1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

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 are contingent upon stock: Monday (Nov. 18), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Main 1 ticket office by the floor compass; Thursday (Nov. 21), Friday (Nov. 22) and Tuesday (Dec. 3), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Main 1 kiosk near the floor compass; Thursday (Dec. 5), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in front of the Health and Wellness Library near the Gateway Starbucks; Monday (Dec. 9), VCU Health Adult Outpatient Pavilion, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; and 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/.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kick off International Education Week, Monday, Nov. 18-Friday, Nov. 22, by sampling international foods at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place. Taste dishes from the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central and East and South Asia. Explore the places you want to study abroad by talking to international students and scholars representing designated countries.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit http://global.vcu.edu/iew.

12 p.m.

Join the School of Business for an informational webinar to discover how the Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule, the cohort experience and the application process. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at rekaeser@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/event-webinar-dapt-111824?program=DAPT.

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by the Compass to grab a sweet treat from VCU HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). The group will have a table to raise funds by selling homemade baked goods.

For more information, contact Luke Munro at munrol@vcu.edu.

4 p.m. to 4:45 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 daVinci 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-Nov-18.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Dental Club at VCU will host a volunteering event with Operation Smile. The club will bring back the Toothbrush Project to make oral hygiene kits for students at a local low-income elementary school. The event will be in the multipurpose room of the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St.

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

5:30 p.m.

Join VCU's Study Abroad for an exploration of the politics of sex and gender in Spain. "All About My Mother," an Oscar-winning Spanish-language film, will be shown. Eat some tapas and discuss the opportunity to take "Women in Global Politics" this summer in Barcelona with Jessica Trisko Darden, Ph.D. The program will be held in Room 2108, Grace Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Margot Moser at polistaff@vcu.edu.

5:30 p.m.

Join Katie's Art Project for the group's annual holiday care packages event, which will take place in Richmond Salon IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All care packages will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Richmond.

For more information, contact Safa Saad at saads@vcu.edu.

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. Emphasis is increasing on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and empathy in current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping and feedback. Register at the following URL for this virtual session.

For more information, contact Manjari Kumarappan at kumarappanma@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Design-Thinking-Nov-18.

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Southside Church of the Nazarene is hosting an angel tree for the children of Mosby Court, neighbors of VCU Health Systems. Come by Gateway 3/CVPCU select a tag and instructions with all details. Visit the following URL to donate.

For more information, contact Kim Keane at Kimkeane01@gmail.com or (804) 921-6126 or visit https://app.securegive.com/SouthsideChurchVA/courthouse/donate/category.

7 p.m.

SCAN (Save the Children Action Network) will host a case files event in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2107, 1000 Floyd Ave. Eat Oh Mochi doughnuts while solving the mystery of who committed political espionage.

For more information, contact SCAN at scanatvcu@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In celebration of International Education Week, VCU's Global Education Office will host a showcase of more than a dozen upcoming faculty-led study abroad programs. The event will be at the Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Heyden at levya@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5794 or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/eduabroad/rsvp_boot?id=1935938.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at noon

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/.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at noon

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Want to get access to federal financial aid as soon as possible? Join the Student Financial Management Center in person in the SGA Senate Chambers (with pizza!), online via Zoom or through a recording to receive essential information about the 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application, which should open on or before Sunday, Dec. 1. Brief presentations and a Q&A will be offered at 12:30 and 1 p.m. in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register on RamsConnect to participate or receive a recording.

For more information, contact Jonathan Fuller at fullerjd2@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936174.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU School of Social Work and the Global Education Office will present a study abroad opportunity for spring break 2025: Camp Qmunity Cape Town and Johannesburg; LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa. Learn more at the informational session in the Academic Learning Commons (ALC), 1000 Floyd Ave., Room 3100 or via Zoom.

For more information, contact Maurice Gattis at gattism@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.studioabroad.com/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11568.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Learn the basics of artificial intelligence and prompt crafting by developing effective strategies for understanding Large Language Models. The VCU Writing Center and Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge will host the workshop (in-person in Room 5116, Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave. or online via Zoom). Register at the following URL.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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/.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's School of Pharmacy will host seminars designed to highlight innovative research programs led by VCU faculty while creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary interactions and engaging research discussions. Dave Dixon, Pharm.D., professor at the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science, will discuss "Pharmacist-Led Interventions to Improve the Quality of Blood Pressure Control." The session will be in Room 129, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 North 12th St.

For more information, contact Karolina Aberg at kaaberg@vcu.edu or (804) 628-3023.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join PennyAppeal at its Pack-A-Bag event in Room 2129, Grace Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., to help make care kits for the local homeless population. Can't make it? Join the group's Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host a Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop via Zoom. The session is intended for students who are graduating at the end of the current semester and is intended to offer clarity and confidence to students in the process of applying for and complying with OPT regulations. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdOivrTMoHdAbWb-wNsyqdWetr50GaqBD#/registration.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 at 10 a.m.

VCUArts Craft/Material Studies Department Clay Area will have its yearly fundraiser pottery sale. Faculty and student ceramic work will be available for sale to raise funds for students attending the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, in March 2025. The sale will take place in the first-floor lobby of the Murry N. DePillars Building, 1000 W. Broad St., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday (Nov. 20) and Saturday (Nov. 21) and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Payments can be made via Venmo or exact cash only.

For more information, contact Rice Evans at evansb5@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Black & Gold = Green in 2025. Cheer for the Rams and help VCU Facilities Management reach Zero Waste. Volunteers are needed to support VCU Athletics and VCU Sustainability at one or two Zero Waste Rams basketball games, on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Tuesday, Feb. 4. For details about the men's and women's games and how you can become involved, come to the Free Store/Ram Pantry, 930 W. Grace St., on Nov. 20-22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (walk-ins welcome, no registration needed). Staff, students and student groups are welcome

For more information, contact Parker Long at longpj@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/get-involved/.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

Rams in Recovery will partner with each school on the MCV campus for a series of lectures featuring health care professionals who are in recovery from addiction. The first lecture will take place in Younger Auditorium, Room 1009, VCU School of Nursing, 1100 E. Leigh St., and will feature James “Barney” Tormey, Ph.D, RN, CEN.

For more information, contact Thomas N. Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or (804) 366-8027 or visit http://bit.ly/MCVRecoverySeries.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a virtual scholar presentation featuring Aline de Souza, Ph.D., a Georgetown-Howard University CCTS Scholar. De Souza will discuss the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with severe caloric restrictions. This presentation will delve into the latest research on how extreme dietary measures can impact heart health over time, offering takeaways for both clinical practice and personal health decisions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brad Williams at williamsb12@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqfuyppjgvEtEy2nHslrDR_K0L5UrEjJHB.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 at 3 p.m.

This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating and incorporating academic sources into your work. Register at the following URL.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Come to an online alumni panel discussion featuring past interns at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, who will share their experiences into the world of cancer researchers. Learn how the internships can have an impact on your career and help you build a strong foundation in cancer research. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuceyhqjkqE93bt-5rZWsAnOeB20O6i5Ng.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Empower yourself to make your next move in the Unlock Your Potential: Gallup Clifton Strengths Workshop, presented by the Office of Alumni Relations. Whether you’re a student or a professional, discover and maximize your strengths to achieve your personal and professional goals in this interactive Zoom session. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiera Byrd (B.S.’12), assistant director of alumni career and personal development, VCU Alumni, at mcguiretj@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NK0CMthaS3COc0Ajuh1QOA#/registration.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The African American Student Government will host Friendsgiving at Gabriel's House, 816 W. Franklin St. Enjoy soul food, games and community.

For more information, contact Chris Thompson at thompsonc19@vcu.edu or (703) 789-2994.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 at 2 p.m.

This interactive workshop will familiarize students with the required components for a laboratory report and explore the essential elements of a lab report across various scientific disciplines. Register at the following URL.

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

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Join the Latinx Student Association and Students for Justice In Palestine at VCU in raising money to support the Middle East Children's Alliance, a nonprofit organization working for the rights and the well-being of children in the Middle East. The screening of "A Quiet Place: Day One" will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 online or pay-what-you-can at the door. Grab a ticket at the following URL.

For more information, contact Suhylah Sharif at sharifs3@vcu.edu or visit https://givebutter.com/LSAxSJPmovie.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to Auctus' October GBM to learn how to have your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how you can join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty and about opportunities to gain leadership experience. Fresh Insomnia cookies wil be available. The session will be in the Honors College, Room 1303, 701 W. Grace St. Those who cannot attend in person can join on Zoom: https://vcu.zoom.us/j/84715912704, and receive updates through RamsConnect: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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.

Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 from noon 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.

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

Considering a career in advertising, marketing or branding? Join Brandcenter admissions and the faculty concentration chairs to learn more about application requirements, prerequisites and what to keep in mind when completing the application. The qualities and skills of a successfull applicant will be discussed. A Q&A will follow. Register at the following URL for the Zoom link.

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.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at noon

VCU's Office of Alumni Relations invites the Class of 2024 to Grad Week. Starting Saturday, Dec. 7, celebrate graduation season with fellow graduates-to-be, friends and family. Enjoy food, pick up some VCU Alumni swag and learn about VCU Alumni resources. View Grad Week events and register today.

For more information, contact Breydon Horton at hortonb2@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcualumni.org/students/grad-week/?utm_source=vcua&utm_medium=events&utm_campaign=oar-GradWeekTelegRAM-fy25.

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.

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/.

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.

Are you black, queer and looking to sweeten your time at VCU? Join VCU's Honey Club at the following URL. The club is a black-centered organization serving VCU's LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

For more information, contact Kierstin Stuckey at stuckeykn@vcu.edu or visit https://groupme.com/join_group/102695348/1mSVinkn.

Students Caring About Cancer at VCU is collecting items for a Chemo Care Package Drive until Monday, Dec. 2. Suggested items include but are not limited to art supplies, tissues, lip balm, small notebooks, puzzles, pens, pencils, unopened socks and adult coloring books. Donation boxes are placed in the psychology reception area of the White House, 806 W. Franklin St.; the ninth floor reception area at One Capital Square, 830 E. Main St. and Human Resources, 104 N. Belvidere St.

For more information, contact Gabrielle Maldonado at siricagt@vcu.edu.

RVA Views' annual survey aims to understand how residents of Central Virginia think and act regarding topics of health and wellness, financial prosperity, technology and more. The insights of those who respond play a pivotal role in enhancing understanding its societal impacts. Participants can choose to be entered into a drawing to win one of six $50 gift cards. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jodie Ferguson at jlferguson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcubusiness.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d74Jqwe72d8zUbA.

Researchers at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center are testing a new program to help improve health and well-being among emerging adults age 18-29 with a history of cancer. The program is designed specifically for emerging adult cancer survivors who are interested in making healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress, mood) to decrease chronic inflammation. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a brief screening questionnaire to see if you may be eligible.

For more information, contact Autumn Lanoye at lanoyeam@vcu.edu or visit https://www.mccheal.com/.