1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The VCU Writing Center will present an online workshop via Zoom which will focus on the tools necessary to write strong, logical, structurally sound work. Register at the center's events page at the following URL.

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

12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Are you considering becoming an Honors student? Attend this interest session in Room 1303, The Honors College, 701 W. Grace St., to learn more about what being an Honors student entails. Attendance at an interest session is required to be considered for admission. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jenna Venable at venablejl@vcu.edu or visit http://tinyurl.com/VCUHonorsInterest.

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/.

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VCU’s Writing Center will present an interactive session focusing on the tools necessary to establish ideas in a strong, logical manner to hook readers and entice them to read more. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

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

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 from noon to 2 p.m.

Join the peer health educators from VCU's Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) in the lobby of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave., to informally discuss ways to prioritize physical well-being during finals season. Review your physical activity and nutrition habits and create a plan to incorporate physical self-care. This session will be repeated on Dec. 10.

For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2021-2022-ongoing/study-well-fall-2021.html.

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.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A holiday open mic event will be held at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St. Admission will be a donation of clothes, nonperishable food, toiletries or $3. All donations will be given to a charity to be chosen by those in attendance at the end of the event.

For more information, contact Cherie Vendiola at vendiolacfo@vcu.edu.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Chi Alpha Campus Ministries will host a Christmas Party and Lip Sync Battle at 822 W. Franklin St. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Watch small groups compete for Chi Alpha's lip sync trophy.

For more information, contact Lisa Taylor at taylorlr4@vcu.edu.

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.

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/.

Interested students with a music background are invited to audition for Commonwealth Singers, Vox Concordia or Vocal Chamber Ensemble. Click on the following URL for audition information. Priority auditions close Dec. 8. After Dec. 10, students will be able to audition if spots are available. No audition is required to participate in Choral Arts Society.

For more information, contact Erin Freeman, DMA, director of choral activities, at efreeman@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/vocal-ensemble-audition-info/.

VCU Business Services is accepting applications for 51 academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year. Scholarships range from $5,000-$7,500 and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Specialty scholarships are also available for international students and single parents. Scholarship applications are submitted at bsv.vcu.edu/scholarships and must be completed by Feb. 18, 2022.

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