11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

VCU Parking and Transportation hosts an open forum for students, faculty and staff on the Monroe Park Campus in the Cabell Library, Room 303. Parking and Transportation administration will discuss recent initiatives, improvements and address audience concerns. If unable to attend this forum, it can be viewed live at https://apps.parking.vcu.edu/livestream.asp

For more information, visit http://parking.vcu.edu.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU Homecoming hosts a blood drive in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Center for Human-Animal Interaction holds 2018 Dogs on Call calendar sales at the Community Health Education Center in the Gateway Building, Ground Floor. Attendees can meet the Dogs on Call therapy dogs and show their support by purchasing a 2018 Dogs on Call calendar for $10. All proceeds support the Dogs on Call and The Center for Human-Animal Interaction and will help therapy dogs continue to spread joy to patients, students and staff.

For more information, visit http://www.chai.vcu.edu.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

VCU Homecoming presents "Proud to be ME" in the University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms. Participants will write words of encouragement and celebrate the pride of ourselves and of the university.

For more information, visit http://homecoming.vcu.edu.

12 p.m.

The College of Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute (COBE) presents Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., Jo Robins, Ph.D., and Chris Reina, Ph.D., discussing "Contemplative Science Research at VCU: Highlights from Three Faculty Members' Recent Studies" at the November COBE Connect lunch in the University Student Commons, Forum Room. Students, faculty and staff are welcome. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, visit http://www.cobe.vcu.edu.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU Pre-Health Advising holds a workshop in the University Student Commons, Forum Room, to discuss the application process to the dental hygiene program. A pre-health advisor will go over the application requirements and discuss how to be a competitive applicant to the program.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The National Scholarship Office hosts an information session about the Udall Scholarship in the Honors College, Room 1210. The Udall Scholarship provides financial support and networking opportunities for sophomores and juniors who are pursuing careers in environmental sciences, policy or advocacy. First-year students who are interested in such careers are also invited to attend.

For more information, visit https://nso.vcu.edu/.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Wellness Resource Center presents "Great SEXpectations" in the University Student Commons, Suite 215. This fun and informative play-shop from Sex Educators will help remove sexual stigmas and taboos about self-pleasure, fetish sex and kink sex. Practical tools will be provided in a safer* and supportive environment. Attendees can feel free to bring their partner(s).

7 p.m.

Amnesty International at VCU presents the "School-to-Prison Pipeline" speaker panel at The Depot. Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline are issues that affect every person in the community, but directly and disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities. Attendees will join Richmond natives, activists and experts for this important an interactive discussion on how to #keepourkidsfree

8:30 p.m.

VCU Homecoming presents "Gym Jam," a night filled with hip hop cardio dance moves, at the Cary Street Gym. The first 50 people will receive a T-shirt and water bottle. Attendees will meet at the indoor soccer field on the second floor.

For more information, visit http://homecoming.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Department of Health Administration holds a lunchtime information webinar for the Health Services Organization and Research Ph.D. program. Attendees will learn about the Ph.D. program and have an opportunity to virtually meet with the program director and current students. RSVP by using the email address below.

For more information, visit http://sahp.vcu.edu/departments/ha/.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU English sponsors a lecture in Hibbs Hall, Room 308, by John T. Glover, humanities reference librarian and affiliated English faculty. Glover will cover aspects of Lovecraft's aesthetics from 1925-1927. Lovecraft returned to Providence from New York, transitioned from one literary style to another, and wrote the short story "Pickman's Model" and the essay "Supernatural Horror in Literature," grappling with the elevation of simple horror to ‘weird fiction.’" All are welcome. Attendees are invited to bring lunch.

For more information, visit http://english.vcu.edu/about/english-faculty-forum/ .

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from noon to 2 p.m.

In celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the Higher Education Act, the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and TRiO Student Support Services honor first-generation college students in the University Student Commons Lobby. Sweet treats, kudos and information on how VCU is celebrating first-generation students all year long will be provided.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Libraries hosts "Wednesdays in the Workshop," an open house designed to help attendees explore new equipment, techniques, softwares or experiences every Wednesday at Cabell Library, in the lower-level space. This week's topic will be the sewing machine for beginners.

For more information, visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2017-18/wednesday-workshops-2017-18.html.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.

The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics welcomes Jim Yorke, University of Maryland, who will give a talk on "The Many Aspects of Chaos" in the Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100. Yorke coined the word "chaos" in a famous 1975 paper and is known to be a great speaker. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit http://www.people.vcu.edu/~clarson/2017-colloquium-yorke.pdf.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 at 7 p.m.

VCU Music's Guitar Studio presents a free recital in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall.

For more information, visit http://arts.vcu.edu/music/events/.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 at 8 p.m.

VCU Music's Low Brass Studio presents a free recital in the James W. Black Music Center's Recital Hall.

For more information, visit http://arts.vcu.edu/music/events/.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU Community Health Education Center hosts a program about arts in health care at the center, VCU Medical Center, Gateway Building, Ground Floor. The VCU Health Arts in Healthcare team will present information about how the department serves the hospital and patients with therapy services and programs. Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, use the contact information below.

For more information, visit http://wp.vcu.edu/chec/.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The School of Education presents the annual Ruth Harris Lecture at The Depot. Jade A. Wexler, University of Maryland, will be giving the keynote address, "Meeting the Needs of Adolescents with Reading Disabilities: What Do We Know, What are Some Common Challenges, and What are Some Suggestions for Future Directions?"

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

VCU Recreational Sports holds a workshop to teach the benefits of meditation, as well as how to craft a mindful and meditative practice in the Cary Street Gym, Mind and Body Studio.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Political Science presents "Dare to Dialogue: Deepening the Conversation on Race and Justice in American Life" featuring a screening of filmmaker Ava DuVernay's documentary "13th" on race and criminal justice in America in the University Student Commons Theater. A town hall and public conversation with experts and community members will follow. Light refreshments will be served.  Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, visit http://wp.vcu.edu/humanities-and-sciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/4656/2017/11/Poli-Sci-11.09.17.pdf.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 at 7 p.m.

Green Unity hosts Kimberly Guthrie, assistant professor, Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising, speaking about the effects of fast fashion on the environment and how to make ethical choices when buying clothes in West Grace Street Student Housing-North, Room 1030G.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research along with VCU Massey Cancer Center present the Central Virginia SoCRA Chapter meeting, "Updates in Hot Topics" from the annual 2017 SOCRA Conference, in the McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 11th Floor, Room 11-101/102. Participants will understand the impact of current ICH E6 (R2) changes and revisions and identify common FDA audit findings.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The VCU Student Veteran Association and Military Student Services Office sponsor a Veterans Day BBQ, "Give a Can, Get a Plate," in the Ram Courtyard, outside the University Student Commons. Veterans will be recognized for their service and BBQ will be served. Canned food donations are requested and will go to RamPantry.

For more information, visit https://militaryservices.vcu.edu/.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

Strategic Enrollment Management presents "First-Gen Fridays," in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salon III, for students, faculty and staff who will be or were the first in their family to graduate from college. The topic will be "National Scholarships/Community Engagement: Making the Most out of Your Urban College Experience." Attendees will enjoy pizza and meet other first-gen students and faculty from around the university.

For more information, visit https://nsfp.vcu.edu/studentevents/first-gen-fridays/.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

VCU's da Vinci Center for Innovation, the Division of Student Affairs and Military Student Services hosts a breakfast and panel discussion highlighting veteran innovators and entrepreneurs at Grace and Broad Residence Center. To register, visit the website below.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-veterans-day-innovators-and-entrepreneurs-breakfast-tickets-38842036577.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at 8 a.m.

VCU Rec Sports OAP offers a day hike. The cost will be $15 for students or $20 for faculty, staff and members, and includes transportation and guides. Participants should pack a lunch as food is not provided. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 7, through the MyRecSports online portal or in-person at the Outing Rental Center.

For more information, visit https://portal.recsports.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=85248a6d-0fcc-430f-b4d3-542aacc6212d&semesterId=8224abd5-d5e6-4bc0-b993-c350f6ee9f71.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 from noon to 1 p.m.

Tompkins-McCaw Libray for the Health Sciences, the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and the VCU Postdoctoral Association present "Proximity Ligation Assays: A Powerful Technique to Detect Protein-Protein Interactions and Histone Modifications" with Salvador Sierra San Nicolas, M.D., Ph.D., in Tompkins-McCaw Library, Room 2-010. Attendees will learn about this assay that demonstrates the proximity of various proteins, including G Protein-Coupled Receptors, in cells and native tissue. To register for this free workshop, visit the website below.

For more information, visit http://rampages.us/howtotalks.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs invites the VCU community to experience nature with "Nature Walk: The Rivers" and conversation led by Paul Watson and Anson Blank at Belle Isle, 300 Tredegar St. Transportation will be provided. The registration deadline is Saturday, Nov. 11, via the email address below.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

VCU Career Services and the Department of Psychology present the Psychology Alumni Career Panel in the University Student Commons, Forum Room. Psychology degrees are some of the most versatile because they offer a wide range of skills that employers seek. A panel of VCU psychology alumni will share the diverse ways they have used their degree to find rewarding careers. Attendees will learn how to build an action plan to explore options and network to the perfect job.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/PsychAlumPanel.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and VCU Libraries present a session on science communication for researchers, faculty and students in BioTech One, Robert Ball Conference Room. A light breakfast and beverages will be served. Seating is limited. Register by visiting the website below.

For more information, visit http://vcu.libcal.com/event/3676022.

Facilities Management advises that there will be numerous traffic changes and detours for the Anthem Richmond Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 11. Broad, W. Grace, W. Main and Belvidere streets will be closed for extended periods of time so faculty and students will need to carefully plan their routes to campus and allow extra time to reach their destination. The Waze traffic app is available to help navigate around Richmond on race day. Road closures have been pre-loaded into the app, which should allow drivers to move about town using the most efficient route possible. The key road closures and detours around campus include: • Broad Street (both eastbound and westbound) between 5th and 11th streets will be closed to traffic from 4-10 a.m. Westbound traffic will be detoured north onto 11th St. and west on Leigh St. • Broad Street (both eastbound and westbound) between 5th Street and N. Boulevard will be closed from 6-9 a.m. Eastbound traffic will be detoured via a u-turn westbound on Broad Street from 7:30-9 a.m. • Belvidere Street northbound at Grace Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recommended detour will be east on Byrd Street to the Downtown Expressway eastbound to I-95 northbound. • W. Main Street, from Belvidere to Boulevard will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Westbound traffic Main St. will be detoured north on Belvidere, east on Franklin, and south on 1st Street to the westbound Downtown Expressway. • Belvidere Street southbound between Broad and Grace streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recommended detour for southbound Belvidere Street will be onto I-95 southbound just north of Leigh Street. • Grace Street from Allen Ave. to 6th Street will be closed from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.richmondmarathon.com/travel/traffic-pattern-changes.aspx.

December Commencement exercises take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Students participating in the ceremony must wear caps, gowns and hoods. Academic regalia is available for purchase at the Barnes & Noble @ VCU beginning Tuesday, Oct. 10, on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Those unable to visit a campus store may order online at vcu.shopoakhalli.com beginning Thursday, Oct. 12. The last day to order online is Sunday, Nov. 26. Caps and gowns will not be available for purchase at the Commencement ceremony.

For more information, visit http://www.commencement.vcu.edu.

Alternative Spring Break at VCU has extended the application deadline to Friday, Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Participants that want to spend their spring break traveling for an affordable cost and a great cause are encouraged to apply. The application can be found by visiting the website below.

For more information, visit https://rampages.us/asbatvcu/apply/.

The Kinesiology and Health Science Department at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking healthy male and female participants between 40 and 64 years old with a body mass index (BMI) associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or a BMI greater than or equal to 30.0 (assessed by the research staff). Eligible participants will receive a free health and body composition assessment from a BodPod test, and will be entered for a chance to with an Amazon gift card.

Researchers in the OPT for health lab at VCU want to learn more about the relationship between anxiety, health, and mood. You may be eligible to participate in this research study if you: - Are between the ages of 18-35 and - Are able to safely participate in physical activity and - Experience symptoms of anxiety Participants in this research study will be compensated for their time. Visit www.optforhealth.org/research/studies to learn more and see if you are eligible.

For more information, visit http://www.vcuanxietystudy.com.