Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Almost since the beginning of computing, people have been using computers to create choreography. This lecture-demonstration, part of the VCUarts Faculty Lecture Series, will introduce the field of algorithmic choreography. Kate Sicchio, assistant professor, VCU Department of Dance and Choreography and Department of Kinetic Imaging, will discuss the use of computers in the field of dance. Her lecture will also cover the making of Terpsicode, a programming language for live coding dance performance scores created by Sicchio.

For more information, contact Kim Catley at artssocial@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/vcuarts-faculty-lecture-series-algorithmic-choreography-kate-sicchio/.

Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present a second fall 2020 Writing Retreat. The event will be facilitated by Sharon Zumbrunn, Ph.D., with a lunchtime keynote from national speaker Katie Linder, Ph.D. Participants will receive tools and ideas for creating and maintaining a scholarly writing pipeline for articles, books, conference proposals and other projects that can be applied to any stage in their academic career. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://mailchi.mp/81c34eceab2b/vcu-ctle-newsletter-apr-17-1901090?e=b3670eec9e.

VCU's cross-campus shuttle will operate through Nov. 25. The shuttle will resume with limited service for the spring 2021 semester on Jan. 25 and will operate Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., through May 14. To accommodate the reduced service hours, students and employees may contact RamSafe for cross-campus rides between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., because cross-campus restrictions will be temporarily lifted effective Nov. 9.

For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit http://go.vcu.edu/vcushuttle.

VCU Police remind members of the university community to prepare for safe driving during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Keep in mind COVID precautions; check each state’s regulations. Pack extra masks and hand sanitizer when you’re away from home. Drivers who sleep only five to six hours a night are twice as likely to crash; risks quadruple for those who sleep only four to five hours. Before travel, get a good night's sleep. For long trips, drive with another person. Schedule regular stops on the way to your destination.

For more information, contact VCU Police at policedept@vcu.edu.

The Do No Harm Coalition at VCU is sponsoring a fundraiser to buy cloth masks for current inmates and people being released from Richmond City Jail. To donate or read more, visit the following URL. Contact concerning fundraiser: vcudonoharm@gmail.com. Cloth masks (with no metal parts) may be donated directly by depositing them in the box opposite the elevators in the lobby of McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E Marshall St., by Dec. 4. Contact concerning mask donation: med.ethics.vcu@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Rosellen Provost at vcudonoharm@gmail.com or visit https://opencollective.com/donoharmatvcu.

The $19,500 per plan annual limit for salary deferrals to the university's 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity Plan and the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan will remain in force for 2021. An additional $6,500 per year catch-up deferral will continue to be available in each plan for participants who reach age 50 or over in 2021. Recurring salary deferral elections in effect as of the Dec. 31, 2020 university pay date continue automatically in 2021 with no action required.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/tax-deferred-annuity-and-cash-match-programs/.