Nov. 27 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter for Virginia Tech Graduate Students

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.

Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments, QR codes or embedded links (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Please submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

A reader suggested we tighten the top of this newsletter to make finding information easier, so we are eliminating the item-by-item summary and going directly to the items under each heading:

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. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

2. iTHENTICATE TRAINING

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

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

3. DC METRO AREA Q*MMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church, room 401; Wednesday, Nov. 29, 12-1 p.m., Arlington Research Center, McPherson Square Room

Please join us for the DC Metro Area Q*mmunity Support Group. This support group welcomes Virginia Tech graduate students in the DC Metro Area who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those who are exploring their gender and/or sexuality. Please register at https://t.ly/ndVit. Drop-ins are also welcome. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, PhD, at jskaplan@vt.edu

4. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Emily Tirrell, the current graduate Board of Visitors (BOV) representative will be hosting an information session for students to learn more about the position and the application process for those who may be interested in applying to represent graduate students in 2024-25. Join via Zoom at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85380772279

5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

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

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

6. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO YOUR DISSERTATION: KEY STEPS FOR QUALITY RESEARCH AND A SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE.

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2-4 p.m. Virtual for D.C. Area students (Zoom)

Join a conference session, hosted by WISE (Women in Industrial and Systems Engineering), and explore the implementation of a systematic methodology to organize your dissertation work. Presenters will cover the essential tasks required to attain robust scientific results and successfully defend your thesis, all while optimizing your time investment.

Receive guidance on leveraging research outcomes effectively, especially if uncertain about their application or facing doubts about your topic. If you sense your work reaching an impasse, we’re here to assist you in navigating through these challenges. For more information, contact Tatiana Daychman, tvdgrad1@vt.edu. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezapBRNOTUC0_SOaTudG8VX3h9_dFouLK3t87eW98qdFXjKw/viewform?usp=pp_url

Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82141245803

7ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Dec. 1, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

Administrative Announcements

8. FALL 2023 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The fall 2023 Graduate School commencement ceremony is on Friday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum on the Blacksburg campus. All graduates who wish to participate in the ceremony should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than Dec. 1. Doctoral students wanting to participate must meet the participation deadlines listed at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/what-you-need-to-graduate/deadlines-for-academic-progress.html. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to attend and the Graduate School ceremony will be live streamed on the University website as well. Additional information on the fall ceremony can be found online at https://vt.edu/commencement.html. Questions may be directed to Graduate Admissions and Academic Progress staff at grads@vt.edu.

9. GRADUATE SCHOOL DC METRO AREA WALK IN HOURS

The Graduate School staff in the Washington, D.C. metro area will offer graduate students in the region “Walk-In Hours” weekly on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Walk-In hours.

10. THE D.C. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY APPLICATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION TO OFFICES FOR THE 2024 YEAR CLOSES ON NOV. 30

The Greater DC Region Graduate Student Assembly (DC-GSA) shortly will hold elections for 2024 officers. The DC-GSA seeks dedicated individuals who are passionate about representing and serving the graduate student body. This is your chance to be the voice for your peers and to drive meaningful change within our university.

 The application deadline is Nov. 30 for election year 2024. Elections will take place the week following the application deadline. These appointments are effective Jan. 15, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024.

Students from all departments and disciplines are encouraged to apply, especially those who have a strong desire to engage with student issues, policy-making, and event coordination.

To learn more about the positions available and the election process, see the attached flyer or visit the DC-GSA website: https://dcmetro.gsa.vt.edu. To apply, use this direct application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC7xi6KwSj_6YwEgFPloP5U0EVieYHU1RZ2tCJWBD2U5ogaA/viewform

 Should you have any questions or need assistance with your application, contact Venkata Adithya Chekuri at chvadithya029@vt.edu.

11. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN

Diversity Scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. They are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. These projects can take many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. To learn more about the program and the application process, please review the website: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/diversity-scholars.html
For additional information, email the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships at DISP@vt.edu.

12. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY 2024

Two important changes to Google Workspace at Virginia Tech are happening on Jan. 16, 2024. First, access to the Google Photos app will end. If you have any data in the Photos app, you MUST export the photos you wish to keep, and then delete all contents from the app. After Jan. 16, you will not be able to access the app or remove data, and the data will continue to count against your storage limit. The Google Photos guide (https://it.vt.edu/google-photos/) offers more information on exporting Photos data.
Also, on Jan. 16, students will have a 5 GB storage limit in Google Workspace; accounts over this limit will go read-only until storage is reduced. Check your storage, and move or delete files from Google Drive if needed. Again, empty ALL contents from Photos, regardless of your storage total. See the Google changes student information page for more information: https://it.vt.edu/google.

13. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Application deadline Jan. 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who serve as examples of the five pillars: scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/bouchet-society.html
For questions from the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area, please reach out to Dr. Chontrese Hayes, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

14. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Application deadline: Jan. 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is accepting applications for the senate’s Graduate Research Development Program. Master’s students are eligible to receive $1,000 and doctoral students are eligible for receive up to $1,500. Funds may be requested for travel, lab analyses, supplies and other expenses incurred for degree-contingent research. $10,000 will be distributed. Application materials and full instructions can be found here: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html. Please e-mail Aran Garnett-Deakin at acgarnet@vt.edu with any questions.

15. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

Submissions deadline: Jan. 8, 2024

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

Questions can be directed to community-change-journal-g@vt.edu.

16. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Application deadline: Dec. 1

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

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

External Funding Opportunities

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

17. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

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

18. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

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

Upcoming Events

19. BOOTSTRAPPING SHORT COURSE

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Virtual for D.C. Area students (Zoom)

Bootstrapping is a statistical procedure that resamples a single dataset with replacement to create many simulated samples. This results in mimicking the sampling process from the population. Practitioners can use the resamples to develop an estimate along with its bias, variance, confidence intervals, prediction intervals, etc. Bootstrapping is often used when the assumptions of parametric techniques, such as the assumption of normality, are not met. It can be used to develop hypothesis tests and confidence intervals in these cases (and much more!). This course provides an introduction to the topic. You will learn the concept and get a deeper understanding why it is helpful and important.

For more information and to register: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=boot%20strapping

20. HOW WE GROW! EARLY ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL EVENT

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Virtual (Registration deadline: Dec. 1)

Early Childhood Education Initiatives is collaborating with Wolf Trap teaching artist Maria Tripodi to present “How We Grow! Early Arts for Children and Families.” Maria will guide children and families through movement experiences that provide an interactive opportunity to experience children’s literature and the work around them.

You can register until Dec. 1 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0hPDLjlousGXNgg5WJ79bckVTO0RPPaJITR49TGJIT139lQ/viewform
If you have further questions, please contact Kim Thomason, Program Director of the Early Childhood Education Initiatives, at kimbe74@vt.edu or by visiting caregiving.vt.edu.

21. SAVE THE DATE: OFFICE OF EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY DOUBLE FEATURE

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in person in Northern Virginia Center room 213 (Falls Church), and Virtual (Zoom)

Assistant Director of Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution Henry Yampolsky returns to the Greater D.C. Metro Area for the second annual OEA Double Feature! Yampolsky and Equity Manager Gennelle Chatman will co-present the Respect, Equity, and Anti-Discrimination (R.E.A.D.) Training live. Then, Henry will lead participants through his highly engaging conflict resolution module: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration.
The R.E.A.D. Training will be 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 6. Moving from Conflict to Collaboration will be Dec. 7, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

All are invited to attend; refreshments will be provided; however, seating is limited. Those interested in attending are kindly asked to register by November 30. Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qbjypjZTU2dLApHQQGFhqUBs_3Vq2bye00jBXOLtxvw/edit

22. WHOVILLE END-OF-SEMESTER MOVIE NIGHT AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER

Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m., in person at Northern Virginia Center room 114 in Falls Church.

Join the Graduate School for a movie watch party with popcorn and a sweet treat!
RSVP Via Gobbler Connect: https://t.ly/NB7Ih
If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Torri K. Brown @torribrown@vt.edu

Volunteers and research participants sought

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A JOB MARKET RESEARCH STUDY

Students are facing difficulties with the job-seeking process. There is some evidence that students across different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and genders face discrimination in the technology job market today. Unethical approaches in job recruiting and offering processes create an unfair playing field for students, many of whom study in the same schools/curriculums and have the same technological skills. We want to survey students regarding their experiences with the job-seeking process as well as whether they have experienced employment discrimination.

More information can be found here: https://forms.gle/hNMXCM15xuDCP6As5.

If you have questions, please contact graduate student researcher Esther Park, esther70920@vt.edu.

24. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ENGINEERING PH.D. ADVISOR ADVISEE EXPERIENCE RESEARCH PROJECT

Are you a Ph.D. student in engineering who has an advisor and has completed your first year of an engineering program? Are you interested in taking a 15- to 20-minute survey about your experience and receiving a $20 gift card? If you answered yes to both of these questions, we’re interested in learning about your experience. We’re conducting a study that looks at students’ experiences with their advisors and how that relationship has developed and would love your feedback. What this entails:

Participants must be doctoral engineering students who have advisors.
One survey, which takes 15-20 minutes
Possible (optional) follow-up interview

This survey close Dec. 8. In addition to the $20 gift card, you may receive invitations to participate in future interviews with our team, which will include additional compensation.
More details can be found at the survey link: https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y2RBcdYlAJXBga
If you have any questions please reach out to Mark Huerta at markhuerta@vt.edu.
This research study is approved under the UM IRB HUM00230743.

25. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

Sensory Evaluation Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology

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

Participants will receive cash incentives for each session they attend. If they attend all three sessions, they will get $90 cash incentives Participants must be at least 18 years old. The study is going to be conducted in English.

TIME COMMITMENT:

The three sessions will take place within a period of 2-4 weeks. The estimated time for each session is:

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

Exact date of in-person sessions will be confirmed in a follow-up email for qualified participants.

To participate, access the screening questionnaire from the link below or through the QR code attached:
https://vt.compusensecloud.com/edu/login.aspx?t=713f670b-d238-4624-b479-492493c2bfd9
For more info: Jiakun Yi (jiakunyi@vt.edu)
Study supervisor: Dr. Jacob Lahne (foodsensory@vt.edu)

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

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

Ongoing Services (updated 11/27/23)

·        GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.

·        CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html

·        COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.

·        AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

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

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

·        HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

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

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Monday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Follow us on social media:

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

Instagram and X: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!

Nov. 13 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.

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

Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments, QR codes or embedded links (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Please submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

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

2. GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS, Nov. 13

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

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

5. ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSIONS, Nov. 14 and 16

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

7. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION, Nov. 15

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

9. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS AS A CAREER EXPLORATION TOOL, Nov. 15

10. MODEL SELECTION IN REGRESSION, SHORT COURSE, Nov. 15

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

12. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS, NOV. 16

13. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION, Nov. 16

14. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING, Nov. 17

15. FACULTY FORUM WITH DR. AARON ANSELL

16: 7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION, Nov. 18

Administrative Announcements: 

17. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

18. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY 2024

19. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

20. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GSA ELECTIONS

21. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

22. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

23. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

24. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

25. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities listed this week.

External Funding Opportunities

26. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

Upcoming Events: 

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

29. iTHENTICATE TRAINING, Nov. 27

30. SAVE THE DATE: OFFICE OF EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY DOUBLE FEATURE, Dec. 6 and 7

Volunteers and research participants sought:

31. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

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

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

Ongoing Services

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

·        CAREER ADVISING   

·        COOK COUNSELING

·        SERENITY SPACE

·        CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·        AFFINITY GROUPS

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·        HOKIE ONE STOP

·        WRITING CENTER

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

2. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS

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

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


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

3. APIDA & INDIGENOUS QUEER QUESTIONING & ALLIES CONVERSATION

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

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

4. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET

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

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

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

5. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

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

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

6. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

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

7. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION

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

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

·        Audra Upchurch – Vice President, Homeland Security Market LMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. GIVING THANKS AROUND THE WORLD LUNCH

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

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

9. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS AS A CAREER EXPLORATION TOOL

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Graduate students and postdocs will learn how to effectively engage with alumni and other professionals via informational interviews to gain advice and insights on various career options and navigating job searches. For more information, contact Chris Smith, christsmith@vt.edu.

Register here: https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2023/informational-interviewing.html

10. MODEL SELECTION IN REGRESSION, SHORT COURSE

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Regression is one of the most commonly used statistical methods – but things can quickly get complicated when you have multiple predictors. In the SAIG Short Course Model Selection in R, we will cover different methods to evaluate different regression models with different sets of predictors.
The following topics will be covered:


• Running Multiple Linear Regression in R
• Checking MLR assumptions with plots and tests • Applying model selection methods like stepwise regression & LASSO
• Criterion used to assess models (AIC, BIC, etc.)


No previous coding experience is required!

Register here: Register for SAIG courses: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=saig

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Nov. 16, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church)

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

13. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION

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

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

14. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Nov. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

15. FACULTY FORUM WITH DR. AARON ANSELL

Friday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Join the Community Change Collaborative for a conversation with Dr. Aaron Ansell from the Department of Religion and Culture! Dr. Ansell is a cultural anthropologist with a regional specialty in northeast Brazil and a topical emphasis on local politics and the language forms people use to conduct politics. His work has largely focused on patronage (patron-client) relations and non-ideological forms of polarization in small-town Brazil, as well as government efforts to dismantle patronage factions in the name of fighting corruption. More recently, Ansell has turned to the dynamics of political polarization in the US, designing a software aimed at helping people signal their receptivity (or lack thereof) to critical confrontation in particular situations. Register to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/siaHwyxeX1Lb5Hzw5

16. 7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION Saturday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church

The Festival of Light celebrates unity through the illumination of lights in our community. Organizers invite students, staff, faculty and administrators and their families to come to the event and share the magic of light, color and cultural diversity. For more information, contact Karmu Hyolmo, karmuh@vt.edu. Register here: https://forms.gle/8UoStPvaQEtKyPaU6,

Administrative Announcements

17. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

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

18. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY 2024

Two important changes to Google Workspace at Virginia Tech are happening on Jan. 16, 2024. First, access to the Google Photos app will end. If you have any data in the Photos app, you MUST export the photos you wish to keep, and then delete all contents from the app. After Jan. 16, you will not be able to access the app or remove data, and the data will continue to count against your storage limit. The Google Photos guide (https://it.vt.edu/google-photos/) offers more information on exporting Photos data.
Also, on Jan. 16, students will have a 5 GB storage limit in Google Workspace; accounts over this limit will go read-only until storage is reduced. Check your storage, and move or delete files from Google Drive if needed. Again, empty ALL contents from Photos, regardless of your storage total. See the Google changes student information page for more information: https://it.vt.edu/google.

19. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

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

20. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

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

21. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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

22. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is accepting applications for the senate’s Graduate Research Development Program. The application deadline is Jan. 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Master’s students are eligible to receive $1,000 and doctoral students are eligible for receive up to $1,500. Funds may be requested for travel, lab analyses, supplies and other expenses incurred for degree-contingent research. $10,000 will be distributed. Application materials and full instructions can be found here: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html. Please e-mail Aran Garnett-Deakin at acgarnet@vt.edu with any questions.

23. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Take your research to the next level. GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online, asynchronous course offered by the University Libraries in spring 2024. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond and have the option to take the class either for credit or as pass/fail. Two discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. For more information, contact Lisa Becksford, lisab5@vt.edu.

24. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

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

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

25. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

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

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

External Funding Opportunities

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

26. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

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

27. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

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

Deadline: February 9, 2024

Upcoming Events

28. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

29. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

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

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

30. SAVE THE DATE: OFFICE OF EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY DOUBLE FEATURE

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in person in Northern Virginia Center room 213 (Falls Church), and Virtual (Zoom)

Assistant Director of Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution Henry Yampolsky returns to the Greater D.C. Metro Area for the second annual OEA Double Feature! Yampolsky and Equity Manager Gennelle Chatman will co-present the Respect, Equity, and Anti-Discrimination (R.E.A.D.) Training live. Then, Henry will lead participants through his highly engaging conflict resolution module: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration.
The R.E.A.D. Training will be 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 6. Moving from Conflict to Collaboration will be Dec. 7, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

All are invited to attend; refreshments will be provided; however, seating is limited. Those interested in attending are kindly asked to register by November 30. Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qbjypjZTU2dLApHQQGFhqUBs_3Vq2bye00jBXOLtxvw/edit

Volunteers and research participants sought

31. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

Sensory Evaluation Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing Services (updated 11/13/23)

·        GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.

·        CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html

·        COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.

·        AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

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

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

·        HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

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

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Monday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Follow us on social media:

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

Instagram and X: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!

Nov. 6 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.

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

Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments, QR codes or embedded links (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Please submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

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

2. TALK-O TUESDAY, Nov. 7

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS, Nov. 9

4. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER, Nov. 10

5. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING, NOV. 10

6. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, Nov. 11

Administrative Announcements: 

7. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

8. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GSA ELECTIONS

9. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

11. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

12. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

13. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities listed this week.

External Funding Opportunities

14. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

15. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

Upcoming Events: 

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

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

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

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

21. ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSIONS, Nov. 14 and 16

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

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

24. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION, Nov. 15

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

26. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION, Nov. 16

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

28. iTHENTICATE TRAINING

Volunteers and research participants sought:

29. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

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

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

Ongoing Services

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

·       CAREER ADVISING   

·       COOK COUNSELING

·       SERENITY SPACE

·       CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·       GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·       AFFINITY GROUPS

·       NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·       HOKIE ONE STOP

·       WRITING CENTER

·       EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS

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

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


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

2. TALK-O TUESDAY

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

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

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

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

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

4. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

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

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

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

5. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

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

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

6. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

Administrative Announcements

7. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

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

8. VIRGINIA TECH DC AREA GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

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

9. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

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

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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

11. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Take your research to the next level. GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online, asynchronous course offered by the University Libraries in spring 2024. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond and have the option to take the class either for credit or as pass/fail. Two discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. For more information, contact Lisa Becksford, lisab5@vt.edu.

12. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

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

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

13. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

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

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

External Funding Opportunities

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

14. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

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

15. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

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

16. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

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

Deadline: February 9, 2024

Upcoming Events

17. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

18. GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT ADVISING, DROP-IN HOURS

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

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


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

19. APIDA & INDIGENOUS QUEER QUESTIONING & ALLIES CONVERSATION

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

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

20. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET

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

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

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

21. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

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

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

22. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

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

23. GIVING THANKS AROUND THE WORLD LUNCH

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

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

24. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION

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

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

·       Audra Upchurch – Vice President, Homeland Security Market LMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

26. NIGHTTIME GUIDED MEDITATION

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

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

27. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

28. ITHENTICATE TRAINING

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

ITHENTICATE TRAINING

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

29. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING

Sensory Evaluation Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing Services (updated 11/06/23)

·       GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.

·       CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html

·       COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

·       GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.

·       AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.

·       NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

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

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

·       HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

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

·       EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Monday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Follow us on social media:

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

Instagram and X: @hokieonestopdc

Have a great week!

Oct. 23 DC Area Graduate Student Weekly Newsletter

October 23, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. Investigator Series: Environment, Health and Safety Onboarding at Virginia Tech

2. CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN DATA, AND OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

3. Hokie Wellness for Researchers: Helping Colleagues and Collaborators in Distress

4. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

5. HOKIE HALLOWEEN

6. ASIAN AFFINITY GROUP

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

8. GRAD PARENTS FALL FESTIVAL PLAYDATE

Administrative Announcements: 
9. POP-UP PANTRY FOR DC AREA STUDENTS

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

11. WINTER SESSION COURSE

12. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

13. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

14. ACCESSING QUALITY EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION SURVEY

15. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

16. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

17. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

18. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities listed this week.

External Funding Opportunities

19. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

20. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

21. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

22.  Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) 2023-2024 Scholarship and Fellowship program.

Upcoming Events: 

23. WORKSHOP ON INTERVIEW SKILLS

24. Shipping and Receiving Biological and Hazardous Research Materials

25. DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE

26. POP-UP PANTRY FOR STUDENTS

27. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

28. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

29. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

30. Hokie Wellness for Researchers: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

31. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION

Volunteers and research participants sought:

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

33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Ongoing Services

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 
  • CAREER ADVISING   
  • COOK COUNSELING
  • SERENITY SPACE
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
  • AFFINITY GROUPS
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
  • HOKIE ONE STOP
  • WRITING CENTER
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. Investigator Series: Environment, Health and Safety Onboarding at Virginia Tech

Monday, Oct. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
A shared partnership exists among University leadership, faculty, researchers, laboratory staff, students, and Environmental Health and Safety to support a strong culture of safety; a culture in which all individuals responsibly embrace safety as a core value for long-term health and safety. As a principal investigator, supervisor or researcher, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and your colleagues.
This webinar will review the Environmental Health and Safety onboarding recommendations for the responsible for the oversight of laboratory safety and responsible for administration and implementation of the university’s research and training requirements, safety programs, policies, and procedures. For more information, contact Kory Trott (ktrott@vt.edu). https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/environment–health-and-safety-onboarding-at-virginia-tech.html

2. CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN DATA, AND OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Monday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Join the University Libraries and invited guests for a discussion for future professors regarding open access, open educational resources, and open data.
University Libraries’ faculty, Philip Young, Anita Walz, and Jonathan Petters will provide brief overviews of open access, open educational resources, and open data to provide some general information on the topics. Finally, presenters will discuss how aspects of open have impacted their career development as well as how they have incorporated open practices into their research and scholarship, and the audience will be invited to participate in the robust conversation. All are welcome! https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11361438
For information about other events happening during Open Access Week, visit https://guides.lib.vt.edu/oa/week.

3. Hokie Wellness for Researchers: Helping Colleagues and Collaborators in Distress

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
Are you concerned about a friend, family member, or colleague who is struggling and wish you knew what to do and say to help them? During your lifetime, you will interact with folks that experience loss, sadness, or depression.
This workshop can help attendees understand and intervene in those situations, even though it is not designed to teach how to treat the persons loss or sadness. In the workshop, attendees will learn how to recognize the symptoms of sadness and depression, how to engage with a person, and discuss ways to get them further help.
This program is interactive and attendees will get to practice techniques. For more information, contact Kory Trott (ktrott@vt.edu)

https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/hokie-wellness-for-researchers–helping-colleagues-and-collabora.html

4. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Oct. 26 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church)

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

5. HOKIE HALLOWEEN

Thursday, Oct. 26, 4:30 p.m., in person, Northern Virginia Center Community Café.

Join us for an evening of pumpkin carving (prizes for best pumpkins and Halloween costumes!!) and a football game watch party. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, Oct. 24 so we know how many people to plan for. Halloween costumes encouraged.
Pumpkin Carving starts at 4:30 p.m. (depending on sign ups, students may have to pair up for pumpkin carving). Costume and Pumpkin Carving Contest starts at 6:30 p.m.

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse Football Game Watch Party starts at 7 p.m., kickoff at 7:30 p.m. (food provided). If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Torri K. Brown at torribrown@vt.edu.

6. ASIAN AFFINITY GROUP

Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Are you an APIDA graduate student? Then this is a great opportunity to meet other APIDA peers! Join the Asian Affinity Group to meet new people and get support during your time in graduate school. This event is open to all campuses, particularly those in the Northern VA/Washington D.C. areas. Faculty and staff are more than welcome to attend! Join our meeting here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/88588653608

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Oct.27, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

8. GRAD PARENTS FALL FESTIVAL PLAYDATE
Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-3 p.m., in person
Bring the family to the Reston Farm Garden Market, 10800 Baron Cameron Ave. in Reston. There will be train rides, a play area, petting zoo, and farm markets! The cost is $20 per child and $5 per adult. For more information, contact: chontresehayes@vt.edu

Administrative Announcements

9. POP-UP PANTRY

The Virginia Tech Washington, D.C. metro area Black Caucus is hosting a DC Area Student Pop-Up Pantry on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 2:30 p.m., in room 471 of the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. The pantry provides food, toiletries, and clothing free to all Virginia Tech graduate students in the DC Metro Area. If you are a student in need, we’d love to see you there!

10. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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

11. WINTER SESSION COURSE

The School of Education is offering EDHE 5984: Addressing Critical Problems in Higher Education, during the 2024 Winter session. The asynchronous course will explore contemporary issues in higher education with application for all educators (teachers and counselors) working in P-12 and higher education, as well as staff and administrators. The course will engage in discussions educator’s various roles and responsibilities in their contributions to shaping the future of higher education. Areas of focus for the course are hope and possibility, barriers to access, and marginalized populations. For more information, contact Chase Catalano, ccatalano@vt.edu

12. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Take your research to the next level. GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online, asynchronous course offered by the University Libraries in spring 2024. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond and have the option to take the class either for credit or as pass/fail. Two discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. For more information, contact Lisa Becksford, lisab5@vt.edu.

13. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

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

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

14. ACCESSING QUALITY EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION SURVEY

The university’s Early Childhood Education Initiatives team wants to help Virginia Tech employees and students across all campuses access quality early childcare and education. This has been identified as a university priority. As part of the group’s ongoing work to address this important issue, all Virginia Tech faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students at all Virginia Tech locations are encouraged to complete a child care survey to gauge the current use and needs regarding child care across our university communities. Even if you do not use child care, please take a moment to complete the survey, available via this link (https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=O2KuSig6RloECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D). Please complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. All responses are anonymous. Visit the university’s caregiving site (https://caregiving.vt.edu/) for information, resources, and more.

15. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

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

16. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

Diversity Scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. They are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. These projects can take many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global. Virtual info sessions will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2-3 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 31, 12-1 p.m. To learn more about the program and the application process, please register for one of our virtual information sessions: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/DiversityScholarsInfoSession2023
For additional information, email the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships at DISP@vt.edu

17. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

The Graduate School is seeking 1-3 graduate student speakers for the Fall 2023 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. 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 Dec. 15. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023: https://forms.gle/6ogGUuvoCzWxot1L7 Submitted by Lauren Surface, Director of Graduate Student Services.

18. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

The Graduate School has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.  

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

External Funding Opportunities

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

19. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Nov. 1

Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct independent research utilizing the Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or staff expertise. Members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serve as advisors and hosts to fellows. Fields of research include animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics; Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology; Astrophysics and astronomy; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary & systematic biology; folklife; History of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts; materials research; molecular biology; social and cultural history of the United States. https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP

20. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

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

21. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

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

22. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

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

Deadline: February 9, 2024

Upcoming Events

23. WORKSHOP ON INTERVIEW SKILLS

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual

This workshop discusses the interview process, provides basic interview tips, and shares a formula for answering behavioral questions. The session will also offer strategies for dealing with interview anxiety. Submitted by Career and Professional Development

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

24. Shipping and Receiving Biological and Hazardous Research Materials

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Virtual

This webinar will discuss potential requirements for packing of biological and hazardous materials for national and international shipments. Advice and guidance on packing, documentation and permitting applications will be reviewed. Preparation for receiving of certain research materials will also be discussed.

https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/shipping-and-receiving-biological-and-hazardous-research-materia.html

25. DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE: IRB SERIES (2/2)

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 2-3 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Join us as we get the opportunity to learn from the Privacy and Research Data Protection (PRDP) director about data collection and storage here at Virginia Tech. This presentation will focus on data types and classifications in research, special considerations for use of data, and data storage options. To register and learn more, see https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/irbseries2

26. POP-UP PANTRY FOR STUDENTS

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 2:30 p.m., In person, Northern Virginia Center, room 471, in Falls Church

The Virginia Tech DC Metro Area Black Caucus is hosting a DC Area Student Pop-Up Pantry. The pantry provides food, toiletries, and clothing free to all Virginia Tech graduate students in the DC Metro Area. If you are a student in need, we’d love to see you there!

27. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual

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

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

28. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

29. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

30. Hokie Wellness for Researchers: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

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

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

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

31. WOMEN IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONVERSATION

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

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

  • Audra Upchurch – Vice President, Homeland Security Market LMI
  • Julia Defeo – Ph.D. student, Dept of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
  • Marcella Kelly – Professor, Dept of Fish and Wildlife Conservation
  • Shannon McCabe, Exec. Director, Association of Consulting Foresters of America, Inc.
  • Bettina Ring – State Director, Virginia, The Nature Conservancy

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

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

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

33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Department of Food Science and Technology/Department of Plant and Environmental Science

Lauren Harrison is conducting research for her OMALS project and report on ‘Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk’ (IRB#23-753), under the supervision of Laura Strawn, Department of Food Science and Technology. She would appreciate your feedback in our online survey. All individuals over the age of 18 are encouraged to take this survey. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. The department has contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential and anonymous survey responses. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 25. Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYf81ZzjlH

Ongoing Services (updated 10/23/23)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress.  Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there.  All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions.  Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space. 
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:
    • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html
  • WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Have a great week!

OCT. 16 DC Area Graduate Student Weekly Newsletter

October 16, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

2. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

3. DEI PANEL DISCUSSION

4. INFORMATION SESSION ON NETWORKING

5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

6. BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Administrative Announcements: 
8. ACCESSING QUALITY EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION SURVEY

9. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

10. REGISTER NOW SPRING LEADERSHIP COURSES

11. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

13. ASPECT STUDENT CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

14. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities listed this week.

External Funding Opportunities

15. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP

16. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

18. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

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

Upcoming Events: 

20. INVESTIGATOR SERIES: ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ONBOARDING AT VIRGINIA TECH

21. CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN DATA, AND OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

22. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: HELPING COLLEAGUES AND COLLABORATORS IN DISTRESS

23. GRAD PARENTS FALL FESTIVAL PLAYDATE

24. WORKSHOP ON INTERVIEW SKILLS

25. SHIPPING AND RECEIVING BIOLOGICAL AND HAZARDOUS RESEARCH MATERIALS

26. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

27. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

28. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

29. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET

Volunteers and research participants sought:

30. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Ongoing Services

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

·        CAREER ADVISING   

·        COOK COUNSELING

·        SERENITY SPACE

·        CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·        AFFINITY GROUPS

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·        HOKIE ONE STOP

·        WRITING CENTER

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

Oct. 16, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. John Palmore, assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is the guest speaker. Registration link:

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

2. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

Oct. 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Student focused session geared to assist students planning to graduate for Fall 2023. All students are welcome to get information about the degree completion steps for degree completion. Submitted by the Graduate School Admissions and Academic Progress team. Use this link to register: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89548454073

3. DEI PANEL DISCUSSION

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Virtual

The Virginia Tech community is invited to attend a keynote featuring DEI consultant Catarina Rivera and a panel discussion with speakers from the university’s Office for Inclusion and Diversity, Office for Equity and Accessibility, ADA and Accessibility Services, and Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) teams. Use this link to register: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/84616475082 Summitted by Gennelle Chatman.

4. INFORMATION SESSION ON NETWORKING

Oct. 17, 1-2 p.m., Virtual

What is networking, why does it matter, and how do you do it? This workshop answers these questions and more. The session will also cover how to utilize LinkedIn for networking and the job search. Register on Handshake or find out more information here https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html Submitted by Susanne Shelburne.

5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Oct. 19, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

6. BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Friday, Oct. 20, 9-10 a.m., Virtual

This workshop is designed to help you build, communicate, and maintain your personal brand both online and offline. Submitted by Career and Professional Development

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

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Oct.20, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

Administrative Announcements

8. ACCESSING QUALITY EARLY CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION SURVEY

The university’s Early Childhood Education Initiatives team wants to help Virginia Tech employees and students across all campuses access quality early childcare and education. This has been identified as a university priority. As part of the group’s ongoing work to address this important issue, all Virginia Tech faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students at all Virginia Tech locations are encouraged to complete a child care survey to gauge the current use and needs regarding child care across our university communities. Even if you do not use child care, please take a moment to complete the survey, available via this link (https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=O2KuSig6RloECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D). Please complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. All responses are anonymous. Visit the university’s caregiving site (https://caregiving.vt.edu/) for information, resources, and more.

9. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

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

10. REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING LEADERSHIP COURSES

All graduate students are encouraged to enroll in Leadership courses for Spring 2024 during course request. The following courses are available:

LDRS 4514 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders;

LDRS 4984 Toxic Leadership;

LDRS 5004 Ethics in Leader/Follower Relationships;

LDRS 5454 Leadership Diverse Contexts;

LDRS 5464 Leadership in a Global Society;

LDRS 5544 Leading Teams through Change;

LDRS 5554 Leading Social Change.

Please see the university Timetable of Classes for course descriptions and CRNs. Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.

11. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

Diversity Scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. They are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. These projects can take many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global. Virtual info sessions will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2-3pm and Tuesday, Oct. 31, 12-1 p.m. To learn more about the program and the application process, please register for one of our virtual information sessions: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/DiversityScholarsInfoSession2023
For additional information, email the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships at DISP@vt.edu

12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

The Graduate School is seeking 1-3 graduate student speakers for the Fall 2023 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. 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 Dec. 15. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023: https://forms.gle/6ogGUuvoCzWxot1L7 Submitted by Lauren Surface, Director of Graduate Student Services.

13. ASPECT STUDENT CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

The Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought (ASPECT) program’s student planning committee is pleased to share the Call for Papers for the 2024 ASPECT Student Conference to be held on March 21 and 22, 2024. The conference theme, Reimagine Relationality, invites submissions from a wide range of approaches to key questions about how relationships shape our world and ourselves. The committee welcomes any and all submissions from graduate students, as the interdisciplinary nature of ASPECT champions a variety of approaches to these pertinent and provocative questions. Thank you in advance for your support of the conference. In the meantime, should you have any questions or desire further information about the ASPECT conference or program, please contact us at aspectconferencevt@gmail.com.

14. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

The Graduate School has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.  

Job Opportunities

No Job opportunities at this time.

External Funding Opportunities

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

15. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

DEADLINE: Oct. 22

Are you looking for a summer or year-long internship to boost your future career opportunities? Apply to join NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIIP) Class of 2024-25 today. MSIIP is open to all academic backgrounds. Internships begin on June 3, 2024. Application materials are due by 11:59 p.m. EST, Oct. 22, 2023. Register here: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/

16. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Nov. 1

Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct independent research utilizing the Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or staff expertise. Members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serve as advisors and hosts to fellows. Fields of research include animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics; Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology; Astrophysics and astronomy; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary & systematic biology; folklife; History of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts; materials research; molecular biology; social and cultural history of the United States. https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

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

18. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

DEADLINE (registration): Dec. 1

DEADLINE (application): Dec. 8

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

19. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS

DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024

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

Deadline: February 9, 2024

Upcoming Events

20. INVESTIGATOR SERIES: ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ONBOARDING AT VIRGINIA TECH

Monday, Oct. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
A shared partnership exists among University leadership, faculty, researchers, laboratory staff, students, and Environmental Health and Safety to support a strong culture of safety; a culture in which all individuals responsibly embrace safety as a core value for long-term health and safety. As a principal investigator, supervisor or researcher, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and your colleagues.
This webinar will review the Environmental Health and Safety onboarding recommendations for the responsible for the oversight of laboratory safety and responsible for administration and implementation of the university’s research and training requirements, safety programs, policies, and procedures. For more information, contact Kory Trott (ktrott@vt.edu). https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/environment–health-and-safety-onboarding-at-virginia-tech.html

21. CONNECTING THE OPENS: OPEN ACCESS, OPEN DATA, AND OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Monday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m., Zoom

Join the University Libraries and invited guests for a discussion for future professors regarding open access, open educational resources, and open data.
University Libraries’ faculty, Philip Young, Anita Walz, and Jonathan Petters will provide brief overviews of open access, open educational resources, and open data to provide some general information on the topics. Finally, presenters will discuss how aspects of open have impacted their career development as well as how they have incorporated open practices into their research and scholarship, and the audience will be invited to participate in the robust conversation. All are welcome! https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11361438
For information about other events happening during Open Access Week, visit https://guides.lib.vt.edu/oa/week.

22. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: HELPING COLLEAGUES AND COLLABORATORS IN DISTRESS

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
Are you concerned about a friend, family member, or colleague who is struggling and wish you knew what to do and say to help them? During your lifetime, you will interact with folks that experience loss, sadness, or depression.
This workshop can help attendees understand and intervene in those situations, even though it is not designed to teach how to treat the persons loss or sadness. In the workshop, attendees will learn how to recognize the symptoms of sadness and depression, how to engage with a person, and discuss ways to get them further help.
This program is interactive and attendees will get to practice techniques. For more information, contact Kory Trott (ktrott@vt.edu)

https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/hokie-wellness-for-researchers–helping-colleagues-and-collabora.html

23. GRAD PARENTS FALL FESTIVAL PLAYDATE
Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-3 p.m., in person
Bring the family to the Reston Farm Garden Market, 10800 Baron Cameron Ave. in Reston. There will be train rides, a play area, petting zoo, and farm markets! The cost is $20 per child and $5 per adult. For more information, contact: chontresehayes@vt.edu

24. WORKSHOP ON INTERVIEW SKILLS

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual

This workshop discusses the interview process, provides basic interview tips, and shares a formula for answering behavioral questions. The session will also offer strategies for dealing with interview anxiety. Submitted by Career and Professional Development

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

25. SHIPPING AND RECEIVING BIOLOGICAL AND HAZARDOUS RESEARCH MATERIALS

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Virtual

This webinar will discuss potential requirements for packing of biological and hazardous materials for national and international shipments. Advice and guidance on packing, documentation and permitting applications will be reviewed. Preparation for receiving of certain research materials will also be discussed.

https://www.research.vt.edu/events/2023/shipping-and-receiving-biological-and-hazardous-research-materia.html

26. NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual

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

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

27. DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

28. DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

29. HOKIE WELLNESS FOR RESEARCHERS: CULTIVATING A GROWTH MINDSET

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

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

30. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research (VTCAR)

We are seeking autistic adults or their caregivers as volunteer research
participants to complete an anonymous online survey about their language use preferences
about autistic identities! This is an unpaid research opportunity that involves online questionnaires, and should take up to 45 minutes total.

Requirements:

·        Be at least 18 years old

·        Be able to provide informed consent

·        Identify as autistic/having autism or as a
caregiver of an autistic adult

·        Be able to read English.


Email Naomi at vtautismcenter@vt.edu to complete the screening questions! Completing the screening questions does not mean that you are a research participant.

31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Department of Food Science and Technology/Department of Plant and Environmental Science

Lauren Harrison is conducting research for her OMALS project and report on ‘Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk’ (IRB#23-753), under the supervision of Laura Strawn, Department of Food Science and Technology. She would appreciate your feedback in our online survey. All individuals over the age of 18 are encouraged to take this survey. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. The department has contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential and anonymous survey responses. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 25. Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYf81ZzjlH

Ongoing Services (updated 10/09/23)

·        GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.

·        CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html

·        COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.

·        AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

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

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

·        HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

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

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Have a great week!

Oct 9, 2023 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter for Virginia Tech Graduate Students

October 9, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. WRITING WORKSHOP

2. CRANWELL MIXER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE D.C. AREA

3. VIRTUAL CONNECTION JOB FAIR

4. WORKSHOP ON WRITING LITERATURE REVIEWS

5. INFORMATION SESSION ABOUT MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS

6. VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISRAEL

7. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

8.  OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

9. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

10. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Administrative Announcements: 


11. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

13. ASPECT STUDENT CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

14. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GRADUATE STUDENT STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY

15. SURVEY ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SHARED GOVERNANCE SYSTEM

16. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

Job Opportunities


17. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (GRA) ON NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) GCR PROJECT

External Funding Opportunities

18. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP

19. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

20. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

21. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

Upcoming Events: 

22. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

23. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

24. INFORMATION SESSION ON NETWORKING

25. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

26. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Volunteers and research participants sought:

27. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Ongoing Services

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 
  • CAREER ADVISING   
  • COOK COUNSELING
  • SERENITY SPACE
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
  • AFFINITY GROUPS
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
  • HOKIE ONE STOP
  • WRITING CENTER
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. WRITING WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 3-4 p.m., Virtual

This workshop will discuss the purpose of these statements and introduce practical steps for getting started in the writing process. Participants will have the opportunity to review sample statements and discuss content and formatting options. Submitted by Career and Professional Development.

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

2. Cranwell Mixer for International Students in the D.C. Area

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 5-7 p.m., Northern Virginia Center Café, Falls Church

Cranwell International Center and the Graduate School are hosting a mixer for international students next Tuesday, October 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the NVC Café of the Falls Church campus. Take a break from studying to grab a bite to eat and meet Danielle Davis, Assistant Director for International Student Services on the Blacksburg campus, during her visit to the NVC.

Light refreshments will be served—please RSVP using the link below: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWE0ViZTnDuGhYT6uRMjXaAKPb4cpOSR5VY8PHygrgzguw2w/viewform

The Falls Church Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center is located close by the West Falls Church-VT Orange line Metro stop.

3. VIRTUAL CONNECTION JOB FAIR

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual

Are you looking for a co-op or full-time position? Employers from multiple industries will be in attendance at this career fair. Register here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/career_fairs/42196?ref=events-search Submitted by Career and Professional Development

4. WORKSHOP ON WRITING LITERATURE REVIEWS

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Virtual

You’ve been assigned to write a literature review, but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to identify the type of literature review you need to conduct, find relevant databases to search in the life sciences, and create effective search strategies. Use this link to register: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939650

Submitted by Virginia Tech Library Learning Design Initiatives

5. INFORMATION SESSION ABOUT MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6-7 p.m., Virtual

Want more skills & experience before starting your career? Get a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics from Pamplin in just one year! Join the Center for Business Analytics for an online info session Wednesday, October 11th at 6pm for more about the MSBA-BA program. We consider applicants from any major. Apply by Nov. 1st to receive full consideration; later applicants will be considered as space permits. The final application deadline is Feb. 1 for international students, Mar. 1 for domestic. Learn more about the program at https://cba.pamplin.vt.edu/grads/masters.html and attend one of our upcoming info sessions to hear from program leadership: Wed. Oct. 11th at 6pm or Wed. Oct. 25th at 6pm. RSVP at https://cba.pamplin.vt.edu/events/info_sessions.html Submitted by Pamplin College of Business.

6. VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN ISRAEL

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Virtual

In solidarity with the people of Israel and our community, Hokies for Israel, in collaboration with Hillel at Virginia Tech, are holding a vigil (in person and virtually) to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack in Israel on Oct 7. This vigil is for anyone who is affected or wants to show support for the people who are suffering or have died. Please sign up via the following link: https://forms.gle/K7Cpmsp6ekWzfTEm8 Submitted by graduate student Amir Gazar, amirgazar@vt.edu

7. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Oct. 12, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

8.  OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

Thursday, Oct. 12 1-4 p.m., Virtual

Kira Dietz and Corinne Guimont will teach a 3-hour workshop on using Omeka for digital scholarship projects and exhibits. Participants will learn the basics of Omeka terminology, as well as how to create metadata, upload items, manage multiple users, and use themes and plugins. In addition, participants will explore copyright for content and hosting options for Omeka. The workshop is Oct. 12 from 1-4 p.m. Use this link to register. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11216672

9. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

Thursday, Oct. 12, 3-4:30 p.m., in person, Room 214 in the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church.

Student focused session geared to assist students planning to graduate for Fall 2023. All students are welcome to get information about the degree completion steps for degree completion!

10. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Oct. 13, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

Administrative Announcements

11. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS

Diversity Scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. They are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. These projects can take many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global. Virtual info sessions will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2-3pm and Tuesday, Oct. 31, 12-1 p.m. To learn more about the program and the application process, please register for one of our virtual information sessions: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/DiversityScholarsInfoSession2023
For additional information, email the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships at DISP@vt.edu

12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR FALL COMMENCEMENT

The Graduate School is seeking 1-3 graduate student speakers for the Fall 2023 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. 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 Dec. 15. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023: https://forms.gle/6ogGUuvoCzWxot1L7 Submitted by Lauren Surface, Director of Graduate Student Services.

13. ASPECT STUDENT CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

The Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought (ASPECT) program’s student planning committee is pleased to share the Call for Papers for the 2024 ASPECT Student Conference to be held on March 21 and 22, 2024. The conference theme, Reimagine Relationality, invites submissions from a wide range of approaches to key questions about how relationships shape our world and ourselves. The committee welcomes any and all submissions from graduate students, as the interdisciplinary nature of ASPECT champions a variety of approaches to these pertinent and provocative questions. Thank you in advance for your support of the conference. In the meantime, should you have any questions or desire further information about the ASPECT conference or program, please contact us at aspectconferencevt@gmail.com.

14. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GRADUATE STUDENT STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY

Join Dr. Sabith Khan in Oaxaca, Mexico this January for a 3-credit hour winter course, SPIA 5954, Migration and Remittances as the Forces Binding Mexico and the United States. The application deadline is Oct. 12. More information can be found on the program’s website: https://sa.globaleducation.vt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=12386

15. SURVEY ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SHARED GOVERNANCE SYSTEM

The University Council Cabinet would appreciate your feedback through our online survey about Virginia Tech’s shared governance system. Your input will be used to help gauge how informed the university community is about what is happening in the governance system and whether our students, faculty, and staff feel they know how to become involved in one of the shared governance bodies or to make their voices heard by communicating ideas or concerns to the appropriate office or governance body. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Survey results will be reported to the cabinet in the aggregate without any personally identifying information. We have contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential survey responses. Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AXO8nZxoYb by Oct. 16. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights.

If you have questions, contact the Office of the vice president for policy and governance, vppg@vt.edu.

16. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.  

Job Opportunities

17. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (GRA) ON NSF GCR PROJECT

Dr. Shalini Misra is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative graduate student to work on an exciting National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research (NSF-GCR) project on inland freshwater salinization. With the Occoquan Reservoir in Northern Virginia as its test bed, this NSF GCR project aims to understand the various sources of freshwater salinization and catalyze stakeholder-driven management strategies to address freshwater salinization. More information on the project here: https://salt.cee.vt.edu/. The graduate student will join a highly collaborative multi-institutional team of faculty, students, and stakeholders. Individuals with interests in sustainability, collaborative governance, and transdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (STEM, Social Sciences, or Humanities). Background in sustainability, environmental science, or environmental policy is desirable.
  • Interest in cross-disciplinary, community-engaged research.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Desire to work as part of a highly collaborative team.
  • A creative mindset and approach to research.

Email your: (1) CV, (2) Cover letter; (3) a writing sample; (4) two references to shalini@vt.edu

External Funding Opportunities

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

18. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

DEADLINE: Oct. 22

Are you looking for a summer or year-long internship to boost your future career opportunities? Apply to join NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIIP) Class of 2024-25 today. MSIIP is open to all academic backgrounds. Internships begin on June 3, 2024. Application opened Aug. 1, 2023 and materials are due by 11:59pm EST, Oct. 22, 2023. Register here: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/

19. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Nov. 1

Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct independent research utilizing the Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or staff expertise. Members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serve as advisors and hosts to fellows. Fields of research include animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics; Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology; Astrophysics and astronomy; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary & systematic biology; folklife; History of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts; materials research; molecular biology; social and cultural history of the United States. https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP

20. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET.  The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI

21. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

DEADLINE (registration): Dec. 1

DEADLINE (application): Dec. 8

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

Upcoming Events

22. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

Oct. 16, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. John Palmore, assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is the guest speaker. Registration link:

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

23. INFORMATION SESSION ON GRADUATING IN FALL 2023

Oct. 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Student focused session geared to assist students planning to graduate for Fall 2023. All students are welcome to get information about the degree completion steps for degree completion. Submitted by the Graduate School Admissions and Academic Progress team. Use this link to register: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89548454073

24. INFORMATION SESSION ON NETWORKING

Oct. 17, 1-2 p.m.

What is networking, why does it matter, and how do you do it? This workshop answers these questions and more. The session will also cover how to utilize LinkedIn for networking and the job search. Register on Handshake or find out more information here https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html Submitted by Susanne Shelburne.

25. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

26. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

27. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research (VTCAR)

We are seeking autistic adults or their caregivers as volunteer research
participants to complete an anonymous online survey about their language use preferences
about autistic identities! This is an unpaid research opportunity that involves online questionnaires, and should take up to 45 minutes total.

Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to provide informed consent
  • Identify as autistic/having autism or as a
    caregiver of an autistic adult
  • Be able to read English.


Email Naomi at vtautismcenter@vt.edu to complete the screening questions! Completing the screening questions does not mean that you are a research participant.

28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ATTITUDES STUDY

Department of Food Science and Technology/Department of Plant and Environmental Science

Lauren Harrison is conducting research for her OMALS project and report on ‘Agricultural Practices Attitudes and Perceived Risk’ (IRB#23-753), under the supervision of Laura Strawn, Department of Food Science and Technology. She would appreciate your feedback in our online survey. All individuals over the age of 18 are encouraged to take this survey. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. The department has contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential and anonymous survey responses. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 25. Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AYf81ZzjlH

Ongoing Services (updated 10/09/23)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress.  Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there.  All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions.  Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space. 
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:
    • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html
  • WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Have a great week!

October 2 DC Area Weekly Newsletter for Virginia Tech Graduate Students

Oct. 2, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING

2. DROP-IN ADVISING IN ARLINGTON (VT-RC)

3. HOKIE SHOP POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

4. FLU SHOT CLINIC AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

6. FLU SHOT CLINIC AT THE ARLINGTON RESEARCH CENTER

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Administrative Announcements: 


8. SURVEY ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SHARED GOVERNANCE SYSTEM, 1st POSTING

9. LATINEX HISTORY AT VIRGINIA TECH INITIATIVE, 1st POSTING

10. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 1st POSTING

11. LOOKING FOR PHI BETA KAPPA MEMBERS

12. NEW EXTENDED HOURS FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER LIBRARY IN FALLS CHURCH

13. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

Job Opportunities


14. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (GRA) ON NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) GCR PROJECT

15. SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH

External Funding Opportunities

16. NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, 1st POSTING

17. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP, 1st POSTING

18. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

19. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

20. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

Upcoming Events: 

21. OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

22. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

23. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

24. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Volunteers and research participants sought:

25. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

Ongoing Services

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

·        CAREER ADVISING   

·        COOK COUNSELING

·        SERENITY SPACE

·        CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·        AFFINITY GROUPS

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·        HOKIE ONE STOP

·        WRITING CENTER

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING

Monday, Oct. 2, 12-1 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

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 skills and resume! Please indicate your interest in attending the upcoming training by completing this short registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm0Y93Xd-yaShDS-fc62wjuoAjDTVC47kbs8WHw2FYfh7jMQ/viewform.

2. DROP-IN ADVISING IN ARLINGTON (VT-RC)

Monday, Oct. 2, 1-5 p.m. Second floor of the Research Center, Room 2-304

In person student advising (walk in) with the Graduate School staff for academic progress and degree completion advising needs for students at the Virginia Tech-Research Center in Arlington, 900 N. Glebe Road. Students can drop in at any time to meet in person with an advisor.

3. HOKIE SHOP POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

Monday, Oct. 2, 2-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12-6 p.m.

The Virginia Tech Hokie Shop, Virginia Tech’s official bookstore, will host a two-day pop-up Store on Oct. 2 and 3 at the Northern Virginia Center (next to the West Falls Church Metro stop) in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area. The Hokie Shop is open to everyone. Virginia Tech students, employees, alumni, and community members in the D.C. area are encouraged to stop by and get your Hokie gear. An assortment of merchandise will be available, including clothing, gifts, collectibles, and other memorabilia.  Herff Jones will also be on-site to take regalia orders for December graduates.

4. FLU SHOT CLINIC AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 3-5 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church, room 200.

Fall is the time when respiratory illnesses, like flu, begin to spread. To protect yourself and others this fall and winter, follow these public health guidelines (https://news.vt.edu/notices/adm-evergreens/public-safety-community-health.html) and get a flu shot!

Flu shot clinics are being offered in the D.C. area, which all employees and students are able to attend. Employees, please work with your supervisor with regard to scheduling questions as all clinics are during work hours.

Eligibility:

·        Salaried, benefitted faculty and staff who are covered by state health insurance plans must show their insurance card to receive a free flu shot. Other insurance plans may be accepted but cannot be guaranteed.

·        Non-student wage employees must show their Hokie Passport in order to receive their free flu vaccination.

·        Undergraduate and graduate students must also show an insurance card to receive a free vaccine.

Injectable flu shots will be available. Registration is required for each person who will attend a clinic and may be found using the registration link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EAEAE22A7FF2-44440825-dc#/

5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Oct. 5, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

6. FLU SHOT CLINIC AT THE ARLINGTON RESEARCH CENTER

Thursday, Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m., Arlington Research Center, 2nd floor, room 304

Fall is the time when respiratory illnesses, like flu, begin to spread. To protect yourself and others this fall and winter, follow these public health guidelines (https://news.vt.edu/notices/adm-evergreens/public-safety-community-health.html) and get a flu shot!

Flu shot clinics are being offered in the D.C. area, which all employees and students are able to attend. Employees, please work with your supervisor with regard to scheduling questions as all clinics are during work hours.

Eligibility:

·        Salaried, benefitted faculty and staff who are covered by state health insurance plans must show their insurance card to receive a free flu shot. Other insurance plans may be accepted but cannot be guaranteed.

·        Non-student wage employees must show their Hokie Passport in order to receive their free flu vaccination.

·        Undergraduate and graduate students must also show an insurance card to receive a free vaccine.

Injectable flu shots will be available. Registration is required for each person who will attend a clinic and may be found using the registration link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EAEAE22A7FF2-44440825-dc#/

7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Friday, Oct. 6, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

Administrative Announcements

8. SURVEY ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SHARED GOVERNANCE SYSTEM, 1st POSTING

The University Council Cabinet would appreciate your feedback through our online survey about Virginia Tech’s shared governance system. Your input will be used to help gauge how informed the university community is about what is happening in the governance system and whether our students, faculty, and staff feel they know how to become involved in one of the shared governance bodies or to make their voices heard by communicating ideas or concerns to the appropriate office or governance body. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Survey results will be reported to the cabinet in the aggregate without any personally identifying information. We have contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential survey responses. Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AXO8nZxoYb by Oct. 16. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights.

If you have questions, contact the Office of the vice president for policy and governance, vppg@vt.edu.

9. LATINX HISTORY AT VIRGINIA TECH INITIATIVE, 3RD POSTING

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latinx Affinity Group, in collaboration with the El Centro Cultural Center, jointly launched an initiative to illuminate the origins and contributions of the Latinx community at Virginia Tech. The project will include cultural artifacts and oral history testimonials.  If you want to contribute to this initiative or need more information, please contact:  Chontrese Hayes, assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success at chontresehayes@vt.edu or Veronica Montes, Director, El Centro Cultural Center at vmontes@vt.edu.

10. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 3rd POSTING

With the Faculty Mentor of the Month program, the Graduate School recognizes and highlights the important role faculty members play in supporting, encouraging, and promoting an affirmative, inclusive scholarly and teaching environment for graduate students. Nominate your faculty advisors, committee members, or other faculty members who have played a significant role in your graduate experience, either in a single noteworthy instance or through continued and consistent support, by completing this nomination form: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html. Nominations are accepted year-round, and a new winner is selected every month. Winners receive a certificate and a small token of our appreciation. Winning faculty mentors are featured on our website and recognized on social media platforms. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html

11. LOOKING FOR PHI BETA KAPPA MEMBERS, 2nd POSTING

Virginia Tech was granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter on May 8, 1977. The founding president of our chapter was the late professor, Albert Sturm, research professor of political science. We are called the Mu of Virginia Chapter. Mu is the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet, as we are the 12th university or college in the state of Virginia to receive a charter.

If you are a Phi Beta Kappa member, the Mu of Virginia Chapter would be delighted to hear from you! Please send an email to Shelia Collins, PBK’s liaison in the Provost’s Office, at shcolli4@vt.edu with any questions or to be added to our listserv. https://www.provost.vt.edu/phi_beta_kappa.html

12. NEW EXTENDED HOURS FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER LIBRARY IN FALLS CHURCH, 2nd POSTING

Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday.
New hours:

·        Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

·        Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·        Saturday: 10 a.m. – p.m.

·        Sunday: Closed

13. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.  

Job Opportunities

14. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (GRA) ON NSF GCR PROJECT

Dr. Shalini Misra is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative graduate student to work on an exciting National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research (NSF-GCR) project on inland freshwater salinization. With the Occoquan Reservoir in Northern Virginia as its test bed, this NSF GCR project aims to understand the various sources of freshwater salinization and catalyze stakeholder-driven management strategies to address freshwater salinization. More information on the project here: https://salt.cee.vt.edu/. The graduate student will join a highly collaborative multi-institutional team of faculty, students, and stakeholders. Individuals with interests in sustainability, collaborative governance, and transdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

·        Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (STEM, Social Sciences, or Humanities). Background in sustainability, environmental science, or environmental policy is desirable.

·        Interest in cross-disciplinary, community-engaged research.

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills.

·        Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

·        Ability to meet deadlines.

·        Desire to work as part of a highly collaborative team.

·        A creative mindset and approach to research.

Email your: (1) CV, (2) Cover letter; (3) a writing sample; (4) two references to shalini@vt.edu

15. SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, 3rd POSTING

Open until filled.

We are seeking to create a self-advocate advisory committee to advise VTAC/CAR’s director on various research, programs, clinical services, marketing, and communications to help ensure that autistic people and their interests are represented in how VTAC/CAR advances its mission on behalf of the autism community. This is a wage position. Outcomes of discussions will directly inform potential center research and related services. Must be over 18 years of age, identify as being on the autism spectrum, or have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. For more information and how to apply use this form: https://www.vtcar.science.vt.edu/content/dam/vtcar_science_vt_edu/accepting-applications-for/SelfAdvocateAdvisoryCommitteeDescription8.2023.pdf

For more information, contact the vtautismcenter@vt.edu

External Funding Opportunities

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

16. NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Oct. 2

Established by Congress in 2000, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. The NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is a one-year, early-career, leadership program with assignments across the NNSA enterprise. For information and how to apply, visit this page: https://www.pnnl.gov/apply-ngfp

17. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

DEADLINE: Oct. 22

Are you looking for a summer or year-long internship to boost your future career opportunities? Apply to join NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIIP) Class of 2024-25 today. MSIIP is open to all academic backgrounds. Internships begin on June 3, 2024. Application opened Aug. 1, 2023 and materials are due by 11:59pm EST, Oct. 22, 2023. Register here: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/

18. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Nov. 1

Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct independent research utilizing the Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or staff expertise. Members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serve as advisors and hosts to fellows. Fields of research include animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics; Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology; Astrophysics and astronomy; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary & systematic biology; folklife; History of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts; materials research; molecular biology; social and cultural history of the United States. https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP

19. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET.  The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI

20. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

DEADLINE (registration): Dec. 1

DEADLINE (application): Dec. 8

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

Upcoming Events

21. OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Oct. 12 1-4 p.m.

https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11216672

Kira Dietz and Corinne Guimont will teach a 3-hour workshop on using Omeka for digital scholarship projects and exhibits. Participants will learn the basics of Omeka terminology, as well as how to create metadata, upload items, manage multiple users, and use themes and plugins. In addition, participants will explore copyright for content and hosting options for Omeka. The workshop is Oct. 12 from 1-4 in person and online Use the link above to register

22. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

Oct. 16, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. John Palmore, assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is the guest speaker. Registration link:

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

23. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

24. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

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

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

25. SEEKING STUDY PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AUTISM LANGUAGE PREFERENCES

Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research (VTCAR)

We are seeking autistic adults or their caregivers as volunteer research participants to complete an anonymous online survey about their language use preferences about autistic identities! This is an unpaid research opportunity that involves online questionnaires, and should take up to 45 minutes total.

Requirements:

·        Be at least 18 years old

·        Be able to provide informed consent

·        Identify as autistic/having autism or as a
caregiver of an autistic adult

·        Be able to read English.


Email Naomi at vtautismcenter@vt.edu to complete the screening questions. Completing the screening questions does not mean that you are a research participant.

Ongoing Services (updated 10/02/23)

·        GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.

·        CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html

·        COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.

·        AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:

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

o   Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

o   Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

o   Sunday: Building is closed

Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

·        HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html

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

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

Have a great week!

Sept. 18 DC Area Weekly Newsletter for Graduate Students

Sept. 18, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

Ongoing Services

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 
  • CAREER ADVISING   
  • COOK COUNSELING
  • SERENITY SPACE
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
  • AFFINITY GROUPS
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
  • HOKIE ONE STOP
  • WRITING CENTER
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CAREER WEEK WORKSHOPS

2. LIBERATE THE BLOCK WEBINAR ON PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL ACADEMIC CAREER

3. Pursuing a Postdoc proactively series

4. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

5. TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFER WORKSHOP SERIES

6. NVC CAFE

7. Online Power Hour of Writing

8. LIBERAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS INFORMATION SESSION

Administrative Announcements: 


9. LATINEX HISTORY AT VIRGINIA TECH INITIATIVE, 1st POSTING

10. UPASS UPDATE FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS IN ARLINGTON WHO HAVE NOT PICKED UP THEIR METRO CARD

11. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 1st POSTING

12. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 3rd POSTING

13. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 3nd posting

14. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 3nd posting

15. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 3rd POSTING

16. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

Job Opportunities


17. SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH

External Funding Opportunities

18. NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, 1st POSTING

19. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH

20. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP, 1st POSTING

21. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

22: VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

Upcoming Events: 

23. WRITING AND COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP

24. COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR

25. HOKIE POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

26. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING

27. WRITING AND PUBLISHING FOR JOURNALS WORKSHOP

28. OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

29. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

30: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

31. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Volunteers and research participants sought:

No new opportunities this week

Ongoing Services (updated 09/11/23)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress.  Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there.  All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions.  Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space. 
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html
  • WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CAREER WEEK WORKSHOPS

Monday, Sept. 18, 4 p.m., Virtual

Cranwell International Center and Career and Professional Development are sponsoring a week of workshops dedicated to international undergraduate and graduate students to learn about US F-1 work options and navigating the US job search process. The workshops include a CPT Workshop; Interviewing in the U.S; Introduction to F-1 employment Options; Introduction to STEM OPT; Job Searching in the U.S.; OPT Workshop; Immigration Options in Academia, H-1B and other work options after graduation. Visit the website to register for the Zoom sessions and to find the times and description of each workshop. https://international.vt.edu/programs/international_student_career_week.html

2. LIBERATE THE BLOCK WEBINAR ON PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL ACADEMIC CAREER

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2-3 p.m., Virtual

VT is a member of NCFDD, an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students from more than 450 colleges and universities. Use your VT login to make an account. Join Drs. Nelson O. O. Zounlomè and Lei Wang from Liberate The Block (www.LiberateTheBlock.com) for an engaging and transformative webinar designed to equip graduate students with essential strategies and tools for a successful academic career right from Day 1. In this dynamic session, we will delve into key topics that are crucial for your scholarly journey. Shared by Dean Aimée Suprenant. Register here: https://www.facultydiversity.org/webinars/gradsuccess.

3. Pursuing a Postdoc proactively series

Thursday, Sept. 21, 12-1 p.m., 3-part series, Virtual

This fall’s series, held in collaboration with UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School, is designed for Ph.D. students who want to better understand the pros and cons of pursuing the postdoc path. Including what to look for in a postdoctoral position, and tips on networking effectively to land one. A 3-part series on Thursdays. For information and to register:

https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2023/pursuing-a-postdoc-proactively.html

4. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Thursday, Sept. 21, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

5. TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFER WORKSHOP SERIES

Thursday, Sept. 21, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

The Virginia Tech LICENSE: Center for Tech Commercialization will be hosting a workshop series designed to assist faculty, research staff, and students in understanding the basics of technology transfer. Topics to be covered include the invention disclosure process, inventorship vs. authorship, patenting 101, technology marketing, and licensing. We will also provide tips on working with the LICENSE team to protect and commercialize your inventions and dispel common myths that can hamper those efforts. The workshop will be offered on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 21, through Oct. 19. Register here: https://www.vt.edu/link/events/bootcamp.html

6. NVC CAFÉ

Thursday, Sept. 21, 3-4:30 p.m., in person at the Northern Virginia Center

Join graduate students and Graduate School staff for an afternoon of coloring, coffee, tea, and donuts and an opportunity to learn about a new LGBTQ+ social & support group in the DC Metro Area. Register with this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMtLX0jAeTIVxLg91ZocyutI1r34TYN7tupy5xMFfjZcZSMw/viewform?usp=sf_link

7. Online Power Hour of Writing

Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

8. LIBERAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS INFORMATION SESSION

Friday, Sept. 22, 1-2 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

This information session is open to graduate students and will provide information about the fellowships available in the liberal arts fields. Zoom registration is required:  https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdOqhrzkoGND5p0Rcj4psqZd2vAdl7Woo

More information about graduate fellowships is available here: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/fellowships/home/graduate_fellowships. Contact: Tom Ewing (etewing@vt.edu)

Administrative announcements

9. Latinx History at Virginia Tech Initiative, 1st posting

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latinx Affinity Group, in collaboration with the El Centro Cultural Center, jointly launched an initiative to illuminate the origins and contributions of the Latinx community at Virginia Tech. The project will include cultural artifacts and oral history testimonials.  If you want to contribute to this initiative or need more information, please contact:  Chontrese Hayes, assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success at chontresehayes@vt.edu or Veronica Montes, Director, El Centro Cultural Center at vmontes@vt.edu.

10. UPASS UPDATE FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS IN ARLINGTON WHO HAVE NOT PICKED UP THEIR METRO CARD

Debbie Cash will be in Arlington on Monday, Sept. 25. If you have not picked up your U-Pass card and would like to make arrangements for delivery to Arlington, please let Debbie know before 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. You should submit your DocuSign Disclaimer form before then. You will need to show photo identification.
If you have any issues with U-Pass card or Apple Wallet, please contact gettingaround@vt.edu. For more information visit https://parking.vt.edu/alternative/u-pass-program.html.
Cards can also be picked up from the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) Library in Falls Church, Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

11. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 1st posting

With the Faculty Mentor of the Month program, the Graduate School recognizes and highlights the important role faculty members play in supporting, encouraging, and promoting an affirmative, inclusive scholarly and teaching environment for graduate students. Nominate your faculty advisors, committee members, or other faculty members who have played a significant role in your graduate experience, either in a single noteworthy instance or through continued and consistent support, by completing this nomination form: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html. Nominations are accepted year-round, and a new winner is selected every month. Winners receive a certificate and a small token of our appreciation. Winning faculty mentors are featured on our website and recognized on social media platforms. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html

12. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 3rd posting

The Office for Equity and Accessibility (oea.vt.edu) invites students to join the Student Title IX Advisory Board, a group that convenes regularly to provide feedback on the university’s response to reports of gender-based harassment and violence. The board will meet three to four times each semester to discuss issues and engage directly with the university’s Title IX coordinator. Topics will include policies and procedures, resources available to students, and communication and outreach efforts, including SAFE at VT (https://safe.vt.edu). Diverse student voices, experiences, and insights are essential to informing the work of the Title IX team. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested students should submit a short statement of interest to Title IX Coordinator Katie Polidoro at polidoro@vt.edu by Sept. 8.

13. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 3rd posting

Virginia Tech and Boeing have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that offers job interviews with Boeing to VT student veterans. All candidates must meet the minimum qualification of the position(s) being applied to for interview preference. Review details and guidance at https://www.veterans.vt.edu/students/career-resources.html

14. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 3rd posting

The Climate Action Living Laboratory (CALL) is an inclusive and interdisciplinary research group that uses the campus environment in Blacksburg and beyond to do cutting edge research and teaching within the broad category of climate action. Joining the CALL will help the university meet its goals and also provide some key benefits for faculty and graduate student researchers/educators, and will create more funding and interdisciplinary partnership opportunities to increase the scale of environmental research at Virginia Tech. For more information about the CALL, visit this website: https://www.vt.edu/sustainability/academics.html. 

To receive CALL emails, please fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/CALL2023-2024.

For more information about getting involved with the living laboratory, contact Climate Action Fellow Jack Leff: leffjr@vt.edu.

15. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 3rd posting

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) at Virginia Tech offers a new Teaching Associate badge program. Participants will engage in programming focused on foundational knowledge about teaching and complete a teaching philosophy activity to start building their teaching portfolios. Upon completing program requirements, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their connection and association with effective teaching practices. The program is open to graduate students and postdoctoral associates regardless of teaching experience or responsibilities. Multiple options for program completion are available. To be eligible, you must be a current graduate student or postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech, and you must complete the program requirements during your time as a graduate student or postdoctoral associate at the university. Applications will open on Sept. 5, 2023, at 9 a.m. For more information about the Associate Badge program, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu/.

16. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA

The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9. 

Job Opportunities

17. SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH

Open until filled.

We are seeking to create a self-advocate advisory committee to advise VTAC/CAR’s director on various research, programs, clinical services, marketing, and communications to help ensure that autistic people and their interests are represented in how VTAC/CAR advances its mission on behalf of the autism community. This is a wage position. Outcomes of discussions will directly inform potential center research and related services. Must be over 18 years of age, identify as being on the autism spectrum, or have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. For more information and how to apply use this form: https://www.vtcar.science.vt.edu/content/dam/vtcar_science_vt_edu/accepting-applications-for/SelfAdvocateAdvisoryCommitteeDescription8.2023.pdf

For more information, contact the vtautismcenter@vt.edu

External Funding Opportunities

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

18. NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

DEADLINE: Oct. 2, 2023

Established by Congress in 2000, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. The NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is a one-year, early-career, leadership program with assignments across the NNSA enterprise. For information and how to apply, visit this page: https://www.pnnl.gov/apply-ngfp

19. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 3rd posting

DEADLINE: Oct. 1, 2023

Since 1922, the Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.

https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research

20. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

DEADLINE: Oct. 22, 2023

Are you looking for a summer or year-long internship to boost your future career opportunities? Apply to join NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIIP) Class of 2024-25 today. MSIIP is open to all academic backgrounds. Internships begin on June 3, 2024. Application opened Aug. 1, 2023 and materials are due by 11:59pm EST, Oct. 22, 2023. Register here: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/

21. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: November 8, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET.  The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI

22. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM

Registration deadline, Dec. 1

Application Deadline, Dec. 8

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

VASG will hold a virtual informational session on Sept. 20, 3 p.m. To

register for the information session, use this form: https://action.vaseagrant.org/c1.pl?dc0bd3f55a1d5bc054155f9a12c75782e48791b04d5b03e2

Upcoming Events

23. Writing AND COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP

Monday, Sept. 25, 6:45-8:30 p.m. In Arlington (second floor of the EBC) and virtual (Zoom)

Have you ever wondered how to communicate academic ideas to a wider audience using audio? Here is your chance to learn from a pro. Dallas Floer, senior production manager and producer of “Conversations with Tyler” and “Ideas of India” podcasts will provide tips, examples and more during this presentation. There is a short reception at 6:45 p.m. at the Arlington location. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. RSVP for event information and registration: https://forms.gle/HheBPU55z46Thc3e8

24. COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR

Sept. 27 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual (hosted on Brazen)

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is hosting a virtual job fair on September 27 with the aim of connecting students with internship and job opportunities with employers throughout the state of Virginia. The event is free. For information and registration: visit https://cyberinitiative.org/talent-development/internship-job-fair-2023.html

25. HOKIE SHOP POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH

Monday, Oct. 2, 2-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12-6 p.m.

The Virginia Tech Hokie Shop, Virginia Tech’s official bookstore, will host a two-day pop-up Store on Oct. 2 and 3 at the Northern Virginia Center (next to the West Falls Church Metro stop) in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area. The Hokie Shop is open to everyone. Virginia Tech students, employees, alumni, and community members in the D.C. area are encouraged to stop by and get your Hokie gear. An assortment of merchandise will be available, including clothing, gifts, collectibles, and other memorabilia.  Herff Jones will also be on-site to take regalia orders for December graduates.

26. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING

Monday, Oct. 2, 12-1 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

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 skills and resume! Please indicate your interest in attending the upcoming training by completing this short registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm0Y93Xd-yaShDS-fc62wjuoAjDTVC47kbs8WHw2FYfh7jMQ/viewform.

27. WRITING AND PUBLISHING FOR JOURNALS WORKSHOP

Begins Monday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.

The 11-Week Writing & Publishing High Impact Journal Articles training program is targeted to biological or life sciences advanced graduate students, postdocs, and early career researchers passionate about maximizing the likelihood of peer-reviewed publication success for their manuscripts. The weekly course will run from October through the third week of December 2023 and will include access to a combination of On Demand video modules on Canvas combined with engaging live discussions about the content each week. Registration closes Friday, Sept. 22, at midnight. Register here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/writing-journal-articles-series-fall-2023

28. OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Oct. 12 1-4 pm

https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11216672

Kira Dietz and Corinne Guimont will teach a 3-hour workshop on using Omeka for digital scholarship projects and exhibits. Participants will learn the basics of Omeka terminology, as well as how to create metadata, upload items, manage multiple users, and use themes and plugins. In addition, participants will explore copyright for content and hosting options for Omeka. The workshop is Oct. 12 from 1-4 in person and online Use the link above to register

29. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

Oct. 16, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. John Palmore, assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is the guest speaker. Registration link:

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

30. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

31. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Nov. 13; 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

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

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

No new opportunities this week.

Have a great week!

Sept. 11 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter for Graduate Students

Sept. 11, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

Ongoing Services

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 
  • CAREER ADVISING   
  • COOK COUNSELING
  • SERENITY SPACE
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
  • AFFINITY GROUPS
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
  • HOKIE ONE STOP
  • WRITING CENTER
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities: 

1. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES: Becoming La Professora: Building a Scholarly Identity

2. INTRODUCTION TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR PHDS

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

4. GHS PANELIST TRAINING

5. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING

Administrative Announcements: 


6. HEALTH PLAN OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS, 2nd posting

7. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 2nd posting

8. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 2nd posting

9. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 2nd posting

10. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 2nd posting

11. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 3rd posting

12. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 3rd posting

13. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 3rd posting

14. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 2nd posting

Job Opportunities
No listings this week.

External Funding Opportunities

15. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH

16. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

Upcoming Events: 

17. Pursuing a Postdoc proactively series

18. COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR

19. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

20. SAVE THE DATE: OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

21: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE

22. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Volunteers and research participants sought:

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 3rd posting

Ongoing Services (updated 09/11/23)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress.  Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there.  All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.  It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions.  Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space. 
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/current-students/dc-hokieonestop.html
  • WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES: BECOMING LA PROFESSORA: BUILDING A SCHOLARLY IDENTITY

Sept. 11, 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)

Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration link:

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

2. INTRODUCTION TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR PHDS

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

This workshop will focus on assessing your skills, interests, and values and thinking about how they map to a variety of career paths after graduate school or a postdoc. During the session, information regarding a set of FREE online assessment and career exploration tools will be provided to help plan for a variety of career possibilities.

https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2023/career-exploration-101.html

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Sept. 14, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

4. GHS PANELIST TRAINING

Thursday, Sept. 14, 12-1 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

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, and after that you can serve on preliminary review and review panels. Become a panelist to help hear cases, actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about standards of academic integrity, and build your skills and resume. Please indicate your interest in attending by completing this short registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeCtYx4s7Mc_zC8dSrAH1IDMt7zmdbBBmv73YjhfWhHw1etg/viewform.

5. Online Power Hour of Writing

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual

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

Administrative announcements

6. HEALTH PLAN OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS, 2nd posting

Deadline: Monday, Sept. 11.

The Aetna Student Health plan will close its open enrollment on September 11th. If you are a Graduate Assistant, this is the only option to use your insurance benefits. Please visit risk. https://risk.vt.edu/smi.html for more information.

7. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 2nd posting

The Office for Equity and Accessibility (oea.vt.edu) invites students to join the Student Title IX Advisory Board, a group that convenes regularly to provide feedback on the university’s response to reports of gender-based harassment and violence. The board will meet three to four times each semester to discuss issues and engage directly with the university’s Title IX coordinator. Topics will include policies and procedures, resources available to students, and communication and outreach efforts, including SAFE at VT (https://safe.vt.edu). Diverse student voices, experiences, and insights are essential to informing the work of the Title IX team. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested students should submit a short statement of interest to Title IX Coordinator Katie Polidoro at polidoro@vt.edu by Sept. 8.

8. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 2nd posting

Virginia Tech and Boeing have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that offers job interviews with Boeing to VT student veterans. All candidates must meet the minimum qualification of the position(s) being applied to for interview preference. Review details and guidance at https://www.veterans.vt.edu/students/career-resources.html

9. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 2nd posting

The Climate Action Living Laboratory (CALL) is an inclusive and interdisciplinary research group that uses the campus environment in Blacksburg and beyond to do cutting edge research and teaching within the broad category of climate action. Joining the CALL will help the university meet its goals and also provide some key benefits for faculty and graduate student researchers/educators, and will create more funding and interdisciplinary partnership opportunities to increase the scale of environmental research at Virginia Tech. For more information about the CALL, visit this website: https://www.vt.edu/sustainability/academics.html. 

To receive CALL emails, please fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/CALL2023-2024.

For more information about getting involved with the living laboratory, contact Climate Action Fellow Jack Leff: leffjr@vt.edu.

10. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 2nd posting

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) at Virginia Tech offers a new Teaching Associate badge program. Participants will engage in programming focused on foundational knowledge about teaching and complete a teaching philosophy activity to start building their teaching portfolios. Upon completing program requirements, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their connection and association with effective teaching practices. The program is open to graduate students and postdoctoral associates regardless of teaching experience or responsibilities. Multiple options for program completion are available. To be eligible, you must be a current graduate student or postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech, and you must complete the program requirements during your time as a graduate student or postdoctoral associate at the university. Applications will open on Sept. 5, 2023, at 9 a.m. For more information about the Associate Badge program, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu/.

11. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 3rd posting

Graduate School Dean Aimée Surprenant and Dale Pike, associate vice provost for Technology-enhanced Learning (TLOS), posted a statement providing guidance regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and how these emerging technologies might impact teaching and research. As graduate instructors and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) consider how to address these issues in their classes, they are encouraged to keep the guidelines in mind. Those include familiarizing themselves with the technology and its implications; having open discussions with students on responsible AI use and citation expectations. updating syllabi to directly address use of generative AI and establish policies for citing its use; focusing assignments on applying skills and knowledge over reciting facts, emphasizing critical analysis, individual perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate; and considering formative assessment strategies that emphasize learning processes over summative assessment strategies that emphasize the finished product. Read the statement here:

https://tlos.vt.edu/resources/generative-ai/graduate-school-statement.html

12. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 3rd posting

The U-Pass program is a joint effort between Virginia Tech and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). The program aims to provide eligible full-time enrolled students with alternative transportation options, stimulate new transit ridership, reduce the demand for on-campus parking, decrease emissions, and increase student access to their campus and the region. Students who are eligible for this program have been contacted by VT Transportation Services. Card pick up is happening now at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) Library. If full-time, “in person” students at the NVC, Virginia Tech Research Center-A (VTRC-A), or the WAAC think they are eligible and have not been contacted, please reach out to gettingaround@vt.edu. Read more here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/ops-u-pass-program-announcement.html

13. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 3rd posting

The beginning of the semester is a great time to make sure your address in your ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan system) account is correct before making any requests. Physical items (books and DVDs) are sent via UPS to your address at no additional charge. Use ILLiad for all your requests by choosing “Extended campus users request via ILLiad” from the system’s menu for books available in Blacksburg. ILLiad is also great for requesting articles or a single chapter from a book when those items are not available online.

To update your address, choose the last option on the left of the main page, “Change Account Information” on your account: https://vt.hosts.atlas-sys.com/logon.

For more information see this guide: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/ill , or contact the NVC Library: nvclibrary@vt.edu, or call 703-538-8340

14. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 3rd posting

The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9. 

Job Opportunities

No listings this week.

External Funding Opportunities

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

15. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 3rd posting

DEADLINE: October 1, 2023

Since 1922, the Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.

https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research

16. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

DEADLINE: November 8, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET.  The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI

Upcoming Events

17. Pursuing a Postdoc proactively series

Thursday, Sept. 21, 12-1 p.m., 3-part series, Virtual

This fall’s series, held in collaboration with UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School, is designed for Ph.D. students who want to better understand the pros and cons of pursuing the postdoc path. Including what to look for in a postdoctoral position, and tips on networking effectively to land one. A 3-part series on Thursdays. For information and to register:

https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2023/pursuing-a-postdoc-proactively.html

18. COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 3rd posting

Sept. 27 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual (hosted on Brazen)

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is hosting a virtual job fair on September 27 with the aim of connecting students with internship and job opportunities with employers throughout the state of Virginia. The event is free. For information and registration: visit https://cyberinitiative.org/talent-development/internship-job-fair-2023.html

19. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB

Oct. 16; Nov. 13; 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)

Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration link:

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

20. SAVE THE DATE: OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Oct. 12 1-4 pm

https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11216672

Kira Dietz and Corinne Guimont will teach a 3-hour workshop on using Omeka for digital scholarship projects and exhibits. Participants will learn the basics of Omeka terminology, as well as how to create metadata, upload items, manage multiple users, and use themes and plugins. In addition, participants will explore copyright for content and hosting options for Omeka. The workshop is Oct. 12 from 1-4 in person and online Use the link above to register

21. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 3rd posting

November 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

22. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?

Nov. 13; 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)

Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration link:

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

Volunteers and research participants sought

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 3rd posting

Virginia Tech Echo Lab

The Echolab at Virginia Tech is inviting children aged 3 to 6, along with their parents, to participate in a research study (IRB# 23-748) focused on shared book reading experiences. Children and their parents should be English speakers (native and nonnative). For the study, children will collaboratively read a storybook with their parents using the innovative TaleMate platform, an AI-driven system designed to enhance the reading experience. This research consists of two Zoom sessions, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Within these sessions, both parents and children will read a book and answer subsequent questions. Additionally, parents will be asked to complete a 15-minute online survey that delves into their child’s background, media consumption, and reading habits. Overall, participants can expect a total time commitment ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, which includes the online survey (15-20 minutes) and both Zoom sessions (30-35 minutes each). As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completing the study.

Contact Daniel Vargas Diaz, danielvargasdiaz@vt.edu, for information and to register.

Have a great week!

Sept. 5 DC Area Weekly Newsletter for Graduate Students

Sept. 5-10, 2023

Welcome to the Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:

https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.     

To see full descriptions for items in the summary list, please scroll down past the list to find matching numbered posts for each item in the list.

Ongoing Services

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA 
  • CAREER ADVISING   
  • COOK COUNSELING:
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON
  • AFFINITY GROUPS
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY
  • HOKIE ONE STOP
  • WRITING CENTER
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities:       
1. SCIENCE POLICY AND ADVOCACY CLUB MEETING

2. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

4. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SEMINAR SERIES WITH DR. ALIREZA HAGHIGHAT

Administrative Announcements: 
5. HEALTH PLAN OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS, 1st posting

6. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 1st posting

7. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 1st posting

8. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 1st posting

9. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 1st posting

10. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 2nd posting

11. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting

12. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 2nd posting

13. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 2nd posting

14. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 3rd posting

Job Opportunities
15. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 2nd posting

External Funding Opportunities

16. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 3rd posting

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 3rd posting

Upcoming Events: 
18. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 3rd posting

19. INTRODUCTION TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR PHDS

20. GHS PANELIST TRAINING

21. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 3rd posting

22: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 2nd posting

Ongoing Services (updated 09/0523)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-657 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/current-students/dc-hokieonestop.html
  • WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
  • EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. SCIENCE POLICY, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY CLUB MEETING

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Do you want to utilize your technical knowledge to benefit society in further-reaching, more meaningful ways? The Science Policy, Education, and Advocacy Club (SPEAC) will hold an interest meeting with in-person and Zoom options. Come join us to learn what we have in store for this semester and offer feedback on programming that you want to see. Zoom Meeting ID: 829 8756 1114. Submit questions to SPEACVT@gmail.com

2. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Sept. 7, 2023 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Career and professional Development is offering a workshop that will cover how to navigate Handshake. The platform can be used to schedule appointments with career advisors, find career-related events, and search for jobs.

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

3. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS

Sept. 7, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Falls Church)

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

4. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SEMINAR SERIES WITH DR. ALIREZA HAGHIGHAT

Friday, Sept. 8, 10:10-11 a.m. Foggy Bottom Room at VTRC-Arlington, or Zoom

Dr. Haghighat, professor and director of the Nuclear Engineering program, will give a talk entitled, “New paradigm for real-time, high-fidelity particle transport simulation with Monte Carlo accuracy.” Zoom information: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/86087882847

Administrative announcements

5. HEALTH PLAN OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS, 1st posting

Deadline: Monday, Sept. 11.

The Aetna Student Health plan will close its open enrollment on September 11th. If you are a Graduate Assistant, this is the only option to use your insurance benefits. Please visit risk. https://risk.vt.edu/smi.html for more information.

6. JOIN THE STUDENT TITLE IX ADVISORY BOARD, 1st posting

The Office for Equity and Accessibility (oea.vt.edu) invites students to join the Student Title IX Advisory Board, a group that convenes regularly to provide feedback on the university’s response to reports of gender-based harassment and violence. The board will meet three to four times each semester to discuss issues and engage directly with the university’s Title IX coordinator. Topics will include policies and procedures, resources available to students, and communication and outreach efforts, including SAFE at VT (https://safe.vt.edu). Diverse student voices, experiences, and insights are essential to informing the work of the Title IX team. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interested students should submit a short statement of interest to Title IX Coordinator Katie Polidoro at polidoro@vt.edu by Sept. 8.

7. VT-BOEING MOU FOR STUDENT VETERANS, 1st posting

Virginia Tech and Boeing have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that offers job interviews with Boeing to VT student veterans. All candidates must meet the minimum qualification of the position(s) being applied to for interview preference. Review details and guidance at https://www.veterans.vt.edu/students/career-resources.html

8. JOIN THE CLIMATE ACTION LIVING LABORATORY, 1st posting

The Climate Action Living Laboratory (CALL) is an inclusive and interdisciplinary research group that uses the campus environment in Blacksburg and beyond to do cutting edge research and teaching within the broad category of climate action. Joining the CALL will help the university meet its goals and also provide some key benefits for faculty and graduate student researchers/educators, and will create more funding and interdisciplinary partnership opportunities to increase the scale of environmental research at Virginia Tech. For more information about the CALL, visit this website: https://www.vt.edu/sustainability/academics.html. 

To receive CALL emails, please fill out this survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/CALL2023-2024.

For more information about getting involved with the living laboratory, contact Climate Action Fellow Jack Leff: leffjr@vt.edu.

9. CIRTL AT VIRGINIA TECH OFFERS TEACHING ASSOCIATE BADGE PROGRAM, 1st posting

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) at Virginia Tech offers a new Teaching Associate badge program. Participants will engage in programming focused on foundational knowledge about teaching and complete a teaching philosophy activity to start building their teaching portfolios. Upon completing program requirements, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their connection and association with effective teaching practices. The program is open to graduate students and postdoctoral associates regardless of teaching experience or responsibilities. Multiple options for program completion are available. To be eligible, you must be a current graduate student or postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech, and you must complete the program requirements during your time as a graduate student or postdoctoral associate at the university. Applications will open on Sept. 5, 2023, at 9 a.m. For more information about the Associate Badge program, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu/.

10. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 2nd posting

Graduate School Dean Aimée Surprenant and Dale Pike, associate vice provost for Technology-enhanced Learning (TLOS), posted a statement providing guidance regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and how these emerging technologies might impact teaching and research. As graduate instructors and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) consider how to address these issues in their classes, they are encouraged to keep the guidelines in mind. Those include familiarizing themselves with the technology and its implications; having open discussions with students on responsible AI use and citation expectations. updating syllabi to directly address use of generative AI and establish policies for citing its use; focusing assignments on applying skills and knowledge over reciting facts, emphasizing critical analysis, individual perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate; and considering formative assessment strategies that emphasize learning processes over summative assessment strategies that emphasize the finished product. Read the statement here:

https://tlos.vt.edu/resources/generative-ai/graduate-school-statement.html

11. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting

The U-Pass program is a joint effort between Virginia Tech and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). The program aims to provide eligible full-time enrolled students with alternative transportation options, stimulate new transit ridership, reduce the demand for on-campus parking, decrease emissions, and increase student access to their campus and the region. Students who are eligible for this program have been contacted by VT Transportation Services. Card pick up is happening now at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) Library. If full-time, “in person” students at the NVC, Virginia Tech Research Center-A (VTRC-A), or the WAAC think they are eligible and have not been contacted, please reach out to gettingaround@vt.edu. Read more here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/ops-u-pass-program-announcement.html

12. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 2nd posting

The beginning of the semester is a great time to make sure your address in your ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan system) account is correct before making any requests. Physical items (books and DVDs) are sent via UPS to your address at no additional charge. Use ILLiad for all your requests by choosing “Extended campus users request via ILLiad” from the system’s menu for books available in Blacksburg. ILLiad is also great for requesting articles or a single chapter from a book when those items are not available online.

To update your address, choose the last option on the left of the main page, “Change Account Information” on your account: https://vt.hosts.atlas-sys.com/logon.

For more information see this guide: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/ill , or contact the NVC Library: nvclibrary@vt.edu, or call 703-538-8340

13. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 2nd posting

The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9. 

14. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 3rd posting
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. To view the Graduate School’s current featured graduate student visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa.html.  Use this form to nominate a graduate student: https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa/#/visitor. 

Job Opportunities

15. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 2nd posting

DEADLINE: Sept. 6; Start date: Sept. 15 or after.

Design and produce print and online publications and visual media, including brochures, flyers, posters, website graphics, and videos, and assists with updates on social media platforms. Take photos and videos for projects. Assist with the creation of annual report, recruitment brochure, and social media campaigns; regularly update supervisor; assure accuracy of designed materials; archive all deliverables.

Job requirements include working knowledge of graphic design for print and digital processes and experience with photography and video production. Significant experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Ability to work alone and in a team environment. Ability to produce creative, effective visual products for a variety of platforms following VT branding guidelines; meet deadlines; multitask. Use this application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXh1Gop7-qp6aE9iDhjtUlmfzk_ZtBJ8DhUcRd0ylVdC2Ckg/viewform

External Funding Opportunities

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

16. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 3rd posting

DEADLINE: October 1, 2023

Since 1922, the Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.

https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research

17. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 3rd posting

DEADLINE: November 8, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. 

SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET.  The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI

Upcoming Events

18. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 2nd posting

Sept. 11; Oct. 16; Nov. 13; 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)

Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration links are listed below. The workshops are:

Sept. 11: Becoming La Professora: Building a Scholarly Identity (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)

Oct. 16: Planning your postdoc or first faculty job (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS)

Nov. 13: Does race matter in academia? (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)

19. INTRODUCTION TO CAREER EXPLORATION FOR PHDS

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 12-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

This workshop will focus on assessing your skills, interests, and values and thinking about how they map to a variety of career paths after graduate school or a postdoc. During the session, information regarding a set of FREE online assessment and career exploration tools will be provided to help plan for a variety of career possibilities.

https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2023/career-exploration-101.html

20. GHS PANELIST TRAINING, 1st posting

Thursday, Sept. 14, 12-1 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

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, and after that you can serve on preliminary review and review panels. Become a panelist to help hear cases, actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about standards of academic integrity, and build your skills and resume. Please indicate your interest in attending by completing this short registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeCtYx4s7Mc_zC8dSrAH1IDMt7zmdbBBmv73YjhfWhHw1etg/viewform.

21. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 3rd posting

Sept. 27 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual (hosted on Brazen)

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is hosting a virtual job fair on September 27 with the aim of connecting students with internship and job opportunities with employers throughout the state of Virginia. The event is free. For information and registration: visit https://cyberinitiative.org/talent-development/internship-job-fair-2023.html

22. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 3rd posting

November 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual

A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

Volunteers and research participants sought

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 2nd posting

Virginia Tech Echo Lab

The Echolab at Virginia Tech is inviting children aged 3 to 6, along with their parents, to participate in a research study (IRB# 23-748) focused on shared book reading experiences. Children and their parents should be English speakers (native and nonnative). For the study, children will collaboratively read a storybook with their parents using the innovative TaleMate platform, an AI-driven system designed to enhance the reading experience. This research consists of two Zoom sessions, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Within these sessions, both parents and children will read a book and answer subsequent questions. Additionally, parents will be asked to complete a 15-minute online survey that delves into their child’s background, media consumption, and reading habits. Overall, participants can expect a total time commitment ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, which includes the online survey (15-20 minutes) and both Zoom sessions (30-35 minutes each). As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completing the study.

Contact Daniel Vargas Diaz, danielvargasdiaz@vt.edu, for information and to register.