This Week’s Events:
0. Ongoing Services – updated 1/4/20
1. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
2. BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT
3. BEAT STRESS WITH A FREE GUIDED MEDITATION
4. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BIBLE STUDY
5. MASTER YOUR FUTURE
6. GLC CAFÉ
7. RESUME, CV AND COVER LETTER WRITING
8. YOGA – FREE ZOOM CLASS
9. COMBATING RACIAL INJUSTICE ZOOM WORKSHOP
10. RESEARCH INTEGRITY AND SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE (RISE) LECTURE SERIES
11. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
12. FREE AT LAST – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. – A DISCUSSION AND A CELEBRATION
Administrative Announcements:
13. GRADUATE STUDENT LEARNING CIRCLES – 1st posting
14. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
15. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY SEEKING INPUT ON COST OF LIVING – 1st posting
16. JOB SEARCH CIRCLES – 2nd posting
17. CO-WORKING WITH VTGrATE FELLOWS + 2021 SPRING APPLICATION CYCLE OPEN – 2nd posting
18. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT TO BE POD COACHES FOR UNDERGRADS- 2nd posting
19. JOIN THE SCIENTISTA CHAPTER AT VIRGINIA TECH – 2nd posting
20. SOLES4SOULS SHOE DRIVE – 3rd posting
21. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM and EXPOSITION (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
Jobs:
22. 2021-22 GA POSITION IN ASSESSMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN STUDENT AFFAIRS– 1st posting
23. GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS – 2nd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO PROVIDE DATA FOR A STUDY ON SPENDING, $10 for 10 minutes- 1st posting
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH HELMET LABORATORY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
26. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd posting
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WEB APP VISUALIZING AND TRACKING OF OUTAGE SCHEDULES RESEARCH STUDY- 3rd posting
Upcoming Events:
28. DISTILLING YOUR MESSAGE: SUCCINCT AND COMPELLING INTERACTIONS – February 16 or 18
29. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) DATA COLLECTION – February 17
30. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING – February 18
31. HOLISTIC SKY HAPPINESS MEDITATION RETREAT – February 19-21
32. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) WRITING PROTOCOL – February 24
0. Ongoing Services – updated 2/1/21
· GRADUATE SCHOOL: In person drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials M-F 1:00-3:00pm, 120 GLC. 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, Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays and
Fridays 3pm-5pm, Zoom links found here. To make an appointment, visit: https://vt-ucc.titaniumhwc.com/ScheduleGraduateFirstCookConnect
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
1. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Tuesday, February 9, 5-6pm, Zoom
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. Registration is required. Please go to https://international.vt.edu/programs/cranwellconnectionsprograms.html to register. Information about OPT is available at Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students. Future OPT workshop dates: Friday, February 12, 12-1pm; Thursday, February 18, 5-6pm.
2. BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT
Tuesday, February 9, 5-7pm, Zoom
Participate in a film viewing of “Mountains That Take Wing” followed by a facilitated discussion with Drs. Ellington Graves, Paula Seniors, Andrea Baldwin, Bikrum Gill, and Suchitra Samanta. Register at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NEiIwyWQOSTwc9-VsYcaA
3. BEAT STRESS WITH A FREE GUIDED MEDITATION
Wednesdays in February, 6pm, Zoom
Come release stress and experience some inner peace with a free weekly guided meditation on Wednesdays at 6 PM EST. 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
4. INTERVARSITY GRADUATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays and Thursdays, weekly, ZoomYou are invited to study the Holy Bible with Intervarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF). Our two virtual study groups meet weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively. To learn more, please visit www.gcfvt.org or email John Marshal at johnmarshal@vt.edu.
5. MASTER YOUR FUTURE
Thursday, February 11, 12-1pmMaster Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Brought to you by the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) and College of Engineering Research & Graduate Studies. Future dates are March 11 and April 8. Register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blMiaZMwIQkWO0Z For More Information, Contact Dr. Trey Waller – twaller@vt.edu
6. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, February 11, 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. RESUME, CV AND COVER LETTER WRITING
Thursday, February 11, 4-5pm, Zoom
Wondering how to make your application materials stand out from the crowd? This workshop will answer your questions on writing a cover letter, the differences between a CV and resume, and how to get your materials past an Applicant Tracking System. Questions about this workshop may be directed to Graduate School Career Advisor, Alyssa Rametta at alyssarametta@vt.edu. Register here: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/643429/share_preview
8. YOGA – FREE ZOOM CLASS
Thursday, February 11, 5:30-6:30pm, Zoom
Warren Geither is a Statistics Phd Student at VT and completed his 200-hr Shambhavananda Yoga Teacher Training at the Shoshoni Ashram in Rollinsville Colorado, June of 2020 (RYT-200). His Hatha yoga classes are accessible to all levels of ability and explore the balance between ease and effort. Join him this Thursday evening to reconnect with some inner peace. Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/7575938390
9. COMBATING RACIAL INJUSTICE ZOOM WORKSHOP
Thursday, February 11, 7pm, Zoom
Virginia Tech’s Race and Social Policy Research Center is sponsoring its annual Combating Racial Injustice Workshop in conjunction with the Dialogue on Race via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 11th at 7 pm. This year, we are focusing on police union contracts. Come listen and ask questions with local and national police reform advocates. Registration is required. Please email margaretann12@vt.edu for registration link and additional information.
10. RESEARCH INTEGRITY AND SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE (RISE) LECTURE SERIES
Friday, February 12, 12-1pm, Zoom
Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) will host its inaugural speaker event to launch the Research Integrity and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Lecture Series. Guest speaker Dr. Ming Jack Po will be discussing the impact of bias on machine learning. Dr. Po is product manager at Google working in healthcare and machine learning. At Google, he has led teams in health, research, cloud, and search. Prior to joining Google, Po spent a decade working in different senior operating and venture capital roles in areas related to medical devices, healthcare delivery, and global health. The goal of the RISE Lecture Series is to foster ethical scholarship, explore a diversity of perspectives about the roles and responsibilities of scholars and researchers, and reflect on the ethical impact of our work in the modern world. We invite you to join this important conversation. More details and registration information can be found here: https://www.research.vt.edu/news/2021/machine-learning-at-google-ai-fairness-ethical-quandaries-research-integrity-scholarly-ethics-lecture-series.html
11. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?
Friday, February 12, 12-1:30pm, Zoom
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, The Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone! Virtually meet new and returning fellow graduate students to talk about this exciting – and often overwhelming – life adventure. Sign-up for this session here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3U9PWAAd3FkgsaV Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.ed if you have questions.
12. FREE AT LAST – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. – A DISCUSSION AND A CELEBRATION
Friday, February 12, 6:30-8:00pm, Online via Zoom.
Join us for guided discussion of the PBS Special Documentary “Free at Last – Martin Luther King, Jr.” We ask that attendees watch the video before attending to fully participate. Stay and share cultural artifacts if you’d like (you have the option of sharing food/recipes, beverages, art, poetry, music, etc.) as we expand our dialogue to examine our collective cultural souls. As an outcome, we hope to create a meaningful archive reflecting the meaning and purpose of cultural identity in the Virginia Tech Community. This event is free and is hosted by the VT School of Education. For further details and to register, visit http://bit.ly/SOE2021_MLK
13. GRADUATE STUDENT LEARNING CIRCLES – 1st posting
The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Center for Food Systems & Community Transformation is partnering with the new Food Studies Program within the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences to host a series of graduate student learning circles. These virtual circles will serve as a space for students to present their current research and facilitate guided discussions with their peers. We encourage all students interested in food, food systems change, or community development to attend and participate. Learning Circles will be held every other Monday at 10 am beginning on March 1. Please email Center Associate, Garland Mason at garlandm@vt.edu for more information.
14, FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
Seeking nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach your wellness goals. If you have any of these concerns or others, upper-level nutrition students are here to help. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services via Zoomto any interested students, faculty, or staff. Just go to https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html and sign up today!
15. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY SEEKING INPUT ON COST OF LIVING – 1st posting
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is conducting a Cost of Living Assessment for graduate students across all campuses at Virginia Tech. We ask that you take a close look at your paystubs (accessible via HokieSpa), graduate contracts, monthly bills, and other documents to provide as much detailed information as possible. Please provide estimates for transportation/parking pre-Covid19. Our goal is to utilize this information to advocate for better assistantship and compensation packages for graduate students. This survey will be open until mid-March. It should take you about 10 minutes to complete. Contact gsa@vt.edu with questions.https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFCb7Fb3lNcN4h0
16. JOB SEARCH CIRCLES – 2nd posting
The Graduate School, in collaboration with Career and Professional Development, hosts Job Search Circles to assist graduate students with their job search process and create a space for sharing resources and peer support. In spring 2021, two job search circles are available for VT graduate students: Job Search Circle: Academia and Job Search Circle: Industry/Government/NGO. More for details about these circles, and to register, visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/professional-development/JSC.html Contact Alyssa Rametta with questions at alyssarametta@vt.edu.
17. CO-WORKING WITH VTGrATE FELLOWS + 2021 SPRING APPLICATION CYCLE OPEN – 2nd posting
The VT Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence Fellows are hosting several Zoom Co-Working sessions: alternating Mondays, starting Feb 1. from 1-2pm; Wednesdays from 4-5pm; & alternating Thursdays 12-1pm starting 2/4. Chat with experienced grad students, bring a question or a portfolio item (syllabus, philosophy statement, etc.) to review. The Fellows want you to join them! Visit our website http://vtgrate.org for more information, to find registration links, and/or to Ask A Fellow. Guess what else is on our website? Links to the 2021 Spring Application Cycle! We are inviting new membership and advancement within our peer-mentoring program focused on best practices in teaching and learning. Application deadline is Sunday, February 21 at midnight. And, if you’d be so kind: follow us on Twitter @VT_GrATE
18. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT TO BE POD COACHES FOR UNDERGRADS- 2nd posting
Virginia Tech created the Pod Program “to help students expand their social circles and create closer connections, while ensuring individuals are following CDC guidelines and maintaining healthy community.” Pods are small groups of students who can interact with each other more closely and in a more relaxed and un-masked environment. The university also provides Pods with structure and resources to engage students in a meaningful Virginia Tech, including a coach for each registered pod. Pod coaches are VT community members dedicated to working with registered pods for the Spring 2021 semester, with the main goal of engaging students in their pod, connect them to university and community experiences and resources, and make sure the students feel supported for the spring semester. Pod coaches will meet virtually with students twice a month and attend a monthly pod coach meeting with other pod coaches. The time commitment is approximately 3 hours a month. If you are interested and have capacity to serve in this way (or if you know someone who would be perfect for this opportunity), please contact Ro Settle at resettle@vt.edu or Meghan Weyrens Kuhn at mweyrens@vt.edu.
19. JOIN THE SCIENTISTA CHAPTER AT VIRGINIA TECH – 2nd posting
Scientista is a national organization that supports college campuses interested in creating a community for pre-professional females in STEM-related fields. We really hope that our VT chapter will be able to connect women in STEM across our campus and across different career stages to create a strong community of Hokie Scientistas. Some of our goals as a chapter include meetings where we could present seminars, host study sessions, writing sessions, workshops on career development, have socials – the possibilities are endless. Our main goal is to form a community and social support system that empowers graduate student women in STEM. If you are interested in learning more about Scientistas, becoming a member, or becoming more involved, please fill out this form (tinyurl.com/27kgatjb). Questions may be directed to Beatriz Torres (beatriztc@vt.edu) or scientistasvt@gmail.com.
20. SOLES4SOULS SHOE DRIVE – 3rd posting
The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion, in coordination with Soles4Souls (https://soles4souls.org/) is hosting a shoe drive. Gently used/new men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes in any size are welcome for donation! Drop-off bins may be found in the following locations: Graduate Life Center Lobby, McComas Hall Lobby, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, and Blacksburg Baptist Church. Donations will be collected through Friday, February 26, 2021. Bags and sanitizing equipment are available on site. Join us for this fun and safe service event! Questions? Please contact ordi@vt.edu.
21. GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM and EXPOSITION (GSARS) ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN – 3rd posting
Start crafting your submissions for the Graduate Student Assembly’s 37th Annual Research Symposium and Exposition, which will be held virtually March 22nd through the 24th! This theme for the 2021 GSARS is “Research Carries On!”. ALL graduate and professional degree programs are welcome to submit an abstract before the deadline: February 12th, 2021 at 11:59 pm. Our GSA webpage will have details regarding submission types, scheduling, the keynote panel, and more as we approach the event. Contact the GSA Research Symposium email, gsars-g@vt.edu, with any questions you have.
22. 2021-22 GA POSITION IN ASSESSMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN STUDENT AFFAIRS– 1st posting
The Graduate Assistant will support various assessment and professional development initiatives within the department and across the division. Responsibilities will include marketing and communication; event management; registration and evaluation of APD/division programs and services, various educational/training opportunities, and consultation. Qualifications: graduate student in EDRE, Higher Ed, or other related field, experience conducting research and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, experience with event management, preferred doctoral student with experience in a higher education student affairs environment. For more information, contact Jeananne Knies at jtiffany@vt.edu.
23. GLC FELLOW POSITION OPENINGS- 2nd posting
The Graduate School and Housing and Residence Life are seeking motivated graduate students who are committed to building community for GLC Fellow positions for the 2021-2022 academic year. An ideal candidate would have previous residence life and/or event planning experience, though it is not a requirement. Applicants must submit a formal cover letter, resume, and fully complete the following application: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tlpyqQRY7C0Thc Information about cover letter requirements is detailed in the application and the full job description can be found here: https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/residence-life-in-the-glc/Fellows.html Apply by midnight on Friday, February 19. Two information sessions will be held on February 2 and 3; details are in the events section of this posting. Contact Lauren Surface at lkeister@vt.edu or Stephanie Hovsepian at stephanieh@vt.edu if you have questions.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO PROVIDE DATA FOR A STUDY ON SPENDING, $10 for 10 minutes- 1st posting
Participants are needed for a research study to determine how payday timing (e.g., if you’re paid on a Monday, Tuesday, etc.) impacts spending. The entire study is conducted online. You will fill out a very short (7 question) survey and then provide your spending data though Mint.com. You will be compensated at $10 for your time (~10 mins total). The research protocol for this study is approved by VT Institutional Review Board – Project No. 20-909. This study is funded by the Wheeler Institute of the London Business School. Eligible participants are current Virginia Tech students and employees 18 years of age or older. If interested, click this link: https://kellogg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bezGBxDQRP0SA9o . For more information contact Broderick Turner, Ph.D. by email [bltphd@vt.edu] or phone [415-574-6464].
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH HELMET LABORATORY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
Participants are needed to help me collect measurements on head shape and head-helmet friction. You may qualify for this research if you are an enrolled Virginia Tech student, above the age of 18, speak English, and can give your own consent. A 40min appointment will be scheduled at a time that works best for you and will take place inside Kelly Hall, conference room 221. Participation will be compensated with $20 for your time and effort. Participating poses no additional risk of harm or discomfort than is typical for performing routine physical or psychological examinations. A COVID-19 risk mitigation plan and precautionary measures are also being taken to minimize possible virus exposure. This study is IRB #20-596. For more information or if you are interested in participating, please contact Charlotte Clark by email at ccclark@vt.edu or by phone at (703) 638-0972.
26. PARENTS AND THEIR 7-11-YEAR OLD CHILDREN NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 2ndposting
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 your 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. Interested? E-mail danhuaz@vt.edu.
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WEB APP VISUALIZING AND TRACKING OF OUTAGE SCHEDULES RESEARCH STUDY- 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a research study to support the design and evaluation of a web application that visualizes and tracks scheduling in outages of nuclear power plants. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the design features of the web application to determine ease-of-use and gather feedback on the designs. The experiment will be conducted in Whittemore 529. You will be compensated at $15 for your time (~75 mins total). The research protocol for this study is approved by VT Institutional Review Board – Project No. 18-825. This study is funded by the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) of the Department of Energy. Eligible participants are current Virginia Tech students 18 years of age or older, with normal or corrected to normal vision. If interested, please contact Anirudh More by email [anirudh1@vt.edu] or phone [540-449-8793] to schedule a time for the data collection.
Upcoming Events:
28. DISTILLING YOUR MESSAGE: SUCCINCT AND COMPELLING INTERACTIONS
Tuesday, February 16 or Thursday, February 18, 12-1pm, ZoomMany science and industry professionals have been told to “develop your elevator pitch.” This workshop provides a Pinch-of-Practice to help you prepare for brief and compelling interactions that may occur on an elevator, in a media interview, or anywhere. Open to Virginia Tech graduate students and faculty. Capacity: 25 per session. Two dates available, register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/distilling-your-message-succinct-and-compelling-interactions-tickets-139418543617
29. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) DATA COLLECTION
Wednesday, February 17, 1pm, Zoom
Welcome to the Graduate Schools IRB Series. We have a 2-part series planned for you this spring semester! We are starting this semester with a Data Collection event! Take a moment to fill out the form below and let us know that you will be joining us. https://forms.gle/ufPWKHN6shFrBYdg9
30. GRADUATE STUDENT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Thursday, February 18, 5:30-7:00pm, Online via Zoom.
As a graduate student enrolled at Virginia Tech, you’re automatically a member of GSA, and are welcome to attend 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 PM the GA and VP arriving at the meeting to indicate your attendance. More information about the organization can be found online at http://bit.ly/GSA_Gen_Assembly.
31. HOLISTIC SKY HAPPINESS MEDITATION RETREAT
Friday, February 19-Sunday, February 21, Online
Participants will learn a breath-based meditation practice called SKY that has been scientifically documented to increase immunity, battle stress, and relieve anxiety and depression. This 9-hour long workshop will be led by trainers with thousands of hours of experience under their belts, and is available to VT students for a discounted fee of $30. Fill in the interest form: http://tiny.cc/vtsky Read more about SKY:
32. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) WRITING PROTOCOL
Wednesday, February 24, 1pm, Zoom
Welcome to the Graduate Schools IRB Series. We have a 2-part series planned for you this spring semester! We continue with a Writing Protocol event! Sign-up here: https://forms.gle/ufPWKHN6shFrBYdg9