Month: April 2024

April 22, 2024

Welcome to the Virginia Tech 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.

You’ll find posts under the following headings:

• This Week’s Events and Activities
• Administrative Announcements
• Job Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteers and research participants sought
• Ongoing Services

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

Thursday, April 25 12:30-1 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church lobby

Join Dr. Julie Kaplan on a walk and a discussion about mindfulness techniques.

Administrative Announcements

2. D.C. AREA COMMENCEMENT SLIDESHOW

Deadline: April 22

Commencement is less than a month away, and we’re preparing to make it a joyous celebration for our graduates and their families and friends.  One special feature of the D.C. Area Commencement ceremony each year is a slide show highlighting the unique experiences of our graduating students during their time here at Virginia Tech. We are asking you to share a photo or two for this year’s slide show, which will be shown at the commencement ceremony on May 12. A shared folder has been created where these items can be uploaded by you. We will fit as many as possible into the slide show!

To share, visit this site: : https://dcarea.vt.edu/gradphotos24

All pictures should be uploaded by Monday, April 22. If you have any difficulty uploading files to this folder, please contact Dr. Barbara Hoopes at bhoopes@vt.edu.

3. AFFINITY GROUPS GOLDEN GEESE MENTORING AWARD NOMINATIONS

Deadline: April 22.

The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony on May 2 from 2–4 p.m. on the Arlington campus will recognize Golden Geese Mentoring Awards. A key core value for the affinity groups is mentoring. If you wish to nominate a 2024 graduate school candidate or a faculty member who exemplifies building community through mentoring, please do so here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7n8UPCnXTRTgwQT_ZYN001OqeTDJ9kB5owYu1DVMHrWsBLg/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

4. ENTER TO RECEIVE A FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Deadline: 5 p.m. April 22

This year, VT Women Connect (Virginia Tech’s formal institutional connection to the American Council on Education (ACE) Virginia Women’s Network) has funds to cover the cost of eight (8)conference registration fees. If you are interested in entering to win a free conference registration, please complete the form below by April 22 at 5 p.m. to enter a random drawing. You will be informed no later than April 26 if you have been selected.

The 2024 annual conference will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. This year’s conference theme is “Walking in Her Shoes: Understanding the Challenges of Women of Color in Higher Education and Creating Environments Where ALL Succeed.” Learn more here: http://www.virginianetwork.org/

Use this link to enter the contest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY8p1VOHNHwJtaPGB-N7xRLkmWMcXnSzEt3dtJwMhJaA_xFg/viewform

5. SUMMER LEADERSHIP COURSE

LDRS 5534: Cognition, Problem Solving, and Preference for Change (CRN 64647) is open to all graduate students this summer. In this course students will understand the differences in problem-solving styles and how that affects working with and leading others. You will also learn your own KAI score and what it tells you about how you solve problems, work with others, communicate, and build trust—all required for successful leadership. Questions? Contact Dr. Jerald Walz, jhwalz@vt.edu.

Job Opportunities

6. SUMMER FULL-STACK DEVELOPER FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS USING FLUTTER

The Building Construction is looking for a summer wage employee who is program Proficient in Flutter, Dart, Google Maps API, Firebase and Cloud Functions. Other qualifications:

Strong understanding of both front-end and back-end development processes.
Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Currently enrolled as a student or recent graduate.
Experience in Data Analysis and Visualization using Python is a plus.

Job responsibilities:

Design, develop, and deploy mobile applications using Flutter.
Integrate Google Maps API for location tracking and manage data using Firebase.
Ensure cross-platform compatibility for both iOS and Android devices.
Engage with the research team to design and refine application features.
Conduct comprehensive testing and maintenance to ensure application performance and reliability.

Duration: Summer Job (3 months)
Salary: $15/hour for graduate students
Work Hours: 20 hours per week
Location: Blacksburg or remote.
Send your CV or Resume to xiangyang@vt.edu if you are interested.

External and Internal Funding Opportunities

External funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html

7. SUMMER MICROGRANT PROGRAM

Deadline: April 30

The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest. 

We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.

Benefits of participation:
• Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement.
• Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more.
• Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff.
• Connect with program participants from around the country.
Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/

8. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Deadline, May 1

The 2024 Google P.hD. Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible Ph.D. Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech can nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of Virginia Tech’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 1.

For information and the application, visit this link: https://research.google/outreach/phd-fellowship/

9. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline: May 1.

In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8

NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

10. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS

Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.

Online workshop: April 20.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html.

The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.

An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration

More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html

11. GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024

Deadline: May 10.

Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives.
The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world.
Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:

• 1st prize: USD 15,000
• 2nd prize: USD 10,000
• 3rd prize: USD 5,000

All winners will also benefit from the support of a mentor for nine months.

More information about the award can be found on this document: https://globethics.net/sites/default/files/media/document/2024-03/Youth%20Leadership%20Award%202024%20-%20Information.pdf

For the application, contact Globethics at infoweb@globethics.net

Upcoming Events

12: AFFINITY GROUPS CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY

Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.

The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.

For graduating students who wish to participate in the ceremony, please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjiHibQs5zZBPNa0LpdxgOQpLeEMjKmBOWRbRNLAL51bZKJg/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Volunteers and research participants sought

13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION

The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care.  Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!

Participants must be 18 years of age

Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+
Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)

Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available.
Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card.
Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.

14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY

The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.

Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4

Ongoing Services

• 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.

• 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.  All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

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: The affinity groups are:

Asian Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
First-Generation Affinity Group
GRAD Parents Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
Veterans Affinity Group
Women in TECH Affinity Group

Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

• NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.

• 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

About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post

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 information 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.     

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Have a great week!

April 15, 2024

Welcome to the Virginia Tech 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.

You’ll find posts under the following headings:

• This Week’s Events and Activities
• Administrative Announcements
• Job Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteers and research participants sought
• Ongoing Services

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. SAVE THE DATE: ASIAN CARNIVAL

Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, in the Hospitality Zone

The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBWYBIhEwe9EjGvWcEOYENJNyXJj5eqVJco9qXlz0Jjkpz8g/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

2. STUDENT MIXER AND GAMES SOCIAL

Wednesday, April 17, 5-6:30 p.m., Northern Virginia Center Café, Falls Church

Come join fellow students for the student mixer and game social at the NVC Cafe—an evening of games, networking, and refreshments.

3. D.C. AREA HOUSING FORUM

Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.; Northern Virginia Center Room 210 & Virtual

Come learn more about your housing options! The Hokie One Stop has invited Virginia Tech housing partners to share their housing options in the D.C. metro area. Dweck Properties, National Corporate Housing, and Off Campus Partners will be present to provide information about housing locations, pricing, amenities, roommate matching, and more! The presentation will last 30 minutes, leaving students time to ask questions and visit resource tables set up by each housing partner. Students are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be offered virtually. Please register for the event (those attending in person will also need to register via the link): https://dcarea.vt.edu/housing.

4. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS

Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success

Administrative Announcements

5. D.C. AREA COMMENCEMENT SLIDESHOW

Deadline: April 22

Commencement is less than a month away, and we’re preparing to make it a joyous celebration for our graduates and their families and friends.  One special feature of the D.C. Area Commencement ceremony each year is a slide show highlighting the unique experiences of our graduating students during their time here at Virginia Tech. We are asking you to share a photo or two for this year’s slide show, which will be shown at the commencement ceremony on May 12. A shared folder has been created where these items can be uploaded by you. We will fit as many as possible into the slide show!

To share, visit this site: : https://dcarea.vt.edu/gradphotos24

All pictures should be uploaded by Monday, April 22. If you have any difficulty uploading files to this folder, please contact Dr. Barbara Hoopes at bhoopes@vt.edu.

6. AFFINITY GROUPS GOLDEN GEESE MENTORING AWARD NOMINATIONS

Deadline: April 22.

The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony on May 2 from 2–4 p.m. on the Arlington campus will recognize Golden Geese Mentoring Awards. A key core value for the affinity groups is mentoring. If you wish to nominate a 2024 graduate school candidate or a faculty member who exemplifies building community through mentoring, please do so here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7n8UPCnXTRTgwQT_ZYN001OqeTDJ9kB5owYu1DVMHrWsBLg/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

7. STUDENT ADVISING APPOINTMENTS WITH D.C. GRADUATE SCHOOL TEAM VIA NAVIGATE

The Graduate Admissions and Advancement team has transitioned its advising appointment scheduling for graduate students to Navigate for students in the D.C. Metro Area. The Graduate School staff can be reached for In Person and Virtual Appointments to discuss various topics under admissions and academic progress. Students should use our webpage to access the link to schedule appointments directly and select Northern Virginia for an advising appointment and select the service needed. Visit this site to schedule an appointment via Navigate: https://www.nvc.vt.edu/Current-Students/gsso.html.

Job Opportunities

          No job postings at this time.

Funding Opportunities

All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html

8. SUMMER MICROGRANT PROGRAM

Deadline: April 30

The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest. 

We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.

Benefits of participation:
• Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement.
• Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more.
• Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff.
• Connect with program participants from around the country.
Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/

9. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Deadline, May 1

The 2024 Google P.hD. Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible Ph.D. Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech can nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of Virginia Tech’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 1.

For information and the application, visit this link: https://research.google/outreach/phd-fellowship/

10. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline: May 1.

In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8

NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

11. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS

Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.

Online workshop: April 20.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html.

The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.

An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration

More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html

12. GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024

Deadline: May 10.

Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives.
The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world.
Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:

• 1st prize: USD 15,000
• 2nd prize: USD 10,000
• 3rd prize: USD 5,000

All winners will also benefit from the support of a mentor for nine months.

More information about the award can be found on this document: https://globethics.net/sites/default/files/media/document/2024-03/Youth%20Leadership%20Award%202024%20-%20Information.pdf

For the application, contact Globethics at infoweb@globethics.net

Upcoming Events

13: AFFINITY GROUPS CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY

Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.

Registration deadline: April 18

The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.

For graduating students who wish to participate in the ceremony, please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjiHibQs5zZBPNa0LpdxgOQpLeEMjKmBOWRbRNLAL51bZKJg/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Volunteers and research participants sought

14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION

The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care.  Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!

Participants must be 18 years of age

Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+
Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)

Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available.
Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card.
Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY

The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.

Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4

Ongoing Services

• 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.

• 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.  All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

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: The affinity groups are:

Asian Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
First-Generation Affinity Group
GRAD Parents Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
Veterans Affinity Group
Women in TECH Affinity Group

Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

• NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.

• 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

About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post

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 information 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.     

If someone has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, please send an email to dc-gradstudents-g+subscribe@vt.edu.

Follow us on social media:

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

Instagram: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!

April 8, 2024

Welcome to the Virginia Tech 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.

You’ll find posts under the following headings:

• This Week’s Events and Activities
• Administrative Announcements
• Job Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteers and research participants sought
• Ongoing Services

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. WATCH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA

Monday, April 8, 2-4 p.m., Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Innovation Campus Headquarters.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to meet to watch the eclipse in their various buildings and be in a good viewing position as the eclipse reaches its peak of 87% around 3:20 p.m. In addition to free viewing glasses, Moon Pies, Starry sodas and a select number of T-shirts designed for the event, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meeting places: Northern Virginia Center lobby, 7054 Haycock Rd.; WAAC library, 1001 Prince St., Alexandria; Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington third floor lunch room, 900 N. Glebe Rd.; Innovation Campus Headquarters entrance, 3000 Potomac Ave., Alexandria.

2. USING GENERATIVE AI TOOLS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH: CAREER EXPLORATION

Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

The first session in a series focused on using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to aid in the job search process. This session will cover how to leverage generative AI to aid in finding potential career pathways that align with your background, skills, and interests. The series continues through June, meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at the same time. Register here: https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2024/using-generative-ai-tools-in-your-job-search.html

Administrative Announcements

3. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS

Additional information will be shared with domestic, international, and graduate student populations prior to the beginning of open enrollment. For more information: https://news.vt.edu/notices/smi-billingchanges.html?utm_source=cmpgn_news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vtUnirelNewsDailyCMP_march1324-fs or you can view FAQs which detail the impacts for students here: https://risk.vt.edu/smi/bursarbilling.html. For additional questions, please contact smi@vt.edu.

4. TIMELY CARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for D.C. metro area graduate students, there are also Timely Care resources that are available to all graduate students, staff, and faculty in the region. Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login

With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers. Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions. Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu.

5. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL

Deadline: April 15

Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html

6. STUDENT ADVISING APPOINTMENTS WITH D.C. GRADUATE SCHOOL TEAM VIA NAVIGATE

The Graduate Admissions and Advancement team has transitioned its advising appointment scheduling for graduate students to Navigate for students in the D.C. Metro Area. The Graduate School staff can be reached for In Person and Virtual Appointments to discuss various topics under admissions and academic progress. Students should use our webpage to access the link to schedule appointments directly and select Northern Virginia for an advising appointment and select the service needed. Visit this site to schedule an appointment via Navigate: https://www.nvc.vt.edu/Current-Students/gsso.html.

Job Opportunities

          No job postings at this time.

Funding Opportunities

All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html

7. National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship Program Accepting Applications

Deadlines: April 10 and 17

NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program supports doctoral research with relevance to criminal or juvenile justice in the United States. This includes criminology, forensic science, technology for law enforcement, and more. Applications from all science and engineering fields are welcome.

Students must be enrolled full time in a Ph.D. program in a science or engineering field and propose dissertation research relevant to improving criminal or juvenile justice practice or policy in the United States. Applications are submitted by the university, which must be an accredited academic institution in the United States or its territories. The fellowship provides up to three years of support within a five-year period and includes:

• $41,000/year student salary
• $16,000/year cost of education allowance
• $3,000/year research expenses

To learn more and see profiles of past and present GRF fellows, visit https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program.

The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.

8. SUMMER MICROGRANT PROGRAM

Deadline: April 30

The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest. 

We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.

Benefits of participation:
• Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement.
• Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more.
• Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff.
• Connect with program participants from around the country.
Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/

9. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Deadline, May 1

The 2024 Google PhD Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible PhD Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech will be able to nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of VT’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 1.

For information and the application, visit this link: https://research.google/outreach/phd-fellowship/

10. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline: May 1.

In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8

NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

11. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS

Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.

Online workshop: April 20.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html.

The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.

An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration

More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html

12. GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024

Deadline: May 10.

Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives.
The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world.
Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:

• 1st prize: USD 15,000
• 2nd prize: USD 10,000
• 3rd prize: USD 5,000

All winners will also benefit from the support of a mentor for nine months.

More information about the award can be found on this document: https://globethics.net/sites/default/files/media/document/2024-03/Youth%20Leadership%20Award%202024%20-%20Information.pdf

For the application, contact Globethics at infoweb@globethics.net

Upcoming Events

13: SAVE THE DATE: ASIAN CARNIVAL

Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, in the Hospitality Zone

The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBWYBIhEwe9EjGvWcEOYENJNyXJj5eqVJco9qXlz0Jjkpz8g/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

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14. D.C. AREA HOUSING FORUM

Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.; Northern Virginia Center Room 210 & Virtual

Come learn more about your housing options! The Hokie One Stop has invited Virginia Tech housing partners to share their housing options in the D.C. metro area. Dweck Properties, National Corporate Housing, and Off Campus Partners will be present to provide information about housing locations, pricing, amenities, roommate matching, and more! The presentation will last 30 minutes, leaving students time to ask questions and visit resource tables set up by each housing partner. Students are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be offered virtually. Please register for the event below (those attending in person will also need to register via the link): https://dcarea.vt.edu/housing.

15. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS

Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success

16. AFFINITY GROUPS CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY

Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.

Registration deadline: April 18

The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.

For graduating students who wish to participate in the ceremony, please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjiHibQs5zZBPNa0LpdxgOQpLeEMjKmBOWRbRNLAL51bZKJg/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Volunteers and research participants sought

17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION

The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care.  Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!

Participants must be 18 years of age

Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+
Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)

Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available.
Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card.
Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY

The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.

Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4

Ongoing Services 

• 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.

• 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.  All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

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: The affinity groups are:

Asian Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
First-Generation Affinity Group
GRAD Parents Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
Veterans Affinity Group
Women in TECH Affinity Group

Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

• NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.

• 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

About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post

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 information 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.     

If someone has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, please send an email to dc-gradstudents-g+subscribe@vt.edu.

Follow us on social media:

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

Instagram: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!

April 1, 2024

Welcome to the Virginia Tech 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.

You’ll find posts under the following headings:

• This Week’s Events and Activities
• Administrative Announcements
• Job Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteers and research participants sought
• Ongoing Services

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING

Tuesday, April 2, 1-2 p.m., Virtual

The Graduate Honor System relies on trained faculty and graduate students to hear academic integrity violation cases. It takes a one-hour training to become a panelist, after which you can serve on preliminary review and review panels. Become a panelist to help review cases, actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about standards of academic integrity, and build your analytical and communication skills and resume! Register for the zoom meeting at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqduihqj8rGtAAD8sTkCIZJiAubu9sVjGR.

2. A WELL-ROUNDED ENGINEER: WRITING CODE IS ONLY PART OF WHAT MAKES ONE SUCCESSFUL

Tuesday, April 2, 1:30 p.m., Virtual
In this seminar, Omer Baror, senior director of engineering and head of planning at Waymo. will provide career advice, tips for expanding our network, insights on selecting our future professional paths, guidance on what skills to acquire and how to learn them, strategies for job hunting after graduation, tips for optimal performance from day one of joining the industry, discussions on impactful project topics, insights into the future of technology, and other helpful topics. Baror also was a founding member of Google Assistant. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G2sGBsh2ERiKaKL-46owePRHiQDHKUx8qFdPprYszj0/edit

3. WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, April 3, 1-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center room 200

The Graduate School and Cook Counseling Center will hold a Wellness Wednesday event for students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This program will focus on transitions from graduate school to the job search and to starting a new job, and also will focus on self-care during these transitions.  Join us for this event, and for pizza and drinks for graduate students.

4. D.C. AREA GRAD FAIR

Wednesday and Thursday, April 3, 4, and 5, Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church

Join the Graduate School at the Northern Virginia Center for a mini-Grad Fair featuring the HokieShop, workshops with the Cook Counseling Center, the Cranwell International Center, and the Office of Career and Professional Development, opportunities to get a professional headshot and more Check the calendar for all event details: https://dcarea.vt.edu/events.html

5. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS: ON URBAN HERITAGE PLANNING IN TEHRAN AND BEYOND

Friday, April 5, 11 a.m., Zoom

In urban heritage planning, often a discrepancy exists between formal policies and the actual unfolding of projects, shaped by the realpolitiks that rule planning environments. Dr. Yadollahi examines the informal aspects of heritage planning in Tehran and beyond through a diagnostic lens. She primarily targets civil society, professionals, and academics involved in heritage planning within the studied contexts. While they lack the power to reshape the fundamental functions of the state, economy, and society, they recognize the importance of avoiding despair. The project’s modest contribution to their struggle is to underscore the crucial role of these actors as truth-tellers rather than enablers within dysfunctional planning systems and their associated rhetoric.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/yAkN03REhW

6. FINDING YOUR SUPERPOWERS!

Friday, April 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Foggy Bottom classroom, and Virtual

You don’t hear this enough: you’re amazing. This workshop will be a fantastic opportunity to focus on what’s right with you – the things that don’t need to be fixed, or what you might consider your superpowers. Learn more about what your Top 5 Gallup Clifton Strengths mean individually and collectively for you and the people around you. Identify how your Strengths can and do show up in the decisions you make, in the interactions you have with others, and in other situations big and small. Plan how you can use your Strengths more intentionally for success and fulfillment both personally and professionally. Participants must complete the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment before the workshop.
Registration is required. Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenGY6xRRkXHT-4hJ2n6COybRCfeViitEz3xYmCeuplBQOWAw/viewform

7. NAVIGATING THE US JOB MARKET AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Saturday, April 6, 3-4 p.m., Virtual

The Dr. Ambedkar International Mission at Virginia Tech (AIM at VT), a registered student group, is organizing a talk on “Navigating the US Job Market as an International Student”. The goal of the talk is to provide an overview of job search process as an international student and answer any questions job seeking students might have. Register for the talk here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdu-ppzopHNQanqnw2NnRPXYB7o2XMI-b.

Please contact raghavg@vt.edu if you have any questions regarding the event.

Administrative Announcements

8. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS

Additional information will be shared with domestic, international, and graduate student populations prior to the beginning of open enrollment. For more information: https://news.vt.edu/notices/smi-billingchanges.html?utm_source=cmpgn_news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vtUnirelNewsDailyCMP_march1324-fs or you can view FAQs which detail the impacts for students here: https://risk.vt.edu/smi/bursarbilling.html. For additional questions, please contact smi@vt.edu.

9. U-PASS SURVEY FOR FALL AND SPRING 2024 PARTICIPANTS

Virginia Tech Sustainable Transportation would appreciate your feedback in our U-Pass Program survey. This survey is only for students who were eligible for U-Pass at some point this academic year. The survey addresses satisfaction, usage, and communication surrounding the program and Virginia Tech’s launch of it. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete.
All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future. Contact nquint@vt.edu with any questions.
Please use the link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/U-Pass

10. TIMELY CARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for D.C. metro area graduate students, there are also Timely Care resources that are available to all graduate students, staff, and faculty in the region. Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login

With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers. Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions. Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu.

11. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL

Deadline: April 15

Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html

12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR MAY 8 SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN BLACKSBURG

Deadline: April 5

The Graduate School is seeking 1-2 graduate student speakers for the Spring 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 10:00am, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. The speeches are modeled after the talks at the Center for Communicating Science’s Nutshell Games, with individual speeches lasting about 90 seconds. Student speakers share a brief experience of their own that depicts graduate student life as they experience(d) it. Students at all campuses may apply; speakers must give their speech in-person in Blacksburg at commencement on May 8. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, April 5, 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/ubkxADz2AK

13. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GOOGLE SHARED DRIVES

As part of the university’s changes to Google services, Google Shared Drives that have not been claimed by a department — including those managed solely by students — will be deleted starting April 3. It is highly recommended that you download a copy of any files/folders you wish to keep from your Shared Drives. If you are a member of a Shared Drive that a university department needs to maintain, please contact the faculty or staff member most-closely connected to the contents of the drive to discuss how that drive should be managed. For more information, visit https://it.vt.edu/shared-drives.

14. STUDENT ADVISING APPOINTMENTS WITH D.C. GRADUATE SCHOOL TEAM VIA NAVIGATE

The Graduate Admissions and Advancement team has transitioned its advising appointment scheduling for graduate students to Navigate for students in the D.C. Metro Area. The Graduate School staff can be reached for In Person and Virtual Appointments to discuss various topics under admissions and academic progress. Students should use our webpage to access the link to schedule appointments directly and select Northern Virginia for an advising appointment and select the service needed. Visit this site to schedule an appointment via Navigate: https://www.nvc.vt.edu/Current-Students/gsso.html.

Job Opportunities

          No job postings at this time.

Funding Opportunities

All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html

15. National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship Program Accepting Applications

Deadlines: April 10 and 17

NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program supports doctoral research with relevance to criminal or juvenile justice in the United States. This includes criminology, forensic science, technology for law enforcement, and more. Applications from all science and engineering fields are welcome.

Students must be enrolled full time in a Ph.D. program in a science or engineering field and propose dissertation research relevant to improving criminal or juvenile justice practice or policy in the United States. Applications are submitted by the university, which must be an accredited academic institution in the United States or its territories. The fellowship provides up to three years of support within a five-year period and includes:

• $41,000/year student salary
• $16,000/year cost of education allowance
• $3,000/year research expenses

To learn more and see profiles of past and present GRF fellows, visit https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program.

The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.

16. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline: May 1.

In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8

NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS

Deadline: May 1.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. Applications are due on Wednesday, May 1, at 5 p.m. ET.

The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html.

The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.

An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration

More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html

Upcoming Events

18: SAVE THE DATE: ASIAN CARNIVAL

Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington

The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend!
For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

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19. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS

Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success

Volunteers and research participants sought

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY

The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.

Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4

Ongoing Services 

• 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.

• 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.  All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

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: The affinity groups are:

Asian Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
First-Generation Affinity Group
GRAD Parents Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
Veterans Affinity Group
Women in TECH Affinity Group

Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu

• NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.

• 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

About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post

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 information 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.     

If someone has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, please send an email to dc-gradstudents-g+subscribe@vt.edu.

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Have a great week!

March 25, 2024

Welcome to the Virginia Tech Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities.

This week is Virginia Tech Graduate Education Week, during which we honor our graduate students and their work. This year’s theme: What’s your superpower?

The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.

You’ll find posts under the following headings:

• This Week’s Events and Activities
• Administrative Announcements
• Job Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteers and research participants sought
• Ongoing Services

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW 

Monday, March 25, 7 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

This event is part of Graduate Education week. Learn what the Graduate School looks for when they review your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD) for formatting and receive tips on how to prepare your ETDs for submission so that they are quickly approved. Please register: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=rr30l2gcLoAECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

2. BECOMING A SUPER NEGOTIATOR 

Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

This workshop, led by Career and Professional Development, 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. Additionally, the session introduces web-based tools for determining cost of living and salary ranges. Learn more and register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html.

3. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Wednesday, March 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus.

The symposium theme is Horizons of Tomorrow: Innovation, Diversity, Collaboration, and Advancement. More information about the symposium and the events can be found on the GPSS website: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/gsars.html

Contact the co-chairs with any questions: jennphill@vt.ed, and niveda@vt.edu

4. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE

Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Learn how to navigate the iThenticate software, submit a document for review, and evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion at this session for graduate students and faculty. iThenticate is a software system that reviews the originality of documents, ensures accurate attribution to other authors and eliminates occurrences of potential plagiarism. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fRAvpo50Q6-mRlTpeGfTnA#/registration.

5. FOUNDATION OF RESEARCH WORKSHOP

Thursday, March 28, 1-2 p.m., Virtual

The Women in Industrial and Systems Engineering (WISE) community at Virginia Tech cordially invites you to attend another Methodological Approach to Dissertations (MAD) workshop focusing on laying the foundation for your research—specifically, formulating the scientific apparatus. Topics will include defining a scientific problem, selecting a research object, and establishing research objectives. These insights will assist you in creating a step-by-step plan for conducting research, drafting articles, and ultimately compiling your dissertation. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87137267296?pwd=N05JZHI0VTA5bXNwRm1ocVhxR3FuUT09 

Meeting ID: 871 3726 7296 Passcode: 339634

Administrative Announcements

6. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK MARCH 25-29

The Graduate School salutes Virginia Tech’s outstanding graduate students, graduate advisors, and graduate and research faculty and staff for their contributions to quality graduate education. Graduate education week highlights the importance of graduate education; increases the university community’s awareness of the contributions of graduate students to teaching, research and service; and enhances the graduate student experience through professional development programs and celebratory events. This year’s theme: What’s your superpower? Visit the Graduate Education Week website to learn about all of the events happening during this exciting week: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-services/graduate-education-week.html

7. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS

Additional information will be shared with domestic, international, and graduate student populations prior to the beginning of open enrollment. For more information: https://news.vt.edu/notices/smi-billingchanges.html?utm_source=cmpgn_news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vtUnirelNewsDailyCMP_march1324-fs, or you can view FAQs which detail the impacts for students here: https://risk.vt.edu/smi/bursarbilling.html. For additional questions, please contact smi@vt.edu.

8. U-PASS SURVEY FOR FALL AND SPRING 2024 PARTICIPANTS

Virginia Tech Sustainable Transportation would appreciate your feedback in our U-Pass Program survey. This survey is only for students who were eligible for U-Pass at some point this academic year. The survey addresses satisfaction, usage, and communication surrounding the program and Virginia Tech’s launch of it. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete.
All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future. Contact nquint@vt.edu with any questions.

Please use the link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/U-Pass

9. TIMELY CARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for DC Metro Area graduate students, there are also excellent Timely Care resources that are available to all DC Metro Area graduate students, staff, and faculty (flyer attached).  Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login

With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers.  Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions.  Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, PhD, at jskaplan@vt.edu.

10. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL

Deadline: April 15

Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, 2024, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html

11. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR MAY 8 SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN BLACKSBURG

Deadline: April 5

The Graduate School is seeking 1-2 graduate student speakers for the Spring 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 10:00am, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. The speeches are modeled after the talks at the Center for Communicating Science’s Nutshell Games, with individual speeches lasting about 90 seconds. Student speakers share a brief experience of their own that depicts graduate student life as they experience(d) it. Students at all campuses may apply; speakers must give their speech in-person in Blacksburg at commencement on May 8. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, April 5, 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/ubkxADz2AK

12. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GOOGLE SHARED DRIVES

As part of the university’s changes to Google services, Google Shared Drives that have not been claimed by a department — including those managed solely by students — will be deleted starting April 3. It is highly recommended that you download a copy of any files/folders you wish to keep from your Shared Drives. If you are a member of a Shared Drive that a university department needs to maintain, please contact the faculty or staff member most-closely connected to the contents of the drive to discuss how that drive should be managed. For more information, visit https://it.vt.edu/shared-drives.

13. STUDENT ADVISING APPOINTMENTS WITH D.C. GRADUATE SCHOOL TEAM VIA NAVIGATE

The Graduate Admissions and Advancement team has transitioned its advising appointment scheduling for graduate students to Navigate for students in the D.C. Metro Area. The Graduate School staff can be reached for In Person and Virtual Appointments to discuss various topics under admissions and academic progress. Students should use our webpage to access the link to schedule appointments directly and select Northern Virginia for an advising appointment and select the service needed. Visit this site to schedule an appointment via Navigate: https://www.nvc.vt.edu/Current-Students/gsso.html.

14. EXPLORING CAREERS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ACADEMIA WORKSHOPS

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network is offering events this spring focused on exploring careers inside and outside academia. April workshops include “Exploring Teaching Careers at Teaching Intensive Universities with CIRTL Alumni,” “Exploring Non-faculty Careers in Academia with CIRTL Alumni,” “Careers Outside of Higher Education,” and “Exploring Careers Outside Academia with CIRTL Alumni.” You can find the full CIRTL Network event schedule, including descriptions and registration information, at https://cirtl.net/events/. The events are offered online and at no cost. If you have questions about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, email cirtl@vt.edu.

Job Opportunities

          No job postings at this time.

Funding Opportunities

All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html

15. National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship Program Accepting Applications

Deadlines: April 10 and 17

NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program supports doctoral research with relevance to criminal or juvenile justice in the United States. This includes criminology, forensic science, technology for law enforcement, and more. Applications from all science and engineering fields are welcome.

Students must be enrolled full time in a Ph.D. program in a science or engineering field and propose dissertation research relevant to improving criminal or juvenile justice practice or policy in the United States. Applications are submitted by the university, which must be an accredited academic institution in the United States or its territories. The fellowship provides up to three years of support within a five-year period and includes:

• $41,000/year student salary
• $16,000/year cost of education allowance
• $3,000/year research expenses

To learn more and see profiles of past and present GRF fellows, visit https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program.

The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.

16. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline: May 1.

In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8

NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS

Deadline: May 1.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. Applications are due on Wednesday, May 1, at 5 p.m. ET.

The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html.

The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.

An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration

More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html

Upcoming Events

18. WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, April 3, 1-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center room 200

The Graduate School and Cook Counseling Center will hold a Wellness Wednesday eent for students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This program will focus on transitions from graduate school to the job search and to starting a new job, and also will focus on self-care during these transitions.  Join us for this event, and for pizza and drinks for graduate students.

19. D.C. Area Grad Fair

Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4, 1-7 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church

Join the Graduate School at the Northern Virginia Center for a mini-Grad Fair featuring the HokieShop, workshops with the Cook Counseling Center, the Cranwell International Center, and the Office of Career and Professional Development, opportunities to get a professional headshot and more Check the calendar for all event details: https://dcarea.vt.edu/events.html

20. FINDING YOUR SUPERPOWERS!

Friday, April 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Foggy Bottom classroom, and Virtual

You don’t hear this enough: you’re amazing. This workshop will be a fantastic opportunity to focus on what’s right with you – the things that don’t need to be fixed, or what you might consider your superpowers. Learn more about what your Top 5 Gallup Clifton Strengths mean individually and collectively for you and the people around you. Identify how your Strengths can and do show up in the decisions you make, in the interactions you have with others, and in other situations big and small. Plan how you can use your Strengths more intentionally for success and fulfillment both personally and professionally. Participants must complete the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment before the workshop.
Registration is required. Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenGY6xRRkXHT-4hJ2n6COybRCfeViitEz3xYmCeuplBQOWAw/viewform

21. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS

Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success

Volunteers and research participants sought

22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY

The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.

Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4

Ongoing Services 

• 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.

• 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.  All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.  

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.
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• 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.
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• AFFINITY GROUPS: The affinity groups are:
• Asian Affinity Group
  Black Affinity Group
  First-Generation Affinity Group
  GRAD Parents Affinity Group
  Latinx Affinity Group
  Veterans Affinity Group
  Women in TECH Affinity Group
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• Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu
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• NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.

• 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
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• 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

About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post and Subscribe

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