11 a.m. to 11:45 a.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-4.

12 p.m.

Discover how to navigate the complexity of cell-cell communication analysis in scRNA-seq data with LIANA+. This Python-based framework unifies popular tools and offers a consensus approach to identify high-confidence cellular interactions, making it easier to interpret and compare results. Learn how LIANA+ can streamline your research on cellular communication pathways at the seminar, part of the Bioinformatics Bites series hosted online by Massey's Bioinformatics Share Resource. Register at the following URL

For more information, contact Hillary Boucher at connollyh@vcu.edu or (802) 318-6455 or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAodeGrqTgsGNKIjN4Jv_KKcTf2D-qntqve.

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/.

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.

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 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: 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/.

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. 12, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Health Sciences Library will present a lunch research seminar via Zoom. Nina Exner, Ph.D., research data librarian, will discuss regulatory requirements and best practices for research data storage and security, including the development of data collection and storage plans. Questions: Visit 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/tZEpcu6vqz8sGtT8ZfTzeVoUeHlxynUy2RR8.

RecWell facilities will operate on reduced hours for Winter Break, Friday, Dec. 13 through Saturday, Jan. 11. All facilities will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 1.

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

RecWell’s Lifeguard Instructor Course is for those interested in planning and teaching American Red Cross Lifeguard courses. Lifeguard Instructors can also bridge to other disciplines within the American Red Cross program, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, basic CPR/AED, First Aid and Basic Life Support. Class Dates are Feb. 17-28, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4-8 p.m. Lessons will be at the Aquatic Center, 121 S. Linden St. Prerequisites: current Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) certification. Register by Feb 10.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=212c2835-0e59-439a-85e6-cc97af81db3e.

RecWell trains its peer health educators on mental well-being, physical health, sexual and relationship health, and alcohol and other drugs in ways that are positive, inclusive and empowering. To join, register for HPED 305: Concepts of Peer Health Education for the spring semester. Taking the class is a requirement to join and provides the opportunity to interview to become a peer health educator.

For more information, contact Rebecca Lebedun at peerhealth@vcu.edu.

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/.

Spring dining plan enrollment is now open. Find the plan that fits your needs at vcu.campusdish.com/DiningPlans. This month's special events at Shafer Court Dining Center, 810 Cathedral Place, include a finals cram cart (Dec. 9-13). For more events, visit the following URL or follow @VCU_Dining on social media.

For more information, contact Margaret Massie at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit https://vcu.campusdish.com/.

As the semester winds down, students (and fellow colleagues) are invited to send words of gratitude to their VCU professors. Expressing kindness and gratitude is healthy and brightens someone else’s day. Many of the university's faculty are dedicated to making a positive difference. Spread a little joy and send your professor(s) some well-deserved props through the following form.

For more information, contact Jordyn Richardson at ctle@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/ZWCPm7Fp1gVn6aSy7.

HOSA @ VCU (Health Occupations Students of America) introduces the State Leadership Conference event form for students interested in competing at the annual conference in March. See the details at the following URL. Submit the form by 11:59 p.m. today, Dec. 4.

For more information, contact HOSA @ VCU at vcuhosa@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/7Rw1iT7TxzZQtMPz5.

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....

The Equity in Cardiovascular Health Outcomes (EqCHO) Lab at VCU is conducting a study on the stress experiences of young Black women. We would like to use the information gained from this study to develop a stress reduction program to improve cardiovascular health among young African American women. Resources will be provided on stress and health management. The study will take place over two consecutive weeks. Compensation is available. Questions: Visit https://eqcho.lab.vcu.edu/ Check your eligibility and sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Anika Hines at eqcholab@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5030 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KYP34XPP8J7A8JJX.