12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

VCU's Student Services Career Community will host a self-care event via Zoom. The event will include a 30 minute guided meditation session and a breakout discussion on balancing personal self-care in the workplace while managing the stress of the student body. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nicole Patterson at nlpatterson@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sdeirrj0pEtKxeLk-HqrJrJC4TsBk5kt8%C2%A0.

12:30 p.m.

VCU's Department of Craft and Material Studies will present a lecture by artist Humaira Abid at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St. Abid’s turned and carved wood sculpture and paintings, known for their detail, depict human relationships, societal repression and the consequences of keeping basic truths from being discussed and shared. She is the recipient of the 2020 Bob Stocksdale International Excellence in Wood Award and 2021 Kayla Skinner Award from Seattle Art Museum.

For more information, contact Kat Wilson at kawilson@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/humaira-abid-visiting-artist-lecture/.

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.

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 4 p.m.

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science will host a presentation via Zoom by Fernando Tenjo, Ph.D., who will discuss his work in genetics and molecular biology. A Q&A about Tenjo's journey in science will follow. Questions: Follow on Instagram @SACNAS_vcu or email sacnasatvcu@gmail.com. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Torres at torresev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/94339820447.

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The VCU Health Hub at 25th, 1330 N. 25th St., will host an American Red Cross blood drive. Virginia is in a critical blood shortage for all types. Sign up by Dec. 8 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Tito Luna at taluna@vcu.edu or (804) 506-3502 or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=VCUHealth.

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

Do you want more harmony in your life? Tips for a healthier attitude? Ways to balance our emotions and stress? Sometimes the path to inner peace is on the outside. Join VCU Human Resources and Anthem EAP to learn the ancient Chinese art of feng shui. It works by removing clutter and creating an easy flow in your surroundings, promoting an environment that contributes to well-being. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register in Talent@VCU or at the following URL.

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

Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 at 6 p.m.

Join the ICA Shop in celebrating the launch of a multi-part curatorial project in which five artists – Bryan Castro, Riley Hooker, Joselia Rebekah Hughes, Malcolm Peacock and agustine zegers – have been commissioned to generate new work in the form of editions and media. Inspired by Toni Morrison’s Nobel Prize lecture, the project, at the Institute for Contemporary Art at the Markel Center, 601 W. Broad St., frames language as a tool to help give shape and weight life's gestural, imperceivable and fleeting experiences. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Stephanie Stanton at stantons@vcu.edu or visit https://icavcu.org/events/opening-doing-language/.

Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VCU's Department of Music will have its annual Holiday Gala featuring VCU's Jazz Orchestra II, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Commonwealth Singers, Guitar Ensembles and other VCU ensembles. Proceeds from the event benefit the Doorways. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the following URL.

For more information, contact John T. Patykula at jtpatyku@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4540 or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/event/holiday-gala/.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

Leaders for the Central Virginia Chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates will meet via Zoom to present an overview of conference sessions which most resonated with them, spanning a broad range of topics. Speakers will be Shirley Helm and Catherine Brown of VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shirley Helm at shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lce2rpzgsHNH6KU2kahL5mLD_K4jbt5jO.

Spring Monroe Park Campus commuter and housing (24/7 commuter) permits are available for purchase online on a first-come, first-served basis at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Parking and Transportation at parking@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7275 or visit https://parking.vcu.edu/parking/students/monroe-park-campus-sale/.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign for 2021 is now open. Through this campaign, employees can safely and easily donate to their favorite causes throughout the year. Participants can do a one-time credit card payment or opt for payroll deduction. The campaign runs until Dec. 17.

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

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.

Do you know a student who may qualify for one of the 51 scholarships awarded by Business Services? With scholarships as diverse as VCU's students, there’s a scholarship for everyone. Ranging from $5,000- $7,500, they are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as specialty scholarships for international students and single parents. Students can apply at the following URL and are due Feb. 18, 2022.

For more information, contact Stephen Monroe at smonroe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-3637 or visit https://bsv.vcu.edu/scholarships/.

Elective deferral limits for the VCU 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity Plan and the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan will increase to $20,500 for each plan in 2022. Participants aged 50 and over may use the Age 50 Catch-Up to defer up to an additional $6,500 to each plan. No employee action is required due to these changes. Employees wishing to change deferral amounts may do so using instructions at https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/changing-your-benefits/.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1723 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/.