10 a.m.

Join Commonwealth Cyber Initiative's Central Virginia Node and Nikolaos Sidiropoulos, Ph.D., for the group's speaker series. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-CvpzoqHdZlFRA0rkL0RaIJVXGn_iyU

For more information, contact Zahra W Ndirangu at zahrandirangu@gmail.com or visit http://cci-cvn.org.

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.

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.

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/.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join faculty and staff from the VCU School of Nursing and VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation to learn about the graduate certificate program that will make it simpler for those with an interest in innovation to develop products and solutions to challenges facing the health care industry. The certificate will provide opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and skills at identifying problems and implementing solutions to foster high quality, safe and accessible health care. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Allison Schumacher at schumacheran@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Health-Care-Info-Nov-19.

6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

VCU's Migration Studies Lab at the Humanities Research Center will host a discussion on the future of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and U.S. immigration policy in light of the upcoming administration. All are welcome to participate. Guest speaker David Morales, managing attorney with the Farmworker Unit of the Northwest Justice Project and a Trustee of Yakima Valley (Wash.) College, will provide an overview of upcoming challenges and policy changes and moderate the discussion. The session will be in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2194, 1000 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rani Sisavath at sisavathr@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/what-now-the-future-of-immigrant-students-and-daca.html.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join PennyAppeal at its Pack-A-Bag event tonight in Franklin Towers, 311 W. Franklin St., 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.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

During International Education Week, Monday, Nov. 18-Friday, Nov. 22, the Global Education Office invites VCU students to enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with international students. Rodney the Ram will make an appearance to help celebrate the week. The tea will be in the third-floor lounge, 912 W. Grace St.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 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: 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/.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

During International Education Week, Monday, Nov. 18-Friday, Nov. 22, Ray John (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Ontario, Canada), Indigenous knowledge sharer and educator, will explore a holistic approach designed to uplift the self and foster self-awareness. Through guided reflection and activities, participants will learn how to better connect with themselves and others. RSVP atthe following URL.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6463 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrSn2VfmKupBYwkz7mzMgIEB8oDySC3ThtwDQwI3HmsWcqfw/viewform.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The School of Education's International Educational Studies Center will host a two-day virtual joint research symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 8-10:30 a.m. and on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. Register for the Wednesday session at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsc-utqTguHNH3qB0CLs7t_Lk96S5WCuvy#/registration Register for the Thursday session at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcOqgqzIpHd20IvhZK6cMsh0Q0hoOVE8-

For more information, contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4309.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

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.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Global Education Office will hold a series of workshops via Zoom geared for VCU's F-1 students. (F-1 is a U.S. nonimmigrant status granted to international students by the Department of Homeland Security who are studying or working in the U.S.) VCU's Post-Graduation Planning workshop outlines the options available to F-1 students completing their program of study at the end of the semester, including obtaining a new I-20 to begin a new degree program, transferring out or training. See the Zoom link 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/tZcscu-vpzooG9OZOW9l9PGi05T5dxEGX4q7#/registration.

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

Want to make a difference in the community and gain volunteering experience? Come to the first general body meeting of the Doorways at VCU in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1107, 1000 Floyd Ave. Meet the officers, learn about the group's mission and find out how to become involved with its volunteer events. Questions: Email Kelly Lindquist at klindquist@thedoorways.org or Sneha Gatuku at the following address.

For more information, contact Sneha Gatuku at gatukus@vcu.edu or (571) 233-5515 or visit https://www.instagram.com/thedoorwaysatvcu/.

RecWell facilities will operate on reduced hours from Friday, Nov. 22 to Wednesday, Nov. 27. All RecWell facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1.

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

Celebrate the mothers of the OB MOTIVATE Clinic at VCU Health by donating to the clinic's Winter Wishes fund, created to provide patients with something special for themselves and their babies as they continue their recovery. Visit the following URL to make a donation.

For more information, contact OB MOTIVATE Clinic at culbertml@vcu.edu or (804) 314-5651 or visit https://give.chfrichmond.org/OB-MOTIVATE-Clinic.

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...