REVIEW THE FAQs REGARDING COVID-19 DIRECTIVES AT https://graduateschool.vt.edu/covid-faqs.html.
Ongoing Services – updated 7/20/20
This Week’s Events:
1. WAKE UP AND WIND DOWN WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
2. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: COVER LETTER WRITING
3. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
4. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
5. FALL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES
6. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION
7. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING
8. GLC CAFÉ VIRTUAL EDITION: TRIVIA GAME
9. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT JOB SEARCH
10. SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB (SPEAC) MEETING
11. HAPPINESS GROUP FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Administrative Announcements:
12. GRADUATE STUDENT NEEDED FOR COMMISSION ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY – 1st posting
13. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – 1st posting
14. OPT-IN OPPORTUNITY: WELLthy – 2nd posting
15. CALL FOR ENTRIES: STUDENT ARTS SPOTLIGHT – 2nd posting
16. STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD – 2nd posting
17. OPEN CHILDCARE SLOTS AT LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT – 3rd posting
18. NEW PROGRAM PROVIDING FOOD ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS – 3rd posting
19. ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
Jobs:
20. CENTER FOR GERONTOLOGY SEEKS GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 1st posting
21. GRADUATE RESEARCH POSITION OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH COMMUTER SURVEY – 1st posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WALKING RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BEHAVIOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
25. WATCHING WRITING REPLAY FOR COMPREHENSION PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 3rd posting
Upcoming Events:
26. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING – Sept. 21
27. H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP – Sept. 22
28. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK? COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ADVISOR/PROFESSOR/PI/MENTOR – Sept. 24
29. FRISBEES ON THE DRILLFIELD – Sept. 28
30. I BELONG HERE: WOMEN’S SENSE OF BELONGING IN ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY – Oct. 2
0. Ongoing Services – updated 8/17/20
· ALL WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
· CAREER ADVISING: schedule virtual career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
· COOK COUNSELING: Drop-in Zoom hours, 1-5pm Thursdays and Fridays, Zoom links found here.
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at mailto:gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
1. WAKE UP AND WIND DOWN WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
Mondays and Thursdays, 9am or 4pm
Come together with other students to jump start your day with a mindfulness activity and an uplifting video. You can also come at the end of the day with other students using mindfulness exercises and a visit from the CCC Therapy Dogs. Register at the following links to Wind Down: bit.ly/33gr9Wa and Wake Up: bit.ly/2RcYYBZ
2. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: COVER LETTER WRITING
Tuesday, September 15, 4-5 PM
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/562250/share_preview
Writing a tailored cover letter can help your job application stand out from the crowd. By attending this virtual workshop, graduate students will learn how to write an effective cover letter, proper formatting, and how to customize it for every application. Questions about this workshop may be directed to the Graduate School Career Advisor: alyssarametta@vt.edu
3. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
Wednesday, September 16, 2pm, and Wednesday, September 23, 10am
This is a series of three workshops that offer strategies for coping with anxiety and topics include mindfulness of thoughts, and emotional awareness.
Sign up at bit.ly/3m4L6aP
4. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Wednesday, September 16, 5-6:30pm; Monday, September 21, 12-1:30pm
This informative workshop will walk you through the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application, and other important details. Presented by Cranwell International Center International Student Advisors. OPT information is available on the Cranwell Graduate Immigration. Registration is required. Please go Cranwell Virtual Connections to register.
5. FALL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES
Wednesdays, September 9 – December 2, 5:30-7pm
Participate in a dialogue with students from diverse traditions/worldviews. The Fall Interfaith Dialogues will happen over Zoom bi-weekly. Everyone is welcome to participate. RSVP at dos.vt.edu/dialogue. More info on the interfaith program at dos.vt.edu/interfaith. Sponsored by the Dean of Students Office.
6. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION
Wednesdays in September, 6pm est, Online
Come release stress and experience some inner peace with a free weekly guided meditation. These meditation sessions, led by trained and experienced facilitators, are an effortless way to relax and take a break from this constant worrying mind of ours. Sponsored by the SKY Happiness Club. Register here to receive a meeting invite: https://forms.gle/shHyxTJY7G9usqfM6
7. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING
Thursdays September 3-December 3, 3:30-5pm, Online
Safe space for students to talk about personal experiences and thoughts & explore together questions of purpose and meaning in life. Opportunity to reflect about diverse worldviews and values, and engage in creative activities to develop an active pursuit of life goals. Sessions via Zoom every other Thursday from Sep 3 to Dec 3. More info and registration at dos.vt.edu/purposegroup. Sponsored by Dean of Students Office and the Cook Counseling Center.
8. GLC CAFÉ VIRTUAL EDITION: TRIVIA GAME
Thursday, September 17, 4:00pm, Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/97678968202
While the pandemic put a stop to our in-person café, we want to keep the GLC café running so that students may continue to meet informally and share their experiences. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and join fellow grads and Grad School staff for some casual conversation. This week’s special: trivia game. If you have questions or concerns about this event, email Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.
9. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT JOB SEARCH
Thursday, September 17, 4-5 PM
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/562302/share_preview
International graduate students will receive information to launch a successful American job search during this virtual workshop, including strategies & resources. Questions about this workshop may be directed to the Graduate School Career Advisor: alyssarametta@vt.edu
10. SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB (SPEAC) MEETING
Thursday, September 17, 5-6 pm
Curious about science policy? Join us for our first meeting of the fall semester! We will be discussing what we have planned for the coming year and how you can get involved. Additionally, we will have two of our members discuss their experiences working in the science policy field. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the club and get to know other members. Please register for this event here: https://forms.gle/4dHFu7JHbYnBQUxL8. For more information or to join our Listserv email speacvt@gmail.com. Also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook (@speacvt)!
11. HAPPINESS GROUP FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Fridays, 11:30am-12:30pm, Online
The coronavirus has changed our daily lives tremendously. This four-week interactive class offers you ways to cope with these changes. Learn how to improve your well-being in a sustainable way, using tools that are backed up by science. Register here: https://connect.recsports.vt.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=3dea9b9c-b82a-494c-8c47-d0d4f0e6c03f&semesterId=d4d38dc1-288d-4895-8c8e-2d16ae47d7e4
12. GRADUATE STUDENT NEEDED FOR COMMISSION ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY – 1st posting
The Commission for Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD) is looking for one undergraduate student and one graduate student to serve as at-large members of the commission. If you are interested in serving in this role within university governance, please complete the form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjPIGW_3Zz4zVytDivYa6ptASCdyQPSFvURJjEw0Fd5TVOig/viewform Additional information about CEOD can be found online at: https://governance.vt.edu/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.php
13. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – 1st posting
Show off your artistic skills and your part as a member of our graduate student community within Virginia Tech. The GLC Fellows will be blowing up iconic images of Virginia Tech and will be giving out pieces of the bigger picture to those who sign-up. Those who choose to participate are encouraged to use their creativity to make their section of the mural uniquely their own. After the pieces are completed please turn in the finished work to the GLC Welcome Center (front desk) during business hours. Sign up by Tuesday, September 22, 11:59pm using this link: Sign up Link Artwork due by Monday, September 28, 5 pm. Please contact Hunter at hhmd1997@vt.edu with any questions.
14. OPT-IN OPPORTUNITY: WELLthy – 2nd posting
The graduate school invites you to join our new initiative WELLthy. This canvas community aims to provide support for all aspects of your well-being as a graduate student. If interested, please complete this brief- survey to be added to the canvas site https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3PEvmtJChrA3XoN. For more information, email Shernita@vt.edu.
15. CALL FOR ENTRIES: STUDENT ARTS SPOTLIGHT – 2nd posting
All Virginia Tech students are invited to submit their original art works for physical and/or digital display at the Moss Arts Center this fall. Curated by the Moss Arts Center Student Ambassadors, this exhibition is an extension of the virtual Student Arts Spotlight presented online this summer and is a celebration of creativity and diversity of perspective and inspiration across our student body. Selected works will be exhibited in the Miles C. Horton Jr. Gallery and Sherwood Payne Quillen ‘71 Reception Gallery from Thursday, October 8-Wednesday, November 18, 2020, and shared via Moss Arts Center social media channels. Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2020 at midnight. All entries must use this submission form.
16. STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD – 2nd posting
The Office for Equity and Accessibility is re-convening its Student Title IX Advisory Board. We continually seek to improve Virginia Tech’s Title IX process. Incorporating students’ experiences and insights is central to ensuring our process works. The purpose of the Board will be to provide comment and feedback on the university’s response to reports of gender-based harassment and violence. The Student Title IX Advisory Board will meet 3-4 times each semester to hold discussions and provide feedback directly to the university’s Title IX Coordinator. Issues for discussion may include: review of university’s policies and procedures; review of resources available to students; review of the university’s communication and outreach efforts, including stopabuse.vt.edu and feedback on prevention education and campus climate initiatives. To gather a group with varied perspectives and experiences, student from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested students should contact Katie Polidoro (polidoro@vt.edu) and should provide a short statement expressing their interest in the Board. The deadline to apply is September 18th.
17. OPEN CHILDCARE SLOTS AT LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT – 3rd posting
Little Hokie Hangout is open as of 8/31/20 and has several open slots for children 2-5 years old. Many extra safety measures are in place and the staff is working hard to make sure they are providing the same wonderful high-quality early education environment as before Covid. To learn more about Little Hokie Hangout, visit:https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/student-services/spouses-partners-and-children/child-care/little-hokies-hangout.html Complete the enrollment form to sign-up your child: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhfPnxqRfDO6Oj2koWQGCvzxPUuhp9ru5V801SvA9oQEwLiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Contact Marin Riegger at mriegger@vt.edu if you have questions.
18. NEW PROGRAM PROVIDING FOOD ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS – 3rd posting
The Market of Virginia Tech is a new initiative of Student Affairs that is designed to provide food assistance to students who, for whatever reason, have a hard time obtaining regular, healthy meals. Such a situation could be the result of a short-term disruption in finances, residing in a food desert, or a lack of access to other financial assistance. If you are an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student and wish to learn more about the Market of Virginia Tech, please email themarket@vt.edu or call the Office of the Dean of Students at 540-231-3787.
19. ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED – 3rd posting
Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) Graduate Honor Society, the only academic excellence and leadership honor society of graduate and professional school students, is now accepting applications for new members in the Virginia Tech Chapter. Graduate students may become members based on their academic achievements and leadership experiences. Minimum requirements for membership in the society are found on the website: https://ael.graduateschool.vt.edu/ael-application-process.html The application will be open from Sept. 1- Oct. 10, 2020. You can submit your application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9R9AvLl4qXgGa491WaMfTmS-qebCqUMov-6sRr3RLOma8Q/viewform?usp=sf_link The accepted members will receive an email by Oct. 15, 2020. The induction ceremony of new members is planned online in mid-November 2020. For more information or questions please contact aelvtg@gmail.com
20. CENTER FOR GERONTOLOGY SEEKS GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 1st posting
The Center for Gerontology seeks a GRA who has experience working with datasets and can perform data analysis beyond means and chi-squares; experience with conducting literature searches, reading/editing and helping with paper writing; and someone who has an interest in older adults. The student will assist with Center for Gerontology tasks as they arrive (celebrations, forums, email lists). This position will start immediately. Stipend and tuition for Fall 2020. If you are interested, submit a resume to Cyndi Booth at cgbooth@vt.edu.
21. GRADUATE RESEARCH POSITION OPPORTUNITY – 3rd posting
The VT Dept of Hospitality and Tourism is seeking a part-time graduate research assistant to support the Tribal Tourism Development Program. This program seeks to support culturally appropriate, sustainable tourism in Native American communities in Montana and Virginia. The position will work with Dr. Lamoureux to engage with federally recognized tribes to assess their opportunities for tourism development as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. The position is paid for 20 hours weekly (lesser hours is possible but not preferred) for the fall semester. Extension to spring is possibly pending further funding. Tuition benefits are available with this position. Students should have experience working with Native American/Indigenous communities and/or community development. No tourism experience necessary. For more information, please contact Dr. Lamorueux at kristinl@vt.edu
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH COMMUTER SURVEY – 1st posting
Blacksburg campus community members are invited to share feedback around their commuting experiences in the biennial Commuter Survey delivered by Virginia Tech Transportation Services. The survey, which should take less than 10 minutes to complete, will help the university better understand how the Virginia Tech community gets to, from, and around campus. Allstudents, staff, and faculty are invited to participate. The survey can be completed athttps://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ctHXXQXHifc7vrD.Please contact the Alternative Transportation Department with any questions: gettingaround@vt.edu
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WALKING RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
The Granata Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting participants between the ages of 18-25 for a walking research study (Protocol 20-090). Study participation will involve a single visit lasting approximately 1 hour. The study aims to assess healthy walking in younger adults to understand side-to-side symmetry. Participants will complete a series of walking assessments while wearing reflective markers. Eligible participants will have no lower extremity injuries in the last 12 months, no prior serious leg injury or surgery, and are able to walk unassisted for 10 min. If you are interested in more information, please contact Nicole Stark at nestark@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BEHAVIOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
The Virginia Tech Economics Laboratory is recruiting participants aged 18 and over for a research study. These studies will involve making interactive decisions on a computer and/or completing surveys, and will typically take 1-2 hours. For participating, you will earn a fixed fee, and may earn additional money depending on your decisions during the experiment. Typical compensation rates are between $10-20/hour, depending on the study. There is no other benefit from participating in this study. To sign up to be notified about upcoming experiments, go to: https://vteconlab.sona-systems.com If you have any questions, please email us at vteconlab@gmail.com.
25. WATCHING WRITING REPLAY FOR COMPREHENSION PARTICIPANTS NEEDED – 3rd posting
The EchoLab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals that are eligible for a user study on the effectiveness of a real-time replay of writing. The goal of the study is to understand the effect of the real-time display of a writing session and explore how it can improve the process of context comprehension in writing. This is a Virginia Tech research study and IRB #19-578. Participants need to be 18 years and older, have no problem with reading in English, and can fill out a survey, take a reading comprehension test, and answer a post-task interview/survey in English. Participants can do all of this remotely and will be compensated with a $9 Amazon e-gift card. No money will be awarded for incomplete work. Whole task should last approximately 50 minutes. If interested, please fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ETRlSQTpCsJglT Participants are welcome to forward this opportunity to other interested parties but please do not post online. For more information, contact Sang Won Lee at sangwonlee@vt.edu.
26. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING
Monday, September 21, 4-5 PM
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/562323/share_preview
Preparing for a virtual job interviewing can be similar to an in-person interview in many ways, but also requires new strategies and preparation. Graduate students attending this workshop will learn how to succeed in a virtual interview, for both academic and industry interviews. Questions about this workshop may be directed to the Graduate School Career Advisor: alyssarametta@vt.edu
27. H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP
Tuesday, September 22, 5:00-6:30pm, Virtual
Learn about H-1B work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. Registration is required. Please go Cranwell Virtual Connections to register.
28. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK? COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ADVISOR/PROFESSOR/PI/MENTOR
Thursday, September 24, 1pm, Zoom
Are you new to graduate school and trying to figure out the best way to communicate with your adviser? Have you been here a while and have always had trouble interacting with your adviser? This workshop will help provide tools and give you an opportunity to explore different options to better communicate. It will look at obstacles to communication including “imposter syndrome” and difficulty saying no, and the opportunity to share experiences and get ideas from other graduate students. The workshop is led by the graduate student Ombudsperson and a Psychologist working in the Graduate School that is experienced with dealing with these kinds of issues. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNKA2VdyepiWxbn
29. FRISBEES ON THE DRILLFIELD
Monday, September 28, 5:30-6:30pm, Drillfield
Come join the GLC Fellows as we toss frisbees on the drillfield. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy campus, get some fresh air, and meet fellow graduate students while still maintaining your distance (it’s hard to pass a frisbee when standing too close). Frisbees, hand sanitizer, gloves, and wipes will be provided; registration and face masks are required. – https://bit.ly/2GrzpLg. Please contact Athulya at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.
30. I BELONG HERE: WOMEN’S SENSE OF BELONGING IN ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY
Friday, October 2, 12pm-1pm, Zoom
We would like to invite you to join us at this year’s Women’s Connect event with Dr. Letticia Ramlal-Lamble, the Director of Assessment and Data Analytics for the College of Engineering. All are invited to join us and attend. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fOeedaTw00GCG1 by October 1 to receive the Zoom link. For accommodations, please contact ordi@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.