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.

Aug. 28-Sept. 1 D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter

Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing Services

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

·        CAREER ADVISING   

·        COOK COUNSELING:

·        CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

·        GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON

·        AFFINITY GROUPS

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY

·        HOKIE ONE STOP

·        EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

This Week’s Events and Activities:       
1. LITERATURE REVIEWS AND DATABASE SEARCHING FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

2. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT
3. AES INTEREST MEETING

4. RESUME AND CV WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

5. INCLUSIVEVT WEEK- DC AREA LUNCH

6. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP

Administrative Announcements: 
7. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 1st posting

8. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting

9. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 1st posting

10. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 1st posting

11. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED, 2nd posting

12. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 2nd posting

Job Opportunities
13. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 1st posting

External Funding Opportunities

14. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 2nd posting

15. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 2nd posting

Upcoming Events: 
16. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting

17. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 1st posting

18. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 1st posting

19: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 1st posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 1st posting

Ongoing Services (updated 08/21/23)

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

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

·        COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-657 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare

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

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

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

·        NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.

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

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

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. LITERATURE REVIEWS AND DATABASE SEARCHING FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

August 28, 4-5:15 pm, Virtual

You’ve been assigned to write a literature review in the social sciences…but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this interactive workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to 

·         Identify different types of literature reviews

·         Find relevant databases

·         Create effective search terms 

This workshop will focus on research in the social and behavioral sciences, such as education, communication, human development, psychology, and sociology. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939473

2. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT

Wednesday, August 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Virtual

You’re about to collect or already have data for your research project … now what? How do you manage it? What do you name the files? How do you share it? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more in this workshop, which will present an introduction to research data management, including the following topics: data management planning; file naming conventions; backing up research data; documentation; data sharing; data security; and how the library can help you.

Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939476

3. AES INTEREST MEETING

Thursday, August 31, 9:30-10:30am, Zoom

An alumni of Applied Energy Services (AES) is hosting an innovative energy technology challenge for interdisciplinary teams of 3-5 graduate students. This meeting will serve as a brief overview of the contest, possible $10k award, and theme and a meeting space for interested graduate students to network with one another. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85369266372 Submitted by staff member Jack Leff.

4. RESUME AND CV WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Having a well-polished resume is a critical step toward getting an interview. Start preparing early to be ready for fall career fairs. In this Career and Professional Development workshop, you will engage in interactive activities to fine tune your resume or CV. The session will also include information on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

5. INCLUSIVEVT WEEK- DC AREA LUNCH

Thursday, Aug. 31, 12-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center café

Join Julie and Gennelle for a mindfulness moment with an even bigger purpose. College and units across Virginia Tech are joining forces to celebrate InclusiveVT Week. This year, the D.C. area will do its part by collecting and donating items of urgent need to emergency, family, and homeless shelters in the area. Come enjoy a free pizza lunch and help us decorate our collection boxes, which will be distributed to locations throughout the region.

6. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP

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

Students on assistantship will learn about payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. Also get tips on how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. Please note the registration form offers two choices: a virtual option (September 1) and an in-person option in Blacksburg on separate dates. Please choose accordingly. Register here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/assistantship23

Administrative announcements

7. GUIDANCE REGARDING GENERATIVE AI AND CHATGPT, 1st posting

Graduate School Dean Aimée Surprenant and Dale Pike, associate vice provost for Technology-enhanced Learning (TLOS), posted a statement providing guidance regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and how these emerging technologies might impact teaching and research. As graduate instructors and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) consider how to address these issues in their classes, they are encouraged to keep the guidelines in mind. Those include familiarizing themselves with the technology and its implications; having open discussions with students on responsible AI use and citation expectations. updating syllabi to directly address use of generative AI and establish policies for citing its use; focusing assignments on applying skills and knowledge over reciting facts, emphasizing critical analysis, individual perspectives, and personal reflection where appropriate; and considering formative assessment strategies that emphasize learning processes over summative assessment strategies that emphasize the finished product. Read the statement here:

https://tlos.vt.edu/resources/generative-ai/graduate-school-statement.html

8. UPASS PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR D.C. AREA GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting

The U-Pass program is a joint effort between Virginia Tech and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). The program aims to provide eligible full-time enrolled students with alternative transportation options, stimulate new transit ridership, reduce the demand for on-campus parking, decrease emissions, and increase student access to their campus and the region. Students who are eligible for this program have been contacted by VT Transportation Services. Card pick up is happening now at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) Library. If full-time, “in person” students at the NVC, Virginia Tech Research Center-A (VTRC-A), or the WAAC think they are eligible and have not been contacted, please reach out to gettingaround@vt.edu. Read more here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/ops-u-pass-program-announcement.html

9. USING THE ILLiad SYSTEM THROUGH VIRGINIA TECH’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, 1st posting

The beginning of the semester is a great time to make sure your address in your ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan system) account is correct before making any requests. Physical items (books and DVDs) are sent via UPS to your address at no additional charge. Use ILLiad for all your requests by choosing “Extended campus users request via ILLiad” from the system’s menu for books available in Blacksburg. ILLiad is also great for requesting articles or a single chapter from a book when those items are not available online.

To update your address, choose the last option on the left of the main page, “Change Account Information” on your account: https://vt.hosts.atlas-sys.com/logon.

For more information see this guide: https://guides.lib.vt.edu/ill , or contact the NVC Library: nvclibrary@vt.edu, or call 703-538-8340

10. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA, 1st posting

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

11. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED, 2nd posting

Barbara Hoopes, associate professor of business information technology in the Pamplin College of Business, has been named interim associate dean for the Graduate School in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. She currently teaches in the evening and online MBA and MIT programs at the university’s Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina and her bachelor’s degree from Davidson College.

Read more about Dr. Hoopes here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/gradschool-hoopes-interim.html

12. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 2st posting
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. To view the Graduate School’s current featured graduate student visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa.html.  To nominate a graduate student: https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa/#/visitor

Job Opportunities

13. GRADUATE SCHOOL WAGE POSITION, GRAPHICS DESIGNER, 1st posting

DEADLINE: Sept. 6; Start date: Sept. 15 or after.

Design and produce print and online publications and visual media, including brochures, flyers, posters, website graphics, and videos, and assists with updates on social media platforms. Take photos and videos for projects. Assist with the creation of annual report, recruitment brochure, and social media campaigns; regularly update supervisor; assure accuracy of designed materials; archive all deliverables.

Job requirements include working knowledge of graphic design for print and digital processes and experience with photography and video production. Significant experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Ability to work alone and in a team environment. Ability to produce creative, effective visual products for a variety of platforms following VT branding guidelines; meet deadlines; multitask. Use this application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXh1Gop7-qp6aE9iDhjtUlmfzk_ZtBJ8DhUcRd0ylVdC2Ckg/viewform

External Funding Opportunities

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

14. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 2nd posting

DEADLINE: October 1, 2023

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

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

15. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 2nd posting

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

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

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

Upcoming Events

16. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 2nd posting

Sept. 7, 2023 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Career and professional Development is offering a workshop that will cover how to navigate Handshake. The platform can be used to schedule appointments with career advisors, find career-related events, and search for jobs.

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

17. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 2nd posting

Sept. 11; Oct. 16; Nov. 13; 12 p.m. each day, Virtual (Zoom)

Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Registration links are listed below. The workshops are:

Sept. 11: Becoming La Professora: Building a Scholarly Identity (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)

Oct. 16: Planning your postdoc or first faculty job (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS)

Nov. 13: Does race matter in academia? (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)

18. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 2nd posting

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

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

19. SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 2nd posting

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

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

http://bit.ly/DivConference23

Volunteers and research participants sought

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A BOOK READING EXPERIENCE RESEARCH STUDY, 1st posting

Virginia Tech Echo Lab

The Echolab at Virginia Tech is inviting children aged 3 to 6, along with their parents, to participate in a research study (IRB# 23-748) focused on shared book reading experiences. Children and their parents should be English speakers (native and nonnative). For the study, children will collaboratively read a storybook with their parents using the innovative TaleMate platform, an AI-driven system designed to enhance the reading experience. This research consists of two Zoom sessions, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Within these sessions, both parents and children will read a book and answer subsequent questions. Additionally, parents will be asked to complete a 15-minute online survey that delves into their child’s background, media consumption, and reading habits. Overall, participants can expect a total time commitment ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, which includes the online survey (15-20 minutes) and both Zoom sessions (30-35 minutes each)

As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completing the study.

Contact Daniel Vargas Diaz, danielvargasdiaz@vt.edu, for information and to register.

Have a great week!

D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter, Aug. 21-25, 2023

Aug. 21-25, 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. 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). 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

This Week’s Events and Activities:       
1. Northern Virginia Center Welcome Week

2. COOL AS ICE SOCIAL
3. EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T, 1st posting

4. Introduction to the University Libraries

5. Game Night

6. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDENT TEAMS

7. Career Fair Prep for Graduate Students

Administrative Announcements: 
8. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED

9. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 1st posting

10. HELP WITH CHILD CARE COSTS, 1st posting

Job Opportunities
11. GA POSITIONS: NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER FACILITIES TEAM, 1st posting

12. PART-TIME EVENT ASSISTANT IN ARLINGTON, 1st posting

External Funding Opportunities

13. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 1st posting

14. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 1st posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
None this week

Upcoming Events: 
15. LITERATURE REVIEWS AND DATABASE SEARCHING FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, 1st posting

16. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT, 1st posting

17. RESUME AND CT WRITING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting

18. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP, 1st posting

19. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting

20. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 1st posting

21. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 1st posting

22: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE, 1st posting

Ongoing Services (updated 08/21/23)

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
  • CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
  • COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-657 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
  • CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or  540-231-9573.
  • AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
  • NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Open Monday through Thursday from 11-9, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5. Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
  • HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/current-students/dc-hokieonestop.html

This Week’s Events and Activities

1. Northern Virginia Center Welcome Week

Monday, Aug. 21 through Thursday, Aug. 24, 5-7 p.m., NVC Lobby

Join faculty, staff, and students in the main lobby of the Northern Virginia Center as we celebrate the start of a new semester. Advisors will be on hand for academic questions, and we’ll have an IT help desk to help with wifi access and other issues. A light dinner will be served.

2. COOL AS ICE SOCIAL

Monday, August 21, 4-5 p.m., Northern Virginia Center Rm. 200

All are welcome, and this event is especially for new students to meet others and enjoy ice cream, cold soft drinks and great conversation and advice. There will be a panel discussion focused on tips for success in graduate school. Hosted by the graduate student Affinity Groups of the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. For more information, contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes, contresehayes@vt.edu.

3. EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T

Every Tuesday, beginning August 22, 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

4. Introduction to the University Libraries

Wednesday, August 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Who can help me at the library? How many books can I check out? What support do you offer for data management? What kinds of technology is available? How can I get something the library doesn’t own? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this virtual information session. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to 

  • Locate research help at the University Libraries
  • Navigate the library’s website
  • Identify library resources that can help you succeed in graduate school 

Please note that in this session, we won’t be covering how to use databases or search for information; if you’re interested in learning more about those topics, please sign up for one of the literature review sessions in this workshop series. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939464

5. Game Night

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 5-7 p.m. Northern Virginia Center Café

Join the Graduate School and NVC Library as unwind with a little fun during the first week of classes. Take a break and stop by the NVC Cafe (1st floor) for a little fun as we play: card games, Wii, Playstation, ping pong, pool, and much more! We will also provide some snacks and water to help you get moving.

6. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDENT TEAMS

Thursday, Aug. 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Virtual (Zoom)

An alumni of Applied Energy Services (AES) is hosting an innovative energy technology challenge for interdisciplinary teams of 3-5 graduate students. This virtual meeting will provide a brief overview of the contest, awards, theme, and a meeting space for interested graduate students to network with one another. Learn more at: https://www.aes.com/aes-energy-innovation-challenge. Zoom registration: Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85369266372

7. Career Fair Prep for Graduate Students
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Career and Professional Development

This workshop will cover how to prepare for and navigate a career fair. The session will also include tips for in-person and virtual career fairs. Register here:  https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

Administrative announcements

8. INTERIM GRADUATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR THE D.C. AREA NAMED, 1st posting

Barbara Hoopes, associate professor of business information technology in the Pamplin College of Business, has been named interim associate dean for the Graduate School in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. She currently teaches in the evening and online MBA and MIT programs at the university’s Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina and her bachelor’s degree from Davidson College.

Read more about Dr. Hoopes here: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/gradschool-hoopes-interim.html

9. GRADUATE SCHOOL FEATURED GRADUATE STUDENT NOMINATIONS OPEN, 1st posting
Nominate yourself, a friend, or fellow graduate student to be recognized on the Graduate School website as a Featured Graduate Student! This program is designed to showcase the diversity of perspectives graduate students bring to our community and to present a more personal side of graduate student life. To view the Graduate School’s current featured graduate student visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa.html.  To nominate a graduate student: https://secure.graduateschool.vt.edu/fgsa/#/visitor

10. HELP WITH CHILD CARE COSTS, 1st posting

Graduate students who are Virginia residents and need child care due to their work and/or education may be eligible for Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program. You may qualify for assistance if you have a child who is not yet in kindergarten and your income does not exceed 85% of the state’s average income. Assistance also is available for other children in the family under age 13, if your family meets all other non-financial eligibility requirements. Learn more about the program and its eligibility requirements online at ChildCareVA, https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/families/paying-for-child-care.

Job Opportunities

11. GA POSITIONS: NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER FACILITIES TEAM, 1st posting
the Facilities team is looking for Graduate Assistants to assist in carrying out tasks across the building to support the Northern Virginia Center Facilities mission. If you have an interest in carrying out work across the NVC building in support of Facilities, please reach out to Ashley Bishop (abishop23@vt.edu). 

12. PART-TIME EVENT ASSISTANT IN ARLINGTON, 1st posting

The Virginia Tech Executive Briefing Center (EBC), located at the Arlington Research Center on Glebe Road, is currently searching for a part-time Event Assistant. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills and who genuinely care about the experience of those around them. Experience in hospitality and/or event management is a plus, as is having a basic comfort level with audio/visual equipment such as laptops, projectors, and microphones. This is a great opportunity for our part or full-time students who have availability outside of their regular class schedules. Work hours vary based on the event schedule, including nights and weekends, however we are specifically looking to fill a gap in coverage on Thursdays as well as Friday nights and weekend coverage (Saturdays and Sundays). We are hoping to fill this position as soon as possible and are thus encouraging interested applicants to apply quickly. We plan to review applicants on a rolling basis (as they come in) beginning the week of August 21 (next week). Interested applicants should email the following materials to willsimm@vt.edu:

  • Resume (including their current degree program and anticipated graduation date)
  • Cover letter detailing their interest in the position and any related work experience and/or skills.
  • Details of any current commitments (i.e. classes) when they would not be available to work.

For more information, contact willsimm@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

13. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 1st 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

14. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS, 1st 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

15. Literature Reviews and Database Searching for Social and Behavioral Sciences, 1st posting

August 28, 4-5:15 pm, Virtual

You’ve been assigned to write a literature review in the social sciences…but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this interactive workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to 

  • Identify different types of literature reviews
  • Find relevant databases
  • Create effective search terms 

This workshop will focus on research in the social and behavioral sciences, such as education, communication, human development, psychology, and sociology. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939473

16. Introduction to Research Data Management, 1st posting

August 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Virtual

You’re about to collect or already have data for your research project … now what? How do you manage it? What do you name the files? How do you share it? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more in this workshop, which will present an introduction to research data management, including the following topics: 

  • Data management planning
  • File naming conventions/organization
  • Backing-up research data
  • Documentation (metadata)
  • Data sharing
  • Data security 
  • How the library can help 

Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/10939476

17. Resume and CV Writing for Graduate Students, 1st posting

Aug. 31, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)

Having a well-polished resume is a critical step toward getting an interview. Start preparing early to be ready for fall career fairs. In this Career and Professional Development workshop, you will engage in interactive activities to fine tune your resume or CV. The session will also include information on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

18. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP, 1st posting

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

Students on assistantship will learn about payroll, tuition awards, maintaining eligibility, performance management, time worked, time off, and termination. Also get tips on how to work with your supervisor to get the most out of your assistantship experience. PLEASE NOTE the registration form offers two choices: a virtual option (September 1) and an in-person option in Blacksburg on separate dates. Please choose accordingly. Register here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/assistantship23

19. HANDSHAKE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1st posting

Sept. 7, 2023 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)

Career and professional Development is offering a workshop that will cover how to navigate Handshake. The platform can be used to schedule appointments with career advisors, find career-related events, and search for jobs.

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html

20. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP SERIES, 1st 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.)

21. SAVE THE DATE: COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR, 1st 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, 1st 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

No posts at the present time.

D.C. Area Weekly Newsletter information

What it is

The D.C. Area Graduate Student Weekly Newsletter shares administrative announcements, events, services, job opportunities, and requests for research participants with graduate students enrolled in programs in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. 

Who receives the newsletter and when

The newsletter is emailed to all graduate students enrolled in programs in the greater Washington, D.C., on Mondays before noon. The first issue will be sent to students Aug. 21, 2023. The mailing list is updated each semester.

A link to a subscriber request form (https://forms.gle/gQLsJq46dhsqmp6C8) will be at the bottom of every newsletter.

How to submit a post for the newsletter

Postings must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.

Submit posting requests by 3 p.m. Friday using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.

Submissions must

  • Include the name and contact information (phone number and/or email address) of the requesting person or organization;
  • Not exceed 150 words; 
  • Not include attachments such as photos or fliers.
  • Include URLs instead of hotlinks to websites or pages.
  • Note when the post should run.

Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.

Newsletter layout

The newsletter provides a numbered summary list of the postings included in it each week at the top of the publication after the welcome paragraph.

After the summary list, each full post is available under its section heading, numbered order.

Sections

  • Ongoing services for students
  • This week’s events and activities
  • Administrative announcements
  • Jobs
  • Volunteers and research participants sought

Where to find current and past newsletters

The D.C. Area Weekly postings are archived on this site: https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu.

Who manages the newsletter

Cathy Grimes, Graduate School communications director, cathg14@vt.edu

Backup: Carrie Mayer, Graduate School operations and training coordinator, caduke2@vt.edu

Backup: Associate Dean’s executive assistant, when hired