June 22-28, 2020

REVIEW THE FAQs REGARDING COVID-19 DIRECTIVES AT https://graduateschool.vt.edu/covid-faqs.html.

Ongoing Services – updated 5/11/20

This Week’s Events:
1. BEAT STRESS WITH HOLISTIC MEDITATION RETREAT JUN 26-28 (ONLINE)
2. JUSTICE IN JUNE: A SPRINGBOARD FOR INTEGRATING JUSTICE IN PEDAGOGY
3. SUMMER INTERFAITH DIALOGUES – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE

Administrative Announcements:
4. SUMMER COURSES ON HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT- 1st posting
5. GRADUATE EDUCATION VIRTUAL DISPLAY – 3rd posting
6. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 3rd posting 
7. FOOD SUPPLIES FOR GRADS BY GRADS – 3rd posting 

Jobs:
8. COACHES NEEDED FOR THE VT CREW TEAM – 3rd posting
9. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2020-21 – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY-MEDIATED RECREATION PRE/DURING/POST-COVID-19 – 2nd posting
11. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MIND MUSIC MACHINE LAB PAINTING SONIFCATION PROJECT – 2nd posting
12. RESEARCH STUDY ON FACULTY EXPERIENCE OF STUDENT CONNECTION AND ENAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 TEACHING CHANGES -3rd posting

Upcoming Events:
13. CETL & TLOS FALL COURSE DESIGN CLINIC FOR GTAs AND INSTRUCTORS – multiple dates Jul-Aug

0. Ongoing Services – updated 5/11/20

· ALL WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 
· CAREER ADVISING: schedule virtual career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
· COOK COUNSELING: Contact McComas Hall offices at mailto:counseling@vt.edu or 540-231-6557
· IMMIGRATION ADVISING: email mailto:igss@vt.edu or call 540-231-8486; 9:00-4:00pm starting 5/18/20
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/ 
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at mailto:gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573

  1. BEAT STRESS WITH HOLISTIC MEDITATION RETREAT JUN 26-28 (ONLINE)
    Participants will learn a breath-based meditation practice called SKY that has been scientifically documented to increase immunity, battle stress, and relieve anxiety and depression. This 9-hour long workshop will be led by trainers with thousands of hours of experience under their belts, and is available to VT students for a discounted fee of $60. Fill in the interest form: https://forms.gle/d6CNMExfBoK6ggr59; Read more about SKY: http://campushappiness.org/impact/#research. Posted on behalf of grad student Sarthak Gupta, president of SKY Happiness Club at VT (gsarthak@vt.edu).
  2. JUSTICE IN JUNE: A SPRINGBOARD FOR INTEGRATING JUSTICE IN PEDAGOGY
    Mondays 3:00pm; Wednesdays 12:00pm; Fridays 10:00am until July 10
    Please join VTGrATE to discuss “Justice in June” which is geared towards learners who are new to anti-racist literature and advocacy. Additional reading materials and resources are suggested during the sessions for ongoing learning and reflection. These sessions are open to anyone who wishes to engage in dialogue on racism, white supremacy, strategies for anti-racist pedagogy, and student engagement. Meeting details are available on our events calendar:  http://vtgrate.org/events/ These events are open to everyone, irrespective of their engagement with VTGrATE. Please contact us at vtgrate@vt.edu if you have questions, or find us online at http://vtgrate.org/.

3. SUMMER INTERFAITH DIALOGUES – DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Wednesdays bi-weekly, May 27-Jul 8, 5:30-7:00pm, Zoom
Spend your Summer in good company: participate in a dialogue with students from diverse worldviews. The Summer Interfaith Dialogues will happen over Zoom bi-weekly on Wednesdays 5:30 – 7pm, from May 27 to July 8. Everyone is welcome to participate. RSVP at https://dos.vt.edu/dialogue.  More info on the interfaith program at http://www.dos.vt.edu/interfaith.

4. SUMMER COURSES ON HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT- 1st posting
The Virginia Center for Housing Research is offering Summer courses (July 8-August 14) on housing and development, in areas like Construction, Data & Analysis, Design, Finance, Law, and Policy. The courses are all listed under GRAD 5984: SS: Housing Camp. Visit this link to watch a short video about the unique curriculum, or here for more information. Some key benefits for graduate students: Fully online, with both at-your-own-pace and real-time learning activities; Open to both professionals and graduate students, allowing you to build your network; 250 minute courses, each worth one third of a credit hour. You can choose which topics interest you most and bundle them together; Each course also earns you at least one VT micro-credential and an entry in a digital portfolio. You’ll have a dynamic, digital resume that sets you apart with future employers; Instructors are all VT faculty and industry professionals. Full course descriptions are available here. Please email any questions to Thomas Skuzinski at skuzinsk@vt.edu.

5. GRADUATE EDUCATION VIRTUAL DISPLAY – 3rd posting
It’s time to pull out your camera or computer and create a submission for the Graduate Education Virtual Display! The display theme is “Virtual Show and Tell – My VT Experience.” We want you to reflect on the experience(s) that have shaped your time as a VT graduate student while also looking ahead at what the future holds.  Show and describe what being a member of the VT Graduate Community has been like for you or how your experience(s) will shape your future!  Graduate students can enter up to 3 image files along with image descriptions. Images must be your original work (i.e. photo you take or image you create).   Click the following link to upload your images and descriptions https://bit.ly/VTGradEdVirtualDisplay The deadline for all items is June 28th by midnight. For more information or accommodations related to disabilities, please email Dr. Justin Grimes at mailto:jgrimes18@vt.edu

6. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 3rd posting 
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach your wellness goals? If you have any of these concerns or others, graduate nutrition students can help you take the next steps toward building a healthier life. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services via Zoom to any interested students, faculty, or staff. Just go to https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html and sign-up today!

7. FOOD SUPPLIES FOR GRADS BY GRADS – 3rd posting 
Non-perishable food supplies are available in the Graduate School lobby for students in need. Grad students are running this food initiative to provide food supplies to fellow grads. Pick up or drop off non-perishable food items in the Graduate School lobby in the GLC. You have 24/7 access to the building with your Hokie Passport (card readers are at the Otey Street and Bookstore side entrances). Posted on behalf of grad student Chidubem Arachie, achid17@vt.edu.

8. COACHES NEEDED FOR THE VT CREW TEAM – 3rd posting
The Virginia Tech Crew Team is seeking enthusiastic, dedicated coaches to join its staff for the fall 2020 season. The VT Crew Team is a student organization based in Blacksburg, VA that has been operating for 26 years. Rowers at VT have experience ranging from novice to 8+ years. Responsibilities: plan and execute an effective training regimen in order to prepare rowers for a competitive racing season; collaborate with student executives to help ensure a well-run program; work toward creating a culture of hard work and dedication among the team. Qualifications (ideal, not required): have adequate rowing or coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, or masters’ level. The VT Crew Team will provide coaches with coaches pay, a travel stipend for regattas, and opportunities to attend US Rowing coaching clinics. If interested, please reach out to Dylan Butler at mailto:dbutler9@vt.edu

9. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2020-21 – 3rd posting
The Graduate School is looking for a full-time graduate student to support the operation and initiatives of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) during the 2020-21 academic year. This FT 9-month GA position begins in Aug; some summer wage hours may be available. Primary duties include providing administrative and logistical support for GSA operations, assisting with small- and large-scale event planning and execution, and assisting GSA leaders with tasks related to their positions. Required qualifications: ability to work well independently and as a member of a team; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple and ongoing tasks; proficiency with MS Office Suite; ability to work nights and weekends as needed; ability to deal 1with ambiguity and change. Apply online at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7WeG9cGokU9ANb7  by June 21, completing the form and uploading a resume. Email questions to file:///\\fileserver.graduateschool.tld\s.data\Student%20Services\GSSO\Graduate%20Life%20Center\Weekly%20listserv%20postings\gibsonm@vt.edu.

10. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY-MEDIATED RECREATION PRE/DURING/POST-COVID-19 – 2nd posting
Volunteers 18 years or older sought to take part in a VT research study titled “Technology-mediated,,” (IRB Protocol #20-318). Participants will be asked to complete an online survey that will take 20-25 minutes.  This survey study aims to learn about strategies, habits, and perspectives, with respect to your current (and desired) approach to maintaining connections with nature and loved ones, through the use of technology, before, during, and after COVID-19. Participants will be entered into a drawing for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards (the approximate odds of being selected are 1 in 100). If you or other persons are interested in more information about this study the survey can be accessed here  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6VDruf5C5GmEDlj. For more information, please email grad student Derek Haqq at mailto:dhaqq@vt.edu

11. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR MIND MUSIC MACHINE LAB PAINTING SONIFCATION PROJECT – 2nd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a research study to determine the effects of different image and data processing techniques on user perception of visual artworks. During the study, you will be asked to rate music that was generated from each painting along different subjective questions. This study will be conducted through an online survey. The study will last approximately one hour. Participants will not be compensated for taking part in this study. For more information and to participate in this study, please contact Chihab Nadri (mailto:cnadri@vt.edu). This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (mailto:myounghoonjeon@vt.edu) and approved by the Virginia Tech IRB as IRB#19-098.  

12. RESEARCH STUDY ON FACULTY EXPERIENCE OF STUDENT CONNECTION AND ENAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 TEACHING CHANGES -3rd posting
Many professors and instructors had to move unexpectedly into novel class formats this spring (2020).  Some brought considerable prior experience and some very little; some of this movement was consistent with your pedagogical goals and priorities and your images of university education and some of it was not. Your experiences and attitudes are needed for this research survey (IRB 20-432) in as much or as little detail as you can spare the time. Graduate students who have served as instructors are encouraged to complete the following survey and share with faculty members. https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eCY7zlRWYklC9O5 Please contact mailto:dtatar@cs.vt.edu or mailto:chandani@vt.edu if you have questions.

13. CETL & TLOS FALL COURSE DESIGN CLINIC FOR GTAs AND INSTRUCTORS
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and Technology Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) are offering course design clinics to help instructors and GTAs plan for an environment requiring flexibility between remote and face to face instruction. The workshops are being offered multiple times this summer. Please enroll at the links below to participate. Contact the VT Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence (VTGrATE) if you have questions (mailto:vtgrate@vt.edu) or find us online at vtgrate.org.
July 13th: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/courses/cetl11-071320
August 10th: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/courses/cetl11-081020
August 17th: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/courses/cetl11-081720