas in the style of your discipline. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kay Coghill, Ph.D., VCU Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, will discuss online harassment and mental health in a virtual session hosted by Bioethics 4 Students, Honey Club and Sisters and Stethoscopes. See the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Riya Bajpai at bajpair2@vcu.edu or visit https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87336052265?pwd=IsHFxMZQxnBrzl8ED0LaM80Aomi0Qm.1.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The second edition of the SHIFT Magazine was created by a cross-disciplinary team of students and faculty from the VCU da Vinci Center and Robertson School as an accumulation of the Fall 2023 semester at the SHIFT Retail Lab. It features interviews with many student entrepreneurs and is intended to be an educational resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. The launch party will be held at SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St. Pick up a copy of the magazine along with complimentary refreshments. Questions: Email Alicia Edgerton at pennixar@vcu.edu or Cael Parker at the following email address. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Mag-Party-Dec-5.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The VCU School of Medicine ACCESS Global Health Program and VCU School of Medicine Dean's Office will present Wesler Lambert, M.D., Zamni Lasante (Partners in Health) in the learning theater of James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC),, 1201 E. Marshall St. He will discuss the role Partners in Health plays in Haiti’s health care landscape and share insights into its response to the political turmoil that has impacted the nation this year.

For more information, contact Konrad McKalip at accessprogram@vcu.edu or visit https://rampages.us/access/global-health-forum/.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle at the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., in Richmond Salons 1 and 2 to unwind for a few hours. The evening will include music, arts and crafts and self-care activities. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sharron McDaniel at mcdanielst@vcu.edu or visit https://link.vcu.edu/hub/vcualumni/events/40011.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thinking of applying to the Brandcenter? Join Brandcenter admissions and faculty concentration chairs to learn more about application requirements, prerequisites and what to keep in mind when completing an application. Find out about the qualities and skills of successful applicants. A Q&A will follow. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/BC-Virtual-App-Workshop?utm_source=TelegRam.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The VCU School of Education's Child Development Center on the VCU Monroe Park campus has immediate full-time child care openings for children 16 months to 5 years old. A virtual open house will be held Thursday, Dec. 5 or Thursday, Dec. 12. Both events start at 7 p.m. Questions: http://cdc.soe.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tessa NeSmith at nesmithtr@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7377 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftIyLhicC_T0CQiVZwcYhWoh1tWxxyc9D5jkKPiO07Stj_bQ/viewform.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Learn more about the top graduate program for advertising and branding in the United States during Preview Day at the Brandcenter, 103 S. Jefferson St. Meet current students and faculty, learn about Brandcenter programs and attend the Friday Forum Speaker series. Register in advance at the following URL to save a spot.

For more information, contact Emma Barone at brandcenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/BC-Preview-Day-Dec2024?utm_source=TelegRam.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Learn about graduate programs in health care leadership (Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Administration) at the Department of Health Administration's virtual informational session. The discussion will include the program's mission, curriculum, administrative residency (MHA) and the application process for both programs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekZHdPkFwhFOtluQojc_SJaX0r9NrQ6Dn5KNYaQOfQTekn5w/viewform.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

BASE (Black Art Student Empowerment) at VCU will host its semester Artist Alley in collaboration with Ink Magazine. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons III-IV, 907 Floyd Ave.. Buy original artwork, posters, stickers and jewelry. The works of VCUarts student filmmakers will also be featured.

For more information, contact Black Art Student Empowerment at VCU at baseatvcu@gmail.com.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you are a mentor yearning to renew your fervor and forge meaningful change, the Soulful Leadership Professional Development Curriculum welcomes you. Join the event at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. The fee is $65. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://form.jotform.com/242345318547055.

Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend a virtual informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at VCU's da Vinci Center. The session will also include the center's programs in product innovation and venture creation, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they fit into individual academic plans. Questions: Mary Chris Escobar at escobarmc@vcu.edu or the following email address.

For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Undergrad-Info-Dec-9.

Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Are you interested in gaining volunteer experience? The Doorways at VCU will have a volunteering event to help the Doorways organization with operational tasks that support thr group's mission. Learn more about how volunteering works at the group's general body meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave. If you're interested in volunteering, fill out the form at https://forms.gle/3eq6L7eD7udNKxhe6 Questions: Email Shena Gatukus at gatukus@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Sai Kathuroju at thedoorwaysatvcu@gmail.com or (571) 233-5515 or visit http://insta: @thedoorwaysatvcu.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more about VCU's doctoral program in Health Services Organization and Research at a virtual informational session. Meet with program faculty and learn about admissions and funding. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cameron Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/FJPPUcSo1QzpLQag7.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Are you interested in research and want to participate in school-based research through VCU? Your help is needed. Hydrate RPS is a three-year, National Institutes of Health-funded research study to increase water access and intake in Richmond Public Schools elementaries. Volunteers are needed to help kick off the study at the schools. This event will take place at Henry Marsh Elementary School, 813 N. 28th St. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ashley Mendoza at hydrateRPS@vcuhealth.org or visit https://forms.gle/9hb2JKNLyr8uRWq88.

Are you ready to submit your FAFSA? The 2025-26 application is open. Check out the following URL for a Nov. 19 event recording from the Student Financial Management Center about all the tips you need to submit a successful Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this year.

For more information, contact Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/rec/share/OU4iCbcVqJ4-A6oOsPXhowqhTVfzDJyiuWBXnemjla0oI1DT_b-qRArfef5BuNM.8MU5k7XCBRcjvwLg.

The ability to create and edit Google Sites is no longer available. The Google Sites service will be fully decommissioned as of December 2024. University-related sites and course-related sites should be moved or created in the appropriate university systems. Personal sites should be created on non-university hosted platforms.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://collaborate.vcu.edu/apps/sites/.

The Wilderness First Responder session is a hands-on 72-hour course covering response and assessment, musculoskeletal injuries, environmental emergencies, survival skills, soft tissue injuries and medical emergencies using scenarios, mock rescues and skill stations. A three-year American Red Cross adult/child lay responder CPR/AED certification is included. This class meets all day every day of the listed week, with one to two nights of class. Lodging may be requested as an addition on a per-night basis. Register by Jan. 1, 2025

For more information, contact Christina Spohn at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=71afb779-deb8-425a-b707-c71d32242fa4.

Congratulations and best wishes for success to VCU's Class of 2024. Don't forget to upload your graduation photos so they can be displayed for family and friends during the celebrations. Be sure to add your school or college and the degree you will receive. Upload your photos at the following URL.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RgapLNVXe9cQby9g6.

RecWell offers adult beginner swim lessons, intended for older teens and adults who are comfortable in the water but wish to learn basic skills such as floating, treading water and coordination for swimming strokes. Lessons will primarily be taught in shallow water, but participants will practice supporting themselves in deeper water throughout the class. Register by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Morning lessons - Feb. 4-27, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-7:55 a.m. Evening lessons - Feb. 3-26, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-6:55 p.m.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

VCU RecWell offers children’s swim lessons for ages 6 months to 6 years, taught by certified Water Safety Instructors under the American Red Cross program. Lessons, at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St., focus on fundamental swimming and water safety skills, with support tailored to each child's comfort and ability. Session 1 runs Saturday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Register at the following URL by Friday, Jan 31.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=805d477a-53f7-4a08-8d31-2c0fb96d6ee0.

This course will prepare participants to plan and teach courses within the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. Courses include preschool aquatics, learn-to-swim and safety training for swim coaches. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive American Red Cross certification as a water safety instructor valid for two years. This course does not provide lifeguard or CPR/AED training. Program dates are Jan. 5-8, Monday through Thursday, noon-7 p.m. Register at the following URL by Friday, Dec 20.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=c7e6f354-bd63-40e1-a2fd-6d4563decb00.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, students can log in to apps.parking.vcu.edu/mcvwebsales to enter the MCV Campus permit lottery. The Monroe Park Campus parking sale will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m. at https://vcu.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal. All VCU parking permits are now virtual and linked to your license plate, so hang tags will not be mailed.

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

RecWell is holding a Lifeguarding Recertification Course for currently certified lifeguards seeking recertification. Participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate or be within 30 days of expiration and proof of certification must be submitted to the instructor prior to participation. The class will be held March 1-2, Saturday and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL by Friday, Feb 21.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/program?classificationId=2ce927aa-e031-40e6-b64c-d3a8ac5d6876.

Calling all undergraduate students: Thinking about all of your final papers, projects and exams? Schedule an appointment to meet with an academic coach from the Campus Learning Center to create a plan and finish strong. Complete the following Google form to get started: https://forms.gle/2rEXjyGFpQnT5qoW9

For more information, contact Bridget Prince at bprince@vcu.edu or visit http://clc.vcu.edu.

Raise a puppy and change a life. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has puppies seeking volunteer puppy raisers or short-term sitters. Missing your dog at home? Want the puppy love but not ready for the long-term commitment? Not ready to pay for tuition and vet bills? Raise a Guiding Eyes puppy at VCU for up to 18 months, providing the pup with the socialization, house manners and basic obedience needed for guide dog training. Can’t commit? Puppy sitters are also needed.

For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu or visit https://www.guidingeyes.org/puppy-raising/.

VCU students are asked to share their experiences with on-campus offices and organizations that offer services or resources to students. VCU staff member Jess Hoy, M.S.W., is conducting a research survey that can be completed online and takes about 10 minutes. Students are not required to have ever used a VCU resource to participate. Students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $25 gift cards to the VCU bookstore. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jess Hoy at hoyj2@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I3jkZe3oTGVt0ufnnNU1aK1zlvbVzSRSAqoCfZ3AnIE/viewform?edit_requested=true%20....

Student Alumni Council members are recruiting prospective student leaders to join the organization's Leadership Council. Members of the council plan events for the student body; build leadership skills and expand their professional network. Council members promote philanthropy, foster connections between students and alumni and celebrate traditions. Apply at the following URL by Jan. 24, 2025.

For more information, contact Breydon Duncan Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or (731) 225-6830 or visit https://forms.gle/HhYgjeTJTexJdQfD7.

Love to sing? Join the VCU Choirs and be part of the university's music community this spring. No auditions are required for the Choral Arts Society, which is open to all VCU students. Sign up now for APPM359 CRN30106.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., Director of Choral Activities, at hansenc3@vcu.edu or (910) 280-4865 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/.

Nominate a colleague, student, alumni or community member for the 2025 Burnside Watstein Awards, which honor individuals who have positively impacted VCU’s LGBTQIA+ community. Nominations may be made by Feb. 21, 2025 at the following URL. The awards ceremony will be held on March 26, 2025, from 4-6:30 p.m. at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at equality@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0K_-zuE-vReiCs4WUonfCXMuj9WYysnmDy4vbpv6pX9DMuA/viewform.

VCU School of Nursing is looking for participants ages 0-25 to participate in a Long COVID study. Have you or your child experienced lingering health symptoms or behavior changes since having COVID or a virus? Participants will be paid for their time. Sign up for the study at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amy Rider at recoverkidsva@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/RECOVERkids.