11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Relay for Life at VCU is hosting a fundraiser at &Pizza, 308 N. Laurel St. Show the flyer on the organization's Instagram page (@RelayatVCU) to have 50 percent of your purchase donated to the American Cancer Society. Share a picture of it and tag Relay for Life to earn Hope Points for the group's Kaplan Scholarship competition. Questions: https://www.instagram.com/relayatvcu/.

For more information, contact Yumna Rahman at rahmany@vcu.edu or (804) 621-3573 or visit https://linktr.ee/RelayatVCU.

6 p.m.

VCU Blockchain will host Dave Hendricks, CEO of Vertalo, who will discuss the entrepreneurial space of blockchain, cryptocurrency and the DeFi industry. The session will be at The Collective, 318 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact Connor Riely at rielyc2@vcu.edu.

7 p.m.

VCU's Online MBA program, ranked 32nd nationally by Fortune, is accepting applications for Fall 2022. Learn why this synchronous two-year cohort format is an excellent choice for working professionals; current students have an average work experience of 10 years and the graduation rate is over 90 percent. Questions: https://business.vcu.edu/academics/mba-options/online-mba/. Register at the following URL for the 45-minute online webinar.

For more information, contact Robert Clarkson at rmclarkson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1597 or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/event-webinar-omba-120621?program=OMBA.

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Development Career Community will host a session via Zoom focused on navigating change in a meaningful and productive way. Jeremy Bost and Shana Ryman from VCU Human Resources will share ideas and examples, based on their personal and professional experiences, that help participants understand what is needed for change to occur. After this session, you will be able to identify a starting point for changing something about yourself or helping others change to support organizational initiatives. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Foy at foylp@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpc-iorjsoGdDInpEQwAivGGIAcaCuknLu.

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 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs in collaboration with the Global Education Office will host a virtual interest meeting to learn about a cultural achievement ceremony for students (undergraduate and graduate) who identify as APIDA. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Audrey Emiko Short, Global Engagement Co-curricular Coordinator, at aeshort@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcu-hpjIjHddGkv6gRYcffea2cidUrwmW.

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Learn fun and practical ways to decrease stress and lessen the effects of health risks. VCU HR and CommonHealth will host a session to help deal with stress every day and especially during the holidays. Questions: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/worklife/. Register in Talent@VCU or the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://bit.ly/3oO8An1.

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

This discussion will focus on NIH’s forthcoming policy on data management and sharing and related guidance. For those planning an NIH grant submission, this session hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will help to understand how to adapt to the culture change the NIH is encouraging with its new policies. Plus: some habits to start now that could prepare a smoother transition to the new policy. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkdeqopzkuGtUUIjRXrnfz28V6urHM7OHN.

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. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Faculty and staff appreciation night will be observed with discounted tickets at the Siegel Center for the game against Jacksonville State. Click on the following URL for special ticket offerings.

For more information, contact Rebecca Piner at pinerre@vcu.edu or visit http://vcuathletics.com/staffdeal.

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 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/.

Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 from noon to 1 p.m.

Matthew Barrett, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor of neurology, will present his research on identifying different types of Parkinson's disease at a Discovery Dialogues session hosted by VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0oceyrrjsuEtC6e13tkylWzZVDOWjXQ7GE.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 at 6 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 past 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.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Building a successful company requires expanding expertise beyond scientific research experience. Typical additional resources are required to address market analysis, accounting/finance, design for scale-up manufacturing, regulatory advice and distribution strategy to access potential customers. Those who attend will learn about key factors in creating and managing a business development team vs. a research-focused team. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Osborne at lmnosborne@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0349 or visit https://iem.vcu.edu/events/bench-to-community/.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Whether you're using Google Sheets 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 http://go.vcu.edu/gogoogle.

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 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.

In an effort to mitigate the risk of undue foreign influence at VCU, a new form is required to be completed, the "International Visitor pre-screen form," prior to hosting international visitors to campus. The form can be found on the Export Compliance web page, under the dropdown "Hosting International Visitors on campus."

For more information, contact Nicole Porter at portern@vcu.edu or visit https://research.vcu.edu/integrity-and-compliance/compliance/export-compliance/.

University Student Health Services offers free flu vaccines to all students on both campuses. The flu vaccine is safe, effective and does not cause the flu. All students are encouraged to get the flu vaccine, especially those at high risk for flu complications (people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease). The flu vaccine is available by appointment only. Schedule an appointment via Web Portal or by phone: Monroe Park Campus at (804) 827-8047 or MCV at (804) 828-9220. University Student Health Services is on both campuses: Monroe Park Campus at 1300 W. Broad St., Suite 2200, and MCV campus at 1000 E. Marshall St., Room 305. Questions: Contact University Student Health Services at ushsimmuniz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8047 or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact USHS Immunizations Department at ushsimmuniz@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8047 or visit https://health.students.vcu.edu/.

Dec. 15 is the quarterly election deadline for voluntary contributions to become effective in January for the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan. Participants can voluntarily contribute up to 4 percent of their creditable salary and receive up to a 2.5 percent employer match. Request VCU HR support from https://go.vcu.edu/hrsupport.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration at benefits@vcu.edu or visit http://www.varetirement.org/hybrid/milestones/maximizing-your-contributions.html.

TEDxVCU, sponsored by The Commons, is seeking diverse, idea-driven talks and performances from a variety of voices in the university community. Participation is sought from students, staff, faculty and alumni as part of an in-person event to be held April 2. Questions: https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/home/. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 22 at the following URL.

For more information, contact TEDxVCU Team at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Mku9pMGc2u4DHrwT9.

You are invited to participate in a research study about the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance versus hesitancy. You will be asked to complete a five- to 10-minute electronic survey. Questions: https://forms.gle/ThSF3Ai5dHDXFFucA. See the research participant information sheet at the following URL.

For more information, contact Michael Preston, Ph.D., MPH, at prestonm2@vcu.edu or visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RyS122WhHFHS5sjuaLGqm2TQ96YEXgBh/view?usp.