A new 18-unit certificate program, the Global Certificate, is open to all majors and designed to help undergraduates develop global competency and enhance job marketability. An information session is set for 5 p.m. tonight in Room 236 of the Danforth University Center.

Ekphrasis is the literary description of a visual work of art. It also is a key approach underlying the poetry of Cole Swensen, a former National Book Award nominee and Guggenheim Fellow. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, Swenson, author of 14 books of poetry, will read from her work for the Writing Program’s fall Reading Series.

Freshman Arunita Kar played Halloween games with area children and, along with other WUSTL students, took them trick-or-treating through the residential colleges on the South 40 Oct. 30. The annual Safe Trick-or-Treat event provides a safe way to celebrate the holiday.

The Children’s Discovery Institute has approved funding for three large-scale research initiatives focusing on heart and lung diseases in children. Together, the projects will receive $1.5 million over three years. The institute is a multi-disciplinary, innovation-based research partnership between St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the School of Medicine that has awarded more than $23 million in scientific grants since 2006.

A university-wide blood drive will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, at eight different locations. In addition, collection will take place Thursday, Nov. 10, at the School of Medicine. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this effort to replenish the region’s blood supply. Appointments are strongly encouraged.

Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 2

School of Architecture lecture

“Cityscapes: Visual Versus Narrative.” Andrea Ponsi, architect and adjunct prof., Kent State U. in Florence, Italy. Free and open to the public. Givens Hall, Kemp Aud. (314) 935-6200.

School of Medicine Dean’s update

School of Medicine employees have their second opportunity to hear an update from Dean Larry J. Shapiro, MD. The update will take place at 11 a.m. today in the North Building of Moore Aud. For more information, call (314) 362-7196.

Iver Bernstein, PhD

Discovering unremembered, unspoken history. FULL STORY

Volleyball improves to 29-1

The No. 3 volleyball team improved its overall record to 29-1 with five sweeps last week, including the team championship at the Washington University Halloween Classic Oct. 29 at the WU Field House. The Bears return to action this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, at the University Athletic Association Championship at New York University.