Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Take a moment for yourself and recharge for the rest of your day with guided meditation. This virtual class is sponsored by VCU Human Resources and VCU Recreation and Well-Being. Questions: https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/. Register in Talent@VCU for the Zoom link or at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3pVZIOr.

Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

Wavelength, an online lecture series presented by the ICA at VCU, VCUarts and VCUarts Qatar, will return with a virtual talk from Alice Sheppard, a dancer, choreographer and founder and artistic lead for the disability arts organization Kinetic Light. Each virtual program, occurring monthly throughout the fall semester, seeks to connect a dynamic group of artists, designers, curators and scholars with VCU communities in Richmond, Doha and beyond. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/wavelength-alice-sheppard/.

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Women saving for retirement face unique challenges. Join VCU Human Resources and TIAA for this virtual session to learn what it takes to overcome these challenges and help make your retirement dreams come true on schedule. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register at the following URL or in Talent@VCU.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 from 11 a.m. to noon

VCU Learning Systems will lead an overview of how students are enrolled in Canvas courses and how multiple course sections can be merged into one course. Participants will also learn how to use Canvas groups and how to manage a merged course. This training is free and has no cancellation penalty. Questions: https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/. Register at the following URL (keyword: Canvas).

For more information, contact Jamillah Martin at canvaslearn@vcu.edu or visit https://training.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 4 p.m.

VCU Faculty Club will hold its final meeting of the semester at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., will offer comments, starting at 4:45 p.m. The meeting will also feature a special research roundtable discussion, highlighting internal funding opportunities for research that supports the four initiatives of the One VCU Research Strategic Priorities Plan. RSVP at go.vcu.edu/facultyclub or the following URL.

For more information, contact Pam Hendrix at pahendrix@vcu.edu or visit https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/faculty-resources/facultyclub/.

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 6 p.m.

VCU will kick off its new Provost's Lecture Series at the ICA with Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., who will deliver the keynote address. Following his presentation, Dominic Asmall Willsdon, executive director of the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., will moderate a discussion on the importance of transdisciplinary research. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jamie Stillman at jmstillm@vcu.edu or visit https://provost.vcu.edu/lectureseries/.

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Whether you're using Google Forms for the first time or just want to see what new, innovative functionality Google has added, join us for this hands-on workshop hosted by Collaboration Services. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Dr. Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at noon

Join VCU Human Resources and Long & Foster Real Estate for a session which will include an update on the local housing market, preparing to buy or sell a home, marketing your home, the process from contract to close, financing and the rewards of the VCU “Moving with the Ram” discount program. The program will be in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., and virtually. In-person registrants will receive a boxed lunch. Register for the in person event by Nov. 30 at https://bit.ly/328FcA4 and the virtual event at https://bit.ly/327W9uq.

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

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at 6 p.m.

Chemistry and STEM students can present their work in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., to students, faculty, industry partners and guests. The Department of Chemistry event will be hosted by ACS Student Affiliates.

For more information, contact Tyler Conrad at conradtl@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at 7 p.m.

The VCU Department of Theatre will host its first in-person Improv shows since before the pandemic on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Tickets are $5 for each night. Two VCU teams will perform each night — "Black Brown n' Honey" and "Running AMok" will perform on Thursday and "Wait Did They Just Kiss?" and "Toxic Shock" will perform on Friday. Purchase tickets at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah Moore at mooresw4@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1514 or visit https://vcutheatre.showclix.com/.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at 2 p.m.

VCU's Department of Biology will present a Zoom webinar featuring Bryan Dewsbury, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology and associate director of the STEM Transformation Institute at Florida International University. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tyler Conrad at conradtl@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_viow2mZ5TIO5WenrDXOd3Q.

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mock Trial at VCU will hold a fundraiser at Chipotle, 810 W. Grace St.

For more information, contact Dabney Linderman at mocktrialatvcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/prelawvcu/mock-trial-home/.

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Center on Health Disparities will host Francine E. Garrett-Bakelman, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine and of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The title of her talk is "High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Physician Scientists Role." Questions: https://healthdisparities.vcu.edu/. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Khiana Nelson at khiana.meade@vcuhealth.org or visit https://forms.gle/feZHuSPoXZrxjVTc8.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, Wilder School, for the upcoming Minority Political Leadership Institute virtual open house. During this interactive event, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the program, application process, benefits of the program and hear firsthand experiences from alumni. Questions: https://gehli.vcu.edu/programs/minority-political-leadership-institute/. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kiara Faulks at faulksks@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1169 or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEoce2vrDwqEtLaPDpv0wSsscFvcrtOtfeQ.

Human Resources will present "Retiring With the VCU Optional Retirement Plan." These sessions are open to VCU faculty and VCU University and Academic Professionals, not VCU Health System employees. Questions: Email benefits@vcu.edu. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Cross at crossah@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/c9921b6a-d526-48c3-ac2f-b5a913a231f0.

VCU Human Resources will present "How to Retire With the Virginia Retirement System" for university employees. These sessions are open to VCU employees only, not VCU Health System employees. Questions: Email benefits@vcu.edu. View upcoming sessions and register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Cross at crossah@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://vcu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/cf698494-7201-467a-8b5b-c8739911e503.

The Honors College is seeking outstanding students to join in the Spring 2022 semester. The ideal candidate will be of freshman or sophomore standing and have above a 3.5 or higher GPA. Complete the form at the following URL to refer a student to Honors.

For more information, contact Jenna Venable at venablej@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/3EchC3X.

A draft of the Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals With Disabilities Policy is available for public comment by Dec. 2. The draft policy can be found at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.

VCU HR Learning, Development and Organizational Culture team developed several new learning courses for university employees that will be launched in 2022. To make room for the new courses, three courses will be removed from the current offerings: Understanding Unconscious Bias, Leading Change and Resilient Leadership. Beginning in 2022, these courses will only be available upon request using a Help Desk ticket.

For more information, contact Leslee Gensinger at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/learning-and-development/learning-opportunities/.

VCU Transform is the living-learning program at VCU. VCU Transform works to create space and support for students to explore their leadership potential and become changemakers in their communities. Students will build skills through a specialized curriculum, activities and a community-focused residential experience in the West Grace North residence hall. Nominate a student at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1048 or visit https://bit.ly/3co5Tma.

VCU's You First-First Generation Center works to create a more equitable environment for the thousands of VCU students who are the first in their families to attend college. Were you a first-gen student? Share your experience at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shena Crittendon at crittendons@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_jj2UCpbKLcPDQqhhqHKnqCGtJFzdGl2U1JFr7aeYps/edit?ts=615b7ea5.

Limited-edition VCU gear is available on Bonfire.com until Nov. 30. A portion of each shirt sale is credited as a gift from the purchaser to the Invest in Me campaign’s Student Life and Learning Fund, which provides funds that help students extend their education beyond the classroom through enriching experiential learning opportunities.

For more information, contact Mike Andrews at andrewsmp@vcu.edu or visit https://www.bonfire.com/vcu-black-and-gold-friday/.

A draft of the new Effort Reporting Policy is available for public comment until Dec. 9. The draft policy can be reviewed at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.

A draft of the revised Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment and Management policy is available for public comment until Dec. 9. The draft policy can be reviewed at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jason Block at blockj2@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies-open-for-public-comment/.

Full-time VCU faculty and staff can shop in-store at RamTech through Dec. 4 for zero percent down payroll deduction and the latest Apple products. RamTech is located inside Barnes & Noble at VCU at 1111 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Justin Carrico at ramtech@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8324 or visit http://ramtech.vcu.edu.

VCU's Office of Grants and Contracts Accounting and Effort Reporting has recently developed a new Effort Reporting Policy that is open for comment until Dec. 9. Feedback is invited from faculty and staff involved in the administration of research at the university. Inquiries can be directed to effortreport@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Camilo Medina at medinacn@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/universitywide-policies/policies/effort-reporting-public-comment-ends-december-9.html.

Bring nonperishable food items to the information desk at James Branch Cabell Library or the service desk at the Health Sciences Library. For each food item donated, VCU Libraries will credit individuals $5 in overdue fines up to a $30 maximum each semester.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2021-news/food-for-fines-project-helps-food-insecure-students-and-those-with-library-fines.html.

Researchers at VCU are teaming with those at several other universities to study perceptions of and behaviors related to COVID-19 vaccination. The survey will take five to eight minutes. Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RyS122WhHFHS5sjuaLGqm2TQ96YEXgBh/view?usp=sharing. Fill out the form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Guleer Shahab at shahabgh@vcu.edu or (703) 618-8666 or visit https://forms.gle/ThSF3Ai5dHDXFFucA.