This Week’s Events:
0. Ongoing Services – updated 8/2/21
1. ADVANCED RESEARCH COMPUTING VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE SESSIONS
2. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE (GPSS) FALL BBQ
3. COgro TOUR
4. THE LYRIC THEATRE TOUR
5. GLC CAFÉ – REPLACED WITH MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME EVENT THIS WEEK
6. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
7. GRADUATE ORIENTATION
8. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP
9. SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB SEMESTER KICK-OFF POTLUCK
Administrative Announcements:
10. ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR FOOD ACCESS PROGRAM: THE MARKET OF VIRGINIA TECH – 1st posting
11. INVOLVEMENT ADVISING – 1st posting
12. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2021 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 2nd posting
13. REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
14. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
Jobs:
15. GRADUATE ASSISTANT–DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR LARGE SCALE STUDY- 1st posting
16. GRADUATE ASSISTANT POSITION IN VT CARILION SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – 1st posting
17. GRADUATE ASSISTANT POSITION IN SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS – 2nd posting
18. STARTUP HOKIES AMBASSADOR GRADUATE STUDENT POSITIONS – 3rd posting
19. PEACE CORPS CAMPUS RECRUITER GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP- 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GREEN TAILGATING PROGRAM – 2nd posting
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EDUCATION-MEDITATION STUDY – 2nd posting
22. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GPSS FALL BBQ – 3rd posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STORYTELLING STUDY – 3rd posting
Upcoming Events:
24. GAME CHANGER WEEK – August 23-27
25. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP – August 24 and August 30
26. HOKIE SHUFFLE: ICE CREAM SOCIAL – August 25
27. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (0PT) WOKSHOPS – August 26 and September 8
28. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE (GPSS) MEETING – August 26
29. UNDERREPRESENTED/MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON – September 1
30. GRADUATE SCHOOL VIRTUAL RESOURCE FAIR – September 2
31. GOBBLERFEST – September 4
0. Ongoing Services – updated 8/2/21
- GRADUATE SCHOOL: In person drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials M-F 9:00-4:00pm, 120 GLC. Request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session. Graduate Life Center meeting rooms and lobby are still closed for repair.
- CAREER ADVISING: schedule virtual career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
- COOK COUNSELING: Drop-in Zoom hours, Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-5pm, Zoom links found here. To make an appointment, visit: https://vt-ucc.titaniumhwc.com/ScheduleGraduateFirstCookConnect (Students must pay the summer health fee or daily use fee which can be reimbursed through Aetna. Students must be in Virginia)
- WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
- GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
1.ADVANCED RESEARCH COMPUTING VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE SESSIONS
August 16-20, Various times, Zoom
Did you know that Virginia Tech graduate students have access to free high-performance computing services? Advanced Research Computing (ARC) provides centralized research computing infrastructure and support, including high-performance systems, large-scale data storage, visualization, consulting, and more. We work with researchers from all disciplines and experience levels with computing tasks such as: Larger jobs (high resolution or large-scale datasets), many jobs to run (parameter sweeps, many datasets), specialty hardware needs (GPU, memory, high bandwidth storage, fast network, scale), collaboration with colleagues across disciplines and locations, and any project of any size that could benefit from advanced computational support. You’re invited to learn more about ARC, meet the team, and ask questions at these Welcome Week Virtual Open House sessions. Go to arc.vt.edu/office-hours for session times and Zoom links.
2. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE (GPSS) FALL BBQ
Tuesday, August 17, 5-7pm, GLC Lawn
You are invited to the Graduate and Professional Student Senate Free Fall BBQ on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center. Come enjoy free food, outdoor games, and time to chat with fellow graduate students! Please bring your Hokie ID for entrance as well as a mask to wear in the food line. Feel free to bring friends and family. Please follow the GPSS website for event updates. Contact Emily Burns at emilyb16@vt.edu with questions or any access needs/accommodation requests.
3. COgro TOUR
Tuesday, August 18, anytime between 11am-1pm, 2200 Kraft Drive, Suite 1050, Blacksburg
Take a tour of COgro, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center’s premier co-working space that extends the university experience for students to work and study. Students who use COgro will meet professionals in many industries and fields that will help them grow personally and professionally. Stop by anytime between 11am-1pm to see the space, learn how to become a member and what the membership benefits are. All graduate students who participate in this tour will receive one free day pass. COgro is located on the BT bus route. Please sign-up so we know how may to expect: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NtKQuWMAScgdP8
4. THE LYRIC THEATRE TOUR
Thursday, August 19, 1pm, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg
The beautiful Lyric Theatre is offering a free tour for graduate students. Participants will be shown the 1930s design and learn about opportunities to volunteer. Everyone who attends will also receive a free movie pass. Please arrive at The Lyric five to ten minutes early. Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mZnHiRi3jE7hhc
5. GLC CAFÉ – REPLACED WITH THE MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME EVENT
This week the GLC Café will be replaced with the Make Yourself at Home event. Come and join us for that event. Details are in this listserve posting.
6. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Thursday, August 19, 4:30-6pm, Owens Ballroom
Connect with faculty, staff, new and returning graduate students and resources that can help you settle in and succeed in Blacksburg. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided! Sign-up here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eSdCNrSxtJCBuhE
7. GRADUATE ORIENTATION
Friday, August 20, 9-10:30am, Zoom
New, and returning, students are invited to watch orientation either via Zoom or at our orientation watch party in Owens Banquet Hall. Hear from incoming Dean for Graduate Education, Dr. Aimee Surprenant, via Zoom, and interact with a graduate student panel. Registration is required for orientation. More information can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/orientation.html
8. HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UP
Friday, August 20, 10:30-11:30am, Owens Ballroom
After orientation, the Graduate School will host a social hour in Owens Ballroom. Representatives from the Student Medical Insurance Office will be on-site to help students register for health insurance. Learn more about the university’s health insurance plan here: https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/en/school/474968/index.html
9. SCIENCE POLICY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CLUB SEMESTER KICK-OFF POTLUCK
Sunday, August 22, 4:30pm, Location will be sent after you register
Science Policy Education and Advocacy Club will be hosting an outdoor potluck-picnic to start the semester off right! There will be great food, fun games, and awesome company! Given recent COVID-19 trends, we ask that you please bring a mask. Bring your friends, your favorite dish and don’t forget to RSVP here by August 17th. See you there!
10. ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR FOOD ACCESS PROGRAM: THE MARKET OF VIRGINIA TECH – 1st posting
The Market of Virginia Tech is a free program that provides fresh and nutritious food each week during the spring and fall semesters to up to 75 students on the Blacksburg Campus, supporting students who have difficulty obtaining regular, healthy meals. The program is available to both enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Students can sign up beginning on Monday, August 9. Learn more about the program and enroll at https://dos.vt.edu/food.html, or contact the Dean of Students’ office by emailing themarket@vt.edu, or by calling (540)-231-3787.
11. INVOLVEMENT ADVISING – 1st posting
Student Engagement and Campus Life offers involvement advising, which allows students a chance to receive personalized recommendations for involvement opportunities and to meet with an experienced student about the process of getting involved. Students can get started by submitting the Involvement Advising Questionnaire on GobblerConnect. If you have questions, contact Morgen Snowadzky at morgen@vt.edu
12. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2021 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 2nd posting
All graduate students are invited to enroll in the following Leadership courses for the Fall 2021 semester: LDRS 5454 (CRN 91412) virtual: Leadership Diverse Contexts Identification and definition of leadership in formal and non-formal education settings, communities, & organizations. LDRS 5534 (CRN 86596) virtual: Cognitive Problem Solving Pref for Change Theoretical perspectives, processes and techniques utilized in problem solving, both adaptively and innovatively. Individual cognitive preference for working within a prevailing paradigm in order to effect change in institutional structures. Utilizing coping behavior to successfully work within the context of cognitive diversity and organizational change. LDRS 5544 (CRN 86597) virtual: Leading Teams through Change Theory and techniques for leading tactical, creative, and problem-solving teams through change. Role of social capital and adaption-innovation theories. If you have questions about these courses, contact Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.
13. REGISTER NOW FOR GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 3rd posting
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online course offered by the University Libraries in fall 2021. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond and have the option to take the class either for credit or as pass/fail. Four discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.
14. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 3rd posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This fall, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered live via Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, and developing your scholarly presence. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops.
15. GRADUATE ASSISTANT–DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR LARGE SCALE STUDY- 1st posting
A research team in the School of Education is seeking support for data management and analysis of a large data set. The project is an externally funded study in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and Virginia Department of Education. This position will be responsible for technical aspects of managing large datasets for a state-wide survey of teachers, staff, and students. General duties include: technical aspects of data collection, storage, and analysis and generating data-driven reports for external stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications include experiences with: computer programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, Julia), statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS, or R) with proficiency with R highly desired, data visualization techniques and software, and survey software such as Qualtrics. Interested applicants may submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to David Kniola (dkniola@vt.edu). Application materials will be reviewed beginning immediately.
16. GRADUATE ASSISTANT POSITION IN VT CARILION SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – 1st posting
VTCSOM is looking to hire a 20-hour graduate assistant (GA) for Academic Year 2021-2022. The successful candidate will support the educational mission of VTCSOM by helping administer high-quality student assessments and program evaluations to inform institutional decision-making. The successful candidate must be able to work from the Roanoke campus and contribute at a high level by: Helping with all stages of the assessment and evaluation process. This includes instrument development (e.g. surveys, rubrics, exams), administration, proctoring (NBME), aggregating data, performing item quality analyses, and creating reports; interacting with clinical/non-clinical faculty and administrators; learning to problem-solve with curricular software platforms; supporting institutional quality and research projects; demonstrating a high level of interpersonal skills, flexibility, and teamwork in a dynamic working environment; demonstrating quantitative skills with one or more statistical software packages. Experience with or the ability to learn measurement/psychometric skills is a plus. Interested students should send a resume to Jamie Hollimion at jamieh11@vt.edu.
17. GRADUATE ASSISTANT POSITION IN SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS – 2nd posting
The School of Performing Arts has a graduate assistantship available for the 2021-22 academic year and is looking specifically for someone who has at least a basic knowledge of cinema equipment. The position is responsible for cinema equipment checkout using database software. The assistantship is 9-month, $19,728 stipend, for 20 hours per week. If interested, please email a letter of interest and resume with contact information to Dr. Jacqueline Bixler at jbixler@vt.edu
18. STARTUP HOKIES AMBASSADOR GRADUATE STUDENT POSITIONS – 3rd posting
The Apex Center for Entrepreneurs is hiring several graduate student workers in support of their new programmatic space downtown (North Main St., above PKs) for the fall and spring semesters. The “Startup Hokies Ambassador” positions are designed to be fun, high-impact and hands on with student entrepreneurs. Please see the live posting in Handshake (position #5074762): https://app.joinhandshake.com/postings?page=1&per_page=25&sort_direction=desc&sort_column=default&query=5074762 Contact apexcenter@vt.edu with questions.
19. PEACE CORPS CAMPUS RECRUITER GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP- 3rd posting
The Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) at VT is searching for a graduate student who is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to serve as the part-time Campus Peace Corps Recruiter (20 hours/week). The recruiter will be the main point of contact for people interested in joining Peace Corps. Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin as early as August 2021 and run through Spring Semester 2022 with the possibility of working through Summer Semester 2022. The successful candidate will receive graduate school tuition remission and a stipend. For further information go to: https://cired.vt.edu/About/job-opportunities.html. Applicants should send a cover letter and CV to larryjv@vt.edu with the subject heading “Peace Corps Recruiter application”.
20. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GREEN TAILGATING PROGRAM – 2nd posting
Are you passionate about Hokie football and sustainability? Do you enjoy making a difference on campus and greening our planet? If so, then look no further: the Green Tailgate Team needs your help! Our mission is to encourage tailgaters to recycle during home game tailgates. This is done by meeting fans in the tailgating lots and handing out recycling bags. We also inform the tailgaters what can and cannot be recycled (We recycle plastics #1-2 and metal cans). Volunteers will spend an hour to an hour and a half and finish an hour or two before kickoff begins so there is still plenty of time to make it to the game and enjoy some tailgating yourself! Beyond making a difference, volunteers will also receive an awesome Green Tailgate Team t-shirt for free! Sign-up here to pick what day(s) you’re willing to help out: https://forms.gle/DBPpoWrNUd6umuR89
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EDUCATION-MEDITATION STUDY – 2nd posting
Do you have a desire to learn more about how to use mindful meditation to cultivate greater focus and emotional control? Join us in a combined neuroscience education and mindful meditation program.
Dr. Julia Basso and Sarah Lynn, in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech are hosting a study exploring education and meditation. As a participant, you will take a series of questionnaires and tasks before and after a month of pre-recorded, 10 minute online education and mindful meditation videos. The pre and post questionnaires and tasks will take approximately an hour each. As compensation, you will receive the education and meditation program at no cost along with up to a $25 gift card for completion of all program components. If you are interested, please contact Sarah Lynn at mindful.movement.research@gmail.com. VT IRB Protocol # : 20-799
22. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GPSS FALL BBQ- 3rd posting
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate needs help setting-up and tearing down tables and chairs on Tuesday, August 17 for the Graduate and Professional Student Senate Fall BBQ. Please sign-up to volunteer by Monday, August 16 at noon. Volunteers are needed from 3:30-5pm and 7-8:30pm. Contact Emily Burns at emilyb16@vt.edu with questions or any access needs/accommodation requests.
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRTUAL REALITY STORYTELLING STUDY – 3rd posting
The 3D Interaction (3DI) research group at Virginia Tech is seeking participants for a user study on learning immunology through interactive storytelling in immersive virtual reality (VR). In the main study session, participants will first play a storytelling-based VR learning app in an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset for 20-30 minutes, and then complete several questionnaires and answer a few interview questions to give feedback on their VR learning experience. To assess their understanding of the immunology concepts embedded in the VR learning app, participants will be asked to take three short quizzes (multiple-choices) before, right after, and one week after the main study session. The total estimated study time is about 90 minutes. The main study session will be conducted at a research lab in Moss Art Center. Participants will be compensated $20 after completing all activities in the study. The study has been approved by Virginia Tech IRB (IRB# 20-781). For more information please contact Lei Zhang (leiz@vt.edu).
24. GAME CHANGER WEEK
August 23-27, Corporate Research Center
Game changer week will bring together industry disruptors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers for a variety of online and in-person events. Events include webinars, happy hours, start-up mentoring, special guests, open houses, and more! Game Changer Week allows attendees to explore a variety of events specific to tracks such as game changer resources, aerospace and defense, university (VT), biotechnology, software, design and technology, and startups/early seed. Find more details, including how to register, here: https://www.vtcrc.com/about/marketing/gamechangers/
25. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
Tuesday, August 24, 2-3pm, GLC and Zoom
Monday, August 30, 3:30-4:30pm, GLC and Zoom
Learn about benefits, rights and responsibilities associated with your new assistantship position and how to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Register for the August 24 workshop. Register for the August 30 workshop.
26. HOKIE SHUFFLE: ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Wednesday, August 25, Dietrick Lawn
Network with organization leaders and learn about involvement resources and opportunities – while enjoying delicious ice cream from Big Lick Ice Cream. RSVP to attend on GobblerConnect.
27. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (0PT) WOKSHOPS
Thursday, August 26 and Wednesday, September 8, 5pm, Zoom
The Cranwell International Center is hosting two special virtual OPT workshops on Aug. 26th and Sept. 8th at 5 PM. USCIS is making a special exception for the fall 2021 semester for F-1 students to apply earlier. Students graduating in Fall 2021, may apply for OPT up to 120 days before their December program end date. For more information on registering, please visit: Events and Workshops | Cranwell International Center | Virginia Tech (vt.edu).
28. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE (GPSS) MEETING
Thursday, August 26, 5:30-7pm, Owens Ballroom/Zoom
Join GPSS at their first meeting of the semester in Owens Banquet Hall–also available via Zoom. Please check to see who your department’s senators are and join us so you can have a voice! We want to be as transparent and democratic as possible. There will be free food at the meeting and a lot to talk about. We will be discussing 6 resolutions for our first meeting, which will always be posted on our website two weeks before each meeting, and many more after that. If you are interested in supporting our work directly (whether or not you’re a senator) please fill out this form to sign up to work on a committee and fight for more money and democratic decision making.
29. UNDERREPRESENTED/MINORITIZED STUDENT LUNCHEON
Wednesday, September 1, Noon-1pm, Hybrid-Owens Hall/Zoom
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion invites all underrepresented and/or minoritized students for a hybrid-style lunch to connect racial/ethnic minorities, sexual/gender minorities, and others who identify as a minority in graduate education. Student group leaders, faculty/staff mentors, and community allies are invited to be present at the luncheon to offer guidance and encouragement to new students. Registration is required and in-person spaces are limited. Participation is FREE and lunch will be provided. All are welcome to attend. Please register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7a1MLI8K1oVWOua Questions? Please contact Dr. Shernita Lee at ordi@vt.edu.
30. GRADUATE SCHOOL VIRTUAL RESOURCE FAIR
Thursday, September 2, 11:00am-3:00pm, Virtual/Brazen
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion will host a virtual resource fair to directly connect all campuses and extensions to various opportunities. Learn valuable information regarding future programing, family and academic support, mental health services, and more! Registration is FREE for participating students and departments/programs. Students may register here: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/vt-grad-school/e/nOERg. If you are seeking to host a booth, please contact Dr. Shernita Lee at ordi@vt.edu.
31. GOBBLERFEST
Saturday, September 4, 2-5pm, Drillfield
All students are encouraged to take advantage of this event to meet over 500 student organizations, in addition to local businesses and a variety of campus departments. Learn more here: https://campuslife.vt.edu/Student_Orgs/gobblerfest.html