The Volunteer Resource Center is taking art submissions for Eye Contact, an art and alternate gift shopping event. The theme is “modern day slavery” and we encourage all artists to engage in this critical issue and share their art with the community. We are accepting submissions from any medium of art (photography, film, mixed media, drawing, etc.) that is reflective of modern day slavery. Please email submissions to volunteer@colorado.edu by Nov. 26 with the medium, a short explanation of its connection to the issue, its size, and a photo.

What are you doing for Spring Break? Are you interested in traveling and volunteering? Check out CU ALTERNATIVE BREAKS! CU Alternative Breaks works to foster critical thinking, social action, and continued community involvement by combining education, reflection, and direct service. If you are passionate about issues such as: Urban Poverty, Diversity, Youth Advocacy, Nutrition and Wellness, Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, and Disaster Relief then apply to travel and volunteer with us at Our Website.

Each year, the Center of the American West awards cash prizes to talented CU Boulder students writing on Western topics. All degree students - undergraduate and graduate - are eligible to enter. Categories include poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, academic non-fiction, and memoir, and students may submit entries in every category. The entry deadline is March 19. See Our Website for contest rules, entry form, and previous winners. Call 303-735-1399 for more information.

A new space for students and faculty to relax, study, play piano and hang out, the Blue Book Cafe is located in the blue A-frame building at 1290 Folsom Street (in the lounge at CU's Wesley Student Center). There will be FREE ice water, coffee, tea and hot cocoa, as well as free wifi and comfy chairs and couches.

University faculty researchers are studying children and their food choices. Kid participants will complete a cartoon collage and a taste test. A visit to our research lab at the University of Colorado can be scheduled at your convenience. The research project will be completed in less than 30 minutes. We can arrange for parking, parents are compensated with a $10 gift card for travel and kids receive a fun prize. For more information and scheduling, please contact: Bridget Leonard, bridget.leonard@colorado.edu, 303-223-9759.

“The Welcome” showing and panel: Nov. 14, 2012, 6-9 pm. (Old Main Chapel). The Welcome” offers a fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike. Their examples of unflinching honesty, courage and love lift us up, inspiring all of us once again to feel our common humanity, always the first casualty of war. The viewing is free and open to the community.

Nov. 9, 2012, 6-9 p.m. (Old Main) - "V-DAY 11.11.11" is a feature-length documentary that examines what it means to be a veteran in America by telling the stories of some of the men and women who dedicated their lives to our country. Pat Woodard (co-executive producer and writer of “V-Day 11.11.11”), Richard Deki (featured veteran of "Richard Deki's Journey" profile in the movie) and Suzanne Popovich Chandler (photographer of "Richard Deki's Journey,") will be present at the showing. The viewing is free and open to the community.

Dr. Aaron Belkin (Palm Center) and Col Gary Packard (US Air Force) will share their journey in the years leading to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. In 2010, Col Packard was assigned to the Pentagon to study the impact of repeal on the U.S. military, where he led the team responsible for developing the support plan for implementation. In addition, they will share their research on the impact of repeal and discuss why they believe it has been a "non-event" for the U.S. military. Thursday, Nov 15, 5-7 pm, Benson 180 - Free to everyone.

Info meetings: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 7 pm, Humanities 125; Thursday. Nov. 1, 7 pm, Humanities 125. Looking for an adventure? Experience through volunteer work in Ecuador, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands! Work: community service for the improvement of the environmental conditions of a rural village. Grow as a person, help others and help the environment. Demanding conditions: no services (electricity, running water) and physical labor. We also will be surfing, camping and scuba diving once the work is done! david.tupper@colorado.edu (Creatio)

The University of Colorado Police Department Records Section will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, due to an office remodel. UCPD Records will reopen for regular business, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. A temporary office will be located directly across the hall on the second floor of the Police and Parking Services Building at 1050 Regent Drive. The Records Section is planning to return to its permanent office in late November.