10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Stop by the lobby of the Health Sciences Library, 509 N. 12th St., to talk with RecWell's Peer Health Educators about ways to prioritize sleep and rest during finals. The event includes sleep assessments and tips for healthier rest.

For more information, contact Dana Vandervelde at peerhealth@vcu.edu.

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. to 7 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.

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 at 1 p.m.

Join RecWell's Graduate Assistant Brittany Beal for a 15-20 minute guided meditation session in Room 250, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Drop in, relax and de-stress your mind as the semester comes to an end.

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.

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/.

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Are you planning to use the downtime of the holidays to gear up for your job search? Join VCU Alumni to help gain an edge over your competition by learning practical information on how to succeed in the current job market with VCU alumna Christine Harriger (B.S.'94/H&S; M.Ed.’96/E), owner/career coach of Career View LLC. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Latisha Taylor Smart at smartlt@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/1916372507410/WN_GaXo0xksQ4WX7I776Yu_Xg.

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 5:30 p.m.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Concentration in Teaching and Learning is a flexible, cross-disciplinary program that allows students the opportunity to build an individualized program to develop their skills as educators. This concentration does not lead to teaching licensure. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jazmin Tilfas at soeinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvc-2rqT8oGtbmxrMiLva6ahfTUujIpU3i.

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Active Minds will host a Stress Less general body meeting in Virginia Room A, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The session will include snacks, music and self-care activities such as bracelet-making and coloring.

For more information, contact Active Minds at VCU at activeminds4vcu@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

Are you interested in volunteering during Spring Break next semester? Apply to Alternative Spring Break, which focuses on volunteering, encourages self-growth and develops student leaders through a week-long service trip. Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nico Orsini at altbreaks@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/5EpKLv6Q7hD5jyBDA.

University Events invites you to commemorate your college graduation with individual portraits by Grad Images. Graduation portrait sessions will be available Dec. 10 from 1-7 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Appointments are required. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Eliana Grijalva at grijalvae@vcu.edu or (915) 727-1089 or visit https://www.gradimages.com/PortraitScheduling/Search?OccasionRef=172546.

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.