* "Including" as a conjunction: If "including" acts as a conjunction joining two independent clauses, you use a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
Example:
* *She brought a variety of snacks; including chips, salsa, and dip, she made sure everyone had something to munch on.*
* "Including" as part of a phrase: If "including" is part of a phrase within a sentence, you don't use a semicolon before it. You might use a comma after it, but only if it's grammatically necessary for the phrase itself.
Examples:
* *The package included several items, including a book, a DVD, and a t-shirt.* (Comma after "including" because it's part of a list.)
* *She listed her favorite foods, including pizza and sushi.* (No comma after "including" because it's not part of a list.)
In short:
* Semicolon before "including": Only when "including" connects two complete sentences.
* Comma after "including": Only if it's grammatically required for the phrase it's in.