August 17-23, 2020

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

Ongoing Services – updated 8/17/20

This Week’s Events:
1. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION

Administrative Announcements:
2. VTGrATE INVITED MEMBERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2020 – 1st posting
3. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 1st posting
4. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 1st posting
5. TLOS CLASSES – MANY SPOTS OPEN OVER NEXT FEW WEEKS – 2nd posting
6. HOKIE READY APP AND STUDENT CHECKLIST – 2nd posting
7. NEW EVENING ONLY (EO) PARKING PERMITS AVAILABLE – 2nd posting
8. APPLICATIONS FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIRS NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
9. COMPREHENSIVE FEE PAYMENT PLAN FOR STUDENTS ON ASSISTANTSHIP – 3rd posting
10. MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID – 3rd posting
11. NEW PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING REDUCED COMPREHENSIVE FEES – 3rd posting

Jobs: 
12. HOKIE MENTORSHIP CONNECT GRADUATE AMBASSADOR – 1st posting
13. GA OPPORTUNITY IN LIBRARY & CEE – 2nd posting
14. REIMAGINING diVersiTY GRADUATE STUDENT WAGE POSITION – 3rd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought:
15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ONLINE DANCE CLASS – 2nd posting

Upcoming Events:
16. GRADUATE SCHOOL AND HUMAN RESOURCES TO MEET WITH GRAD ASSISTANTS
Friday, August 21, 3-4pm, Zoom – Register now!

0. Ongoing Services – updated 8/17/20

· 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: Drop-in Zoom hours, 1-5pm Thursdays and Fridays (start August 27); Zoom links found here.
· WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/ 
:gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573 

1. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION
Wednesdays in August, 6pm est, Online
Come release stress and experience some inner peace with a free weekly guided meditation. These meditation sessions, led by trained and experienced facilitators, are an effortless way to relax and take a break from this constant worrying mind of ours. Sponsored by the SKY Happiness Club.  Register here to receive a meeting invite:  https://forms.gle/shHyxTJY7G9usqfM6

2. VTGrATE INVITED MEMBERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2020 – 1st posting
The VT Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence invites applications from all graduate students interested in achieving excellence in teaching and joining the ranks of exemplary graduate students and alumni. Application requirements for the three levels of membership are based on prior experience i.e., member, associate, and fellow and are available on our website. The application cycle closes on Sept 27, 2020 (Sunday) at midnight. Questions about the application process may be directed to our email vtgrate@vt.edu or through our Ask a Fellow page.

3. RESEARCH TOOLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WORKSHOP SERIES – 1st posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This fall, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered live via Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, and developing your scholarly presence. For  registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops

4. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 1st posting
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is a one-credit, fully-online, pass/fail course offered by the University Libraries in fall 2020. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Five discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Becksford at lisab5@vt.edu.

5. TLOS CLASSES – MANY SPOTS OPEN OVER NEXT FEW WEEKS – 2nd posting
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies has spots open for many Professional Development Network courses over the next two weeks. Classes include “Zoom for Teaching”, “Fall Course Design Clinic,” “How to use iThenticate” and many more. Descriptions of the courses, as well as the link to enroll can be found here: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/

6. HOKIE READY APP AND STUDENT CHECKLIST – 2nd posting
Students should check out the student checklist on the VT Ready website here https://vt.edu/ready/student-checklist.html This site includes links to the Hokie Ready app and a health survey.

7. NEW EVENING ONLY (EO) PARKING PERMITS AVAILABLE – 2nd posting
Virginia Tech Transportation Services is offering a new Evening Only (EO) Permit that will provide faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and community members the opportunity to park on campus during evenings only (5 – 10 p.m.). These permits can now be purchased for $100 annually or $50 per semester in-person at Parking Services (505 Beamer Way).  The EO tag is currently not available for sale online. More information can be found here: https://vtnews.vt.edu/notices/parking-permits202021.html

8. APPLICATIONS FOR GSA PROGRAM CHAIRS NOW OPEN – 2nd posting 
The Graduate Student Assembly is now accepting applications for 2020-2021 program chairs! All chairs will be selected by and work directly under the guidance of the Director of Programs and be part of the GSA Executive Council. Each position will have responsibilities related to implementing the GSA’s programs, attending meetings, and volunteering at GSA-sponsored events. This year, we are hiring multiple chairs to support and update our existing programs, including the Travel Fund Program, the Cap and Gown Program, and the annual Research Symposium and Exposition. Our 2020-21 Program Chair applications are open and online. Direct questions regarding these positions to the Director of Programs, Martina Svyantek via svyantek@vt.edu using the subject line “Program Chair Query”. Completed applications are due on September 9th, at 5:00pm.

9. COMPREHENSIVE FEE PAYMENT PLAN FOR STUDENTS ON ASSISTANTSHIP – 3rd posting
Graduate students on an assistantship contract may choose to pay their comprehensive and commonwealth facilities and equipment fees using the Graduate Comprehensive Fee Payment Plan. Enrollment in the plan is possible after an eligible student has registered for classes and the department has entered the tuition remission award. The plan is available during the fall and spring semesters at no cost, with a new application required each semester. Fall enrollment deadline: 9/29/20.

10. MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID – 3rd posting
If you applied for and were awarded financial aid, please remember to actively accept your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan in Hokie SPA if you plan to use it.  If you plan to use it and do not accept, it will not appear as a payment on your university bill. You may find instructions for viewing your financial aid offer and accepting or declining your loan here. If you are a new borrower, you also need to complete Entrance Counseling and your Master Promissory Note at the Federal Student Aid website. Please take of these items as soon as possible.

11. NEW PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING REDUCED COMPREHENSIVE FEES – 3rd posting
In recognition of students living and studying away from the Blacksburg campus, comprehensive fees may be reduced for students enrolled in an all virtual schedule or who have only research hours/ independent study not located on campus.  Students must certify that they will reside more than 50 miles from the Blacksburg campus for the entire semester.  More information can be found on the Bursar website.  To be considered, this form must be submitted by the last day to add courses each semester.


12. HOKIE MENTORSHIP CONNECT GRADUATE AMBASSADOR – 1st posting
Hokie Mentorship Connect Ambassadors support the initiatives of Hokie Mentorship Connect including tasks assigned as part of the enrollment and outreach process utilized to increase the usage and visibility of the platform. Duties will include but not be limited to working to market the program on behalf of Career and Professional Development through event management and participation. Mentorship Ambassadors will work closely with the Assistant Director – Mentorship Program to create programming, community outreach, and training materials. This position offers an excellent opportunity for students to build experience with student leadership, cultural competency and gain valuable professional experience. Position will be based remotely for the fall semester and will continue to do so in adherence to appropriate social distancing guidelines. Submit resume and a cover letter detailing your experience to cpdmentorship@vt.edu (Subject line: Hokie Mentorship Connect Ambassador) by Friday, August 21.


13. GA OPPORTUNITY IN LIBRARY & CEE – 2nd posting
University Libraries and Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is seeking a Graduate Assistant to work on a research project related to vibration data streaming and analysis.The goal of the project is to create a real-time monitoring platform for the Goodwin Hall Smart building, which collects vibration data continuously from over 200 sensors. This includes data acquisition & processing, data management, and data visualization. This platform would enable users to interact with the building via a web interface, obtain real time information on building operation, and monitor structural response to various loads (wind, tremors, occupants). You will have broad flexibility in exploring other potential applications in the context of civil engineering (e.g. sustainability, smart cities). For details please see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15YepdakAA7df5TsPJzix5W5oOgZM-z8l/view?usp=sharing Questions? Contact zhiwuxie@vt.edu and sarlo@vt.edu

14. REIMAGINING diVersiTY GRADUATE STUDENT WAGE POSITION – 3rd posting
Reimagining diVersiTy is a collaborative project comprised of researchers from Virginia Tech and is seeking a graduate student to improve university recruitment, retention, and outreach practices by participating in research projects, assisting with the development of training opportunities, and maintaining ongoing programs/activities. The applicant will work 15-20 hours per week at $20 per hour. Details about the qualifications, job duties, and to apply visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/3885818.  All applications must be submitted through Handshake by 5:00 pm on Friday, August 7, 2020. Only students shortlisted for the position will be contacted for an interview.  If you have questions related to the position description, please email us at reimagining-diversity@vt.edu.  

15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ONLINE DANCE CLASS – 2nd posting
Has the quarantine got you down? Have you been isolated and sedentary for the past several months? Then get moving by joining us for a study looking at the effects of online movement classes on mood and social connection. To participate, you will take a survey before and after an online dance class offered through Zoom at New River Moving Arts (https://www.newrivermovingarts.com/). Each survey will take approximately 30 minutes. You will be able to choose from a variety of movement classes (e.g., ballet, jazz, or contemporary dance) lasting 45 minutes. As compensation, you will receive the movement class at no cost. If you are interested, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0545aca72da4f58-nrmavt. For more information, email embodiedbrainlab@gmail.com.

16. GRADUATE SCHOOL AND HUMAN RESOURCES TO MEET WITH GRAD ASSISTANTS
Friday, August 21, 3-4pm, Zoom

The Graduate School and Human Resources will host this Zoom session for Graduate Teaching and Graduate Research Assistants. Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen DePauw and Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey will host the session where Graduate Assistants may join to answer employment-related questions about fall semester. We ask that those who wish to attend the session register in advance. Questions may also be submitted before the session.  Register here for the session on Aug. 21Submit a question here for the session