Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2023
Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.
Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.
The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:
https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.
To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.
Ongoing Services
· GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA
· CAREER ADVISING
· COOK COUNSELING:
· CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
· AFFINITY GROUPS
· NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
· HOKIE ONE STOP
· EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T
This Week’s Events and Activities:
1. LITERATURE REVIEWS AND DATABASE SEARCHING FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
2. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT
3. AES INTEREST MEETING
4. RESUME AND CV WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
5. INCLUSIVEVT WEEK- DC AREA LUNCH
6. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
Administrative Announcements:
7. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 1st posting
8. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting
9. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 1st posting
10. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 1st posting
11. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED, 2nd posting
12. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 2nd posting
Job Opportunities
13. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 1st posting
External Funding Opportunities
14. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 2nd posting
15. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 2nd posting
Upcoming Events:
16. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting
17. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 1st posting
18. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 1st posting
19: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 1st posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 1st posting
Ongoing Services (updated 08/21/23)
· GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
· CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
· COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-657 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
· CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or 540-231-9573.
· AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
· NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
· HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/current-students/dc-hokieonestop.html
· EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell
This Week’s Events and Activities
1. LITERATURE REVIEWS AND DATABASE SEARCHING FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
August 28, 4-5:15 pm, Virtual
You’ve been assigned to write a literature review in the social sciences…but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this interactive workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to
· Identify different types of literature reviews
· Find relevant databases
· Create effective search terms
This workshop will focus on research in the social and behavioral sciences, such as education, communication, human development, psychology, and sociology. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939473
2. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT
Wednesday, August 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Virtual
You’re about to collect or already have data for your research project … now what? How do you manage it? What do you name the files? How do you share it? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more in this workshop, which will present an introduction to research data management, including the following topics: data management planning; file naming conventions; backing up research data; documentation; data sharing; data security; and how the library can help you.
Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939476
3. AES INTEREST MEETING
Thursday, August 31, 9:30-10:30am, Zoom
An alumni of Applied Energy Services (AES) is hosting an innovative energy technology challenge for interdisciplinary teams of 3-5 graduate students. This meeting will serve as a brief overview of the contest, possible $10k award, and theme and a meeting space for interested graduate students to network with one another. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85369266372 Submitted by staff member Jack Leff.
4. RESUME AND CV WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
Having a well-polished resume is a critical step toward getting an interview. Start preparing early to be ready for fall career fairs. In this Career and Professional Development workshop, you will engage in interactive activities to fine tune your resume or CV. The session will also include information on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html
5. INCLUSIVEVT WEEK- DC AREA LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 31, 12-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center café
Join Julie and Gennelle for a mindfulness moment with an even bigger purpose. College and units across Virginia Tech are joining forces to celebrate InclusiveVT Week. This year, the D.C. area will do its part by collecting and donating items of urgent need to emergency, family, and homeless shelters in the area. Come enjoy a free pizza lunch and help us decorate our collection boxes, which will be distributed to locations throughout the region.
6. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP
Friday, Sept. 1, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Students on assistantship will learn about payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. Also get tips on how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Please note the registration form offers two choices: a virtual option (September 1) and an in-person option in Blacksburg on separate dates. Please choose accordingly. Register here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/assistantship23
Administrative announcements
7. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 1st posting
Graduate School Dean Aimée Surprenant and Dale Pike, associate vice provost for Technology-enhanced Learning (TLOS), posted a statement providing guidance regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and how these emerging technologies might impact teaching and research. As graduate instructors and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) consider how to address these issues in their classes, they are encouraged to keep the guidelines in mind. Those include familiarizing themselves with the technology and its implications; having open discussions with students on responsible AI use and citation expectations. updating syllabi to directly address use of generative AI and establish policies for citing its use; focusing assignments on applying skills and knowledge over reciting facts, emphasizing critical analysis, individual perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate; and considering formative assessment strategies that emphasize learning processes over summative assessment strategies that emphasize the finished product. Read the statement here:
https://tlos.vt.edu/resources/generative-ai/graduate-school-statement.html
8. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting
The U-Pass program is a joint effort between Virginia Tech and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). The program aims to provide eligible full-time enrolled students with alternative transportation options, stimulate new transit ridership, reduce the demand for on-campus parking, decrease emissions, and increase student access to their campus and the region. Students who are eligible for this program have been contacted by VT Transportation Services. Card pick up is happening now at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) Library. If full-time, “in person” students at the NVC, Virginia Tech Research Center-A (VTRC-A), or the WAAC think they are eligible and have not been contacted, please reach out to gettingaround@vt.edu. Read more here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/ops-u-pass-program-announcement.html
9. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 1st posting
The beginning of the semester is a great time to make sure your address in your ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan system) account is correct before making any requests. Physical items (books and DVDs) are sent via UPS to your address at no additional charge. Use ILLiad for all your requests by choosing “Extended campus users request via ILLiad” from the system’s menu for books available in Blacksburg. ILLiad is also great for requesting articles or a single chapter from a book when those items are not available online.
To update your address, choose the last option on the left of the main page, “Change Account Information” on your account: https://vt.hosts.atlas-sys.com/logon.
For more information see this guide: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/ill , or contact the NVC Library: nvclibrary@vt.edu, or call 703-538-8340
10. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 1st posting
The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.
11. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED, 2nd posting
Barbara Hoopes, associate professor of business information technology in the Pamplin College of Business, has been named interim associate dean for the Graduate School in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. She currently teaches in the evening and online MBA and MIT programs at the university’s Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina and her bachelor’s degree from Davidson College.
Read more about Dr. Hoopes here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/gradschool-hoopes-interim.html
12. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 2st posting
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. To view the Graduate School’s current featured graduate student visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa.html. To nominate a graduate student: https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa/#/visitor.
Job Opportunities
13. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 1st posting
DEADLINE: Sept. 6; Start date: Sept. 15 or after.
Design and produce print and online publications and visual media, including brochures, flyers, posters, website graphics, and videos, and assists with updates on social media platforms. Take photos and videos for projects. Assist with the creation of annual report, recruitment brochure, and social media campaigns; regularly update supervisor; assure accuracy of designed materials; archive all deliverables.
Job requirements include working knowledge of graphic design for print and digital processes and experience with photography and video production. Significant experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Ability to work alone and in a team environment. Ability to produce creative, effective visual products for a variety of platforms following VT branding guidelines; meet deadlines; multitask. Use this application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXh1Gop7-qp6aE9iDhjtUlmfzk_ZtBJ8DhUcRd0ylVdC2Ckg/viewform
External Funding Opportunities
All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html
14. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 2nd posting
DEADLINE: October 1, 2023
Since 1922, the Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.
https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research
15. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 2nd posting
DEADLINE: November 8, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle.
SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET. The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI
Upcoming Events
16. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting
Sept. 7, 2023 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Career and professional Development is offering a workshop that will cover how to navigate Handshake. The platform can be used to schedule appointments with career advisors, find career-related events, and search for jobs.
https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html
17. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 2nd posting
Sept. 11; Oct. 16; Nov. 13; 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)
Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration links are listed below. The workshops are:
Sept. 11: Becoming La Professora: Building a Scholarly Identity (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)
Oct. 16: Planning your postdoc or first faculty job (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS)
Nov. 13: Does race matter in academia? (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)
18. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 2nd posting
Sept. 27 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual (hosted on Brazen)
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is hosting a virtual job fair on September 27 with the aim of connecting students with internship and job opportunities with employers throughout the state of Virginia. The event is free. For information and registration: visit https://cyberinitiative.org/talent-development/internship-job-fair-2023.html
19. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 2nd posting
November 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual
A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.
Volunteers and research participants sought
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 1st posting
Virginia Tech Echo Lab
The Echolab at Virginia Tech is inviting children aged 3 to 6, along with their parents, to participate in a research study (IRB# 23-748) focused on shared book reading experiences. Children and their parents should be English speakers (native and nonnative). For the study, children will collaboratively read a storybook with their parents using the innovative TaleMate platform, an AI-driven system designed to enhance the reading experience. This research consists of two Zoom sessions, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Within these sessions, both parents and children will read a book and answer subsequent questions. Additionally, parents will be asked to complete a 15-minute online survey that delves into their child’s background, media consumption, and reading habits. Overall, participants can expect a total time commitment ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, which includes the online survey (15-20 minutes) and both Zoom sessions (30-35 minutes each)
As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completing the study.
Contact Daniel Vargas Diaz, danielvargasdiaz@vt.edu, for information and to register.
Have a great week!