Nov. 6 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter

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.

There will be no D.C. Area weekly newsletter on Monday, Nov. 20. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

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, QR codes or embedded links (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Please 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.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS, Nov. 6

2. TALK-O TUESDAY, Nov. 7

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS, Nov. 9

4. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER, Nov. 10

5. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING, NOV. 10

6. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, Nov. 11

Administrative Announcements: 

7. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

8. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GSA ELECTIONS

9. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

11. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

12. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

13. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities listed this week.

External Funding Opportunities

14. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

15. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

16. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM (VSGC) 2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

Upcoming Events: 

17. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA? Nov. 13

18. STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS, Nov. 13

19. APIDA & INDIGENOUS QUEER QUESTIONING & ALLIES CONVERSATION, Nov. 13

20. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET, Nov. 14

21. ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSIONS, Nov. 14 and 16

22. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP, Nov. 14

23. GIVING THANKS AROUND THE WORLD LUNCH, Nov. 15

24. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION, Nov. 15

25. Q&A SESSION: ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER IN SUSTAINABILITY WITH AN EXECUTIVE MASTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Nov. 16 and 21

26. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION, Nov. 16

27. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP, Nov. 27

28. iTHENTICATE TRAINING

Volunteers and research participants sought:

29. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

30. SURVEY RESPONDENTS NEEDED TO INFORM THE FUTURE OF AR VR AT VIRGINIA TECH

31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN INTENTIONAL WEIGHT GAIN IN ATHLETIC INDIVIDUALS SURVEY

Ongoing Services

·       GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 

·       CAREER ADVISING   

·       COOK COUNSELING

·       SERENITY SPACE

·       CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·       GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·       AFFINITY GROUPS

·       NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·       HOKIE ONE STOP

·       WRITING CENTER

·       EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS

Monday, Nov. 6, 1-5 p.m., Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) Library

Graduate School advisors will be onsite for “In Person” walk in sessions to assist with the following student advising needs for Fall 2023. Please stop by for a brief advising appointment with staff to discuss any of the following:


Student record issues
Plan of study discussion & review
Assisting with prelim and final exams
iThenticate/ ETD questions
Commencement information
Checking degree completion status for Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

2. TALK-O TUESDAY

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5-6 p.m., in person, Northern Virginia Center Café, Falls Church

Join us for Talk-OTuesdayin collaboration with the First-Generation Student Success program, hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly and the First-Generation and Asian Affinity Groups.  Enjoy Tacos and soft drinks and learn about effective presentation strategies. For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Nov. 9, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church)

The Walking Group with Mindfulness moments meets at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, every Thursday. Take a break, de-stress, meet other students, faculty, and staff, and walk in the neighborhoods and parks near the NVC. Meet at the security desk at the entrance of the NVC on the second floor. Contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., Embedded Counselor for the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, for more information, at jskaplan@vt.edu.

4. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

Friday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual

This workshop identifies factors involved in career decisions and provides information on appropriate negotiating behaviors. Participants will also learn about follow-up practices for accepting or declining a job offer. Submitted by Career and Professional Development.

Register on Handshake or find more information at https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

5. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

The Virginia Tech Writing Center offers a Power Hour that aims to empower writers to protect short but regular time slots to work toward their writing projects with the support of an online community. Writers can choose the time slot that best fits their needs. The format is split into three parts: the check in, where participants outline their goals verbally or by writing in the chat box; the 60-minute power hour, where cameras and microphones are muted while people engage in their projects; and the follow-up, where participants come together to share their experiences, facilitated by the session’s host. Find out more and register at https://vt.mywconline.com

6. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Saturday, Nov. 11, 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.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

Administrative Announcements

7. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who serve as examples of the five pillars: scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. The deadline for student applications is 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2024. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/bouchet-society.html
For questions from the Blacksburg campus, please reach out to Dr. Catherine Cotrupi, Interim Assistant Dean and Director for Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships, at Cotrupi@vt.edu.
For questions from the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area, please reach out to Dr. Chontrese Hayes, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

8. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) in the DC region is the official representation and governing body of VT graduate students in the greater D.C. metro area. We are dedicated to advocate for graduate students’ concerns and to serve as their liaison with the University Administration. The DC-GSA will be holding elections in December 2023 for the new leadership and is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications from students pursuing Masters or Doctoral level programs at Virginia Tech campuses in the DC region who will be interested to serve as student body leaders. These appointments are effective Jan. 15, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024. You’ll find the application and information here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zVjHBtO9kRAgLo_GEmgrAoPy0v7mqbEG1kDuFYvqDho/edit

9. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

Virginia Tech will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 13-17, 2023, with a series of engaging events open to the entire Virginia Tech community. All events are free, no pre-registration required. International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education that highlights the benefits of international education and mobility worldwide. For more information and to see the complete schedule of events: https://international.vt.edu/IEW.html

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Graduate students presenting research conducted at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply for the Winter 2024 Travel Fund Program. Grants may cover registration, lodging, meals, abstract fees, and other costs of presenting at an in-person or virtual conference with a start date from Jan. 1-March 31, 2024. Students from all disciplines are invited to apply, even if your conference abstract has not been officially accepted. Applications due Nov. 9 at 11:59 PM. Please e-mail Aran Garnett-Deakin at acgarnet@vt.edu with any questions, and visit https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/tfp.html for full details and instructions.

11. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Take your research to the next level. GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online, asynchronous course offered by the University Libraries in spring 2024. 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. Two discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. For more information, contact Lisa Becksford, lisab5@vt.edu.

12. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

Community Change’s fifth issue seeks submissions in the forms of scholarly refereed articles, book reviews, essays, and other work, including multimedia and artwork from graduate students. Community Change is an online, peer-reviewed, graduate student journal that explores multiple approaches to democratic community development and change. This interdisciplinary journal examines the practices, processes, and individual and collective struggles that produce social and political change at all levels of society. Community Change adopts a broad definition of community development that includes issues relating to public policy, democratization, collective action, physical/digital and social infrastructure developments, agency, and efficacy. For more information about submission requirements, please visit: www.communitychange.ipg.vt.edu/about/submissions/

Questions can be directed to community-change-journal-g@vt.edu. Deadline for Submissions: January 8, 2024.

13. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship is a science policy fellowship for Virginia that is hosted by the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM). COVES fellows are graduate students or postdoctoral researchers in science, technology, engineering, math and health (STEM-H) fields at Virginian Universities who spend 12 weeks over the summer working with Host Offices in the Virginia legislative and executive branches or in the policy offices of NGOs and scientific industries in Virginia. In addition to their work in their Host Offices, fellows are paired with a science policy mentor from VASEM, trained through an orientation at the start of their fellowship, and participate in networking and career development activities throughout the fellowship. The application deadline for Virginia Tech is Dec. 1, 2023. More information can be found on our website https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

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. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, 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. 

For more information and how to apply, visit the website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr

15. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

DEADLINES (registration): Dec. 1; (application): Dec. 8

The VASG Graduate Fellowship invests in people and supports graduate students in education, evidence-based inquiry, and community engagement that further the goals of VASG. Graduate Fellows address issues relevant to Virginia communities and of importance to coastal and marine resources – including but not limited to: natural or social sciences, engineering and design, policy and legal analysis, architecture, business, education, arts and humanities, etc. The fellowship builds skills and competencies through professional development training and provides hands-on experience in translating research results to stakeholders through a professional mentor.
The fellowship provides up to $40,000 per year for two years and professional development opportunities. VASG expects to fund up to eight fellowships for the 2024–2026 academic years. Visit this site to learn more about the program, including how to apply: https://action.vaseagrant.org/c1.pl?778ff086b67b1bdbf698d51d3dc1a2796182c340b1faf97b

16. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is accepting applications for its Graduate Research STEM Fellowship program. A major goal of VSGC is to help produce the engineers and scientists of the future and to promote diversity in the STEM workforce. The consortium provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM, have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance, and are not graduating sooner than May 2025. For more information and to apply, visit https://vsgc.odu.edu/graduatefellowships/

Deadline: February 9, 2024

Upcoming Events

17. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Monday, Nov. 13, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of the innovation Campus, is the guest speaker. Registration link:

(https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)

18. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS

Monday, Nov. 13, 1-5 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center, Arlington, second floor, room 2-304

Graduate School advisors will be onsite for “In Person” walk in sessions to assist with the following student advising needs for Fall 2023. Please stop by for a brief advising appointment with staff to discuss any of the following:


Student record issues
Plan of study discussion & review
Assisting with prelim and final exams
iThenticate/ ETD questions
Commencement information
Checking degree completion status for Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

19. APIDA & INDIGENOUS QUEER QUESTIONING & ALLIES CONVERSATION

Monday, Nov. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Virtual option for DC Area students

This month’s theme focuses on supporting students as they head home for the break. Participants can share their concerns about going to an environment that might not be supportive or understanding. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities plays into their lives. Registration is required and virtual details will be provided upon registration: https://bit.ly/499LDAT

20. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Virtual

 Often when we’re struggling, our inner monologues can become critical and it takes practice to shift our mindsets about things like unsuccessful grant proposals and unexpected experimental outcomes. Believe it or not, the mindset we have and the way we talk to ourselves when we’re approaching difficult tasks has a big impact on our academic success and personal well-being.
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to develop a growth mindset and re-frame our automatic thoughts that can often be negative to help promote academic and professional success as well as personal well-being.

https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/hokie-wellness-for-researchers–cultivating-a-growth-mindset.html

21. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Virtual

The Graduate School is offering training sessions to graduate students and faculty on how to use iThenticate, a newly available software system to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism.
1. Navigate the iThenticate software
2. Submit a document for review
3. Evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion
Register here: https://forms.gle/dh23kiHHbt8asPDc6
Please contact Jenn Million at jennjw@vt.edu with any questions.

22. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Virtual for DC Area students (Zoom)

APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Feeling like you belong is critical to growing and coping with life’s ups and downs. What does a sense of belonging mean? Learn how you can create a positive sense of belonging that will benefit you. Registration: https://bit.ly/46gpfnS

Questions and information, Alexander Lien Thomas, althomat55@vt.edu

23. GIVING THANKS AROUND THE WORLD LUNCH

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12-1:30 p.m., in person, Northern Virginia Center, room 114 (Falls Church).

All VT students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend (RSVP required). We will provide the Traditional American Thanksgiving food (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc.). We ask that faculty and staff who join us, please bring a dish to share. Students are encouraged to bring a dish from a special holiday in their culture. We hope you can celebrate the season of thanks with us! Please register via this link: https://forms.gle/way4vXZi87UtNqti9

24. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10-11 a.m., Virtual

The College of Natural Resources and Environment’s virtual event focuses on the vital role of women in natural resources. Topics include success stories and strengths of women leaders; challenges and solutions working in the field; innovative approaches; and the power of collaboration. Panelists are:

·       Audra Upchurch – Vice President, Homeland Security Market LMI

·       Julia Defeo – Ph.D. student, Dept of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation

·       Marcella Kelly – Professor, Dept of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

·       Shannon McCabe, Exec. Director, Association of Consulting Foresters of America, Inc.

·       Bettina Ring – State Director, Virginia, The Nature Conservancy

To register for the event, visit  https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/cnrevirtual

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Tara Nepper at 540-231-5484 or tnepper@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

25. Q&A SESSION: ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER IN SUSTAINABILITY WITH AN EXECUTIVE MASTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Thursday, Nov. 16, 12-1 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 21, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Do you want to improve your performance at work, advance your career, and lead change that matters? If your answer is “Yes!” then you might be ready for Virginia Tech’s Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR), an accelerated graduate program focusing on leadership for sustainability. The XMNR program combines the best of in-person and online learning in a hybrid, cohort-based format that is completed within one year.
Watch the XMNR Intro video (03:25): https://youtu.be/5ANt5K-LAZg?si=i3DjthkTjLb9c9Sm
Register below for an upcoming virtual Q&A session with Program Director Dr. David Robertson:


Thursday, Nov. 16: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodu-trDItE9BvI0tXhjOQYThlznkUDAsd#/registration

Tuesday, Nov 21: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdO2uqD0tHtQ2NgU8ZIdN6twmHfwknuA8#/registration


For more information or questions, contact program coordinator and admissions advisor Amy Hubbard at ahubb09@vt.edu.

26. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION

Thursday, Nov. 16, 8-9 p.m., Virtual

Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkcuCorz4jGNxTU4ddVbcCcnXykI2Vi79h

27. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, Nov. 27, 12-1 p.m., Virtual for DC Area students (Zoom)

Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore THEME. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Registration required for virtual participants: https://bit.ly/3t8fXeF

28. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Virtual

ITHENTICATE TRAINING

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Virtual

The Graduate School is offering training sessions to graduate students and faculty on how to use iThenticate, a newly available software system to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism.
1. Navigate the iThenticate software
2. Submit a document for review
3. Evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion
Register here: https://forms.gle/dh23kiHHbt8asPDc6
Please contact Jenn Million at jennjw@vt.edu with any questions.

Volunteers and research participants sought

29. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

Sensory Evaluation Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology

The VT Sensory Evaluation Lab (SEL) is researching individual’s ability of home meal preparation (IRB #23-861). We are recruiting volunteers who are 18 years or older and are interested in sharing their personal experience on home meal preparation to participate. Subjects will be required to participate in three, 60 to 120 minutes sessions over 2-4 weeks to discuss the factors that support or hinder their abilities for preparing a meal at home. The sessions will be audio-recorded, with permission. Photos will be taken to help explain research process, with permission.
Participants will have the chance to get the incentives of up to $90 by participating and completing all three sessions of the study. Your decision to participate or not will not impact your relationship with Virginia Tech or VT SEL.

Participants will receive cash incentives for each session they attend. If they attend all three sessions, they will get $90 cash incentives Participants must be at least 18 years old. The study is going to be conducted in English.
TIME COMMITMENT:
The three sessions will take place within a period of 2-4 weeks. The estimated time for each session is:

Session 1: 90-120 minutes (in-person, Falls Church Campus)
Session 2: 60-75 minutes (online, asynchronous)
Session 3: 90-120 minutes (in-person, Falls Church Campus)

Exact date of in-person sessions will be confirmed in a follow-up email for qualified participants.
TO PARTICIPATE:
Access the screening questionnaire from the link below or through the QR code attached:
https://vt.compusensecloud.com/edu/login.aspx?t=713f670b-d238-4624-b479-492493c2bfd9
For more info: Jiakun Yi (jiakunyi@vt.edu)
Study supervisor: Dr. Jacob Lahne (foodsensory@vt.edu)

30. SURVEY RESPONDENTS NEEDED TO INFORM THE FUTURE OF AR VR AT VIRGINIA TECH

The Extended Reality (XR) Faculty Community of Practice, sponsored by the Provost’s Office and supported by TLOS, is seeking input from faculty, staff, and students about their experiences using and/or creating extended reality immersive experiences, which includes Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The purpose of the survey is to identify the most impactful areas in which the university could provide support for the creation of future XR learning experiences at Virginia Tech. A raffle will be held and six survey respondents will win $50. For more information, visit this webpage: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AWk3fZziBk .  or contact humanimpact@vt.eduSurvey available here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AWk3fZziBk

31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN INTENTIONAL WEIGHT GAIN IN ATHLETIC INDIVIDUALS SURVEY

The Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Laboratory is doing a research study evaluating intentional weight gain strategies in athletic individuals. Our research aim is to investigate the dietary intakes and nutrition-related behaviors of athletes aiming to gain body weight. Our purpose for this research aim is to guide practitioners and researchers in the design of relevant and effective nutrition education recommendations for athletic individuals interested in intentional weight gain. Must be an athletic individual (exercise at least 4 days per week) and 18-40 years old. One in 10 participants will receive a $25 gift certificate. For more information, visit https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYoO2Zz31O

Ongoing Services (updated 11/06/23)

·       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 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

·       SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress.  Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there.  All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions.  Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space. 

·       CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.

·       GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 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. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

o   Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

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://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

·       WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html

·       EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Monday 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

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VTGradSchoolDC

Instagram and X: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!