This Week’s Events:
0. Ongoing Services – updated 9/21/20
1. OPEN ACCESS FORUM 2020 – CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, AND OPEN DATA
2. OPEN ACCESS KEYNOTE: COUNTING WHAT COUNTS IN RECRUITMENT, PROMOTION AND TENURE
3. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
4. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDIATION
5. 2020 TOWARD AN OPEN MONOGRAPH ECOSYSTEM (TOME) STAKEHOLDER MEETING
6. GLC CAFÉ
7. GENERAL BODY MEETING: SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB
8. INTERFAITH COOPERATION & CIVIL RIGHTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
9. SCHEV-OVAC WEBINAR: “OPEN EDUCATION: STUDENT SUCCESS AND FACULTY AUTONOMY”
10. TURKISH MOVIE NIGHT AND DISCUSSION: THE WILD PEAR TREE
Administrative Announcements:
11. STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUP WITH BOARD OF VISITORS – 1st posting
12. PROCLAMATION SIGNING –“I ASK” FOR CONSENT – 1st posting
13. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN ACCEPTING DONATIONS –2nd posting
14. OPEN ACCESS WEEK 2020 – OCTOBER 19-23 – 2nd posting
15. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR VIRGINIANS – 2nd posting
16. BOOK GIVEAWAY BY INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – 2nd posting
17. INVITATION TO SHARE MOMENTS WHEN YOU FELT EXCLUDED AND INCLUDED AT VT – 3rd posting
18. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY FALL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
Jobs:
19. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SPRING 2021 – 1st posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR REMOTE AUGMENTED REALITY USER STUDY – 1st posting
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS STUDY – 1st posting
22. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – COMPUTATIONAL THINKING PRACTICE – 2nd posting
Upcoming Events:
24. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS
INSTITUTION – Oct. 27
25. STUDENT AFFAIRS 101 – Oct. 27
26. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE ROLE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPING THERAPEUTICS FOR COVID-19 – Nov. 2
27. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE TOLL OF COVID-10 ON ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, VETERINARY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – Nov. 3
28. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS – Nov. 4
29. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING – Nov. 5
30. ANNUAL ONE HEALTH CASE COMPETITION – Nov. 7 – Register by Oct. 19
0. Ongoing Services – updated 9/21/20
·GRADUATE SCHOOL ADVISING: No walk-in advising during Fall 2020. Request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session.
· 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 gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
1. OPEN ACCESS FORUM 2020 – CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, AND OPEN DATA
Monday, October 19, 6-8pm, Zoom
The Open Access Week kickoff event designed for future and current faculty will feature a brief introduction to open access, open education, and open data and their benefits and controversies, followed by a discussion with diverse panelists and the audience. Register: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e_8rcLybS_yBJEnWwpvlqQ
2. OPEN ACCESS KEYNOTE: COUNTING WHAT COUNTS IN RECRUITMENT, PROMOTION AND TENURE
Tuesday, October 20, 10-11:30am, More details: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/oa/week
What we reward through recruitment, promotion and tenure processes is not always what we actually value about research activity. This talk will explore how we can pursue value-led evaluations – and how we can persuade senior leaders of their benefits. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbZMp_YcRKux9X3E9Hevig
3. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 20, 12:00-1:00pm and Thursday, November 5, 5:00-6:00pm, Zoom
This informative workshop will walk international students through the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application, and other important details. Presented by Cranwell International Center International Student Advisors. Registration is required at Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students.
4. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDIATION
Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Online
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. Register here to receive a meeting invite: https://tiny.cc/vtmeditates. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Sarthak Gupta.
5. 2020 TOWARD AN OPEN MONOGRAPH ECOSYSTEM (TOME) STAKEHOLDER MEETING
Thursday, October 22, 10:00-11:30am and 1:00-3:00pm
Toward an Open Monograph Ecosystem (TOME) is hosting their annual stakeholder meeting during Open Access Week. TOME brings together scholars, universities, libraries, and presses in pursuit of a common goal—a sustainable open monograph ecosystem. TOME launched in 2018 as a five-year pilot initiative of the Association of American Universities (AAU), Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and Association of University Presses (AUPresses). The stakeholder meeting will review TOME’s progress to date and to chart a path forward. Register here: https://arl.formstack.com/forms/tome_registration
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, October 22, 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 and the occasional game. If you have questions or concerns about this event, email Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.
7. GENERAL BODY MEETING: SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB (SPEAC) AT VT
Thursday, October 22, 5-6pm, Zoom
Curious about science policy? Attend SPEAC’s next meeting! Dr. Karen Hult, VT political science professor, will lead a conversation about the upcoming presidential election which will encompass the impact of science or science-related issues on public opinion and the debates. Dr. Hult has served as an election night analyst on the National Public Radio affiliate WVTF, and she speaks with journalists about the U.S. presidency and Virginia politics and government. Register at: https://forms.gle/bT35dhRfKeZN1mUj7. For more information or to join our Listserv, email speacvt@gmail.com. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook (@speacvt). Posted on behalf of doctoral student Michelle Kott.
8. INTERFAITH COOPERATION & CIVIL RIGHTS – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Thursdays, October 22, 29, November 5, & 12, 5:00-6:00pm, Zoom
Join us for a 4-session series on Interfaith Cooperation & Civil Rights. The curriculum explores the connections between interfaith cooperation and the historic movement for civil rights in the U.S. context. RSVP at dos.vt.edu/weareeachothers Open for students, faculty, staff & community members.
9. SCHEV-OVAC WEBINAR: “OPEN EDUCATION: STUDENT SUCCESS AND FACULTY AUTONOMY”
Friday October 23, 11:00am – 12:00pm
The virtual conversations will consist of short lightning talks, which will allow institutions to share their open education efforts and learn from similar efforts happening around Virginia. Speakers this round are from Virginia Tech (Dr. Anne M. Brown) speaking on “Using Open Science Framework (OSF) and GitHub to Promote Student Training and Research Transparency”, NOVA Loudon Campus (Christopher Soholt and Yu Bai) on “ESL Composition II Handbook, and University of Virginia (Judith Thomas) “Privacy and Surveillance in Digital Courseware.” Registration: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hn9JZRMSSXi4dus1b5XfnQ
10. TURKISH MOVIE NIGHT AND DISCUSSION: THE WILD PEAR TREE
Friday, October 23, 6pm, Zoom
Join the Turkish Student Association (TSA) for Turkish movie night to discuss “The Wild Pear Tree. Please fill out this Google Form and you will be sent the link to join the discussion & to watch the movie. If you have questions, contact the organization at tsavirginiatech@gmail.com.
11. STUDENTS NEEDED FOR FOCUS GROUP WITH BOARD OF VISITORS – 1st posting
Sabrina Sturgeon (Graduate Student Representative to the Board of Visitors) has set up a focus group with the BoVRector, Mr. Horacio Valeiras. She is now working to ensure that the focus group has quality representation of graduate students at Virginia Tech. If you are a part-time or international graduate student and you would like to participate in the one-time meeting on November 9th at 3pm, please contact Kuneyl and Hkuneyl@vt.edu. Please respond promptly as spaces are extremely limited.
12. PROCLAMATION SIGNING –“I ASK” FOR CONSENT – 1st posting
“I Ask” for Consent is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The campaign theme, I Ask, champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions. We invite all members of the VT community to take part in the “I Ask” for Consent campaign, and virtually sign their names to the Proclamation stating their commitment to putting consent into practice. The goals of the campaign are to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote community engagement on how to change social/community norms, and prevention as part of an ongoing process to educate members about consent and share valuable information about resources and services. Virtual signing will take place October 16 – 23, 2020.
To sign the proclamation, visit the link below: https://form.jotform.com/202365075101140
13. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN ACCEPTING DONATIONS – 2nd posting
The Women’s Center, Graduate School and Graduate School Assembly is hosting the 7th Annual Little Hokie Hand-Me-Down on November 11-12 in the GLC Multipurpose Room to benefit VT graduate students and families. Now collecting unused/gently used children’s items for ages 0-10 between October 12-November 6. Drop off on the VT Women’s Center porch: Toys (including music and DVDs,) books, clothing (baby and maternity), formula (not expired), medical supplies (breast pumps, lactation devices), strollers, unexpired car seats, school supplies, bedding (for cribs and moms!), bathing and grooming supplies (bathers, unopened/unused creams, lotions, powders), feeding supplies (bibs, baby bottles, food warmers),baby gear (activity gyms, bassinets, play mats, carriers, swings), and diapers. In order to maintain the safety of those handling the items, please completely box or contain in plastic bags any donations. For more information, contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu .
14. OPEN ACCESS WEEK 2020 – OCTOBER 19-23 – 2nd posting
Virginia Tech is coordinating or sponsoring several events on open access within a higher education context. All events are online, free, and open to the public. Details: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/oa/week
15. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR VIRGINIANS – 2nd posting
Virginia COPES is a crisis counseling “warm line” service through which trained crisis counselors engage with callers in “active listening,” giving individuals in need an opportunity to talk through their concerns, vent, and otherwise provide an outlet for coping with the emotional stresses and effects of the current COVID-19 environment like isolation, fear, grief and anxiety. Counselors can also connect callers with additional resources in their area. This program was developed with the involvement of at least one graduate student and is part of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ (DBHDS) response to the pandemic. Reach VA COPES M-F 9am-9pm; weekends 5pm-9pm by phone or text at 877-349-6428. Spanish speaking counselors also available. More at vacopes.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/vacopescovid. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Phil Miskovic.
16. BOOK GIVEAWAY BY INTERVARSITY GRAD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – 2nd posting
IGCF is offering a brilliant book by Oxford Emeritus Professor John Lennox titled “CAN SCIENCE EXPLAIN EVERYTHING?” (2019). Get it free this week using code “VTGCF20” at publisher’s website. www.thegoodbook.com/can-science-explain-everything-ebook. Posted on behalf of doctoral student John Marshal.
17. INVITATION TO SHARE MOMENTS WHEN YOU FELT EXCLUDED AND INCLUDED AT VT – 3rd posting
Help VT become more inclusive and welcoming by making yourself heard! Join our initiative to share moments, both big and small, when you have felt included and excluded. To participate and/or to share your thoughts, use this form: https://forms.gle/PD1DqEoCM6rxFDTt7. We will reach out to you at the end of the week and invite you to further the conversation. If you want more information or have any questions, contact Aakash at aakashg@vt.edu. This project is part of the Graduate School Diversity Scholar program.
18. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH HONOR SOCIETY FALL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS – 3rd posting
Do you do interdisciplinary research? Join other researchers and a wide network of alumni by applying to the Interdisciplinary Research Honors Society, Iota Delta Rho (or IDR). We foster interdisciplinary research and networking at Virginia Tech and out in the real world. Apply by November 30 at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blTeV21TJGIFISV. Posted on behalf of doctoral student Diane Eilerts, delierts@vt.edu.
19. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SPRING 2021 – 1st posting
The Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) program at the Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) is looking for a Graduate Assistant for Spring semester 2021. Under the direction of Dr. Maria Elisa Christie, the WGD program ensures a gender-sensitive approach to all CIRED projects and raises awareness at Virginia Tech about gender and international development issues. You must be enrolled in a full-time program of graduate studies in a degree-granting department at Virginia Tech. See position description for requirements and next steps before responding please. Stipend and tuition for Spring 2021. If you are interested and meet the qualifications, submit materials to Maria Elisa Christie at mechristie@vt.edu.
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR REMOTE AUGMENTED REALITY USER STUDY – 1st posting
The 3DI group at Virginia Tech invites you to participate in a remote Augmented Reality user study. In the study, we would ask you to use the AR interface we implemented on the Magic Leap One AR headset and provide your feedback. The total duration of this study is about 5 hours. The study population for this study includes people in the Blacksburg, VA area who: 1) are at least 18 years old, 2) are English speakers, 3) have uncorrected normal vision, and 4) regularly use Google’s email and calendar services. To participants who are students at VT, your involvement in the study will not impact your academic performance. Participants will be compensated for $70 after completing the study. If you would like more information about participating, please contact Feiyu Lu at feiyulu@vt.edu. This experiment has been approved, as required, by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board under protocol #20-652.
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS STUDY – 1st posting
We are looking for voluntary participants for our research study “Augmented Reality Virtual Monitors” at the Moss Arts Center. The participants in the study will have a chance to experience the latest technology of Augmented Reality (AR), including a Microsoft HoloLens 2. The purpose of this research is to understand how the usability of virtual monitors compares to physical monitors. Eligible participants will come to the Moss Arts Center and will be asked to perform a few tasks on a computer. The experiment is expected to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Your participation is entirely voluntary and unpaid, and you can choose to terminate your participation in the experiment at any time for any reason. If you’re interested in more information about being a participant, please contact Leonardo Pavanatto at lpavanat@vt.edu. This study has been approved, as required, by the Institutional Review Board of Virginia Tech – IRB# 20-796.
22. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
We are working with families both in the US and China to understand children’s social development and family interactions. To follow public health guidelines for social distancing, parents and children may complete this study in the comfort of their home, with no face-to-face contact with us. The study involves parents completing online questionnaires and uploading audio recordings of parent-child joint activities: A) talk with each other about events that made you or your child feel angry, proud, shame/guilt, and warmth; and B) read a wordless book together. Questionnaires will take about 30 minutes and parent-child activities will take about 45 minutes. Parents will be given a $20 e-giftcard and children will be given a wordless picture book and a sticker sheet. If you are interested, e-mail danhuaz@vt.edu.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY – COMPUTATIONAL THINKING PRACTICE – 2nd posting.
Researchers invite people 18 years of age and older to participate in a 60 to 80 minute Computational Thinking Practice study session online. During this session, you will be asked to complete a few brief surveys and to test a way of practicing computational thinking. You will need a computer with a web browser and speakers/headphones. The research protocol has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protections Program (#19-492). The principal investigator for this study is Dr. Ivica Ico Bukvic (ico@vt.edu) and the contact for participating is Kyriakos Tsoukalas (ktsoukalas@vt.edu). Learn more and get an invitation to participate: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2os0HB7dqDVFGER
Upcoming events:
24. FROM HBCU TO PWI: HOW TO LEVERAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY PREVIOUS INSTITUTION
Tuesday, October 27, 4-5pm, Zoom
Join for our next connect event supporting students from historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions with Dr. Brian Moseley, Learning Technology & Development Manager, Enterprise Learning and Development, Duke Energy. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0q71yb2Pj8Dl2IZ by October 26 to receive the Zoom link. For accommodations, please contact ordi@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
25. STUDENT AFFAIRS 101
Tuesday, October 27, 4-5pm
Careers in Student Affairs Month is a time to celebrate the field of Student Affairs! This includes those who work in Housing and Residence Life, Cook Counseling, Rec Sports, VT Engage, Student Conduct, and more! Student Affairs 101 will consist of a discussion of the historical context of the field, trends in Student Affairs, current theories and philosophies, and a time to ask questions about the field and student development. Register here: https://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/csam20
26. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE ROLE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPING THERAPEUTICS FOR COVID-19
Monday, November 2, 12-1pm, Zoom
This moderated panel discussion with Virginia Tech biomedical researchers currently working on SARS-CoV-2 research will focus on what questions remain to be answered about this novel pathogen, the process of how biomedical research can lead to the creation of vaccines and other therapeutics, and how COVID-19 research will develop moving forward through the pandemic. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/
27. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: THE TOLL OF COVID-10 ON ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, VETERINARY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday, November 3, 6-7:15pm, Zoom
This moderated panel discussion with medical, veterinary, and public health professionals will consider how COVID-19 has changed the work they do and has affected the populations under their care. The speakers will offer a candid look at the unique technical, physical, and emotional challenges that individuals in the health professions face today. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/
28. ONE HEALTH WEBINAR SERIES: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:15pm, Zoom
Two speakers who work with nonprofit organizations that provide services to vulnerable populations will provide insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the communities they work with and what adaptations they have had to make to ensure community needs are met. Organizations represented: Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition and The Street Dog Coalition. For full details and to register for one or more of the webinars, visit https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/one-health-day/
29. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thursday, November 5, 5:30-7:00pm, Online via Zoom.
As a graduate student enrolled at Virginia Tech, you’re automatically a member of GSA. Of course, this means that you’re welcome to attend any and all of our General Assembly Meetings. These meetings are not just for delegates – there is an open forum for our community to voice concerns of which the delegate body may not be aware. Please use the RSVP link on our website to indicate your attendance. Meeting starts at 5:30pm. More information about the organization can be found online at http://bit.ly/GSA_Gen_Assembly.
30. ANNUAL ONE HEALTH CASE COMPETITION – Nov. 7 – Register by Oct. 19
Saturday, November 7th 9:30 am-1:30pm, Zoom
Test your knowledge of infectious diseases, disease control, environmental health, and more at the Annual One Health Case Competition in celebration of International One Health Day. All participants will receive an e-gift card, with additional prizes for winning teams! Teams comprising three different student types, including MPH, PhD/MS (any Department), DVM, & MD/DO, compete to solve cases using a One Health approach. Sign up by October 19 noon as an individual, a partial (2-3 people), or full team (4 people) at: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXZPM3cuw7HmYbX. Teams will be announced and given the materials for the first case on Friday, October 23rd. On November 7th, teams will present their findings for case 1 to the judges, as well as work on and present two other cases. Contact Cassie Smith at cassie1@vt.edu if you have questions.