12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The next segment in the "Whetting Your Appetite for Research" series has been scheduled. The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences will host the event, in Room 2010, Tompkins-McCaw, 509 N. 12th St. Robyn McDougle, Ph.D., director of the VCU Center for Public Policy, will discuss techniques investigators can use to convey their research findings to policymakers. Participants can bring a lunch, drinks will be provided.

For more information, contact Pam Dillon at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://rampages.us/vcucctr/2018/11/30/december-whetting-your-appetite-for-research-series/december-whetting-your-appetite-for-research-1/.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Dogs on Call calendars ($10) will be on sale in the Learning Center, Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St. All proceeds support Dogs On Call therapy dogs and The Center for Human-Animal Interaction. Calendars will also be available for purchase 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Sales Kiosk beside Medical Records, Main Hospital, and 11:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Learning Center.

For more information, contact Jessica Hale at chai@vcuhealth.org or (804) 628-2532 or visit http://chai.vcu.edu.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 at 4 p.m.

Richmond native Cole Hicks performs a mix of spoken word, live music and movement. The performance at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., is part of Rashid Johnson's "Monument" installation. A performance will also be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

For more information, contact Institute for Contemporary Art at ica@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/performances/provocations-1214/.

The Honors College invites faculty to participate in the Berglund Seminar and Diverse Conversations Series. The purpose of the series is to engage honors students with a variety of topics and current events. It is also an opportunity for faculty to highlight research, practice for an upcoming conference or spread the word about a course they will be teaching. Speakers are asked to sign up using the Google Form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Smith-Mason at jsmithmason@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1803 or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/for-faculty/more-ways-to-engage/.

VCUDine locations will operate under special hours during final exams. Starbucks in James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., will be open 24 hours through 6 p.m. Dec. 14. Einstein's Bros. Bagels (Shafer Court Dining Center), Market 810 and Jonah's will remain open until 5 p.m. Dec. 19. Visit the following URL for a complete list of location hours. Fall dining plans have been extended to 5 p.m. Dec. 19. Registration for Spring 2019 dining plans is now available, also at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at lhay@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

Abstract submission for consideration at the Virginia Global Surgery Symposium is now open. The Global Surgery Student Alliance's Third Annual National Symposium is hosted in partnership with the VCU School of Medicine and the VCU Program for Global Surgery. Abstract submission information can be found at the following URL. The deadline is Jan. 7, 2019.

For more information, contact Iris Wu at wui@vcu.edu or visit https://goo.gl/forms/WND1BDeKFqwanHJt1.

VCU Recreational Sports' Group Exercise Program will operate on an abbreviated schedule through Dec. 18. A full list of available classes and times is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Hannah Kotarski at kotarskih@vcu.edu or (804) 827-7259 or visit https://recsports.vcu.edu/programs/fitness-and-wellness/group-exercise/.

The VCU Staff Senate and VCU Health House Calls are seeking assistance to help disadvantaged patients. Names and wish lists of those who are alone and in need during the holiday season are received through the VCU Health House Calls unit via RamTree. Drop-off locations have been set up by Dec. 14 at Room 114A, Ginter House, 901 W. Franklin St., and Sanger Hall, 1101 E. Marshall St.

For more information, contact Sania Marcoccia at smarcoccia@vcu.edu or visit http://ramtree.vcu.edu.