Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present a writing workshop via Zoom. The focus of the workshop is to demystify the college writing process by breaking it into manageable chunks, with an emphasis on brainstorming and how to get started. The Zoom link is hosted on the center's events page at the following URL.

For more information, contact Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/events/.

Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, VCU Institute for Engineering and Medicine and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation will host the third course in the Bench to Community seminar series. This session will focus on the importance of securing intellectual property rights to support the translation of medical devices to the market. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Komornik at komornikea@vcu.edu or visit https://iem.vcu.edu/events/bench-to-community/jan-8-21/.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

Pat Nana-Sinkam, M.D., associate director, career development and mentoring, VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, will discuss considerations that will help researchers determine the type of funding for which to apply. The session is the first in a grant-writing series hosted by the Wright Center. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pam Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1519 or visit https://zoom.us/s/93226921722.

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The VCU African American Alumni Council's Mentoring Circle will host "International Mentoring Month: The Evolution of Mentorship." The event will highlight the purpose of mentoring and focus on African American mentorship. This will be a fun, impactful evening with mentoring testimonials, a breakout game room and information about the 100 Male Mentoring Initiative. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Larry Powell, B.S.’85/MC, at wlpowell@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/InternationalMentorMonth.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at noon

Explore online programs in Certified Wedding and Event Planning and S.M.A.R.T. Corporate Event Planning at VCU's Office of Continuing and Professional Education's Virtual Hospitality Open House. Meet the program staff and student adviser during one of two 30-minute sessions at noon and 5 p.m. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/hospitality.

VCU's Office of Continuing and Professional Education, in partnership with the School of World Studies, will hold live online cultural competency and language classes for VCU and VCU Health employees and community members for one academic credit. Courses begin the week of Jan. 25 and run through early May. Introduction to Conversational Spanish I and II and Introduction to Conversational Italian I are available. Contact Human Resources for tuition benefit or education assistance eligibility.

For more information, contact VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/languages.

Did you know VCU HR offers many wellness and well-being resources including weekly live virtual programs, webinars and discounts? You can also find family resources, financial resources, tobacco cessation resources, plus many more. See the opportunities at the following URL or https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/.

Many of VCU’s faculty and staff are also first-generation graduates, meaning they were among the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. About 90 are listed on the You First at VCU website. Students can browse the list to see if they know anyone. First-gen faculty or staff who wish to be included in the list should email the following address.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at youfirst@vcu.edu or visit https://youfirst.vcu.edu/resources/faculty-and-staff/.

VCU's IT Support Center will continue its 24/7 telephone operations during winter break with the exception of Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Those who experience technical issues or need assistance with university property or systems during this time should call the following number or email itsc@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Rochelle Clarke at rclarke3@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2227.

Winter Break is an excellent time to take a short course on a subject you been wanting to learn more about. LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 online courses taught by real-world professionals on a variety of subjects. With your VCU account there is a world of learning at your fingertips. View the opportunities at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rochelle Clarke at rclarke3@vcu.edu or visit https://lil.vcu.edu/.

The VCU Cashier's Office in Grace Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave., will be open until noon each business day from Jan. 4-13. The building is closed; those with items for the Cashier's Office should call the main cashier number at (804) 828-8774 to alert them as to your needs.

For more information, contact Lee Francis at ycfranci@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1874.

The Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award supports independent young physician-scientists conducting disease-oriented research that demonstrates a high level of innovation and creativity. The three-year award includes assistance with certain research costs and medical school debt relief. Applicants must be involved in patient care and be conducting research that has the potential to be translated to impact patients. A minimum of 80% of full-time professional effort must be committed. See guidelines at the following URL.

For more information, contact Glenny Escotto at escottog@vcu.edu or visit https://www.damonrunyon.org/for-scientists/application-guidelines/clinical-investigator.

Women in Science is holding a competition to find the organization's next T-shirt design. First place will receive a $50 cash prize and the T-shirt featuring their design. Second place will receive a $25 cash prize. The deadline for submissions is 11 p.m. Dec. 31. Send design entries to the following email address. Winners will be announced in January. Email or see the post on social media (http://Instagram @vcu.wis; Facebook.com/groups/vcu.wis; Linkedin.com/groups/12248757/; Twitter.com/science_women) for rules and previous T-shirt designs.

For more information, contact Women in Science at vcu.wis@gmail.com.