September 21-27, 2020

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

Ongoing Services – updated 9/21/20 

This Week’s Events: 
1. WAKE UP AND WIND DOWN WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
2. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
3. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING
4. RESEARCH ETHICS & COMPLIANCE FOR VIRGINIA TECH RESEARCHERS
5. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY TEACH-IN AND VOTING Q & A
6. H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP
7. HOW TO USE ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSION
8. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
9. FALL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES 
10. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION 
11. READING WHILE BLACK
12. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK? COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ADVISOR/PROFESSOR/PI/MENTOR
13. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING 
14. GLC CAFÉ
15. HAPPINESS GROUP FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Administrative Announcements: 
16. FALL 2020 DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN COMMENCEMENT LISTING COMING UP – 1st posting
17. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRAD HONOR SYSTEM CHAIR POSITION – 1st posting
18. GRAD STUDENTS: SIGN-UP NOW FOR THE NUTSHELL GAMES – 1st posting
19. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
20. AASU SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT LIAISON – 1st posting
21. VIRGINIA TECH SCIENCE FESTIVAL SEEKS SCIENTIST/RESEARCHERS – 1st posting
22. GRADUATE STUDENT NEEDED FOR COMMISSION ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY – 2nd posting
23. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – 2nd posting
24. OPT-IN OPPORTUNITY: WELLthy – 3rd posting
25. CALL FOR ENTRIES: STUDENT ARTS SPOTLIGHT – 3rd posting 

Jobs:  
26. CENTER FOR GERONTOLOGY SEEKS GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 2nd posting

Volunteers and research participants sought: 
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH COMMUTER SURVEY – 2nd posting  
28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WALKING RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BEHAVIOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting 

Upcoming Events: 
30. FRISBEES ON THE DRILLFIELD – Sept. 28
31. ADJUSTING TO COLLEGE DURING THE PANDEMIC – Sept. 29
32. I BELONG HERE: WOMEN’S SENSE OF BELONGING IN ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY – Oct. 2

0. Ongoing Services – updated 9/21/20 
·GRADUATE SCHOOL ADVISING: No walk-in advising during Fall 2020. Request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session.
·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/   
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at mailto:gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573  

1. WAKE UP AND WIND DOWN WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
Mondays and Thursdays, 9am or 4pm
Come together with other students to jump start your day with a mindfulness activity and an uplifting video.  You can also come at the end of the day with other students using mindfulness exercises and a visit from the CCC Therapy Dogs.  Register at the following links to Wind Down: bit.ly/33gr9Wa and Wake Up: bit.ly/2RcYYBZ

2. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOP
Monday, September 21, 12-1:30pm
This informative workshop will walk you through the OPT application process, including eligibility requirements, timing of application, and other important details. Presented by Cranwell International Center International Student Advisors. OPT information is available on the Cranwell Graduate Immigration. Registration is required. Please go Cranwell Virtual Connections to register.

3. GRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT: VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING
Monday, September 21, 4-5 PM
https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/562323/share_preview
Preparing for a virtual job interviewing can be similar to an in-person interview in many ways, but also requires new strategies and preparation. Graduate students attending this workshop will learn how to succeed in a virtual interview, for both academic and industry interviews. Questions about this workshop may be directed to the Graduate School Career Advisor: alyssarametta@vt.edu

4. RESEARCH ETHICS & COMPLIANCE FOR VIRGINIA TECH RESEARCHERS
Tuesday, September 22, 8:30am-12:30pm and Friday, October 9, 8:30am-12:30pm
This course is presented By: Scholarly Integrity & Research Compliance. Ethics and compliance are both integral components of Virginia Tech’s ability to conduct innovative and impactful research. While compliance is following the law, ethical decision-making is the process of making decisions that are consistent with professional values and ethical norms. This half-day webinar will cover the regulatory requirements for conducting human subject research, as well as the process for identifying and managing conflicts of interest. There will also be discussions about the ethical obligation to protect research participants, the ethical issues concerning unidentified conflicts of interest, and the importance of mentor-mentee relationships in fostering an efficient and ethical research environment.  Register for September 22nd at: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/researchdiscovery/courses/sirc13-092220. Register for October 9th at: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/researchdiscovery/courses/sirc13-100920  Zoom for both webinars: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/2667681466 

5. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY TEACH-IN AND VOTING Q & A
Tuesday, September 22, 4-6:15pm, Online
VT Engage: The Center for Leadership and Service Learning and the Women’s Center will be hosting these events. National Voter Day is a non-partisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. “Access to Activism: Women and the Right to Vote Teach-in” will be held from 4-5:15pm and will focus on a historical and contemporary view of women’s suffrage in the U.S. The #HokiesVote Q & A, from 5:15-6:15pm, will be held to answer questions about how/where to register to vote, about early voting, or updating your registration.  Advance registration is required to join for both events.  Please register by noon on September 22 at:  https://bit.ly/3ikwstS. Contact Jessica Davis at jedavis@vt.edu or 540.231.6947 if you have questions.

6. H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP
Tuesday, September 22, 5:00-6:30pm, Virtual
 Learn about H-1B work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. Registration is required. Please go Cranwell Virtual Connections to register.

7. HOW TO USE ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSION
Tuesday, Sept 22, 7-8pm, Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/2401703707
Learn how to use iThenticate to review documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. 

8. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY WITH COOK COUNSELING CENTER
Wednesday, September 23, 10am
This is a series of three workshops that offer strategies for coping with anxiety and topics include mindfulness of thoughts, and emotional awareness. Sign up at bit.ly/3m4L6aP   

9. FALL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES
Wednesdays, September 9 – December 2, 5:30-7pm 
Participate in a dialogue with students from diverse traditions/worldviews. The Fall Interfaith Dialogues will happen over Zoom bi-weekly. Everyone is welcome to participate. RSVP at dos.vt.edu/dialogue. More info on the interfaith program at dos.vt.edu/interfaith. Sponsored by the Dean of Students Office. 

10. BEAT STRESS WITH FREE GUIDED MEDITATION 
Wednesdays in September, 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 

11. READING WHILE BLACK
Wednesday, September 23, 8pm, Online
The Bradley Study Center proudly presents Esau McCaulley, a professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and Anglican Priest to talk about his new timely new book: “Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope”. All are invited to attend the webcast by registering here. More information on the event can be found here or you can contact coogan@vt.edu or mikeweaver@vt.edu.

12. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK? COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ADVISOR/PROFESSOR/PI/MENTOR
Thursday, September 24, 1pm, Zoom
Are you new to graduate school and trying to figure out the best way to communicate with your adviser? Have you been here a while and have always had trouble interacting with your adviser? This workshop will help provide tools and give you an opportunity to explore different options to better communicate. It will look at obstacles to communication including “imposter syndrome” and difficulty saying no, and the opportunity to share experiences and get ideas from other graduate students. The workshop is led by the graduate student Ombudsperson and a Psychologist working in the Graduate School that is experienced with dealing with these kinds of issues. Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNKA2VdyepiWxbn

13. SUPPORT GROUP: EXPLORING PURPOSE & MEANING
Thursdays September 3-December 3, 3:30-5pm, Online 
Safe space for students to talk about personal experiences and thoughts & explore together questions of purpose and meaning in life. Opportunity to reflect about diverse worldviews and values, and engage in creative activities to develop an active pursuit of life goals. Sessions via Zoom every other Thursday from Sep 3 to Dec 3. More info and registration at dos.vt.edu/purposegroup. Sponsored by Dean of Students Office and the Cook Counseling Center. 

14. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, September 24, 4pm, Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/97678968202
While the pandemic put a stop to our in-person café, we want to keep the GLC café running so that students may continue to meet informally and share their experiences. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and join fellow grads and Grad School staff for some casual conversation. If you have questions or concerns about this event, email Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu.

15. HAPPINESS GROUP FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Fridays, 11:30am-12:30pm, Online
The coronavirus has changed our daily lives tremendously. This four-week interactive class offers you ways to cope with these changes. Learn how to improve your well-being in a sustainable way, using tools that are backed up by science. Register here: https://connect.recsports.vt.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=3dea9b9c-b82a-494c-8c47-d0d4f0e6c03f&semesterId=d4d38dc1-288d-4895-8c8e-2d16ae47d7e4

16. FALL 2020 DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN COMMENCEMENT LISTING COMING UP – 1st posting
To ensure that your name is in the listing of graduates that will be read during the fall 2020 online commencement ceremony if you intend to graduate in fall 2020, complete your Application for Degree in HokieSpa under Graduate Student Degree menu by October 1, 2020.

17. APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRAD HONOR SYSTEM CHAIR POSITION – 1st posting
The Graduate Honor System is opening an immediate search for a new chair, effective spring 2021 or as soon as possible. Applicants must be: (1) graduate students in good standing who have been in residence for a minimum of one semester; (2) able to serve as chair for at least one year while enrolled full-time in the Blacksburg campus. Preferably applicants should have experience as a GHS associate chair, facilitator or panelist. To apply, submit a statement of interest, resume, and one letter of reference to gibsonm@vt.edu by Monday, Oct 5. The new chair will be selected by a committee and ratified by the Graduate Student Assembly and the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies before final appointment by the president. If you have any questions about the role and responsibilities of the chair, please let me know, or contact current chair Anurag Mantha at ghs@vt.edu.  

18GRAD STUDENTS: SIGN-UP NOW FOR THE NUTSHELL GAMES – 1st posting
Virginia Tech graduate students are invited to compete in the Nutshell Games, 90-second presentations of graduate student research, at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, online! All contestants will need to submit their own video recording of their presentation by October 28. No special recording equipment required; you can use your phone or a Zoom recording! Three winners will each receive $500. Contestants also may register for a Zoom workshop to help prepare for the games. You can register here to compete in the games! The first 30 registrants will compete, so don’t delay!!

19. FREE ONE-ON-ONE VIRTUAL NUTRITION GUIDANCE – 1st posting
Do you need nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to making food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach you wellness goals. If you have any of these concerns or others, upper-level nutrition students are here to help. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services via Zoomto any interested students, faculty, or staff. Just go to https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html

20. AASU SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT LIAISON – 1st posting
The Asian American Student Union is pleased to announce that the role of Graduate Student Liaison for AASU is now OPEN for nominations. Nominations will stay open until Friday, October 2nd. Nominees will be emailed applications. Link to the nomination form: t.ly/OFNb. for more info, contact Elaine Consolacion at celainej@vt.edu

21. VIRGINIA TECH SCIENCE FESTIVAL SEEKS SCIENTIST/RESEARCHERS – 1st posting
Do you have an amazing and fascinating science idea to share with learners? The 2020 Virginia Tech Science Festival is the perfect event to showcase your work, and the time is now! What qualifies as science? Well, our saying has always been that “Science is bigger than you think.” Science is a way of thinking and includes social sciences, arts about science, science about arts, humanities based on data, business based on data, and much more. If you’d like to participate, but aren’t sure whether you fit, feel free to reach out. This is an opportunity to show our community the breadth and depth of the work we do at Virginia Tech. Scientist applications close September 30. Find more information at https://icat.vt.edu/science-festival/exhibitors.html. Contact Phyllis (pnewbill@vt.edu) if you have any questions. 

22. GRADUATE STUDENT NEEDED FOR COMMISSION ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY – 2nd posting
The Commission for Equal Opportunity and Diversity (CEOD) is looking for one undergraduate student and one graduate student to serve as at-large members of the commission.  If you are interested in serving in this role within university governance, please complete the form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjPIGW_3Zz4zVytDivYa6ptASCdyQPSFvURJjEw0Fd5TVOig/viewform Additional information about CEOD can be found online at: https://governance.vt.edu/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.php

23. GRADUATE COMMUNITY MURAL – 2nd posting
Show off your artistic skills and your part as a member of our graduate student community within Virginia Tech. The GLC Fellows will be blowing up iconic images of Virginia Tech and will be giving out pieces of the bigger picture to those who sign-up. Those who choose to participate are encouraged to use their creativity to make their section of the mural uniquely their own. After the pieces are completed please turn in the finished work to the GLC Welcome Center (front desk) during business hours. Sign up by Tuesday, September 22, 11:59pm using this link: Sign up Link  Artwork due by Monday, September 28, 5 pm. Please contact Hunter at hhmd1997@vt.edu with any questions.

24. OPT-IN OPPORTUNITY: WELLthy – 3rd posting  
The graduate school invites you to join our new initiative WELLthy. This canvas community aims to provide support for all aspects of your well-being as a graduate student. If interested, please complete this brief- survey to be added to the canvas site https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3PEvmtJChrA3XoN.  For more information, email Shernita@vt.edu

25. CALL FOR ENTRIES: STUDENT ARTS SPOTLIGHT – 3rd posting 
All Virginia Tech students are invited to submit their original art works for physical and/or digital display at the Moss Arts Center this fall. Curated by the Moss Arts Center Student Ambassadors, this exhibition is an extension of the virtual Student Arts Spotlight presented online this summer and is a celebration of creativity and diversity of perspective and inspiration across our student body. Selected works will be exhibited in the Miles C. Horton Jr. Gallery and Sherwood Payne Quillen ‘71 Reception Gallery from Thursday, October 8-Wednesday, November 18, 2020, and shared via Moss Arts Center social media channels. Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2020 at midnight. All entries must use this submission form

26. CENTER FOR GERONTOLOGY SEEKS GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 2nd posting
The Center for Gerontology seeks a GRA who has experience working with datasets and can perform data analysis beyond means and chi-squares; experience with conducting literature searches, reading/editing and helping with paper writing; and someone who has an interest in older adults. The student will assist with Center for Gerontology tasks as they arrive (celebrations, forums, email lists). This position will start immediately. Stipend and tuition for Fall 2020. If you are interested, submit a resume to Cyndi Booth at cgbooth@vt.edu.

27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR VIRGINIA TECH COMMUTER SURVEY – 2nd posting
Blacksburg campus community members are invited to share feedback around their commuting experiences in the biennial Commuter Survey delivered by Virginia Tech Transportation Services. The survey, which should take less than 10 minutes to complete, will help the university better understand how the Virginia Tech community gets to, from, and around campus. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate. The survey can be completed at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ctHXXQXHifc7vrD.Please contact the Alternative Transportation Department with any questions: gettingaround@vt.edu

28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR WALKING RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting 
The Granata Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting participants between the ages of 18-25 for a walking research study (Protocol 20-090). Study participation will involve a single visit lasting approximately 1 hour. The study aims to assess healthy walking in younger adults to understand side-to-side symmetry. Participants will complete a series of walking assessments while wearing reflective markers. Eligible participants will have no lower extremity injuries in the last 12 months, no prior serious leg injury or surgery, and are able to walk unassisted for 10 min. If you are interested in more information, please contact Nicole Stark at nestark@vt.edu or (540) 231-4294.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BEHAVIOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting 
The Virginia Tech Economics Laboratory is recruiting participants aged 18 and over for a research study. These studies will involve making interactive decisions on a computer and/or completing surveys, and will typically take 1-2 hours. For participating, you will earn a fixed fee, and may earn additional money depending on your decisions during the experiment. Typical compensation rates are between $10-20/hour, depending on the study. There is no other benefit from participating in this study. To sign up to be notified about upcoming experiments, go to: https://vteconlab.sona-systems.com If you have any questions, please email us at vteconlab@gmail.com

 
30. FRISBEES ON THE DRILLFIELD

Monday, September 28, 5:30-6:30pm, Drillfield
Come join the GLC Fellows as we toss frisbees on the drillfield. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy campus, get some fresh air, and meet fellow graduate students while still maintaining your distance (it’s hard to pass a frisbee when standing too close). Frisbees, hand sanitizer, gloves, and wipes will be provided; registration and face masks are required. –  https://bit.ly/2GrzpLg. Please contact Athulya at aasimon@vt.edu with any questions.

31. ADJUSTING TO COLLEGE DURING THE PANDEMIC
Tuesday, September 29, 2-3pm, Online
This workshop addresses strategies for connecting with peers and coping with stress. Sign up at https://bit.ly/31V7Fqv. Hosted by Cook Counseling Center


32. I BELONG HERE: WOMEN’S SENSE OF BELONGING IN ACADEMIA AND SOCIETY

Friday, October 2, 12pm-1pm, Zoom
We would like to invite you to join us at this year’s Women’s Connect event with Dr. Letticia Ramlal-Lamble, the Director of Assessment and Data Analytics for the College of Engineering. All are invited to join us and attend. Please register at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fOeedaTw00GCG1 by October 1 to receive the Zoom link. For accommodations, please contact ordi@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.